09_0008_CORP_Appendix_A_Fuels_Prescribed_Fire.doc

CORP Specifications Appendix A – BLM Fuels, Prescribed Fire

FUELS- C—DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / STATEMENT OF WORK

FUELS-1 SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

Scope of Work -- There will be six items in prescribed fire operations. Costs may be determined by, but not limited too, service types, acreage, tons per acre complexity rating, number of piles, hourly or daily rate and engine type.

C.1 Fuels Pullback C.1.1 The levels of difficulty for fuels pullback are identified in the task order. The levels are based on the number of trees per acre to be treated, as follows:

Level I - Fuels pullback on less than 20 trees or snags per acre.

Level II - Fuels pullback on greater than 21 trees or snags per acre.

C.1.2 Each task order will include level of difficulty, and written instructions which (1) designate and describe identification or selection of treatment trees and snags; and (2) any reductions in amounts or type of fuels for pullback, width of pullback, reduction in clearing height; and any no-treatment areas. Fuels for pullback shall include both natural and activity generated fuels.

C.1.3 All fuels pullback shall be performed in accordance with the following specifications.

a.

Trees/snags to be treated - Perform fuels pullback on leave trees and snags as designated by the task order.

b.

Clearing - Each tree/snag designated for pullback shall be cleared around the tree/snag to the following: All surface fuels from the bole of the tree out to the dripline plus 1-foot wide area; aerial fuels from a 2-foot wide area, 8 feet in height. Material greater than 3" diameter within the clearing zone shall be rolled at least 4 feet from the bole. Duff and litter may be removed such that the depth is 6 inches or less. Care shall be taken to maintain the lower duff layer as damage to sub-surface roots could occur. Clearing shall include removing ladder fuels 8 feet up the bole of the tree/snag. This may require some pruning or cutting.

c.

Removed fuels - Scatter all removed fuels and avoid concentrating the fuel. On sloping ground, fuel shall be scattered uphill or sidehill from the tree/snag. No removed fuel shall be below the tree/snag on a slope. On flat ground, any direction is acceptable.

C.2 Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up - Swamper Burn C.2.1 Swamper burning combines hand piling and burning into a concurrent operation. A small pile of slash is created and ignited. More slash is added to the pile while the pile is burning. This type of burning is typically classified as Low Complexity.

C.2.2 The levels of difficulty for swamper burning are identified in the task order and are based on the estimated amount of slash, in tons per acre.

Level 1 – Units with an average of 20 tons/acre or less.

Level II – Units with an average of 21 to 40 tons/acre.

Level III – Units with an average of 41 or more tons/acre.

C.2.3 The swamper burning season normally can occur between late October and early June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any escaped fires.

C.2.4 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the COR. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR. The Contractor shall conduct a preburn crew briefing, as prepared in the Plan.

C.2.5 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall monitor fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1400 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) successful completion of the Go/No Go Checklist and the test fire.

C.2.6 All slash more than 2 feet long and between 1 inch and 7 inches in diameter at the large end shall be piled and burned. Larger material which has a portion meeting this specification must be bucked at the 6-inch diameter and that portion piled and burned. In all cases, the debris after treatment shall be less than 6 inches deep. Stoke each pile until at least 90 percent of the pile is consumed.

C.2.7 Unless otherwise designated, piles shall not be located closer than 25 feet from unit boundary and reserved areas. Piles shall not be located closer than 10 feet from standing snags, wildlife trees, and live trees in order that no damage occurs to these from burning operation. Slash shall not be piled or burned on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within reserved areas such as riparian zones, channel bottoms or streams.

C.2.8 During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually-agreed-upon communications system at all times.

C.2.9 Conduct holding operations in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

C.2.10 Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fireline shall be constructed completely around each slopover, spot fire or fire outside the primary unit boundary. The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 1 foot in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on each side of the fireline and 6 feet overhead.

C.2.11 Do not fell any wildlife trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval of the Government (COR or PI).

C.2.12 Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with Standard Mop-up and Patrol.

C.3 Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up: Broadcast and Understory Burn

C.3.1 The Levels of Difficulty for broadcast burns and understory burns are based on the following criteria and descriptions. Levels of Difficulty will be identified in the task order. Criteria used in determining a Level of Difficulty consists of the Complexity Rating based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide and on unit size. The Government will rate the prescribed fire complexity for each unit and will assign a rating of Low, Moderate, or High. The size of a unit is a factor for the level of difficulty. Unit size is divided into four groups: 25 acres or less, 26 to 75 acres, 76 to 150 acres, and 151 acres or greater.

