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Technological employment of fire-fighting adapter to increase the efficiency of extinguishing forest fires

Technological employment of fire-fighting adapter to increase the efficiency of extinguishing... The paper presents the results of the solution defining the possible application of the adapter as a fire-fighting mobile device with a base machine of a forest wheeled skidder (LKT) in the fire protection of forests in the Slovak Republic. Following the challenging accessibility to fire-fighting machinery during any intervention in forestry operation, the main aim was formulated. It will be about basic technical parameters of the DATEFF fire-fighting adapter, resulting from operational measures and following specification of its tactical deployment in extinguishing forest fires. This fact also follows from based on statistically processed data on fire in state forests of the Slovak Republic in the last ten years. The greatest damage occurs mainly the forests at a slope gradient of 16%. Designed fire adapter is structurally designed mainly to these terrains. Regarding its design and technical parameters, the proposed DATEFF adapter can be employed tactically as fire-fighting mobile device. In the case of an unavailable water source without access to the forest transport network, the adapter can be used as a part of long-distance water transport or as a mobile device for emergency import of material. Another option is to use it as a water tank in inaccessible terrain with the possibil- ity of refilling using a Bambi bag and a helicopter. This fire-fighting adapter DATEFF is designed for forest wheel tractors that reach 40% slope availability, are able to work on the stand area, overcome obstacles and are available in sufficient quantities in all Slovak forest owners. Key words: forest fires; distance; forest wheeled skidder; statistic; tactic; slope gradient Editor: Jaroslav Holuša as forest fires, bushfires, and unplanned fires, occur in 1. Introduction landscapes across the globe (Krawchuk et al. 2009; Bow- Regarding forest protection, forest fires are the most man et al. 2011). They represent a complex phenomenon drastic form of forest destruction. They have an enormous consisting of many processes (for example the character impact on all forest ecosystems, in particular the plants of combustible material, combustion process, release, and animals living in the area. From a technical point of and transfer of energy) that occur in a large extent in view, a forest r fi e is a sudden, partly, or very uncontrolled space and time scales. These processes are crucial for incident. At the same time, it is an event limited in time alerting relevant persons and supporting their decision and place with a negative impact on all social functions of making, the wide scale of applications for management a forest (productive or non-productive). This complex of (control) of fires as well as creating measures to prevent physical and chemical effects is based on non-stationary large fires (Gill et al. 2013; Stephens et al. 2014). Such processes (changing in place and time) like a burning, gas applications may be aimed at identifying r fi e hazards and exchange and heat transfer (Hnilica et al. 2020). issuing fire warnings (Brown & Davis 1973; Harris et al. The uncontrolled spread of forest vegetation, grass- 2017; Deeming et al. 1977), an assessment of the risk of land and agricultural crop fires is a global phenomenon fire occurrence in the natural environment (Ager et al. (Scott et al. 2014; Weise & Wright 2014), which may be 2010; Majlingová 2015), modelling the behaviour of fire linked to the foreseen climate and meteorological con- in various types of vegetation (for example grasslands, ditions. Oftentimes they result in large-scale incidents, forests, bushes), planning of fire-fighting tactics and which have substantial negative economic, social, and environmental consequences (Attiwill et al. 2013; Bow- predicting the impact of fire from different perspectives man et al. 2017; Tedim et al. 2018). Wildr fi es, also known (Johnson & Miyanishi 1995; Reinhardt et al. 2001). *Corresponding author. Richard Hnilica, e-mail: hnilica@tuzvo.sk, phone: +421-45-5206596 © 2022 Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Ongoing climate change and its consequences are – increase of forest areas affected by the bark beetle’s often discussed in professional circles as the main cause outbreak, which exceeds the impact of wind disaster of future increased frequency of natural disasters, includ- in the year 2004, ing fires in the natural environment. Climate change – underestimation of factors observed in the period up affects forest fires directly through weather conditions, to the year 2007, which influence the onset and spreading of forest fire, – lack of financial resources for close monitoring (aer- and indirectly through its impact on vegetation and com- ial, ground), aimed at early detection of forest fires at bustible material. It is assumed that the risk of forest fire an early stage of their occurrence, occurrence in Europe will increase with the most extreme – failure in construction of sufficiently complex forest forest r fi es occurring more frequently, which destroy vast transport network in hazardous locations for various areas and have long-term consequences. Results of stud- reasons, ies on forest fires, which occurred in the European conti- – permanent lack of ground r fi e-g fi hting machinery for nent in the last 30 years, show an increase in the duration detection and destruction of forest fires in difficult of a fire season and it is assumed that a fire regime will mountainous terrain of Slovakia. change almost everywhere across Europe. While the total Based on the provided results, it can be concluded area in the South European countries destroyed by forest that mainly the last three factors have a major impact on fire is increasing each and every year, northern areas like the scale of forest fires, which depends on the late detec- Scandinavia are afflicted by unprecedented forest fires tion of a forest fire and the problem of terrain accessibil- (Moreno et al. 2014; Abatzoglou et al. 2019; Krikken et ity for any intervention of fire brigades (Hnilicová et al. al. 2019; Kirchmeier-Young et al. 2019; Williams et al. 2016). 2019; Dupuy et al. 2020). Following the previous results, mostly the chal- Due to global warming and increasing aridity, the risk lenging accessibility to fire-fighting machinery during of increased frequency and extent of wildr fi es is very high. any intervention in forestry operation, the main aim Many regions of the world have experienced an increas- was formulated. The main aim of this study is to define ing trend of excessive wildfires and an increasing occur- basic technical parameters of the DATEFF fire-fighting rence of extremely severe fires (FAO Fire management adapter, resulting from operational measures and follow- 2006). The total area of forest fires in the EU over the ing specic fi ation of its tactical deployment in extinguish - last 20 years has been around 8.7 million hectares, with ing forest fires. an annual average of around 415,000 hectares. The most extensive forest fires were recorded in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2012 and 2017. The forest fires in these 2. Forest fires in Slovakia years were above the annual average (San-Miguel-Ayanz Forest fires in Slovakia often occur in the areas inacces- et al. 2020). In 2017, wildfires burnt be around 1 mil - sible to r fi e-g fi hting machinery with insufc fi ient or rather lion hectares of natural lands in the EU. The European inadequate water supply for fire-fighting purposes. The Forest Fire Information System estimated the number facts provided above are based on statistically processed of fire-related losses to be around 10 billion Euros [San- data on fire in state forests of the Slovak Republic in the Miguel-Ayanz et al. 2018). Despite the prevention meas- last ten years. The data was distributed according to the ures, in the Slovak forests there appeared 3081 forest r fi es terrain gradient. The gradient of up to 16% allows for in the period of 2007–2018 with direct material loss of a faster intervention even with the existing technology. 9.063.805 Euros, 24 injuries, and 4 fatalities (Fire and These conditions enable a fast transportation of the Rescue SR 2020). Despite the annual preventive meas- extinguishing agent (water) to the place of intervention. ures taken in the field of forest fire protection, in 2019 Requirements for the accessibility of fire-fighting equip- there was a 30% increase in the number of forest fires ment increase with the terrain gradient rising over 16%, compared to the previous year, and the year 2020, not which stems from its technical design. This, in turn, leads statistically closed yet, brought a further increase in for- to a slower distribution of water to the places requiring est fires. At the same time, the damaged area increased intervention (Fig. 1, 2 and Table 1). by 170.7 hectares this year, compared to 2019. In 2020, According to these results, there can be concluded there was also an increase in the destroyed forest area to that the greatest damage is caused by r fi es in the forests of 65 hectares, compared to 11.8 hectares in 2019, which represents an increase of more than 452% (Green report the Slovak Republic at a slope gradient of 16 % (Table 1). 