In Pennsylvania, the responsibility for wildfire management doesn’t solely rest on public lands. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has been entrusted, through legislative action, with the critical task of combating wildfires not only on DCNR-managed lands but also on private and other public lands across the state. This responsibility extends beyond extinguishing fires—it includes conducting post-fire investigations and assessing the costs of fighting fires on those found responsible. In light of these duties, and in response to revisions in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standards, the DCNR has developed a new training course specifically for loggers.
On July 19, the entire team at A.M. Logging, LLC took part in the inaugural session of this vital training, titled “Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.” Jeff Glunt, A.M. Logging’s HR and Safety Director, emphasized the importance of the training for the entire crew: “We felt our entire team needed to attend this training. Hearing these crucial points directly from the DCNR team can really help drive them home.”
The training, held at the Millheim shop, began with a casual lunch of pizza and cookies around noon, setting the stage for an afternoon of intensive learning. Leading the session were Ben Livelsberger and Shawn Dorin from the DCNR, who delivered their first presentation of the four-hour Pennsylvania Sustainable Forest Initiative Safety Implementation Committee (PA SFI/SIC)-approved course. The training covered essential topics including:
- Basic Fire Terms
- Weather Conditions and Impacts
- Fire Fighting Tactics
- Communications
- Fire Fighter Interface
- Knowing the Surroundings
Ben and Shawn’s presentation was both informative and thought-provoking, raising important questions that every logging team should consider. For instance, while everyone knows to dial 911 in an emergency, who on the team is designated to make that call? Is there reliable phone service at the logging site, or do team members need to drive to find a signal? Can first responders access the site quickly, or are there obstacles like weight-restricted bridges to navigate? Are there any structures at risk? Is anyone injured? What exactly is burning—the forest, the equipment or perhaps a chip pile?
These are critical considerations that can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster. Additionally, Ben and Shawn emphasized the importance of prevention from a machinery standpoint. Is combustible material being regularly cleaned from machines? Are operators conducting daily inspections? Are leaks being fixed immediately? And crucially, does everyone know where the fire extinguisher is located?
Following the DCNR’s training, A.M. Logging’s fire extinguisher vendor provided a hands-on demonstration, ensuring that every team member knew how to properly use this essential tool.
“An extinguisher is a tool,” stated Andrew Miller, A.M. Logging’s Operations Manager. “It needs to be in working condition, at a known location and used correctly.”
The day concluded with an event analysis led by A.M. Logging’s Managing Partner, Mark Byler. The team reflected on past incidents, discussing how they could have responded differently given the day’s new knowledge.
“Having the training is a good thing,” said Byler, “looking at and knowing how to apply it is what really matters. Getting our team home safely every day is always our number one goal, protecting our equipment and the forest is also important. Arming our team with this training will help accomplish all of this.”
At A.M. Logging, safety isn’t just a box to be checked—it’s a core value. By investing in training like the DCNR’s Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness, and Response course, A.M. Logging is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of their team, the protection of their equipment, and the preservation of the forests they work in. As wildfires become an increasing concern in Pennsylvania and beyond, the knowledge and preparedness of teams like A.M. Logging will be crucial in safeguarding both lives and landscapes. For more information, call A.M. Logging today at 814-349-8089 or contact us!