1 SECTION_J_2021_PAL_Fire_Plan.doc

FIRE PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE CONTRACTS

01/27/2016

1. SCOPE:

The provisions set forth below outline the responsibility for fire prevention and suppression activities and establish a suppression plan for fires within the contract area. The contract area is delineated by map in the contract. The provisions set forth below also specify conditions under which contract activities will be curtailed or shut down.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Contractor

(1) Shall abide by the requirements of this Fire Plan.

(2) Shall take all steps necessary to prevent his/her employees, subcontractors and their employees from setting fires not required in completion of the contract, shall be responsible for preventing the escape of fires set directly or indirectly as a result of contract operations, and shall extinguish all such fires which may escape.

(3) Shall permit and assist in periodic testing and inspection of required fire equipment. Contractor shall certify compliance with specific fire precautionary measures in the fire plan, before beginning operations during Fire Precautionary Period and shall update such certification when operations change.

(4) Shall designate in the Fire Plan and furnish on Contract Area, during operating hours, a qualified fire supervisor authorized to act on behalf of Contractor in fire prevention and suppression matters.

B. Forest Service

The Forest Service may conduct one or more inspections for compliance with the Fire Plan. The number, timing, and scope of such inspections will be at the discretion of agency employees responsible for contract administration. Such inspections do not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for correcting violations of the fire plan or for fire safety in general, as outlined in paragraph 2.A above.

3. DEFINITIONS:

The following definitions shall apply:

Active Landing: A location the contractor may be skidding logs into, or performing other operations such as delimbing, log manufacturing, and chipping logs. Except for EV and E days, loading logs or stockpiling chips only, on a cleared landing, does not constitute an Active Landing.

Hot Saw: A harvesting system that employs a high-speed (>1100 rpm) rotating felling head, i.e., full rotation lateral tilt head.

Mechanical Operations: The process of felling, skidding, chipping, shredding, masticating, piling, log processing and/or yarding which requires the use of motorized power which includes, chainsaws, chippers, motorized carriages, masticators, stroke delimbers, skidders , dozers etc.

4. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

The Contractor shall comply with the following requirements during the fire precautionary period, as defined by unit administering contracts:

The Fire Precautionary Period is set by the State of California which is April 1 through December 1 of any year.

· This contract FORMCHECKBOX requires, FORMCHECKBOX does not require, a Fire Box and associated Fire Tools according to CPRC Section 4428.

A. Fire Tools and Equipment: Contractor shall meet minimum requirements of Section 4428 of the California Public Resources Code (C.P.R.C.). Fire tools kept at each operating landing shall be sufficient to equip all employees in the felling, yarding, loading, chipping, and material processing operations associated with each landing. Fire equipment shall include two tractor headlights for each tractor dozer used in Contractor's Operations. Tractor headlights shall be attachable to each tractor and served by an adequate power source. All required fire tools shall be maintained in suitable and serviceable condition for fire fighting purposes.

Trucks, tractors, skidders, pickups and other similar mobile equipment shall be equipped with and carry at all times a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a 2-1/2 pound axe or larger with an overall length of not less than 28 inches.

Where cable yarding is used, Contractor shall provide a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a filled backpack can (4 or 5 gallon) with hand pump within 25 feet of each tail and corner block.

B. Fire Extinguishers: Contractor shall equip each internal combustion yarder, fuel truck, and loader with a fire extinguisher for oil and grease fires (4-A:60-B:C).

Skidders and tractors shall be equipped with a minimum 5-BC fire extinguisher.

All Fire Extinguishers shall be mounted, readily accessible, properly maintained and fully charged.

Contractor shall equip each mechanized harvesting machine with hydraulic systems, powered by an internal combustion engine (chipper, feller/buncher, harvester, forwarder, hot saws, stroke delimber, etc), except tractors and skidders, with at least two 4-A:60-B:C fire extinguishers or equivalent.

