By GENE MADDEN

AP PHOTO/LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS, TOM MENDOZA If you operate any type of vehicle on a wildland incident, you must possess a thorough knowledge of how it operates and how to properly care for it.

Taking something for granted, especially when your life and the lives of others depend on it, can be dangerous. Often, wildland firefighters take for granted the safe operating condition of their vehicles. Just about every one of us operates a vehicle on the job, and we drive everything from sedans and SUVs to crew buses (and boats and aircraft, too). Sometimes, the vehicle we operate is the one we drive every day; other times, it's a loaner or even a rental vehicle. We drive during the day and at night under all kinds of conditions: in cold weather, all-risk incidents, baking heat, rain, snow, fog and, of course, smoke. But no matter the vehicle type or the conditions in which we drive, we must address certain safety fundamentals before we get behind the wheel.

Over the years, I've run into a number of potential vehicle safety issues either on incidents or simply while traveling from point A to point B. I can vividly remember having a completely clogged air filter after driving in desert-like conditions on a fire north of Moab, Utah, some years back. I also recall replacing windshield wipers and windshields several times, and once, a tire blew out on an agency van I was driving. Knowing what to do, how to check my vehicle daily and how to identify and respond to these problems helped me to quickly correct them and ward off potentially more serious consequences.

Most agency and fleet vehicles undergo routine maintenance designed to prevent problems from developing, find and correct any existing problems and ultimately extend the life of the vehicle and ensure the safety of passengers. But you can't rely on these maintenance checks to guarantee your safety at all times. If you operate a vehicle on a wildland incident, you must be familiar with how it operates and how to properly care for it. In this article, I'll discuss some major vehicle features and how to check and maintain them so your rig provides you optimal performance and safety when you need them most.

Before You Drive
Before wildland firefighters operate any vehicle, most agencies require them to complete a daily inspection log (probably located on the back of your trip sheet). So when was the last time you actually completed one? It's good to get into the habit of filling them out, because doing so can prevent a serious accident or expensive repair. Plus, performing regular safety checks of your vehicle is easy to do.

The first part of a vehicle safety check should be visual. Take a look around the vehicle, size it up, evaluate its overall condition. Look for any obvious problems. Make sure the rig is clean and orderly, and make sure all safety markings, decals and vehicle numbers, as well as license plates, registration forms, accident report forms and proof of insurance are located on or in the vehicle.

Next, make sure you carry a current driver's license with all the endorsements required of you to do your job. Also, some agencies (mine, for example) require operators of off-road vehicles (e.g., all-terrain vehicles [ATVs]), to pass an ATV safety rider course before they can operate one — even if they were born on the back of one.
           
Safety Specifics
Now I'll take a closer look at some vehicle features, noting what you should look for on each to maintain optimum operating safety.

Tires
Correctly sized tires and proper air pressure are important to vehicle safety because they facilitate a smooth ride, help the vehicle brake properly and help the driver adequately steer and control the vehicle. Studies by the Rubber Manufacturers Association show 85 percent of drivers do not perform proper or timely checks of their vehicle's tire pressure.

To encourage drivers to perform checks, the federal government proposed a new regulation requiring automakers to equip all new vehicles with tire pressure monitors on all four wheels of the vehicle. These monitors warn drivers through yellow dashboard signals when any tire becomes under-inflated by 25 percent or more. As of Sept. 1, 2005, automakers must begin installing these new warning systems. By the end of 2006, 50 percent of an automaker's lineup must be equipped with the new devices. By 2007, 90 percent of models must come equipped with the device, and by 2008, automakers must be in full compliance. 

Most likely, you won't have the luxury of driving a brand-new vehicle with an in-dash tire-monitoring system, so you'll need to do it yourself. To properly check vehicle tire pressure, use a reliable tire gauge and measure when the tires are cold. Inflate the tires to the manufacturer's specifications. (You can find tire size and correct pressure on a sticker in the driver-side doorsill and in the owner's manual.) In addition to measuring the tire pressure, ask yourself:

• Do I have the correct tires installed on my vehicle?
• Are they too narrow or too wide?
• Do the tires look "soft"?
• Do I see any unusual wear (e.g., scalloping, inside or outside of the tire treads)?