2019; Green report 2020). According to the statistics (Fire and Rescue SR 2014), there was no significant reduction in the risk of forest fires mostly due to these factors: 239 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Fig. 1. Map of fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010–2020: red marks – forest fires in the terrain with a slope be- low 16%; blue marks – forest fires in the terrain with a slope over 16%. (© LESY Slovenskej republiky, state enterprise, Banská Bystrica, 2021). Fig. 2. Statistical data of forest fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010–2020, according to slope gradient: a) number of forest fires; b) duration of forest fires; c) fire-affected forest area; d) finan cial loss to forests. Table 1. Fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010– est fire will not be under control below the fire-fighting operations ensure that spread of forest fire in the area Forest fire (2010–2020) is brought to a halt. Fire extinguishing with water can Slope gradient duration fire-affected area financial loss number be carried out using fire-fighting appliances (CAS), fire- [h] [ha] [Eur] Below 16% 133 444 95.4 211 063.45 fighting buckets or with the use of long-distance water Over 16% 195 2723 452.5 927 373.93 supply hose pipes. But it is important to remember that the success of r fi eg fi hting does not depend on the amount Forest fire fighting should begin immediately after of water supplied to the seat of forest fire but on whether completing the fire line. In many cases, the fire-fighting it is used efficiently (Majlingová et al. 2018). can start already during the construction of a fire line, Forest fire needs to be put out as quickly as possible in the phase of establishing an initial fire attack. A for - using available resources while in its early stage. If a for- 240 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 est fire is not quickly extinguished, it can spread danger- LKT, optimum distribution width, operation by the trac- ously fast, when the forest fire front turns into a several tor driver from the cab, provision of drive slip in case of kilometers long front with dangerous and uneven n fi gers x fi ed obstacles, adequate noise levels, the minimal trans - of fire. The width, height, and rate of a forest fire, just mission of vibration to the operator (driver), utilization of like its extent, create huge natural force, which destroys domestic construction and spare parts, components and everything that stands in its way and can pose a threat to materials, ecological suitability, sufficient level of occu- human settlements and lives. pational safety and health protection as well as sufficient The following actions must therefore be taken in performance (Hnilicová et al. 2018a, b). extinguishing forest fires: The main task of LKT is to move wood from the for- – find and localize the forest fire, est to the place of further manipulation. Its basic work- – extinguish seats of forest fire within localized fire ing algorithm changes in the case of a transport of an area, extinguishing agent. Space remains, but the direction of – protect the seat of forest fire from possible spreading movement changes. For this reason, the DATEFF fire- to the surroundings. fighting adapter was designed according to the concept of utilization of the base machine (LKT) as a carrier of a fixed superstructure for water transport (Fig. 3). When fighting a forest fire, all research results must 3. Fire-fighting adapter DATEFF be reconciled with the tactical and technical abilities. The need to transport water to the nearest intervening These results require the knowledge of: fire brigade has become a basic prerequisite for the idea – principles of the forces and resources deployment behind designing a suitable fire-fighting device. The tactics, most appropriate and alternative solution based on this – availability of the base machine (LKT), assumption is the use of forestry machinery. The start- – design and technical limitations of the base machine ing point for this design was a definition of superstruc - (LKT), ture carrier providing maximum slope accessibility and – tactical and technical abilities (TTA) of fire-fighting mobility in a forest terrain. The utilization of available equipment. machinery used in the forestry industry, without further Fire-fighting tactics evaluates and processes the need to modify its construction or develop new machin- methods and the procedures of fire brigade intervention ery, was another important criterion. When accepting the services in forest r fi e extinguishing, the rescue of persons basic requirements in relation to a workability in terrain, and property. Even though r fi e-g fi hting tactics evaluates forest wheeled skidders (LKT) came into consideration the results of growth and extinguishing of forest fire, it as base machines. These base machines are primarily does not provide a complete solution or operating proce- designed and intended to work in a difficult forest ter - dures of fire interventions. Fire-fighting tactics include rain. (Hnilica et al. 2020) Considering their construction the model situations and outcomes for commanding and use, LKT base machines with hydrostatic energy incident and operation of fire brigades in specific cases transmission are suitable for driving adapters for the of forest fire by an incident commander. mechanization of work in the cultivation and protection Basic TTAs of the DATEFF fire-fighting adapter are of the forest. However, basic forestry-technical require- indicated in [26], which shows the construction with ments for designing adapters should be considered, too. principal dimensions. In particular, cost-effectiveness, extensive applications The technical parameters of the fire-fighting adapter under different conditions, easy and fast installation on DATEFF are: a) b) Fig. 3. Fire-fighting adapter for: a) LKT 81; b) LKT 150. 241 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 – water volume max. 2,000 L, commander and according to the instruction given by – empty adapter weight 650 kg, the commander of the intervening fire brigade. The LKT – weight of adapter with full tank and additional equip- operators must be eligible for driving this type of vehicles. In the case of countries where the participation of skid- ment 2,688 kg, ders and operators in forest fires is not legally allowed, – possibility of filling by means of the C 52 filling we would recommend for each forest district to ensure neck on the side of the adapter (own pump, floating that at least two operators of such machines are trained pump) or from above, after uncovering the closing to be available in the event of a forest fire. lid (Bambi bag). Regarding its design and technical parameters, the proposed DATEFF adapter can be employed operatively and tactically as: 4. Use of fire-fighting adapter – Fire-fighting mobile device The deployment of the adapter makes use of all tactical – Stationary device abilities of a base machine LKT, which arise from its – Alternative device design for operation on paved and unpaved roads (the part of forest transport network) and driving in an inac- cessible terrain (off the roads) that cannot be reached 4.1. Fire-fighting mobile device with a base by other types of forest fire extinguishing machinery. machine LKT In addition to its travel and mobile abilities, the unique equipment of base machine LKT can be used for an inter- Deployment of the machine as a mobile emergency water tank vention activity for the purpose of landscape modifica - tion, especially its front blade. This type of deployment can be performed in extinguish- As forest fires represent a relatively dangerous situ - ing fire seat but also as a support of firebreak construc - ation, only firefighters with a relevant fire certification tion, using the front blade, in preventing the ground for- and persons authorized by the incident commander have est fire from spreading in the form of: permission to enter the forest r fi e site in Slovakia. Opera - – with a nozzle operated by machine operators (Fig. 4), tors of LKT with the adapter can operate directly at the – with a sprinkler platform (fire-extinguishing bar) site of the forest r fi e only with the approval of the incident on the front blade (water tank interconnected with Fig. 4. DATEFF as a mobile water tank. Fig. 5. DATEFF as water tank. 242 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 the blade in the front part of LKT through the motor posite tank is removed from the protective frame (Fig. pump). 6). The frame construction itself ensures the transport Transport of extinguishing agent (water) to the place of of fire-fighting equipment to the place of intervention. intervention In this case, the r fi e-g fi hting adapter becomes a water tank (Fig. 5) for the replenishment of hand-operated fire 4.2. Stationary device – an autonomous drive pumps (extinguishing fire seats). Then, in accordance of the adapter enables to use it separately with the requirements, as a source of water to supply an without a base machine offensive line after unrolling the hose. It is the part of a long-distance transport of water in the case of a difficult Part of the long-distance transport of water using the pond water source without a forest access road network. system Movability and travel abilities of a base vehicle allow Emergency transport of material in a difficult terrain for transport of the adapter (Fig. 7) into the area of a It may be a mobile device for emergency transportation of water source, which is not available to regular vehicles. materials in an inaccessible terrain. In this case, the com- Fig. 6. Frame construction DATEFF for transportation of materials. The integration of the pond system eventually reduces the distance of water transport. The utilization of the adapter pump (HERON EMPH 20) when replenishing the adapter with another floating pump (discharge head 80 metres with the flow rate 500 L/min) enables deploy- ment to the system of ponds. Water tank in a difficult terrain The tank itself can be replenished with a Bambi bag by helicopter (Fig. 8). The adapter can also serve as a sub- stitute for close ponds (bucket, type II). Fig. 7. DATEFF as part of a pond system: DATEFF adapter; J1 – Jx bags of a pound system. Fig. 8. Filling the DATEFF tank with a helicopter. 243 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 works on LKT equipped with the adapter have a funda- 4.3. Alternative using of device mental role considering the on-site deployment speed of Besides being used for fighting forest fires, the fire- the adapter itself. Total time to fill a water tank has been fighting adapter can also be used for transport of water another important factor. The two methods of l fi ling have to forest nurseries (irrigation), freshly planted areas in been observed. One of them via the use of the HERON the event of prolonged drought, l fi ling of watering-places EMPH 20 motor pump, which belongs to the adapter, for forest animals and filling puddles in the dry season and the other through the Bambi bag containing 1,000 L and cleaning of culverts. (Fig. 10). Transport of the adapter to the place of the operating test was provided by a logging truck Scania CV AB. The adapter was put down from the loading surface 4.4. DATEFF fixing by the hydraulic arm LOGLIFT F 108ST 96. Based on the results of time observations (5 process measurement), it In case that LKT moves at the forest fire site, it is appro- may be concluded that the overall time of the LKT base priate to have sufficient certification for the vehicle, so it machine deployment with the DATEFF adapter is rela- could be operated safely (motor hull insurance or other tively short. The overall time of installation is 35 mins. insurance policies). Machinery owned by state forest Consequently, it took 11 mins on average to l fi l the device authorities typically has this kind of insurance policy. with an extinguishing