Level I - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level II - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level III - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level IV - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Level V - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level VI - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level VII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level VIII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Level IX - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level X - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level XI - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level XII- High Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

C.3.2 The prescribed burning season for understory and broadcast burning normally is between October and June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any escaped fires.

C.3.3 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the COR. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR. The Contractor shall conduct a preburn crew briefing, as prepared in the Plan.

C.3.4 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1300 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) successful completion of the Go/No Go Checklist and the test fire.

C.3.5 During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually agreed upon communications system at all times.

C.3.6 Conduct holding operations in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

C.3.7 Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fireline shall be constructed completely around any fire, slopover, or spot fire outside the primary unit boundaries. The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for three feet on either side and six feet overhead.

C.3.8 Do not fell any reserved trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval of the COR.

C.3.9 Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

C.3.10 Restoration - After ignition and mop-up, all water bars shall be restored to a properly functioning condition.

C.4 Prescribed Burn: Broadcast and Understory Burn C.5.1 The Levels of Difficulty for broadcast burns and understory burns are based on the following criteria and descriptions. Levels of Difficulty will be identified in the task order. Criteria used in determining a Level of Difficulty consists of the Complexity Rating based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide contained in Section J; and on unit size. The Government will rate the prescribed fire complexity for each unit and will assign a rating of Low, Moderate, or High. The size of a unit is a factor for the level of difficulty. Unit size is divided into four groups: 25 acres or less, 26 to 75 acres, 76 to 150 acres, and 151 acres or greater.

Level I - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level II - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level III - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level IV - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Level V - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level VI - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level VII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level VIII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Level IX - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Level X - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Level XI - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Level XII- High Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

C.5.2 The Contractor’s obligation will end upon release by the COR on the day of ignition. The responsible agency will assume obligations for patrol and mop-up at that time.

C.6 Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up: Hand Pile Burn C.6.1 The levels of difficulty for Hand Pile Burns will be determined as follows:

Level I - An average of fewer than 20 piles per acre.

Level II - An average of 21 to 40 piles per acre.

Level III - An average of 41 to 60 piles per acre.

Level IV - An average of 61 to 80 piles per acre.

Level V - An average of 81 to 100 piles per acre.

Level VI - An average of 101 to 120 piles per acre.

Level VII - An average of 121 to 140 piles per acre.

Level VIII - An average of 141 and greater piles per acre.

C.6.2 The burning season for hand piles normally is during November and December. However, conditions permitting burning may occur at anytime from the middle of October through June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any fire spread from burned piles or escaped fires outside unit boundaries.

C.6.3 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the COR. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR.

C.6.4 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1500 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) successful completion of the Go/No Go Checklist and the test fire.

C.6.5 During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually-agreed-upon communications system at all times.

C.6.6 A minimum of 90% of all piles shall be ignited. Stoke each pile until at least 90 percent of each pile is consumed. Units with a high tree cover and pile density shall be staged burned to reduce crown scorch.

C.6.7 Holding typically is not necessary when piles are burned during winter conditions. Conduct holding operations as necessary in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

C.6.8 Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fireline shall be constructed completely around fire inside the unit, slopover, and/or spot fires outside the primary unit boundaries. The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on either side and 6 feet overhead.

C.6.9 Do not fell any reserved trees which may have fire in them without written approval of the COR.

C.6.10 Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

C.7 Prescribed Fire Modules C.7.1 Prescribed Fire Modules may be ordered by the Government for unit(s) when the Government is conducting prescribed fire and is in need of assistance in one or more prescribed fire operations. These operations include the following: ignition assistance, holding assistance, burned unit patrol, and mop-up of burned unit(s). Prescribed Fire Modules can be ordered for any one of the above operations, a combination, or all of the operations.

C.7.2 Levels of difficulty for Prescribed Fire Modules will be identified in task order and consist of modules of various amounts and types of resources required on a Daily Rate to meet the unit mop-up objectives. Work assignments will average 8 to 12 hours per day. Individual assignments may range from as few as 3 hours shall not exceed 16 hours per day. All water delivery vehicles shall be full of water prior to arrival to the work site.

Prescribed Fire Module Level 1 - Two-Person Crew Module - Consisting of two (2) crew members, equipment and transportation.

Prescribed Fire Module Level II - Engine Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type VI (250 gallons).

Prescribed Fire Module Level III - Five-Person Crew Module - Consisting of five (5) crew members, equipment and transportation.