Looking for uneven wear and tread on all the tires is important because it can affect your alignment. If you have uneven wear, replace the tire(s), and get your alignment checked. Also, rotate your tires every other oil change. Replace any tire if a Lincoln's head shows when you place a penny inside the tire's tread, or if you see any significant damage to the side walls or any other major concern. Examine the wheels and lug nuts for any obvious signs of damage or looseness. Note: All vehicle tires should show even wear, so don't forget to check the spare tire too, which must be inflated properly and in good shape.

The wrong size tires, incorrect tire pressure or a worn tire can lead to poor vehicle control and decreased fuel mileage. Note: If you drive a rented 4 x 4 SUV or 4 x 4 truck, check to see if the tires are passenger ("P") or light truck ("LT"). This information comes in handy when selecting a vehicle because it describes the vehicle's operating systems. While driving a Ford Expedition with Michelin passenger tires in Arizona a few years back, I tried to maneuver up a slippery, rocky hill and got stuck. I'm convinced that light truck tires rather than street or passenger tires just might have given me the traction I needed to get up and over those slippery rocks.

Brakes
To properly check your brakes, sit down behind the steering wheel and step on the brake pedal. It should feel solid, meaning the pedal shouldn't push to the floor or feel spongy. If it does, get your brakes checked, as this may be a sign of bad brake seals or a leak that's permitting air into the system. Also, if your brake pedal is difficult to depress when braking, look for vacuum leaks around the hose connections to the brake canister.

Check the owner's manual to confirm you have anti-lock brakes. Driving a vehicle with anti-lock brakes helps you maintain control of your vehicle in emergency situations that require you to stop quickly. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, drive defensively and pump your brakes in hard-braking situations. If you do have anti-lock brakes and find they're difficult to depress, you could also have a vacuum leak.

Several other braking system problems can be readily diagnosed. If you hear a scraping or grinding sound when braking, chances are you need to replace the brake pads. If you don't take care of this immediately, you can do costly damage to your drums, rotors and other system components. Your brake fluid should be a clear amber color. If it isn't, have it replaced completely. If you have air brakes, make sure they're performing in accordance with D.O.T. standards. And be sure not to overlook the parking brake. You'll pray it holds when you park it on a steep slope.

The other "brake" I recommend you check is the wheel chock. While I was working a fire in Montana, a "parked" transport rolled a half mile downhill before coming to a stop. The cause? The brakes had failed, and the operator hadn't put wheel chocks down. Luckily, there were no resulting injuries or damages. But that wasn't the case a few years back in Idaho, when an engine rolled into a tent occupied by sleeping firefighters, fracturing one New Jersey firefighter's leg. Make sure you carry wheel chocks on your rig and use them in addition to setting the brake.

PHOTOS WES SCHULTZ Top:When inspecting your vehicle, make sure you check under the hood for any leaks, and top off all fluids, if needed. Bottom: Completing a daily inspection log can prevent a serious accident or expensive repair.

Fluids, Hoses & Belts
Next, pop the hood, and look for any obvious signs of oil, radiator, power-steering, transmission or brake fluid leaks. If any fluid level has dropped, it could mean you've got a problem, and you should have the vehicle checked. Each time you perform a routine check on the vehicle, top off all fluids to their recommended levels if needed. This includes the battery, oil, transmission (check when warm), brake (check when cold), radiator (but never remove a hot cap) and the windshield washer reservoir. Note: While you're checking the battery's water level, check the battery cables for tightness, signs of corrosion (such as a white salt-like substance on the terminals) or signs they need a good cleaning. Also, don't forget to check the fuel/oil for any pony motors on the vehicle as well as the fuel in and for the fire pots. Lastly, make sure to refill the vehicle's fuel at the end of each shift so it's ready to go the next day.

Can you inspect the fuel filter? Some vehicles still have clear fuel filters on the fuel line inside the engine compartments that permits you to inspect them. Other fuel filters that feature a metal bell housing or filters located inside the fuel tank just need to be replaced at the manufacturer's recommended time/mileage. A clogged fuel filter reduces your vehicle's engine performance, and in the worst-case scenario, it can completely stop your engine from running.

