Windell, Keith ; Burkhart, Greg . 2009. Blower Clears Established Firelines in Hardwood Forests Without Disturbing Soil. 0925 2828P. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 26 p.
Established firelines may be used every few years for prescribed fires. Using a blade to clear the firelines would remove more and more of the productive upper layers of the soil. A study conducted at the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois showed that the Buffalo Turbine Cyclone KB3 debris blower mounted in the reinforced bed of a utility terrain vehicle could be used to clear established firelines. One operator drove the UTV while another walked behind the UTV using a radio to tell the driver when to slow down or speed up and adjusting the direction of the blower's chute with a remote control. The blower cleared moist or wet leaves or dry needles from the firelines. Because the blower works even when leaves are wet, units can be prepared for prescribed burns earlier in the spring, extending the period when prescribed burns can be conducted. Dry leaves present problems, because they can build up under the UTV and catch fire.
Keywords: Buffalo Turbine, Cyclone KB3, equipment development, erosion, fire fighting, firefighting, leaves, needles, prescribed fires, safety at work, soils, UTVs
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