Prescribed Fire Module Level IV - Engine & Two-Person Crew Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type VI (250 gallons) with operator and crew member; and Two Person Crew consisting of two (2) crew members, equipment and transportation.

Prescribed Fire Module Level V - Engine & Five-Person Crew Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type VI (250 gallons) with operator and crew member; and Five Person Crew Module consisting of five (5) crew members, equipment and transportation.

Prescribed Fire Module Level VI - Engine, Two-Person Crew & Water Delivery System Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type VI (250 gallons); and Two-Person Crew consisting of two (2) crew members, equipment and transportation; and Water Delivery System.

Prescribed Fire Module Level VII - Engine (Type IV), Five-Person Crew & Water Delivery System Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type IV (750 gallons); and Five-Person Crew Module consisting of five (5) crew members, equipment and transportation; and Water Delivery System.

Water Delivery System Module - Consisting of a water delivery system (Hose and fittings only) and transportation of the Water Delivery System.

Prescribed Fire Module Level VIII - Water Tender Module - Consisting of one (1) Water tender or Government-approved vehicle (e.g. modified skidder) minimum 1500 gallons with operator.

Snag Felling (2-Person Team) a.

Fell snags and trees up to 50 inches DBH. Felling in this Subitem is for the objectives of human safety and to assist holding and mop-up operations by removing source of spotting and fire spread. Felling in this Subitem is separate from snag felling in Density Management Restoration Areas, Subitems D and E.

b.

Fell snags and trees as specified by task order or in writing by the COR. Snags and trees will generally range in size from 12 inches DBH to 50 inches DBH. Snags and trees may be burning at time of felling. Stump height shall be as low as possible consistent with adequate safety considerations. Snags and trees shall be felled such that firelines remain free of debris. Restore firelines to original clear condition following felling.

Five-Person Chainsaw Crew - Consists of five (5) crew members, (5) chainsaws, saw equipment, and transportation.

Tractor Operations a.

Tractor operations under this Subitem shall include utilization of a tractor to crush vegetation, roadblock removal and restoration, and removal of soil or debris to allow mop-up of burning material that is buried.

b.

Crushing of vegetation by tractor operation is done in all or portions of unit(s) to create fuel conditions that allow for safety of ignition personnel and create optimal fuel moisture and arrangement to meet prescribed fire objectives. This is typically accomplished in shrubfields, but could be used in other fuel types if appropriate. Tractor operations are conducted along the slope contour on slope percentages less than 35 percent. The COR will issue written instructions regarding location, spacing, reserved areas, and access for each unit(s).

c.

Roadblock removal and restoration shall consist of the following:

1) Restore vehicle access to specified units which may be inaccessible due to material piled in road, trench in road, or combination of both methods. A minimum of 10 feet in width shall be made passable for all project vehicles.

2) Following acceptance of the unit(s) for which access has been restored, and within 5 days of receipt of the notice of unit acceptance from the COR, return the road to its original blocked condition to prevent vehicle passage on specified roads.

d.

Mop-up of burning material utilizing a tractor is required when material is buried beyond reach utilizing hand tools. This is usually, but not limited to, under landings in timber harvest units. Uncover the burning material to the extent that the material is fully accessible and available to be mopped-up.

Prescribed Fire Overhead - Consists of (1) qualified prescribed fire holding boss or (1) qualified firing boss with approved communication device. Holding Boss shall be single resource boss qualified or higher. Contractor employees cannot supervise Government employees.

C.7.3 Ordering Prescribed Fire Modules - Task orders will be issued for Prescribed Fire Modules. The Government may orally request services 6 hours in advance of need.

a.

Ordered services may be canceled 4 or more hours in advance of need without an adjustment to the agreement.

b.

Cancellation of ordered services in less than 4 hours and prior to reporting for work will result in each Prescribed Fire Module being paid at 20 percent of the Daily Rate.

c.

Cancellation of ordered services at the project, service of up to 3 hours after arrival or services beyond 12 hours in a day will result in reduced or additional payment.

d.

Multiple Prescribed Fire Modules may be ordered for the same unit.

C.7.4 Should the Contractor (1) fail to provide the ordered services; (2) quit work early or leave work before being released, or (3) fail to complete the project as specified in the Daily Shift Plan Objectives, the task order may be considered in default. Payment will be made for work completed.