C. Spark Arresters and Mufflers: Contractor shall equip each operating tractor and any other internal combustion engine with a spark arrester, except for motor vehicles equipped with a maintained muffler as defined in C.P.R.C. Section 4442 or tractors with exhaust-operated turbochargers. Spark Arresters shall be a model tested and approved under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a as shown in the. National Wildlife Coordinating Group Spark Arrester Guide, Volumes 1 and 2, and shall be maintained in good operating condition. Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate exhaust system meeting the requirements of the California Vehicle Code.

D. Power Saws: Each power saw shall be equipped with a spark arrester approved according to C.P.R.C. Section 4442 or 4443 and shall be maintained in effective working order. An Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved fire extinguisher containing a minimum 14 ounces of fire retardant shall be kept with each operating power saw. In addition, a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 38 inches shall be kept with each gas can but not more than 300 feet from each power saw when used off cleared landing areas.

· This contract FORMCHECKBOX requires, FORMCHECKBOX does not require, Section 4E of the Fire Plan.

E. Tank Truck or Trailer: Contractor shall provide a water tank truck or trailer on or in proximity to Contract Area during Contractor's Operations hereunder during Fire Precautionary Period. When Project Activity Level B or higher is in effect, a tank truck or trailer shall be on or immediately adjacent to each active landing, unless otherwise excepted when Hot Saws or Masticators are being used. See Section 6 for specific contract requirements.

The tank shall contain at least 300 gallons of water available for fire suppression. Ample power and hitch shall be readily available for promptly and safely moving tank over roads serving Contract Area. Tank truck or trailer shall be equipped with the following:

(1) Pump, which at sea level, can deliver 23 gallons per minute at 175 pounds per square inch measured at the pump outlet. Pumps shall be tested on Contract Area using a 5/16 inch orifice in the Forester One Inch In-Line Gauge test kit. Pump shall meet or exceed the pressure value in the following table for nearest temperature and elevation:

Level

The pump outlet shall be equipped with 1-1/2 inch National Standard Fire Hose thread. A bypass or pressure relief valve shall be provided for other than centrifugal pumps.

(2) 300 feet of 3/4-inch inside diameter rubber-covered high-pressure hose mounted on live reel attached to pump with no segments longer than approximately 50 feet, when measured to the extreme ends of the couplings. Hose shall have reusable compression wedge type 1-inch brass or lightweight couplings (aluminum or plastic). One end of hose shall be equipped with a coupling female section and the other end with a coupling male section. The hose shall, with the nozzle closed, be capable of withstanding 200 PSI pump pressure without leaking, distortions, slipping of couplings, or other failures.

(3) A shut-off combination nozzle that meets the following minimum performance standards when measured at 100 P.S.I. at the nozzle:

(4) Sufficient fuel to run the pump at least 2 hours and necessary service accessories to facilitate efficient operation of the pump.

When Contractor is using Hot Saws or Masticators, an additional 250 feet of light weight hose, approved by the Forest Service, shall be immediately available for use and be capable of connecting to the 300 feet of hose and appurturances in (2) and (3) above.

This equipment and accessories shall be deliverable to a fire in the area of operations and is subject to the requirements for each specific activity level identified in Section 6.

F. Compressed Air Foam System: A Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) is a fire suppression system where compressed air is added to water and a foaming agent. By agreement, Contractor may substitute a CAFS or functional equivalent in lieu of the tank truck, trailer or fire extinguishers, provided it meets or exceeds the following specifications and requirements:

1. Variable foam expansion ratio – 10:1 to 20:1.

2. Units shall be kept fully charged with air; water and foam concentrate as recommended by the manufacturer and have the appropriate tools to service the system.

3. The unit shall contain enough energy to empty tank and clear hose prior to exhausting propellent.

4. The unit shall be capable of being completely recharged within 10 minutes.

5. When used on cable yarding landings, the unit shall be outfitted for immediate attachment to carriage and transported without damage to the unit.

Fire extinguishers required for Hot Saws, Masticators and similar equipment identified in Section 4 B. above may be substituted with a 3 gallon CAFS.

Tank truck, trailer or equivalent may be substituted with a 30 Gallon CAFS with at least 550 feet of one inch hose and an adjustable nozzle with enough water, air and foam concentrate for at least one recharge.