agent when using its own motor The main and essential problem that firefighters pump and 6 mins when using a helicopter with a Bambi encounter during interventions in a forest environment bag containing 1,000 L. In our case, the resulting time is to make the site available to fire-fighting machinery, value using a helicopter includes the time of the flight to which follows from a diverse terrain and natural condi- the place of filling of Bambi bag with the mobile fire tank tions. This fact places high demands on the experience truck CAS 32 T815 equipped with a pump of an output and skills of firefighters and operators of fire-fighting of 3,200 L/min. Further data required for assessment machinery participating in forest re fi extinction whether of operational and tactical deployment of the adapter in the phase of fire line construction or extinction itself. is a minimum time of tank release, hence its use during When designing the adapter, its deployment speed posed interventions. The tank can be released in 13 mins. This one of the essential problems. It implies that installation Fig. 9. Mounting of the supporting frame to LKT’s rear log arch. duration may increase depending on the operational and tactical deployment, for example, water fog fire extin - guishing etc. The actual installation of DATEFF on skidder does not require any special intervention to the vehicle con- struction. It involves the mechanical mounting of the sup- porting frame to LKT’s rear log arch using screws (Fig. 9). The jointing location intended for the attachment of towing device is located on the rear log arch. After clamp- ing of the supporting frame, LKT drives back to the tank and lifts the tank through the two hooks with a following mechanical locking (by extending pin) with the help of the LKT operator (Fig. 10). Fig. 10. DATEFF attachment system to the support frame. 244 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 down. Selected time results of operating tests including 4.5. Case study of DATEFF deployment under the slope gradient, travelled distance and volume of the operating conditions transported extinguishing agent (water) are listed in the Assessment of a slope accessibility under operating con- Appendix 1. ditions was one of the fundamental concerns regarding The resulting values have been processed statistically any adapter deployment. Different slope gradients have using the regression and correlation analysis. The time been observed using the LKT base machine loaded with needed for a transfer of a base machine with a tank to a full tank (2,000 L) and half-full tank (1,000 L). LKT the place of intervention and its slope gradient has been went uphill and after turning he returned the same way assessed through this analysis when driving uphill and Fig. 11. Regression analysis of interdependence: a) the time and distance travelled (the full tank); b) the time and distance trav- elled (the half-full tank); c) the time and slope gradient (the full tank); d) the time and slope gradient (the half-full tank). 245 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 downhill. Each graph shows the interdependence of time Our example deals with a high level of closeness of the and distance travelled by the adapter with a full tank (Fig. relationship between the distance and intervention speed 12a) and half-full tank (Fig. 12b). These graphs further (time). The R Square value is a value of the determination show the interdependence of time and slope gradient coefficient; in our calculation its value is equal to 0.896. when riding with a full tank (Fig. 11c) and half-full tank When multiplied by 100, this value informs that the cho- (Fig. 11d). sen regression function explains the distance variability In conclusion, the statistically processed results of to around 90%, while the remaining part represents an operating tests show that the deployment speed of the unexplained variability, the influence of random factors fire-fighting adapter from its import to intervention is and other unspecified impacts. relatively short. Time depends to a large extent on the dis- Models were selected correctly. tance travelled and on the volume of loaded extinguish- The form of the regression equation for the full tank ing agent. The results of ANOVA for full tank (F(1,38) = would be (Appendix 2): 324.689; p = 0.0000) (Fig 11a) and half-full tank (F(1,38) y = 6.12 + 0.01x + 2.1x [1] angle dist = 176.651; p = 0.0000) (Fig 11b) have confirmed impor- The form of the regression equation when carrying a half- tant influences of distance traveled on the speed of inter- filled tank would be (Appendix 3): vention (time) during a forest fire. Of course, the delay increases with a full tank. LKT travels 100 m distance y = −20.1 + 1.67x + 1.19x [2] angle dist with a full tank (2,000 L) in 3 mins 37 secs, while LKT If the slope gradient is considered, then the driving loaded with 1,000 L of extinguishing agent travels the time that takes it to travel the 100 m distance with a full same distance in 2 mins and 16 secs. The results of the tank (2,000 L) can be calculated according to the relation regression analysis shown in figures 12c and 12d can - (1). The LKT travels this distance at a gradient of 20% not clearly confirm the hypothesis that the intervention in 3 mins 36 secs and needs the identical time of 3 mins speed (time) increases with the rising slope. The results 36 secs at a gradient of 30%. The driving time in which of ANOVA for full tank (F(1,28) = 12.585; p = 0.001) (Fig it travels 100 m with a half-filled tank (1,000 L) can be 11c) and half-full tank (F(1,28) = 20.254; p = 0.0001) calculated according to the relation (2). The LKT travels (Fig 11d) haven´t confirmed important influences of the this distance at a gradient of 20% in 2 mins 12 secs and effect of slope on the impact rate (time) during a forest needs a similar time of 2 mins 29 secs at a gradient of fire. These results rather indicate an opposite trend. The 30%. According to these results, it can be assumed that intervention time decreased with the increasing gradi- the slope gradient and the speed of adapter deployment ent. However, the effect of the distance travelled needs have practically no effect. The periods in question were to be considered as well. That is why multiple regressions assessed for driving uphill. The movement of the LKT (Appendix 2 and 3) were carried out, which served to base machine in the terrain is characterized by slow determine whether there is an interdependence between transmission at maximum performance. This seems to distance, slope gradient and intervention speed (time). cause that the slope gradient, in this case, is negligible as It is assumed that the higher the slope gradient and the far as intervention speed is concerned. It is particularly longer the distance, the longer will be the deployment important in terms of the slope-related accessibility of the time of the adapter during the actual fire-fighting inter- machine. That is, what slope the LKT with the DATEFF vention. The null hypotheses tested within this analysis can traverse when driving uphill. are related to the significance of the regression constant and coefficients: the null hypothesis asserts the insig - nificance of the corresponding coefficients while the 5. Advantages and limits of adapter use alternative hypothesis asserts its significance. These assumptions are evaluated using the P–value. The P– The adapter attached to LKT riding with a full tank has value for Intercept (regression constant) is 0.521 > 0.05. had a slope gradient limit of 30%. In the case of a half- This indicates that the regression constant is statistically loaded tank, it can be said that LKT has a slope gradi- insignic fi ant. The P-value for the b regression coefc fi ient ent limit of 40%. These are mostly the limits for uphill is 0.97 > 0.05, which confirms the insignificance of this driving. Limits for downhill driving will be higher. This results from the technical solution of DATEFF’s position coefficient. The P-value for the b regression coefficient −17 on the rear log arch. Operational tests of this solution is 1.34*10 < 0.05, which confirms the significance of this coefficient. Since the regression constant as well as resulted in decline in the adhesion (lifting of the front the slope gradient independent variable are statistically axle) during uphill driving at slopes with gradient exceed- insignificant, they should be eliminated from further ing 40%. Based on the above facts, the slope in question calculations. needs to be understood as the upper limit for driving an The first part of the Regression Statistics includes LKT with a full tank considering this design solution. the results relating to correlation analysis. The Multi- However, when driving downhill we assume passabil- ple R–value (correlation coefficient) is equal to 0.947. ity of even steeper slopes. This will be subject to further The closer this value is to 1, the stronger the correlation. research and testing under operational conditions. The 246 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 DATEFF-adapted LKT delivers good maneuverability in basic technical characteristic of the DATEFF adapter forest terrain. The LKT’s bending frame enables turning that affects its operative and tactical deployment can be with minimal space requirements. This fact has also been formulated as: verified under real operating conditions. This represents – fibreglass water tank with breakwaters preventing another signic fi ant advantage over CAS, which can carry the uncontrolled spilling of an extinguishing agent large amounts of water, but their manoeuvrability is lim- during transport, ited. In most cases, CAS can travel only along paved sur- – drain/inlet opening on the bottom of the tank with faces free of any terrain obstacles. On the contrary, exist- shut-off valve and “C” 52 mm semi connector, ing r fi eg fi hting equipment with good manoeuvrability in – removable tank cover for internal technical mainte- difficult forest terrains cannot transport a larger amount nance and replenishment with extinguishing agent of water (max. 200 L). While the conventional firefight- by aerial vehicles from the air (Bambi bag), ing equipment is mainly designed for the forest transpor- – protective frame that ensures superstructure han- tation network outside the actual undergrowth, LKT is dling (tank transfer, tank lifting) and transport of a suitable base machine especially because it meets the superstructure at the scene of a fire (semi/full sus - technical parameters for movement along the skid trails pension) during transport to a place of destination, within the undergrowth. – protective frame ensuring the import of firefighting In