C.7.5 Start-Work Procedures - The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications of the Level of Difficulty Modules required and the type of prescribed fire operation to be performed. The Contractor shall notify the COR or PI of any concerns or questions regarding understanding of, or Contractor’s ability to successfully achieve, the Prescribed Fire Plan or Module(s) Daily Shift Plan Objectives, Standards, and Assignments. This notification shall occur at the time of ordering, briefing, or anytime during the shift. Depending on the prescribed fire operation, a briefing will be held via telephone or direct communication. The briefing can be held on or in the vicinity of the work site, at the agency office, or other agreed-upon location. The Contractor shall be required to respond and arrive at the agreed upon location at a specified time for the briefing. At the briefing, the Government will provide the Contractor with the following:

a.

Briefing on Prescribed Fire Plan and Objectives, Standards, and Assignments for ignition and holding assistance.

b.

Module(s) Daily Shift Plan Objectives, Standards, and Assignments for patrol and mop-up assistance.

c.

Communications instructions and chain of command.

d.

Identification of any priorities.

e.

Safety concerns and issues.

f.

Target Completion Time, anticipated length of shift.

g.

Copy of approved prescribed burn plan

C.7.6 Prescribed Fire Module Requirements - The following are the descriptions of requirements for personnel, transportation, engines, water tenders, and equipment for each of the Levels of Difficulty Modules.

a.

Type VI Engine, Minimum of 200 Gallons

Type IV Engine, Minimum of 750 gallons.

1) Engine - Self-propelled unit equipped with a minimum of 200 gallon water tank (750 gallons for N7) and pump capable of pumping a minimum 30 gallons per minute at 100 psi through 1/4-inch nozzle at the end of a 50-foot length of 1 inch hose and equipped with minimum of 200 feet of 1-inch rubber hose or cotton/ synthetic lined hose, on a live reel, and additional hose to reach a total of 1500 feet. Additional hose can be 1-inch or 1 and one-half inch cotton/synthetic jacket rubber lined hose, appropriate fittings, and at least 2 nozzles. Operator and assistant - two (2) people.

2) Equipment:

Pulaski - 1

Shovel - 1

Fedcos or equivalent backpack water pumps - 1

Chainsaw - 1

Fuel to operate pump and engine for 10 working hours b.

Two-Person Mop-Up Crew 1) Two (2) persons

2) Transportation - one vehicle

3) Equipment:

Pulaski - 1

Shovel - 1

Fedcos or equivalent backpack water pumps - 2

Chainsaw - 1 c.

Five-Person Mop-Up Crew 1) Five (5) persons

2) Transportation - 1 or 2 vehicles

3) Equipment:

Pulaski - 3

Shovel - 2

Fedcos or equivalent backpack water pumps - 5

Chainsaw - 2 d.

Water Delivery System 1) Equipment:

2 Portable water-holding tanks (Fold-A-Tank or equivalent) of a minimum of. 1000 gallons capacity or greater.

One and one-half inch (1-1/2") hose – 2,000 feet

One-inch (1") hose - 1,000 feet

Gated “Y” valves - 10 Reducers: one and one-half inch (1-1/2") to one inch (1") - 5 Nozzles: combination fog and stream - 5 2 Portable Pumps - pressure type, one and one-half inch (1-1/2") outlet and suction hose, with screened foot valve, capable of 40-70 gallons per minute, with 20 gallons of pump fuel.

2) All hose fittings shall match the couplings on the required hose. All hose couplings shall have the standard thread adopted by the State Fire Marshall.

3) The installation of this system on a work site could require that the equipment be left on the site overnight following the end of the shift for use during the next day’s shift.

e.

Water Delivery System 1) Equipment:

One and one-half inch (1-1/2") hose – 2,000 feet

One-inch (1") hose – 1,000 feet

Gated “Y” valves - 10

Reducers: one and one-half inch (1-1/2") to one inch (1") - 5

Nozzles: combination fog and stream - 5

2) All hose fittings shall match the couplings on the required hose. All hose couplings shall have the standard thread adopted by the State Fire Marshall.

3) The installation of this system on a work site could require that the equipment be left on the site overnight following the end of the shift for use during the next day’s shift.

f.

Water Tender 1) Water Tender - Self-propelled unit equipped with a minimum of 1500-gallon water tank and pump capable of pumping a minimum of 200 gallons per minute, equipped with a dump value of at least a minimum 4-inch (6-inch preferred) diameter so water can be discharged into portable tanks. This value should be at the bottom of the tank to allow complete water discharge and should have a clearance of 34 inches from ground to bottom of outlet. This includes operator and fuel to operate pump and engine for 12 working hours.