This equipment and accessories shall also be deliverable to a fire in the area of operations and subject to the requirements for each specific activity level identified in Section 6.

5. GENERAL

A.

State Law: In addition to the requirements in this Fire Plan, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws of the State of California. In particular, see California Public Resource Codes.

B.

Permits Required: The Contractor must secure a special written permit from the District Ranger or designated representative before burning, welding or cutting metal or starting any warming fires. If contract requires Blasting and Storing of Explosives and Detonators, an Explosives Permit may be required pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, Section 12101.

C.

Blasting: Contractor shall use electric caps only unless otherwise agreed in writing. When blasting is necessary in slash areas, a Fire Patrolperson equipped with a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a filled backpack can (4 or 5 gallon) with hand pump shall remain in the immediate area for an hour after blasting has been completed.

D.

Smoking: Smoking shall not be permitted during fire season, except in a barren area or in an area cleared to mineral soil at least three feet in diameter. In areas closed to smoking, the CO may approve special areas to be used for smoking. The Contractor shall sign designated smoking areas. Contractor shall post signs regarding smoking and fire rules in conspicuous places for all employees to see. Contractor's supervisory personnel shall require compliance with these rules. Under no circumstances shall smoking be permitted during fire season while employees are operating light or heavy equipment, or walking or working in grass and woodlands.

E.

Storage and Parking Areas. Equipment service areas, parking areas, and gas and oil storage areas shall be cleared of all flammable material for a radius of at least 10 feet unless otherwise specified by local administrative unit. Small mobile or stationary internal combustion engine sites shall be cleared of flammable material for a slope distance of at least 10 feet from such engine. The COR shall approve such sites in writing.

F.

Reporting Fires: As soon as feasible but no later than 15 minutes after initial discovery, Contractor shall notify Forest Service of any fires on Contract Area or along roads used by Contractor. Contractor's employees shall report all fires as soon as possible to any of the following Forest Service facilities and/or personnel listed below, but not necessarily in the order shown:

linda.l.smith@usda,gov 530-283-7628 530-394-8122 (cell)

When reporting a fire, provide the following information:

· Your Name

· Call back telephone number

· Project Name

· Location: Legal description (Township, Range, Section); and Descriptive location (Reference point)

· Fire Information: Including Acres, Rate of Spread and Wind Conditions.

· This contract FORMCHECKBOX requires, FORMCHECKBOX does not require, Section 5G of the Fire Plan.

G.

Communications: Contractor shall furnish a serviceable telephone, radio-telephone or radio system connecting each operating side with Contractor's headquarters. When such headquarters is at a location which makes communication to it clearly impractical, Forest Service may accept a reasonable alternative location. The communication system shall provide prompt and reliable communications between Contractor's headquarters (or agreed to alternative) and Forest Service via commercial or Forest Service telephone.

· This contract FORMCHECKBOX requires, FORMCHECKBOX does not require, Section 5H of the Fire Plan.

H.

Fire Patrolperson: Contractor shall furnish a qualified fire patrolperson each operating day when Project Activity Level C or higher is in effect. When on duty, sole responsibility of patrolperson shall be to patrol the operation for prevention and detection of fires, take suppression action where necessary and notify the Forest Service as required. This Fire patrol is required on foot, unless otherwise agreed. By agreement, one patrolperson may provide patrol on this and adjacent projects. No patrolperson shall be required on Specified Road construction jobs except during clearing operations unless otherwise specified.

The Contractor shall, prior to commencing work, furnish the following information relating to key personnel:

Fire Supervisor

Fire Patrolperson

I.

Clearing of Fuels: Contractor shall clear away, and keep clear, fuels and logging debris as follows:

6. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

Contractor's Operations shall conform to the limitations or requirements in the Project Activity Level (PAL) table below. Project Activity Levels applicable to this project shall be the predicted activity levels for the Fire Danger Rating Area(s), or fire weather station(s) stated in the Contract Area Map Legend on Integrated Resource Service Contracts (IRSC’s), and other contracts where applicable.

