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Top 5 causes of forest equipment fires... and how operators can avoid them

By Nate Burton, Technical & Safety Services Manager Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Logging equipment fires can have a human impact in terms of injuries—and be expensive in terms of property damage, and lost production. Equipment fires increased through the industry downturn, possibly a consequence of squeezed revenue and earnings.

“Contractors appear to be doing more with less,” said Chris Colello of Acadia Insurance, an insurer of logging operations. “This may involve ‘double shifting’ putting on more hours in a shorter time.”

Aging equipment, fluid leaks, and worn electronics result in more fires, Colello said.

Machines are generally equipped with fire suppression systems (often at insurer request), but operators can help prevent fires.

“The work environment is as dirty if not dirtier than even agricultural harvesting,” said John Walker of Walker Fire Forensics. “You move a tree, debris falls. Processing and chipping creates more debris. This ‘trash’ finds its way into the engine compartment.”

Top Causes

Debris accumulation is a cause of forestry equipment fires. But not the only one. Here are five causes of forest machine fires and how operators can help avoid them:

1. Debris in the Engine Compartments
   Leaves, needles, twigs, and sawdust will build up, particularly around engines. This highly combustible debris must be removed frequently—once a day is not enough. Make it a habit, check for debris at breaks and if needed, take time to remove it.
   
   
2. Hotter-Running Tier 4 Engines
   Tier 4 engines run 15° to 20°F hotter than earlier engines, so it’s more critical to remove debris. The injector pump’s fuel bypass to the tank is warmer, too.
   
   
3. Debris Ignited by Rotating Components
   Slow rotating parts can rub on debris until it ignites. Remove this debris to prevent fires.
   
   
4. Altered Electrical Systems
   Unauthorized and inadequate modifications and ‘temporary repairs’ to electrical systems frequently lead to shorts, overloading, and fires. Never add unauthorized electrical components to wiring. Only use power outlets provided by the manufacturer.
   
   
5. Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Ignition Hazard
   Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) poses a greater ignition hazard than earlier diesel with higher sulfur content. The absence of sulfur allows static charge buildup in fuel delivery systems. Higher fuel tank temperatures (see #2) make vapours more combustible should a spark occur, resulting in a fire or explosion.
   
   Bonding and grounding machines with the fuel delivery system is now important when refueling. A simple wire connection between the equipment creates bonding; an electrical path between the tank and the ground creates grounding, to help dissipate static charge and reduce spark potential.
   
   Direct any fuel system bonding and grounding questions to your fuel system supplier, and review the Association of Equipment Manufacturers bulletin on “Best Practices during refueling” at aem.org/ulsd.

Safety is everyone’s job. Hazard awareness and reduction keeps everyone working, minimizes injuries and property losses while improving work conditions for all.