2) Tenders shall have a valve, adaptable to 1 ½ -inch National Hose threads (NH) installed at the bottom of the tank so pressure or suction lines (hose) can allow filling or drafting by other engines. (Note: Adaption of valve with fittings is acceptable).

3) Tender pump assemblies may be driven either by power take-off (PTO) or engine drive. The pump shall be plumbed with a suction outlet so water can be drafted from a water supply such as a pond, river, or creek to refill the tank or pump direct to the prescribed fire site.

Snag Felling - The quantities on the Schedule of Items are estimated. Snag felling is measured on a team hourly basis, beginning upon arrival at the unit, excluding lunch breaks and travel time, ending when work is completed. Time will be rounded up to the nearest quarter hour. Times shall be recorded and submitted by the Contractor, subject to verification by the COR based on spot checks of snag felling in operation.

Five-Person Chainsaw Crew 1) Five (5) persons

2) Transportation - 1 or 2 vehicles

3) Equipment:

Pulaski - 3

Shovel - 2

Chainsaw – 5

Saw gas and supplies

Tractor Operations - The quantities on the Schedule of Items are estimated. Tractor operations are measured on an hourly basis, beginning upon arrival at the access point to the unit, excluding lunch breaks and travel time, ending when work is completed. Time will be rounded up to the nearest quarter hour. Times shall be recorded and submitted by the Contractor, subject to verification by the COR based on spot checks of tractor operations.

Prescribed fire overhead. Consisting of 1 qualified prescribed fire holding boss or 1 qualified ignition specialist (RXI2) with approved communication device. Holding Boss shall be single resource boss (SRB) qualified or higher. Contractor employees cannot supervise Government employees.

C.7.7 Ignition Assistance: This prescribed fire operation involves the direct igniting of fuels, usually with a drip torch. Ignition assistance by the Contractor shall be from crew members from the Two and Five-Person Crew Modules. When the Government is ordering Prescribed Fire Modules to assist in ignition operations, the Government will provide Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Ignition Specialist, Holding Specialist, drip torches and ignition fuel. The Government may also provide crew members. The Contractor’s crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Ignition Specialist through mutually agreed upon communications system at all times.

C.7.8 Holding Assistance: This prescribed fire operation can involve any of the Prescribed Fire Modules.

C.7.9 Patrol Assistance: This prescribed fire operation can involve Crew Modules or Engine Modules or a combination of both. Patrol includes checking previously burned units for visible smokes or hot spots and taking mop-up actions as prescribed in the Shift Plan for that day. The Contractor’s crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through a mutually agreed upon communications system at all times.

C.7.10 Mop-Up Assistance: This prescribed fire operation can involve any of the Prescribed Fire Modules. The Contractor and the Government representative shall review the plan daily to ensure validity of plan, adequacy of assigned resources and timely completion of work.

C.7.11 Snag/Tree Felling (2-Person Team):

a.

Fell snags and trees up to 50 inches DBH. Snag Felling operations shall be carried out by a qualified “C” faller as defined by current NWCG standards. Felling is for the objectives of human safety and to assist holding and mop-up operations by removing source of spotting and fire spread. Felling in is separate from snag felling in Density Management Restoration Areas.

b.

Fell snags and trees as specified by task order or in writing by the COR. Snags and trees will generally range in size from 12 inches DBH to 50 inches DBH. Snags and trees may be burning at time of felling. Stump height shall be as low as possible consistent with adequate safety considerations. Snags and trees shall be felled such that firelines remain free of debris. Restore firelines to original clear condition following felling.

C.7.12 Tractor Operations:

a.

Tractor operations under this Subitem shall include utilization of a tractor to crush vegetation, roadblock removal and restoration, and removal of soil or debris to allow mop-up of burning material that is buried.

b.

Crushing of vegetation by tractor operation is done in all or portions of unit(s) to create fuel conditions that allow for safety of ignition personnel and create optimal fuel moisture and arrangement to meet prescribed fire objectives. This is typically accomplished in shrubfields, but could be used in other fuel types if appropriate. Tractor operations are conducted along the slope contour on slope percentages less than 35 percent. COR will issue written instructions regarding location, spacing, reserved areas, and access for each unit(s).

c.

Roadblock removal and restoration shall consist of the following:

1) Restore vehicle access to specified units which may be inaccessible due to material piled in road, trench in road, or combination of both methods. A minimum of 10 feet in width shall be made passable for all project vehicles.

2) Following acceptance of the unit(s) for which access has been restored, and within 5 days of receipt of the notice of unit acceptance from the COR, return the road to its original blocked condition to prevent vehicle passage on specified roads.

d.

