Responding to a fallen tree in an urban environment is a common occurrence for many fire departments. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wildfires, high winds and frozen precipitation can all result in downed trees that pose serious problems for the public and responders. As the hurricane season becomes more active, departments located near the coasts will see an increase in tree related calls. Though it may seem simple and benign, removing a downed tree can be very hazardous for firefighters if not handled properly.
“A large tree was partially blown over during a storm. The department took this as a training opportunity to practice chainsaw skills. When possible, we would cut pieces from three to eight feet in length…When this incident occurred, I was cutting a limb and working my way towards the main trunk. I decided to cut a piece approximately seven feet long. The diameter of the limb was approximately fourteen inches at the largest end and eight inches at the smallest. I looked at the tree and determined that the limb should fall straight down when cut and the trunk itself should rise straight up just a little. I read the tree wrong.
The limb I was cutting was under pressure and the tension was aimed in my direction. What I didn’t notice was the part of the limb I was cutting off was holding the entire limb and preventing it from moving. It was resting on another limb and was in a bind. Another factor I didn’t consider was the weight of the log I was cutting. As I cut the log, once the cut was partially complete, it broke off the rest of the way. When this happened, the log fell out and away from me, while the main portion of the limb rolled the opposite way and into me.
I moved away from the limb as fast as I could, but this happened too quickly for me to get out of the way completely…”
Freshly fallen trees can store a huge amount of energy in their trunks and branches. The branches and trunk appear solid and rigid, but in reality they are extremely elastic. Cutting any branch or limb with a saw without fully examining all sides of the branch or limb can release the energy with violent and unpredictable consequences. This featured near-miss report is a good example of how quickly things can go wrong when working with fallen trees. Once you have read the entire account (CLICK HERE), consider the following:
1. Does your department have the proper equipment to handle removing a fallen tree safely?
2. Have you and your department completed training involving cutting trees with power equipment, including practical exercises?
3. What are some of the hidden dangers that can be associated with a fallen tree?
4. Do your department’s SOPs/SOGs include a plan for safely working with downed trees?
5. What are some of the danger signs that a downed tree is unstable and could react violently when cut with a saw?
Have you experienced a near miss while cutting a tree with a chain saw? Submit your report to www.firefighternearmiss.com today so everyone goes home tomorrow.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