practice, our proposed solution design has no equipment in inaccessible terrain, after removing the such limitations. LKT has special technical parameters composite tank, for the movement and transport of loads in the forest. – supporting frame for the anchorage of the adapter to There are some limitations resulting from the adapter the inclinable rear log arch of LKT. design, which have been identified after operational At present, the representation of base machines of testing. However, all these limitations can be eliminated the LKT type predominates in the forests of the Slovak after some modifications. This mainly concerns greater Republic, but they do not have a similar superstructure. chamfering of the rear part of the protective frame. LKT Due to its construction, the superstructure is quickly equipped with DATEFF can travel on unpaved roads, adaptable to the LKT base machine. Field tests have sloping tracks as well as undergrowth itself. In the future shown that the LKT with a filled fire-fighting adapter research, it will be crucial to focus on the rotation and is capable of driving and maneuvering in mountainous movement of LKT along the hill. Operating tests, obser- terrain. We think that the prototype of the fire-fighting vations, and consultations with LKT operators have been adapter will be benefit for forestry practice in protecting a prerequisite for improving these parameters. This fol- the forest from forest fires. lows from the technical and performance specifications of base machine LKT. Counterweight installed on the front blade for example in the form of a 500 L tank could 6. Conclusions improve the stability of a base machine when riding up The design of the fire-fighting adapter DATEFF and the slope. It was assumed that the front axle had been speed of deployment make it ideal for liquidation of for- lifted at limited gradients and therefore its centre of grav- est fires in difficult terrain conditions Slovak forests. At ity was displaced. This issue is currently being worked present, when forest fires occur, it is often quite compli- on together with subsequent tests right under operating cated in forest conditions to provide sufficient technical conditions. support for the rapid prevention and elimination of forest Of course, the availability is also affected by soil cover, fires. This fact is largely eliminated by the proposed fire- though, in this case, the ground was assumed to be dry g fi hting adapter. Based on operational tests, cooperation since the forest fires mostly occur during the dry sea- with HaZZ SR (Ground Forest Fire Fighting Modules) son. Another factor includes the specific type of a base and forestry operation, the following conclusion was machine LKT. In this case, it was the older type LKT 81, reached. The fire-fighting adapter will provide sufficient which is currently widely used in forestry operations (the technical support in difficult terrain conditions for water state-owned or private ones). The use of a more powerful transport logistics in order to quickly prevent the spread LKT could in theory increase the slope availability. and liquidation of forest fires. Technical design of the DATEFF r fi e-g fi hting adapter The fire-fighting adapter is designed for forest with the autonomous control system enables the integra- wheeled skidders that achieve a slope accessibility of tion with similar base machines made by other manufac- 40%. They can work on the stand, overcome obstacles turers. Because of the different design of inclinable rear and their real number and availability in all subjects of log arches, the supporting fastening system will need to forests. Within these conclusions they were developed be resolved for the anchorage of the fire-fighting adapter operational and tactical characteristics of the fire-fight- on a base machine. The draft of design ideas for such a ing adapter DATEFF and possibilities for deployment universal fastening system is currently being worked on. and use in forest fires. Following the conclusions of operating tests and subsequent analysis of its deployment in forest fires, the 247 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Due to its design, the fire-fighting adapter is a suit - Harris, S., Mills, G., Brown, T., 2017: Variability and able technical means of combating fires in a forest envi- drivers of extreme fire weather in fireprone areas of ronment. The new design of the rear folding shield of South-Eastern Australia. International Journal of the new LKT types has to some extent limited its use Wildland Fire, 26:177–190. for these types. For this reason, it is necessary to solve Hnilicová, M., Dado, M., Hnilica, R., Messingerová, V., a more universal system for connecting the adapter to 2018a: Innovative use of the rotary cultivators then the base machine. We want to deal with this technical adapter forest wheeled skidders. Current issues in solution in the near future in cooperation with the manu- forests protection from fires – peer-reviewd interna- facturer of base machines. A suitable accessory will be tional proceedings, p. 53–57. to fit the LKT front blade with an additional water tank Hnilicová, M., Chromek, I., Hnilica, R., Messingerová, to ensure increased stability. These facts resulted from V., 2016: Design of bodies systems for fire-fighting operational tests. In the future, we also want to focus on of forest fires adapted to off-roaders. Acta facultatis a partial modification of the adapter design in order to technicae, 21:17–28. remove partial dimensional restrictions. Hnilicová, M., Hnilica, R., Dado, M., Messingerová, V., 2018b: Innovative use of forest wheeled skidder for liquidation undesirable advance growth and preven- tion against fire. Current issues in forests protection Acknowledgments from fires – peer-reviewd international proceedings, This work was supported by “Agentúra na podporu výskumu a p. 40–44. vývoja MŠVVaŠ SR” under the contract number APVV-14-0468. Hnilica, R., Ťavodová, M., Hnilicová, M., Matej, J., Messingerová, V., 2020: The Innovative Design of the Fire-Fighting Adapter for Forest Machinery. references Forests, 11:843. Abatzoglou, J. T., Williams, A. P., Barbero, R., 2019: Johnson, E. A., Miyanishi, K., 1995: The need for con- Global emergence of anthropogenic climate change sideration of fire behavior and effects in prescribed in r fi e weather indices. Geophysical Research Letters, burning. Restoration Ecology, 3:271–278. 46:326–336. Krawchuk, M. A., Moritz, M-A., Parisien, M. A., Van Ager, A. A., Valliant, N. 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M., Arianoutsou, M., González-Cabán, A., National Fire Danger Rating System–1978. INT- Mouillot, F., Oechel, W. C., Spano, D.et al., 2014: 39; USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Forest fires under climate, social and economic Range Experimental Station: Odgen, UT, 63 p. changes in Europe, the Mediterranean and other r fi e- Dupuy, J., Fargeon, H., Martin-StPaul, N., Pimont, F., affected areas of the world. FUME Lessons learned Ruffault, J., Guijarro, M. et al., 2020: Climate change and outlook, Calyptra Pty Ltd., Adelaide, Australia: impact on future wildr fi e danger and activity in south - 56 p. ern Europe: a review. Annals of Forest Science, 77:35. Reinhardt, E. D., Keane, R. E., Brown, J. K., 2001: Mod- Gill, A. M., Stephens, S. L., Cary, G. J., 2013: The world- elling fire effects. International Journal of Wildland wide “wildfire” problem. Ecological Applications, Fire, 10:373–380. 23:438–454. 248 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Durrant, T., Boca, R., Maianti, Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., Gershunov, A., Guz- P., Libertà, G., Artes-Vivancos, T. et al., 2020: Forest man - Morales, J., Bishop, D. A., Balch, J. K. et al., Fires in Europe, Middle East and North Africa 2019. 2019: Observed impacts of anthropogenic climate Publications Office of the European Union, 164 p. change on wildfire in California. Earth’s Future, San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Durrant, T., Boca, R., Libertà, G., 7:892–910. Branco, A., de Rigo, D. et al., 2018: Forest Fires in Other sources Europe, Middle East and North Africa 2017. Publica- FAO Fire management: Review of international coop- tions Office of the European Union, 142 p. eration. Fire Management Working Paper FM18E. Scott, A. C., Bowman, D. M. J. S., Bond, W. J., Pyne, S. J., Alexander, M. E., 2014: Fire on Earth: An Introduc- Fire and Rescue SR. Štatistická ročenka 2019 / Statisti- tion. Wiley-Blackwell, UK, 434 p. cal Yearbook 2019. Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Stephens, S. L., Burrows, N., Buyantuyev, A., Gray, R. Republic, Presidium of Fire and Rescue Service, Bra- W., Keane, R. E., Kubian, R. et al., 2014: Temper- tislava, 2020 ate and boreal forest mega-fires: Characteristics and Fire and Rescue SR. Štatistická ročenka 2013 / Statisti- challenges. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environ- cal Yearbook 2013. Ministry of Interior of the Slovak ment, 12:115–122. Republic, Presidium of Fire and Rescue Service, Bra- Tedim, F., Leone, V., Amraoui, M., Bouillon, C., Cough- tislava, 2014, 52 p. lan, M. R., Delogu, G. M., Fernandes, P. M. et al., Green report. Report on the forest sector of Slovak 2018: Den fi ing Extreme Wildr fi e Events: Difc fi ulties, Republic 2019. Bratislava 2019, 65 p. Challenges, and Impacts. Fire, 1:1–28. Green report. Report on the forest sector of Slovak Weise, D. R., Wright, C. S., 2014: Wildland fire emis - Republic 2018. Bratislava 2020, 68 p. sions, carbon and climate: Characterizing wildland fuels. Forest Ecology and Management, 317:26–40. 249 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Appendix Apendix 1. Time results of operating tests including the slope gradient*. Slope gradient Time Distance Volume of transported [º] [%] [min] [s] [m] water [L] 5.4 9.45 0:48 48 20 2,000 7 12.28 2:04 124 60 2,000 7 12.28 1:55 115 61 2,000 7.8 13.7 1:05 65 33 2,000 12.8 22.79 0:47 47 30 2,000 13.3 23.64 0:47 47 29.5 2,000 15 26.79 0:38 38 16.3 2,000 15.25 27.26 0:48 46 27 2,000 17.1 30.76 0:00 0 — 2,000 5.7 9,98 3:49 229 200 1,000 12.3 21.8 1:06 66 21 1,000 16.2 29.05 0:40 40 20 1,000 16.2 29.05 0:50 55 20 1,000 18.5 33.46 0:15 15 8 1,000 18.6 33.65 1:12 72 51 1,000 18.6 33.65 1:26 86 51 1,000 18.6 33.65 3:14 194 51 1,000 20.1 36.59 1:26 86 43 1,000 20.1 36.59 1:14 74 43 1,000 23.1 42.65 0:00 0 — 1,000 * To assess the abilities of operation and tactical deployment of the fire-fighting adapter, operating tests have been performed in the department of the University Forest Enterprise in Zvolen. In par - ticular, the Bieň forest area (part Jačmeniská 48°37’13.6336702”N 19°3’39.9746132”E) falling within the Budča forest administration unit. The measurements were performed before the ride with a full tank (2,000 L) and half-full tank (1,000 L). Time observation was carried out by 3 workers. Driving time was captured by a stopwatch with a precision of seconds. The beginning and the end of a ride were observed by eye. The slope gradient and length were measured using the TruePulse 360B laser measuring device. Apendix 2. Multiple regression and correlation analysis of interdependence the time on the angle of slope and the distance trav- elled (the full tank). Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.94673866 R Square 0.8963141 Adjusted R Square 0.89070945 Standard Error 11.7220379 Observations 40 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 2 43948.94663 21974.47 159.9235 6.17753E-19 Residual 37 5084.028367 137.4062 Total 39 49032.975 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Intercept 6.11883089 9.454125147 0.647213 0.52149 −13.03704622 25.274708 angle of slope 0.01060087 0.317421066 0.033397 0.973538 −0.632555305 0.65375704 distance 2.09999426 0.13708707 15.31869 1.34E-17 1.822229469 2.37775904 Apendix 3. Multiple regression and correlation analysis of interdependence the time on the angle of slope and the distance trav- elled (the half-full tank). Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.93856662 R Square 0.88090729 Adjusted R Square 0.87208561 Standard Error 25.7139909 Observations 30 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 2 132052.8482 66026.42 99.85707 3.34541E-13 Residual 27 17852.6518 661.2093 Total 29 149905.5 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Intercept −20.077363 28.75000764 −0.69834 0.490934 −79.0675062 38.9127799 angle of slope 1.67109827 0.833608305 2.004656 0.055123 −0.039324684 3.38152123 distance 1.18518478 0.11590925 10.22511 8.79E-11 0.947358645 1.42301092 http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Forestry Journal de Gruyter

Technological employment of fire-fighting adapter to increase the efficiency of extinguishing forest fires

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Abstract

The paper presents the results of the solution defining the possible application of the adapter as a fire-fighting mobile device with a base machine of a forest wheeled skidder (LKT) in the fire protection of forests in the Slovak Republic. Following the challenging accessibility to fire-fighting machinery during any intervention in forestry operation, the main aim was formulated. It will be about basic technical parameters of the DATEFF fire-fighting adapter, resulting from operational measures and following specification of its tactical deployment in extinguishing forest fires. This fact also follows from based on statistically processed data on fire in state forests of the Slovak Republic in the last ten years. The greatest damage occurs mainly the forests at a slope gradient of 16%. Designed fire adapter is structurally designed mainly to these terrains. Regarding its design and technical parameters, the proposed DATEFF adapter can be employed tactically as fire-fighting mobile device. In the case of an unavailable water source without access to the forest transport network, the adapter can be used as a part of long-distance water transport or as a mobile device for emergency import of material. Another option is to use it as a water tank in inaccessible terrain with the possibil- ity of refilling using a Bambi bag and a helicopter. This fire-fighting adapter DATEFF is designed for forest wheel tractors that reach 40% slope availability, are able to work on the stand area, overcome obstacles and are available in sufficient quantities in all Slovak forest owners. Key words: forest fires; distance; forest wheeled skidder; statistic; tactic; slope gradient Editor: Jaroslav Holuša as forest fires, bushfires, and unplanned fires, occur in 1. Introduction landscapes across the globe (Krawchuk et al. 2009; Bow- Regarding forest protection, forest fires are the most man et al. 2011). They represent a complex phenomenon drastic form of forest destruction. They have an enormous consisting of many processes (for example the character impact on all forest ecosystems, in particular the plants of combustible material, combustion process, release, and animals living in the area. From a technical point of and transfer of energy) that occur in a large extent in view, a forest r fi e is a sudden, partly, or very uncontrolled space and time scales. These processes are crucial for incident. At the same time, it is an event limited in time alerting relevant persons and supporting their decision and place with a negative impact on all social functions of making, the wide scale of applications for management a forest (productive or non-productive). This complex of (control) of fires as well as creating measures to prevent physical and chemical effects is based on non-stationary large fires (Gill et al. 2013; Stephens et al. 2014). Such processes (changing in place and time) like a burning, gas applications may be aimed at identifying r fi e hazards and exchange and heat transfer (Hnilica et al. 2020). issuing fire warnings (Brown & Davis 1973; Harris et al. The uncontrolled spread of forest vegetation, grass- 2017; Deeming et al. 1977), an assessment of the risk of land and agricultural crop fires is a global phenomenon fire occurrence in the natural environment (Ager et al. (Scott et al. 2014; Weise & Wright 2014), which may be 2010; Majlingová 2015), modelling the behaviour of fire linked to the foreseen climate and meteorological con- in various types of vegetation (for example grasslands, ditions. Oftentimes they result in large-scale incidents, forests, bushes), planning of fire-fighting tactics and which have substantial negative economic, social, and environmental consequences (Attiwill et al. 2013; Bow- predicting the impact of fire from different perspectives man et al. 2017; Tedim et al. 2018). Wildr fi es, also known (Johnson & Miyanishi 1995; Reinhardt et al. 2001). *Corresponding author. Richard Hnilica, e-mail: hnilica@tuzvo.sk, phone: +421-45-5206596 © 2022 Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Ongoing climate change and its consequences are – increase of forest areas affected by the bark beetle’s often discussed in professional circles as the main cause outbreak, which exceeds the impact of wind disaster of future increased frequency of natural disasters, includ- in the year 2004, ing fires in the natural environment. Climate change – underestimation of factors observed in the period up affects forest fires directly through weather conditions, to the year 2007, which influence the onset and spreading of forest fire, – lack of financial resources for close monitoring (aer- and indirectly through its impact on vegetation and com- ial, ground), aimed at early detection of forest fires at bustible material. It is assumed that the risk of forest fire an early stage of their occurrence, occurrence in Europe will increase with the most extreme – failure in construction of sufficiently complex forest forest r fi es occurring more frequently, which destroy vast transport network in hazardous locations for various areas and have long-term consequences. Results of stud- reasons, ies on forest fires, which occurred in the European conti- – permanent lack of ground r fi e-g fi hting machinery for nent in the last 30 years, show an increase in the duration detection and destruction of forest fires in difficult of a fire season and it is assumed that a fire regime will mountainous terrain of Slovakia. change almost everywhere across Europe. While the total Based on the provided results, it can be concluded area in the South European countries destroyed by forest that mainly the last three factors have a major impact on fire is increasing each and every year, northern areas like the scale of forest fires, which depends on the late detec- Scandinavia are afflicted by unprecedented forest fires tion of a forest fire and the problem of terrain accessibil- (Moreno et al. 2014; Abatzoglou et al. 2019; Krikken et ity for any intervention of fire brigades (Hnilicová et al. al. 2019; Kirchmeier-Young et al. 2019; Williams et al. 2016). 2019; Dupuy et al. 2020). Following the previous results, mostly the chal- Due to global warming and increasing aridity, the risk lenging accessibility to fire-fighting machinery during of increased frequency and extent of wildr fi es is very high. any intervention in forestry operation, the main aim Many regions of the world have experienced an increas- was formulated. The main aim of this study is to define ing trend of excessive wildfires and an increasing occur- basic technical parameters of the DATEFF fire-fighting rence of extremely severe fires (FAO Fire management adapter, resulting from operational measures and follow- 2006). The total area of forest fires in the EU over the ing specic fi ation of its tactical deployment in extinguish - last 20 years has been around 8.7 million hectares, with ing forest fires. an annual average of around 415,000 hectares. The most extensive forest fires were recorded in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2012 and 2017. The forest fires in these 2. Forest fires in Slovakia years were above the annual average (San-Miguel-Ayanz Forest fires in Slovakia often occur in the areas inacces- et al. 2020). In 2017, wildfires burnt be around 1 mil - sible to r fi e-g fi hting machinery with insufc fi ient or rather lion hectares of natural lands in the EU. The European inadequate water supply for fire-fighting purposes. The Forest Fire Information System estimated the number facts provided above are based on statistically processed of fire-related losses to be around 10 billion Euros [San- data on fire in state forests of the Slovak Republic in the Miguel-Ayanz et al. 2018). Despite the prevention meas- last ten years. The data was distributed according to the ures, in the Slovak forests there appeared 3081 forest r fi es terrain gradient. The gradient of up to 16% allows for in the period of 2007–2018 with direct material loss of a faster intervention even with the existing technology. 