Mop-up of burning material utilizing a tractor is required when material is buried beyond reach utilizing hand tools. This is usually, but not limited to, under landings in timber harvest units. Uncover the burning material to the extent that the material is fully accessible and available to be mopped-up.

C.8 Standard Mop-Up and Patrol C.8.1 Complete mop-up and patrol of unit(s) to the extent provided for in this section to meet the mop-up objectives of (1) the prevention of fire escape outside the primary unit boundaries, and (2) prevention of reburn within unit boundaries. Patrol and mop-up shall begin immediately following completion of ignition on any portion or whole of each unit.

C.8.2 If the weather conditions, forecasts, fuel conditions change, and/or smoke management concerns occur during mop-up and patrol operations to a point where the standard mop-up and patrol may no longer meet mop-up or smoke management objectives, then the Government may, at its option, order additional mop-up resources.

C.8.3 Prescribed Burn & Mop-Up: Swamper Burn - Complete mop-up and patrol to meet the objectives from the time ignition is first started within the unit to 72 hours, or until released from such services by the COR, whichever occurs first. The 72-hour time period begins at 8:00 am the day following completion of ignition in that unit. Advise the Government of conditions which prevent the meeting of mop-up objectives within the aforementioned 72-hour period.

C.8.4 Mop-Up and Patrol for Broadcast and Understory Burn - Complete patrol and mop-up to meet the objectives. Complete 100 percent mop-up of all spot fires and slopovers outside the unit boundary and within the first 100 feet slope distance inside of unit boundary. Complete this patrol and mop-up within 96 hours of 8:00 am on the day following completion of ignition. Patrol shall continue for 96 hours unless released by the Government. After 48 hours, advise the Government if mop-up will be completed within the aforementioned 96-hour period.

C.8.5 Mop-up and Patrol for Hand Pile Burn - Complete mop-up and patrol to meet the objectives described in C.5.15.1 within 48 hours from 8:00 am the day following completion of ignition in that unit, or until released from such services by the COR, whichever comes first. Advise the Government of conditions which prevent the meeting of mop-up objectives within the 48-hour period.

C.8.6 Patrol shall include the visual inspecting of all sites where burning was performed, and checking for and mop-up of burning material that threatens the achievement of mop-up objectives or the mop-up standards for each unit’s Daily Shift Plan. Patrol shall also include taking actions to prevent fire escape outside the unit boundary and/or to prevent reburn within the unit boundary. Immediately take actions to fireline, mop up, and identify all slopovers or spot fires. If Contractor is unable to contain or control slopover or spot fires with patrol resources, promptly, within 30 minutes after discovery, notify the Government of the situation and continue to take action to contain or control fire.

C.8.7 Completely extinguish all burning material within the designated mop-up area.

C.8.8 Mechanical equipment used must keep soil disturbance to a minimum unless preapproved by the COR.

C.8.9 Do not fell any reserved trees which may have fire in them without written approval of the COR.

C.8.10 The Contractor may use COR-approved wetting agents, retardants, foam, or suppressants during mop-up and ignition operations. Contractor shall assure assuring these do not leak or spread into streams, water sources or standing water. Root wads (uprooted stumps with roots attached) shall be thoroughly extinguished (dug around and rotten or loose wood scraped off). Fireline berms shall be thoroughly extinguished.

C.8.11 Logs and chunks with a minimum size of 12 inches diameter x 4 feet in length up to a maximum of 20 inches diameter x 8 feet in length on slopes greater than 50% shall be turned and placed in a manner that prevents this debris from rolling.

C.8.12 Project Area Reburn - Should a reburn occur during the mop-up operation, the Contractor shall suppress the fire and notify the COR immediately. The cost of reworking the area to agreement requirements shall be borne by the Contractor.

C.8.13 Mop-up contingencies are established and will be initiated by the COR for the following situations:

a.

If a Fire Weather Watch or Red-Flag Warning is issued or predicted by the National Weather Service for extreme fire weather conditions; or if smoke emissions from the burn unit during mop-up are creating air quality impacts to population centers, or other smoke sensitive areas, the Contractor may be required to complete mop-up within a 24-hour period. If satisfactory progress is not made, or a mop-up plan is not provided that ensures completion within the 24-hour period, the Government, when determined necessary, may immediately assume control of the project area and provide personnel and/or equipment to complete the work. In this event, the Contractor will be liable for the cost to the Government of performing mop-up.

b.

