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Members Present

Members Needed:

Representative from a western state 

October 30th

Equipment Approval Process Discussion:

Discussed the two options available for equipment approval/selection; the QPL process and the option of not having an “approved” equipment list. The QPL process involves testing each piece of equipment to government developed test plans at vendor expense. Equipment that passed testing would be placed on a Qualified Products List and the federal land management agencies would be required to procure equipment from the QPL.

If the QPL process is not acceptable, then the government cannot have an “approved” equipment list. The government can require vendors to meet government developed specifications and can compare similar equipment and report the results in tech tips or a web site however.

The importance of developing technical requirements or specifications was stressed regardless of which approval/selection process is used.

MTDC will develop a web site that will list equipment that is available. An outline of the web site contents will be developed and sent to the group members for review.

Agency Updates:

Wes- MTDC projects, terra torch, light weight torch, ATV torch, ATV mounted PSD, plastic sphere launcher, liquid gelling agent, and Flash 21 testing

Dan – BLM Equipment Shop projects, ATV torch, batch mixer, terra torch wand and possibly new terra torch design in conjunction with Boise State University

Charlie – Siton Helicopters terra torch. This terra torch uses the pump cart from a Fire Spec mix transfer system and air operated valves to control flow instead of an electric clutch used on current terra torches. The air operated valves will be replaced with electrically operated valves in the near future

Mike – USFS Region 8 is currently testing a UTV mounted torch on a trial basis. Successful trials of the UTV torch may lead to Region 8 allowing the use of torches mounted on UTVs region wide

Larry – Discussed USFWS work with Marine Corps to procure terra torches and develop training and operation manuals for their use. Discussed experience with Flash 21

Jeff – Discussed experience with Pyro Shot plastic sphere launcher and Flash 21 as well as information regarding the SEI Green Dragon ATV mounted plastic sphere launcher and potential Orion flare and launcher to be developed specifically for forestry use.

Guide Chapters:

The group worked on chapters to the ground ignition guide for the remainder of the day

October 31st

Guide Chapters

The group spent the day working on chapters to the ground ignition guide.

November 1st

Guide Chapters

The group spent remainder of the day working on draft chapters to the ground ignition guide. The intent is to incorporate these chapters into a rough draft guide for review at the next meeting. The following draft chapters have been completed:

Guide introduction

Terra torch

ATV torch

Drip torch

Matches

Boat torches

The following draft chapters are under development:

Propane torches

Fusees

Flare launchers

Blivets

Next Meeting

The next Ground Ignition Task Group meeting will be held March 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2008 at the BIA Southwest Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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