9.063.805 Euros, 24 injuries, and 4 fatalities (Fire and These conditions enable a fast transportation of the Rescue SR 2020). Despite the annual preventive meas- extinguishing agent (water) to the place of intervention. ures taken in the field of forest fire protection, in 2019 Requirements for the accessibility of fire-fighting equip- there was a 30% increase in the number of forest fires ment increase with the terrain gradient rising over 16%, compared to the previous year, and the year 2020, not which stems from its technical design. This, in turn, leads statistically closed yet, brought a further increase in for- to a slower distribution of water to the places requiring est fires. At the same time, the damaged area increased intervention (Fig. 1, 2 and Table 1). by 170.7 hectares this year, compared to 2019. In 2020, According to these results, there can be concluded there was also an increase in the destroyed forest area to that the greatest damage is caused by r fi es in the forests of 65 hectares, compared to 11.8 hectares in 2019, which represents an increase of more than 452% (Green report the Slovak Republic at a slope gradient of 16 % (Table 1). 2019; Green report 2020). According to the statistics (Fire and Rescue SR 2014), there was no significant reduction in the risk of forest fires mostly due to these factors: 239 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Fig. 1. Map of fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010–2020: red marks – forest fires in the terrain with a slope be- low 16%; blue marks – forest fires in the terrain with a slope over 16%. (© LESY Slovenskej republiky, state enterprise, Banská Bystrica, 2021). Fig. 2. Statistical data of forest fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010–2020, according to slope gradient: a) number of forest fires; b) duration of forest fires; c) fire-affected forest area; d) finan cial loss to forests. Table 1. Fires in state forests of the Slovak Republic in 2010– est fire will not be under control below the fire-fighting operations ensure that spread of forest fire in the area Forest fire (2010–2020) is brought to a halt. Fire extinguishing with water can Slope gradient duration fire-affected area financial loss number be carried out using fire-fighting appliances (CAS), fire- [h] [ha] [Eur] Below 16% 133 444 95.4 211 063.45 fighting buckets or with the use of long-distance water Over 16% 195 2723 452.5 927 373.93 supply hose pipes. But it is important to remember that the success of r fi eg fi hting does not depend on the amount Forest fire fighting should begin immediately after of water supplied to the seat of forest fire but on whether completing the fire line. In many cases, the fire-fighting it is used efficiently (Majlingová et al. 2018). can start already during the construction of a fire line, Forest fire needs to be put out as quickly as possible in the phase of establishing an initial fire attack. A for - using available resources while in its early stage. If a for- 240 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 est fire is not quickly extinguished, it can spread danger- LKT, optimum distribution width, operation by the trac- ously fast, when the forest fire front turns into a several tor driver from the cab, provision of drive slip in case of kilometers long front with dangerous and uneven n fi gers x fi ed obstacles, adequate noise levels, the minimal trans - of fire. The width, height, and rate of a forest fire, just mission of vibration to the operator (driver), utilization of like its extent, create huge natural force, which destroys domestic construction and spare parts, components and everything that stands in its way and can pose a threat to materials, ecological suitability, sufficient level of occu- human settlements and lives. pational safety and health protection as well as sufficient The following actions must therefore be taken in performance (Hnilicová et al. 2018a, b). extinguishing forest fires: The main task of LKT is to move wood from the for- – find and localize the forest fire, est to the place of further manipulation. Its basic work- – extinguish seats of forest fire within localized fire ing algorithm changes in the case of a transport of an area, extinguishing agent. Space remains, but the direction of – protect the seat of forest fire from possible spreading movement changes. For this reason, the DATEFF fire- to the surroundings. fighting adapter was designed according to the concept of utilization of the base machine (LKT) as a carrier of a fixed superstructure for water transport (Fig. 3). When fighting a forest fire, all research results must 3. Fire-fighting adapter DATEFF be reconciled with the tactical and technical abilities. The need to transport water to the nearest intervening These results require the knowledge of: fire brigade has become a basic prerequisite for the idea – principles of the forces and resources deployment behind designing a suitable fire-fighting device. The tactics, most appropriate and alternative solution based on this – availability of the base machine (LKT), assumption is the use of forestry machinery. The start- – design and technical limitations of the base machine ing point for this design was a definition of superstruc - (LKT), ture carrier providing maximum slope accessibility and – tactical and technical abilities (TTA) of fire-fighting mobility in a forest terrain. The utilization of available equipment. machinery used in the forestry industry, without further Fire-fighting tactics evaluates and processes the need to modify its construction or develop new machin- methods and the procedures of fire brigade intervention ery, was another important criterion. When accepting the services in forest r fi e extinguishing, the rescue of persons basic requirements in relation to a workability in terrain, and property. Even though r fi e-g fi hting tactics evaluates forest wheeled skidders (LKT) came into consideration the results of growth and extinguishing of forest fire, it as base machines. These base machines are primarily does not provide a complete solution or operating proce- designed and intended to work in a difficult forest ter - dures of fire interventions. Fire-fighting tactics include rain. (Hnilica et al. 2020) Considering their construction the model situations and outcomes for commanding and use, LKT base machines with hydrostatic energy incident and operation of fire brigades in specific cases transmission are suitable for driving adapters for the of forest fire by an incident commander. mechanization of work in the cultivation and protection Basic TTAs of the DATEFF fire-fighting adapter are of the forest. However, basic forestry-technical require- indicated in [26], which shows the construction with ments for designing adapters should be considered, too. principal dimensions. In particular, cost-effectiveness, extensive applications The technical parameters of the fire-fighting adapter under different conditions, easy and fast installation on DATEFF are: a) b) Fig. 3. Fire-fighting adapter for: a) LKT 81; b) LKT 150. 241 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 – water volume max. 2,000 L, commander and according to the instruction given by – empty adapter weight 650 kg, the commander of the intervening fire brigade. The LKT – weight of adapter with full tank and additional equip- operators must be eligible for driving this type of vehicles. In the case of countries where the participation of skid- ment 2,688 kg, ders and operators in forest fires is not legally allowed, – possibility of filling by means of the C 52 filling we would recommend for each forest district to ensure neck on the side of the adapter (own pump, floating that at least two operators of such machines are trained pump) or from above, after uncovering the closing to be available in the event of a forest fire. lid (Bambi bag). Regarding its design and technical parameters, the proposed DATEFF adapter can be employed operatively and tactically as: 4. Use of fire-fighting adapter – Fire-fighting mobile device The deployment of the adapter makes use of all tactical – Stationary device abilities of a base machine LKT, which arise from its – Alternative device design for operation on paved and unpaved roads (the part of forest transport network) and driving in an inac- cessible terrain (off the roads) that cannot be reached 4.1. Fire-fighting mobile device with a base by other types of forest fire extinguishing machinery. machine LKT In addition to its travel and mobile abilities, the unique equipment of base machine LKT can be used for an inter- Deployment of the machine as a mobile emergency water tank vention activity for the purpose of landscape modifica - tion, especially its front blade. This type of deployment can be performed in extinguish- As forest fires represent a relatively dangerous situ - ing fire seat but also as a support of firebreak construc - ation, only firefighters with a relevant fire certification tion, using the front blade, in preventing the ground for- and persons authorized by the incident commander have est fire from spreading in the form of: permission to enter the forest r fi e site in Slovakia. Opera - – with a nozzle operated by machine operators (Fig. 4), tors of LKT with the adapter can operate directly at the – with a sprinkler platform (fire-extinguishing bar) site of the forest r fi e only with the approval of the incident on the front blade (water tank interconnected with Fig. 4. DATEFF as a mobile water tank. Fig. 5. DATEFF as water tank. 242 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 the blade in the front part of LKT through the motor posite tank is removed from the protective frame (Fig. pump). 6). The frame construction itself ensures the transport Transport of extinguishing agent (water) to the place of of fire-fighting equipment to the place of intervention. intervention In this case, the r fi e-g fi hting adapter becomes a water tank (Fig. 5) for the replenishment of hand-operated fire 4.2. Stationary device – an autonomous drive pumps (extinguishing fire seats). Then, in accordance of the adapter enables to use it separately with the requirements, as a source of water to supply an without a base machine offensive line after unrolling the hose. It is the part of a long-distance transport of water in the case of a difficult Part of the long-distance transport of water using the pond water source without a forest access road network. system Movability and travel abilities of a base vehicle allow Emergency transport of material in a difficult terrain for transport of the adapter (Fig. 7) into the area of a It may be a mobile device for emergency transportation of water source, which is not available to regular vehicles. materials in an inaccessible terrain. In this case, the com- Fig. 6. Frame construction DATEFF for transportation of materials. The integration of the pond system eventually reduces the distance of water transport. The utilization of the adapter pump (HERON EMPH 20) when replenishing the adapter with another floating pump (discharge head 80 metres with the flow rate 500 L/min) enables deploy- ment to the system of ponds. Water tank in a difficult terrain The tank itself can be replenished with a Bambi bag by helicopter (Fig. 8). The adapter can also serve as a sub- stitute for close ponds (bucket, type II). Fig. 7. DATEFF as part of a pond system: DATEFF adapter; J1 – Jx bags of a pound system. Fig. 8. Filling the DATEFF tank with a helicopter. 