If prescribed fire is declared a wildland fire by the COR, the Government will immediately assume control of the project area. Following declaration of the wildland fire, Contractor's personnel shall be made available to the Government for fire suppression and will be paid at the applicable firefighting rates paid by the Government. See E.3.3 Additional Payment.

C.9

DEFINITIONS

Accessible – Definition of road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within one mile of the unit.

Acceptable Crop Tree - Largest, best-formed live conifer of a preferred species within designated spacing, which meet the following conditions:

a.

Minimum 4-inch terminal leader with at least the top 30 percent of the tree containing live limbs.

b.

Non-chlorotic, light or dark green with very little or no yellowish tint.

c.

Undamaged top.

d.

Free of visible indicators such as dwarf mistletoe, Fomes pini, cankers, excessive fire damage, bark beetles or blister rust.

e.

No multiple tops or ramiforms.

f.

Demonstrates good form and vigor.

g.

Greater than three (3) feet in height.

Bearing Tree - A tree used as a reference monument to locate a property corner.

Berm - An outer border of the fire control line.

Brush - Vegetation consisting of shrub species with single or multiple stems originating at or near ground level and not normally reaching 20 feet in height. Examples include Canyon Live Oak, Vine Maple, Salmonberry, Hazel, Huckleberry, Thimbleberry, Manzanita, Ocean-spray, Ceanothus species, Silktassel, Wild Rose, Ribes Species.

Broadcast Burning - Prescribed burning done within defined boundaries for reduction of fuel hazard and to meet resource management objectives.

Burn out - Setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line.

Burn Plan - Commonly used term for the Prescribed Fire Plan.

Clump - A multiple (two or more) stem tree or shrub originating from the same bole at ground level. The DBH of a clump shall be the DBH of the largest stem in the clump.

Complexity of Prescribed Fire Projects - The Government will evaluate and rate prescribed burn complexity based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide contained in Section J. The Guide considers three fire complexity factors: risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty. Fourteen elements are assigned a Low, Moderate, or High complexity rating for each factor and a summary complexity is determined. Complexity and Level of Difficulty are not synonymous. Burn complexity is one of several factors that influence Levels of Difficulty. A highly complex burn may not be a highly rated Level of Difficulty. All prescribed fire projects rated as complex shall require a prescribed fire burn boss rated as RXB1 and an ignition specialist rated as RXI1.

Contingency Plan - Identification of actions to be taken if the fire exceeds prescription parameters and/or escapes perimeter lines and cannot be returned to prescription or contained with the resources identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan.

Control Line (fireline) - An inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.

Crew Member or Prescribed Fire Crew Member (FFT2 - Firefighter) - The individual responsible for performing field work aspects of this contract (fireline construction, slashing, hand piling, ignition, holding, mop-up) involving the use of hand tools, chainsaws, drip torches, and water handling equipment.

Crew Supervisor – An English speaking crew member who provides direction and supervision to fellow crew members during burn unit preparation or wildfire hazard reduction treatments. Is responsible for work accomplishment and performance in accordance with the requirements of the agreement.

Conifer - An evergreen, cone-bearing tree, such as (examples) Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, Western White Pine, Incense Cedar, Western Hemlock, Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, Grand Fir, White Fir, Noble Fir and Pacific Yew.

Cover, Percent – The area covered by material, tree crowns, rocks, etc., as viewed vertically from above.

Crown Closure – The percent of area covered by the foliage of tree crowns as viewed vertically from above.

Cut Leave Tree - A tree noted during inspection of the area as a tree that should not have been cut, but was cut.

Cultural and/or Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Sites - Locations identified on task order maps where special protection is required to preserve and protect cultural values and species of plants or animals listed on the T&E list.

Cup Trench - A trench constructed on the outer edge of the undercut line, deep enough to catch rolling embers and cones on steep slopes.

Damaged Trees - Damage constitutes any Contractor-caused alteration or injury to the tree or root system which may cause death, loss of vigor, or will negatively affect growth, including, but not limited to, severance of the main stem or terminal leader, delimbing, scraping, debarking, or uprooting.

DBH (Diameter Breast Height) - Diameter of the tree measured at a point 4½ feet above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Dozer – Often called a Bulldozer; a tracklayer such as a Caterpillar, International, John Deere, etc.

Duff - Decaying organic material found on the forest floor (all materials down to mineral soil).

Engine - Self-propelled unit equipped with a suitable tank, pump, hose, nozzle, plus other accessories necessary to be a well-equipped independent unit, including minimum required hose and hand tools for fire protection.