The Forest Service, in its sole discretion, may change the predicted activity level if the current fire suppression situation, weather and vegetation conditions warrant an adjustment. If practicable, Forest Service will determine the following day’s activity level by 6:00 PM. Contractor shall obtain the predicted Project Activity Level from the appropriate Ranger District Office before starting work each day.

Forest Service may change the Project Activity Level Table to other values upon revision of the National Fire Danger Rating System. When Contractor is notified, the revised Project Activity Levels will supersede the levels in the Project Activity Level Table below.

PROJECT ACTIVITY LEVEL

When Hot Saws or Masticators are operating, a tank truck, trailer, or approved CAFS substitute shall be within ¼ mile of these operations. Effective communications shall exist between the operator and the Active Landing.

2. Immediately after Mechanical Operations cease, Fire patrol is required for two hours.

Immediately after Hot Saw or Masticator operations cease, Fire patrol is required for three hours.

2.

No Dead Tree felling after 1:00 PM, except recently dead.

No burning, blasting, welding or cutting of metal after 1:00 PM, except by special permit.

a) Loading and hauling logs decked at approved landings.

b) Loading and hauling chips stockpiled at approved landings.

c) Servicing equipment at approved sites.

d) Dust abatement, road maintenance (Chainsaw use prohibited), culvert installation within cleared area, chip sealing, paving, earth moving or rock aggregate stock pile loading and installation (does not include pit or quarry development).

e) Chainsaw and log processing operations associated with loading logs or other forest products at approved landings.

2. Hot Saws or Masticators may operate until 1:00 PM; provided that:

a) A tractor or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline is on or adjacent to the active landing or within ¼ mile of the operating equipment. This piece of equipment shall have effective communication with the Hot Saw or Masticator.

b) Any additional restrictions specified by the Forest.

3. All other conventional Mechanical Operations are permitted until 1:00 PM.

4. Some operations may be permitted after 1:00 PM, on a case-by-case basis, under the terms of a PAL Ev Variance Agreement. Activities for which a Variance may be issued are:

· Rubber Tire Skidding

· Chipping on Landings

· Helicopter Yarding

· Fire Salvage When approved by a Line Officer, a Variance Agreement can be implemented when the criteria specified in the agreement are met and mitigation measures are in place. This approval is good for ten (10) days unless cancelled sooner or extended by the Contracting Officer for an additional ten (10) days. Variance approval can be withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Forest Service. Variance approval is contingent on the 7-day fire weather forecast, fuel conditions, site characteristics, current fire situation, state of Contractor’s equipment for prevention and suppression readiness, type of operation and social and community considerations etc. (See attached Project Activity Level Variance Agreement).

1.

Loading and hauling logs decked at approved landings.

2.

Loading and hauling chips stockpiled at approved landings.

3.

Servicing Equipment at approved sites.

4.

Dust abatement, road maintenance (chainsaw use prohibited) or loading stock piles and rock aggregate installation (does not include pit or quarry development).

5.

Chainsaw operation associated with loading at approved landings.

All other activities are prohibited.

Region 5 Project Activity Level (PAL) Ev Variance Application/Agreement Project Name: _Squirrel GS PCT & Release_________

Contract Number: _______________________________________

Contractor Name: _______________________________________

Request __, for period: _____________________________

Units/Subdivisions Affected: ___________________________ Location of operation:

Fuels on site

7 Day PAL Outlook

Short range predictions (Red Flags)

Fuel Moistures

Potential for ignition

Current Fire Situation:

Draw down information

National Readiness Level

Contractual considerations:

Frequency of recent contract fires in area

Contractors past/current performance & equipment readiness

Social & Community Considerations:

Proximity of high value resources

Sensitivity of location

Proposed Actions:

Remarks:

Fire Management Officer Concurrence

Date

Line Officer Approval

Date

I have considered the above request and determined the specified mitigation measures or actions must be implemented to continue operations in Project Activity Level Ev. Unless extended, the approval remains in effect for ten (10) calendar days unless cancelled sooner or extended by the Forest Service for an additional ten (10) days. At the sole discretion of the Forest Service, this variance can be modified and/or cancelled at no cost to the government.

Contracting Officer

Date

Contractor Representative

Date