Spontaneous combustion of hog piles can result in inventory losses and potential damage to surrounding infrastructure and equipment. In April and June 2016, FPInnovations and Terminal Forest Product Ltd. conducted a study to investigate the use of thermal infra-red digital cameras to examine the thermal dynamics of a coastal hog fuel pile. They also investigated the feasibility of using thermal imaging to help develop better fire risk mitigation solutions.
L’Institut canadien de recherches en génie forestier (FERIC) a examiné l’incidence des dommages mécaniques causés aux tiges en longueur, par suite du stockage et de la manutention dans un parc d’usine du nord de l’Alberta. Une projection de la fréquence des bris et de la perte en volume de sciage a été faite pour les tiges stockées dans le parc de l’usine pendant quatre périodes de durée différente. Les facteurs qui peuvent avoir influencé les niveaux de dommage sont discutés, et le rapport comprend des recommandations en vue de réduire les pertes de bois dues aux bris.
Oriented residue piles and constructed burn piles have different characteristics, including fuel size, composition, and fuel arrangement. The comparative ignition trials conducted in this proof-of-concept study suggest that these characteristics influence the fuel environment, with a higher potential for ignition and sustained burning and greater resultant fire intensity in constructed burn piles. The intent of this proof-of-concept trial was to determine whether logging residue piles that have been oriented for biomass extraction (placed in parallel piles by the processor operator during primary harvesting activities) is a significant fuel hazard that requires further abatement.
Debris piles were scattered among a fuel-treated stand at the Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest. The existing trees were deemed as assets worth protecting while the piles required to be burned. To facilitate the protection of the trees surrounding these debris piles, the Calgary Forest Area requested the use of water-enhancer capable fire engines to protect the trees during debris pile burning.
A total of 15 debris piles of varying fuel loads were burned over two days. The use of water-enhancer capable fire engines allowed FPInnovations to document the use of suppressants (water and water-enhancer) to better understand their advantages and limitations. Qualitative observations suggested that water-enhancers were more effective at withstanding radiant heat than water when applied immediately prior to the incident heat. Its efficacy, however, was found to decline with time.
Hügelkultur as a debris management technique in forest fuel reduction treatments. A comparative productivity evaluation of a fuel reduction treatment incorporating hugels
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. While flammability of piled debris (hugels) is a key consideration in the viability of this debris disposal method, the cost of the operation must also be considered.
This research design presents the development of test methods and data collection methods that can be applied in evaluating the productivity of a fuel reduction treatment that incorporates construction of hugels as a debris management tool. Comparative productivity trials will evaluate these productivity results in relation to fuel treatments that apply conventional debris disposal methods.
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. Flammability of piled debris (hugels) and the productivity of hugel construction are key considerations in assessing the viability of this debris disposal method.
Another consideration in assessing hügelkultur as a long-term debris management strategy is the decomposition of hugels and the evolving flammability of hugels. Research literature does not speak directly to the changing flammability of piled debris (and more specifically hugels), but this literature search attempts to locate material relevant to decomposition of woody debris in a hugelkultur environment.
Hügelkultur as a debris management technique in forest fuel reduction treatments. Developing a research plan to evaluate the flammability of constructed debris piles (hugels)
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. This research design presents considerations for development of an experimental burn site, test methods, and data collection methods that can be applied in evaluating and comparing the flammability of hugels constructed with different fuel components and construction methods.
Multiple log-deck fires at mill sites and log yards in Western Canada in the past year resulted in the loss of merchantable timber. These fires showcased how existing equipment and suppression efforts from wildfire agencies are heavily challenged when asked to handle the thermal output from burning log-decks.
In an effort to explore alternate solutions, FPInnovations collaborated with West Fraser and the High Level Forest Management Area to understand the efficacy of high-volume water delivery systems in log-deck fire suppression. Over the course of three days, water-penetration tests as well as suppression tests were carried out to better understand the utility and resource requirements of high-volume water delivery systems.
FERIC a développé un modèle économique pour estimer les effets du stockage des bois sur les coûts d’approvisionnement en matière ligneuse et de fabrication des produits, en se basant sur les données de récentes études canadiennes sur le sujet. Le modèle a pour objectif principal d’aider les gestionnaires à évaluer l’importance relative des divers éléments qui peuvent influencer le choix de la durée de stockage. Il permet de simuler plusieurs scénarios et d’évaluer leurs conséquences pour des scieries de bois résineux et pour différents types d’usines de pâte mécanique et chimique. Quatre catégories de coûts composent le modèle Opti-Stock : logistique, aspects financiers et opérationnels, rendement en produits et transport à l’usine. Le rapport décrit cet outil d’aide à la décision développé par FERIC et présenté sous forme d’une feuille de calcul Microsoft Excel. Les lecteurs sont invités à se procurer la feuille de calcul auprès de FERIC et à l’utiliser pour simuler leurs propres conditions de stockage.
In November 1990, logyard debris at Weldwood Canada Limited's operation at Hinton, Alberta, was assessed to detennine the type and quantity of the material being generated. This report documents the results, quantifies the amounts of reclaimable fibre and rock, and outlines the potential costs involved in reclaiming, rather than landfilling, the debris. This project was funded by: Forest Industry Development Division of Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife; Weldwood of Canada Limited (Hinton Division); and the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC).