243 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 works on LKT equipped with the adapter have a funda- 4.3. Alternative using of device mental role considering the on-site deployment speed of Besides being used for fighting forest fires, the fire- the adapter itself. Total time to fill a water tank has been fighting adapter can also be used for transport of water another important factor. The two methods of l fi ling have to forest nurseries (irrigation), freshly planted areas in been observed. One of them via the use of the HERON the event of prolonged drought, l fi ling of watering-places EMPH 20 motor pump, which belongs to the adapter, for forest animals and filling puddles in the dry season and the other through the Bambi bag containing 1,000 L and cleaning of culverts. (Fig. 10). Transport of the adapter to the place of the operating test was provided by a logging truck Scania CV AB. The adapter was put down from the loading surface 4.4. DATEFF fixing by the hydraulic arm LOGLIFT F 108ST 96. Based on the results of time observations (5 process measurement), it In case that LKT moves at the forest fire site, it is appro- may be concluded that the overall time of the LKT base priate to have sufficient certification for the vehicle, so it machine deployment with the DATEFF adapter is rela- could be operated safely (motor hull insurance or other tively short. The overall time of installation is 35 mins. insurance policies). Machinery owned by state forest Consequently, it took 11 mins on average to l fi l the device authorities typically has this kind of insurance policy. with an extinguishing agent when using its own motor The main and essential problem that firefighters pump and 6 mins when using a helicopter with a Bambi encounter during interventions in a forest environment bag containing 1,000 L. In our case, the resulting time is to make the site available to fire-fighting machinery, value using a helicopter includes the time of the flight to which follows from a diverse terrain and natural condi- the place of filling of Bambi bag with the mobile fire tank tions. This fact places high demands on the experience truck CAS 32 T815 equipped with a pump of an output and skills of firefighters and operators of fire-fighting of 3,200 L/min. Further data required for assessment machinery participating in forest re fi extinction whether of operational and tactical deployment of the adapter in the phase of fire line construction or extinction itself. is a minimum time of tank release, hence its use during When designing the adapter, its deployment speed posed interventions. The tank can be released in 13 mins. This one of the essential problems. It implies that installation Fig. 9. Mounting of the supporting frame to LKT’s rear log arch. duration may increase depending on the operational and tactical deployment, for example, water fog fire extin - guishing etc. The actual installation of DATEFF on skidder does not require any special intervention to the vehicle con- struction. It involves the mechanical mounting of the sup- porting frame to LKT’s rear log arch using screws (Fig. 9). The jointing location intended for the attachment of towing device is located on the rear log arch. After clamp- ing of the supporting frame, LKT drives back to the tank and lifts the tank through the two hooks with a following mechanical locking (by extending pin) with the help of the LKT operator (Fig. 10). Fig. 10. DATEFF attachment system to the support frame. 244 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 down. Selected time results of operating tests including 4.5. Case study of DATEFF deployment under the slope gradient, travelled distance and volume of the operating conditions transported extinguishing agent (water) are listed in the Assessment of a slope accessibility under operating con- Appendix 1. ditions was one of the fundamental concerns regarding The resulting values have been processed statistically any adapter deployment. Different slope gradients have using the regression and correlation analysis. The time been observed using the LKT base machine loaded with needed for a transfer of a base machine with a tank to a full tank (2,000 L) and half-full tank (1,000 L). LKT the place of intervention and its slope gradient has been went uphill and after turning he returned the same way assessed through this analysis when driving uphill and Fig. 11. Regression analysis of interdependence: a) the time and distance travelled (the full tank); b) the time and distance trav- elled (the half-full tank); c) the time and slope gradient (the full tank); d) the time and slope gradient (the half-full tank). 245 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 downhill. Each graph shows the interdependence of time Our example deals with a high level of closeness of the and distance travelled by the adapter with a full tank (Fig. relationship between the distance and intervention speed 12a) and half-full tank (Fig. 12b). These graphs further (time). The R Square value is a value of the determination show the interdependence of time and slope gradient coefficient; in our calculation its value is equal to 0.896. when riding with a full tank (Fig. 11c) and half-full tank When multiplied by 100, this value informs that the cho- (Fig. 11d). sen regression function explains the distance variability In conclusion, the statistically processed results of to around 90%, while the remaining part represents an operating tests show that the deployment speed of the unexplained variability, the influence of random factors fire-fighting adapter from its import to intervention is and other unspecified impacts. relatively short. Time depends to a large extent on the dis- Models were selected correctly. tance travelled and on the volume of loaded extinguish- The form of the regression equation for the full tank ing agent. The results of ANOVA for full tank (F(1,38) = would be (Appendix 2): 324.689; p = 0.0000) (Fig 11a) and half-full tank (F(1,38) y = 6.12 + 0.01x + 2.1x [1] angle dist = 176.651; p = 0.0000) (Fig 11b) have confirmed impor- The form of the regression equation when carrying a half- tant influences of distance traveled on the speed of inter- filled tank would be (Appendix 3): vention (time) during a forest fire. Of course, the delay increases with a full tank. LKT travels 100 m distance y = −20.1 + 1.67x + 1.19x [2] angle dist with a full tank (2,000 L) in 3 mins 37 secs, while LKT If the slope gradient is considered, then the driving loaded with 1,000 L of extinguishing agent travels the time that takes it to travel the 100 m distance with a full same distance in 2 mins and 16 secs. The results of the tank (2,000 L) can be calculated according to the relation regression analysis shown in figures 12c and 12d can - (1). The LKT travels this distance at a gradient of 20% not clearly confirm the hypothesis that the intervention in 3 mins 36 secs and needs the identical time of 3 mins speed (time) increases with the rising slope. The results 36 secs at a gradient of 30%. The driving time in which of ANOVA for full tank (F(1,28) = 12.585; p = 0.001) (Fig it travels 100 m with a half-filled tank (1,000 L) can be 11c) and half-full tank (F(1,28) = 20.254; p = 0.0001) calculated according to the relation (2). The LKT travels (Fig 11d) haven´t confirmed important influences of the this distance at a gradient of 20% in 2 mins 12 secs and effect of slope on the impact rate (time) during a forest needs a similar time of 2 mins 29 secs at a gradient of fire. These results rather indicate an opposite trend. The 30%. According to these results, it can be assumed that intervention time decreased with the increasing gradi- the slope gradient and the speed of adapter deployment ent. However, the effect of the distance travelled needs have practically no effect. The periods in question were to be considered as well. That is why multiple regressions assessed for driving uphill. The movement of the LKT (Appendix 2 and 3) were carried out, which served to base machine in the terrain is characterized by slow determine whether there is an interdependence between transmission at maximum performance. This seems to distance, slope gradient and intervention speed (time). cause that the slope gradient, in this case, is negligible as It is assumed that the higher the slope gradient and the far as intervention speed is concerned. It is particularly longer the distance, the longer will be the deployment important in terms of the slope-related accessibility of the time of the adapter during the actual fire-fighting inter- machine. That is, what slope the LKT with the DATEFF vention. The null hypotheses tested within this analysis can traverse when driving uphill. are related to the significance of the regression constant and coefficients: the null hypothesis asserts the insig - nificance of the corresponding coefficients while the 5. Advantages and limits of adapter use alternative hypothesis asserts its significance. These assumptions are evaluated using the P–value. The P– The adapter attached to LKT riding with a full tank has value for Intercept (regression constant) is 0.521 > 0.05. had a slope gradient limit of 30%. In the case of a half- This indicates that the regression constant is statistically loaded tank, it can be said that LKT has a slope gradi- insignic fi ant. The P-value for the b regression coefc fi ient ent limit of 40%. These are mostly the limits for uphill is 0.97 > 0.05, which confirms the insignificance of this driving. Limits for downhill driving will be higher. This results from the technical solution of DATEFF’s position coefficient. The P-value for the b regression coefficient −17 on the rear log arch. Operational tests of this solution is 1.34*10 < 0.05, which confirms the significance of this coefficient. Since the regression constant as well as resulted in decline in the adhesion (lifting of the front the slope gradient independent variable are statistically axle) during uphill driving at slopes with gradient exceed- insignificant, they should be eliminated from further ing 40%. Based on the above facts, the slope in question calculations. needs to be understood as the upper limit for driving an The first part of the Regression Statistics includes LKT with a full tank considering this design solution. the results relating to correlation analysis. The Multi- However, when driving downhill we assume passabil- ple R–value (correlation coefficient) is equal to 0.947. ity of even