Firefighter 2 - FFT2 and Crew Boss - CRWB - Standard classifications of positions on fire projects as defined in the Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Publication Numbers PMS 310-1 and NFES 1414. Available under “Qualifications” at the following website: http://www.nwcg.gov

Fireline - See control line.

Firing - The intentional setting of fires to fuels during the ignition phase of prescribed burning.

Firing Boss - See Ignition Specialist.

Forestland - Land where the tree vegetation expressed as percent cover is between 31 and 60%. Used to establish which Subitem is used on a project area.

Gathering – The transport of severed stems or excessive down woody debris from a point of collection to the nearest designated landing. The grade or percent slope would determine if the difficulty level is downhill (Subitem H1), uphill (Subitem H2) or cable uphill (Subitem H3).

Grinding - Operation similar to chipping except implement is outside the main body of the attachment or prime mover. This operation often results in coarser chips after treatment.

Hardwood - A broad-leaved tree that usually has a single well defined trunk and/or attains a height greater than 20 feet. Includes, but not limited to, species such as canyon live oak, chinkapin, bigleaf maple, madrone and oak species. Sprouting hardwood species may be in the form of multi-stemmed clumps.

Hazard - The existence of a fuel complex that constitutes a threat of wildfire ignition, unacceptable fire behavior and severity, or suppression difficulty.

Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated.

Head Fire - A fire front spreading or set to spread with the wind or upslope.

Holding - Actions required to contain the fire within the natural or constructed fireline and prevent escapes and slopovers.

Holding Specialist - Formerly known as Holding Boss. The individual who provides direction to those personnel responsible for holding the line during the ignition and cool down period(s). Required individual qualifications are identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan and are based on the complexity of the burn.

Hot Saw – Used in production severing. The cutting head never stops turning while prime mover is running or moving.

Ignition - Fire started by hand, aerial, or other means.

Ignition Specialist (RXI1/RXI2) - Currently known as Firing or Lighting Boss. Prescribed Fire Ignition Specialist provides direction to lighting crew during ignition of the unit. Standard classifications of positions on fire projects as defined in the Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Publication Numbers PMS 310-1 and NFES 1414. Available under “Qualifications” at the following website: http://www.nwcg.gov/teams/pmswt/pms.htm

Infrared (IR) Scan - A procedure that locates hot areas through hand held devices (probeye, Palm IR) and/or IR photography.

Jackpot - Concentration of slash or natural fuels, heavier than the surrounding areas.

Jackpot Burn - Burning jackpot fuels at a time or conditions that won't allow the fire to spread from the target area.

Ladder Fuels - Fuels that provide vertical continuity between the ground and the tree crowns, thus creating a pathway for surface fire to move into the overstory tree crowns.

Lateral Lines - Hose lays that provide water delivery off of the trunk or main line.

Leave Trees – Trees that shall not to be cut or damaged. May include conifers, hardwoods, trees by specific species, or hardwood clumps with less than or equal to three sprouts of common origin.

Leave Tree Group - A group of 3 or more trees growing within an 8-foot diameter circle at ground level that have exceptional quality in terms of vigor and structure. Groups may contain more than one species of tree. Examples would be: a) two healthy ponderosa pine trees growing immediately adjacent to one another, b) a vigorous group of white oak trees exhibiting a wide horizontal growth pattern, and c) a large old pine with a healthy pacific madrone tree growing near its base. The project inspector can show examples of suitable tree groups on the ground. Douglas fir will not be considered for a leave tree group when it is the only species present. It may be included in a group when it is present in a minority amount.

Leave Shrub Clump - A group of 2 to 4 shrub plants of the same species with stems growing within a 6-foot diameter circle at ground level.

Leave Shrub/Leave Shrub Clump - A live shrub or shrub clump at least (1) foot tall and 3 to 10 feet in crown diameter as measured from the center of the clump.

Litter - Needles, duff, twigs, cones and leaves.

Live Crown Ratio - Percentage of length of stem with living branches (length of living crown divided by the total tree height).

Lodged Trees and Brush - Cut trees and brush leaning into, supported by, or covering a leave tree.

Mainline - A hose lay which provides transportation of water from the source to lateral lines.

Maximum Management Area - See Allowable Area.

Mobilization - The act of delivering all ordered personnel and equipment to the project area.

Mop-up - To locate and physically extinguish by the efficient use of water, dirt, chemical agents, or any combination thereof, all burning, smoldering, or burned material.

Mop-Up Boss - The individual who provides direction to…