Crime & Safety

Logging Machine Catches Fire Deep in Hudson Forest

Although the harvester was a total loss, Hudson Fire crews were able to contain the fire.

A crew cutting timber using logging equipment had to call for help after a harvester caught fire deep in the woods in the area of 25 Barretts Hill Road.

Hudson Fire crews initially had difficulty getting to the source of the fire, which was set back about 1,200 feet from any access point in 30-40 acres of forest.

"It was out in the middle of nowhere," said Fire Prevention Officer Steven Dube.

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Hudson Engine 2 commanded by Capt. Steven Gannon arrived first, along with Forestry 2, and had success finding an alternate entry point off Roy Drive after a second call from the logger on the scene.

Crews had to hand lay more than 1,000 feet of 2 ½-inch hose broken down to two separate 1-¾ hose lines running off Hudson’s Tanker 1 connected to a nearby hydrant. Water source was not a problem. Companies remained on the scene for a total of two hours.

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"We managed to contain it to the harvester, but given the location, it could've been bad," Dube said.

Hudson's Fire Prevention Division will complete an investiagtion on Thursday, Dube said. When all of the information about the fire has been collected and reviewed the actual cause of the fire may be more evident. As of this time the fire is listed as undetermined, with the most probable cause being a malfunction of the harvester’s engine or hydraulic system. The harvester was a total loss.

Nashua Fire, which was responding to another brush fire call in the same area, came to cover for Hudson after dealing with the brush fire, as well as additional coverage from Windham Fire Department.

WOODS EQUIPMENT FIRE PREVENTION

Dube offered some additional information pertinent to this particular fire:

Professional loggers know the total investment they have in their equipment and what that investment means in terms of daily production. Woods equipment fires are both dangerous and expensive. Most are preventable. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes daily to reduce substantially the risk of your investment going up in smoke!

Most Fire Hazards Are Created By:

1. Accumulation of debris inside mechanical compartments.

2. Buildup of oil, grease, and fuel from leaks and spills.

3. Faulty or damaged electrical system wiring and components.

4. Overheating brakes.

5. Heavy buildup of flammable materials around rotating drive shafts.

The potential for woods equipment fires can be reduced with daily, weekly, and monthly fire prevention measures. It only takes a few minutes to take those extra few steps to prevent your "iron" investment from going up in smoke. Remember the key to prevention—clean, inspect, and repair.

 For any further information regarding timber harvesting, please contact the NH Division of Forest and Lands (603) 271-2214. 


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