steeper slopes. This will be subject to further The closer this value is to 1, the stronger the correlation. research and testing under operational conditions. The 246 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 DATEFF-adapted LKT delivers good maneuverability in basic technical characteristic of the DATEFF adapter forest terrain. The LKT’s bending frame enables turning that affects its operative and tactical deployment can be with minimal space requirements. This fact has also been formulated as: verified under real operating conditions. This represents – fibreglass water tank with breakwaters preventing another signic fi ant advantage over CAS, which can carry the uncontrolled spilling of an extinguishing agent large amounts of water, but their manoeuvrability is lim- during transport, ited. In most cases, CAS can travel only along paved sur- – drain/inlet opening on the bottom of the tank with faces free of any terrain obstacles. On the contrary, exist- shut-off valve and “C” 52 mm semi connector, ing r fi eg fi hting equipment with good manoeuvrability in – removable tank cover for internal technical mainte- difficult forest terrains cannot transport a larger amount nance and replenishment with extinguishing agent of water (max. 200 L). While the conventional firefight- by aerial vehicles from the air (Bambi bag), ing equipment is mainly designed for the forest transpor- – protective frame that ensures superstructure han- tation network outside the actual undergrowth, LKT is dling (tank transfer, tank lifting) and transport of a suitable base machine especially because it meets the superstructure at the scene of a fire (semi/full sus - technical parameters for movement along the skid trails pension) during transport to a place of destination, within the undergrowth. – protective frame ensuring the import of firefighting In practice, our proposed solution design has no equipment in inaccessible terrain, after removing the such limitations. LKT has special technical parameters composite tank, for the movement and transport of loads in the forest. – supporting frame for the anchorage of the adapter to There are some limitations resulting from the adapter the inclinable rear log arch of LKT. design, which have been identified after operational At present, the representation of base machines of testing. However, all these limitations can be eliminated the LKT type predominates in the forests of the Slovak after some modifications. This mainly concerns greater Republic, but they do not have a similar superstructure. chamfering of the rear part of the protective frame. LKT Due to its construction, the superstructure is quickly equipped with DATEFF can travel on unpaved roads, adaptable to the LKT base machine. Field tests have sloping tracks as well as undergrowth itself. In the future shown that the LKT with a filled fire-fighting adapter research, it will be crucial to focus on the rotation and is capable of driving and maneuvering in mountainous movement of LKT along the hill. Operating tests, obser- terrain. We think that the prototype of the fire-fighting vations, and consultations with LKT operators have been adapter will be benefit for forestry practice in protecting a prerequisite for improving these parameters. This fol- the forest from forest fires. lows from the technical and performance specifications of base machine LKT. Counterweight installed on the front blade for example in the form of a 500 L tank could 6. Conclusions improve the stability of a base machine when riding up The design of the fire-fighting adapter DATEFF and the slope. It was assumed that the front axle had been speed of deployment make it ideal for liquidation of for- lifted at limited gradients and therefore its centre of grav- est fires in difficult terrain conditions Slovak forests. At ity was displaced. This issue is currently being worked present, when forest fires occur, it is often quite compli- on together with subsequent tests right under operating cated in forest conditions to provide sufficient technical conditions. support for the rapid prevention and elimination of forest Of course, the availability is also affected by soil cover, fires. This fact is largely eliminated by the proposed fire- though, in this case, the ground was assumed to be dry g fi hting adapter. Based on operational tests, cooperation since the forest fires mostly occur during the dry sea- with HaZZ SR (Ground Forest Fire Fighting Modules) son. Another factor includes the specific type of a base and forestry operation, the following conclusion was machine LKT. In this case, it was the older type LKT 81, reached. The fire-fighting adapter will provide sufficient which is currently widely used in forestry operations (the technical support in difficult terrain conditions for water state-owned or private ones). The use of a more powerful transport logistics in order to quickly prevent the spread LKT could in theory increase the slope availability. and liquidation of forest fires. Technical design of the DATEFF r fi e-g fi hting adapter The fire-fighting adapter is designed for forest with the autonomous control system enables the integra- wheeled skidders that achieve a slope accessibility of tion with similar base machines made by other manufac- 40%. They can work on the stand, overcome obstacles turers. Because of the different design of inclinable rear and their real number and availability in all subjects of log arches, the supporting fastening system will need to forests. Within these conclusions they were developed be resolved for the anchorage of the fire-fighting adapter operational and tactical characteristics of the fire-fight- on a base machine. The draft of design ideas for such a ing adapter DATEFF and possibilities for deployment universal fastening system is currently being worked on. and use in forest fires. Following the conclusions of operating tests and subsequent analysis of its deployment in forest fires, the 247 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Due to its design, the fire-fighting adapter is a suit - Harris, S., Mills, G., Brown, T., 2017: Variability and able technical means of combating fires in a forest envi- drivers of extreme fire weather in fireprone areas of ronment. The new design of the rear folding shield of South-Eastern Australia. International Journal of the new LKT types has to some extent limited its use Wildland Fire, 26:177–190. for these types. For this reason, it is necessary to solve Hnilicová, M., Dado, M., Hnilica, R., Messingerová, V., a more universal system for connecting the adapter to 2018a: Innovative use of the rotary cultivators then the base machine. We want to deal with this technical adapter forest wheeled skidders. Current issues in solution in the near future in cooperation with the manu- forests protection from fires – peer-reviewd interna- facturer of base machines. A suitable accessory will be tional proceedings, p. 53–57. to fit the LKT front blade with an additional water tank Hnilicová, M., Chromek, I., Hnilica, R., Messingerová, to ensure increased stability. These facts resulted from V., 2016: Design of bodies systems for fire-fighting operational tests. In the future, we also want to focus on of forest fires adapted to off-roaders. Acta facultatis a partial modification of the adapter design in order to technicae, 21:17–28. remove partial dimensional restrictions. 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Bratislava 2020, 68 p. sions, carbon and climate: Characterizing wildland fuels. Forest Ecology and Management, 317:26–40. 249 M. Hnilicová et al. / Cent. Eur. For. J. 68 (2022) 238–250 Appendix Apendix 1. Time results of operating tests including the slope gradient*. Slope gradient Time Distance Volume of transported [º] [%] [min] [s] [m] water [L] 5.4 9.45 0:48 48 20 2,000 7 12.28 2:04 124 60 2,000 7 12.28 1:55 115 61 2,000 7.8 13.7 1:05 65 33 2,000 12.8 22.79 0:47 47 30 2,000 13.3 23.64 0:47 47 29.5 2,000 15 26.79 0:38 38 16.3 2,000 15.25 27.26 0:48 46 27 2,000 17.1 30.76 0:00 0 — 2,000 5.7 9,98 3:49 229 200 1,000 12.3 21.8 1:06 66 21 1,000 16.2 29.05 0:40 40 20 1,000 16.2 29.05 0:50 55 20 1,000 18.5 33.46 0:15 15 8 1,000 18.6 33.65 1:12 72 51 1,000 18.6 33.65 1:26 86 51 1,000 18.6 33.65 3:14 194 51 1,000 20.1 36.59 1:26 86 43 1,000 20.1 36.59 1:14 74 43 1,000 23.1 42.65 0:00 0 — 1,000 * To assess the abilities of operation and tactical deployment of the fire-fighting adapter, operating tests have been performed in the department of the University Forest Enterprise in Zvolen. In par - ticular, the Bieň forest area (part Jačmeniská 48°37’13.6336702”N 19°3’39.9746132”E) falling within the Budča forest administration unit. The measurements were performed before the ride with a full tank (2,000 L) and half-full tank (1,000 L). Time observation was carried out by 3 workers. Driving time was captured by a stopwatch with a precision of seconds. The beginning and the end of a ride were observed by eye. The slope gradient and length were measured using the TruePulse 360B laser measuring device. Apendix 2. Multiple regression and correlation analysis of interdependence the time on the angle of slope and the distance trav- elled (the full tank). Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.94673866 R Square 0.8963141 Adjusted R Square 0.89070945 Standard Error 11.7220379 Observations 40 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 2 43948.94663 21974.47 159.9235 6.17753E-19 Residual 37 5084.028367 137.4062 Total 39 49032.975 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Intercept 6.11883089 9.454125147 0.647213 0.52149 −13.03704622 25.274708 angle of slope 0.01060087 0.317421066 0.033397 0.973538 −0.632555305 0.65375704 distance 2.09999426 0.13708707 15.31869 1.34E-17 1.822229469 2.37775904 Apendix 3. Multiple regression and correlation analysis of interdependence the time on the angle of slope and the distance trav- elled (the half-full tank). Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.93856662 R Square 0.88090729 Adjusted R Square 0.87208561 Standard Error 25.7139909 Observations 30 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 2 132052.8482 66026.42 99.85707 3.34541E-13 Residual 27 17852.6518 661.2093 Total 29 149905.5 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Intercept −20.077363 28.75000764 −0.69834 0.490934 −79.0675062 38.9127799 angle of slope 1.67109827 0.833608305 2.004656 0.055123 −0.039324684 3.38152123 distance 1.18518478 0.11590925 10.22511 8.79E-11 0.947358645 1.42301092

Journal

Forestry Journal – de Gruyter

Published: Dec 1, 2022

Keywords: forest fires; distance; forest wheeled skidder; statistic; tactic; slope gradient

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