With the engine off, visually and manually inspect all belts and immediately replace any that are frayed, cracked or glazed. I like to swap out all the belts on my vehicle at the same time if I find a damaged one. Many manufacturers also recommend replacing the timing belt somewhere around 60,000 miles. Check the owner's manual for your rig to confirm when you should replace the timing belt.

Your hoses carry air and fluids, and if one fails, it can cause various problems: Your vehicle may just idle roughly, or it may cause a major engine problem when you're miles from a service station. How many times have you seen a vehicle on the side of the road with a cloud of steam billowing out from the engine area and fluid leaking underneath it? This scenario is usually caused by a radiator or heater hose that has burst. To avoid this situation, check your hoses thoroughly at least twice a year.           

If you must tow a heavy load, talk to your mechanic first about whether your vehicle and all of its systems can handle it, especially your cooling and braking systems. Also, remember to hook up the pig tail to trailer lights.
           
Air Filters
Your vehicle's air filter(s) traps dirt and other contaminants that your engine would otherwise "breathe" in. Permit an air filter to become clogged and not only will you get poorer fuel efficiency and decreased engine performance, but the entire engine may cease to operate, which can be quite an inconvenience, if not downright dangerous. Most air filters are simple to check. Usually, all you need to do is pop the hood, pull the air filter out and hold it up to the sun or a light. If you can't see through it, discard and replace it. To be sure you're checking it properly, refer to your owner's manual.

At the same time, consider checking other, often neglected, filters too, such as cabin air filters (did you know that most new cars, pick-ups and SUVs have them?) and the gas filter (has it ever been changed?). Some of the larger response vehicles and heavy equipment may also feature larger, specialized air filters or breathers with specific maintenance requirements and preventative devices to ensure embers and other material can't start fires within them.

PHOTO KARI GREER Wildland firefighters drive everything from sedans and SUVs to crew buses, boats and aircraft, and we do so on all types of terrain.

At minimum, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for all filter replacement, but because of the nature of our work, I recommend checking the air filter every time you change the oil. Working in very dirty/dusty conditions may warrant daily inspection of your air filter. Carrying around an extra air filter or two in your rig during a busy fire season is a smart thing to do. Also check the PCV valve (when was it last replaced?). This little device lets the dirty gases out of your motor's crank case system and sends unburned gases back into the combustion process so the engine stays environmentally clean. If it becomes clogged, you'll most likely have a rough engine idle and increased oil consummation.

PHOTO WES SCHULTZ Just about every apparatus comes with its own unique features, so make sure you are familiar with them and how they might affect your driving safety. Poor tire pressure and heavy wear can lead to flats. Here, Division Supervisor Bob Garrison uses “Fix a Flat” to repair his ATV tire during the Coal Seam Fire in Glenwood Springs, Colo. Your inside mirror is the most important, so make sure you adjust it every time you sit behind the wheel.

Windows, Mirrors, Lights & Auditory Devices
Visibility is critical to the safe operation of your vehicle. All windows (windshield, side and rear), lights (interior and exterior) and mirrors must be clean of dirt, grime and dead bugs. (The South is famous for heavy downpours, so I apply a coat of Rain-X to my windshield to help push water off of it.)

While cleaning your windows, check the wiper blades (front and rear) to make sure they operate properly. Turn them on, and if one streaks, clean it with a damp, soft cloth, then recheck it. If the wiper still streaks, replace both of them. (You'll probably replace these twice a year at minimum.)

After you clean your mirrors, adjust them. Your inside mirror is the most important, so make sure you adjust it every time you sit behind the wheel. Next, adjust the side mirrors so they give you a clear view of the back of your vehicle and the lane next to you. Consider replacing mirrors that are too small with larger or convex stick-on mirrors.

Then check all the interior and exterior lights to ensure they're working, and replace any burned-out bulbs. Also, if you notice your headlights shine into oncoming traffic instead of straight ahead when driving your vehicle, have them adjusted immediately.

Finally, check your auditory devices. Does your vehicle feature an air horn or a backup alarm? If you have a problem with your backup alarm, get it checked by your mechanic when the vehicle goes into the shop for service.

PHOTO KARI GREER Poor tire pressure and heavy wear can lead to flats. Here, Division Supervisor Bob Garrison uses “Fix a Flat” to repair his ATV tire during the Coal Seam Fire in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Other Safety Issues
Here are some additional safety issues to keep in mind when operating a vehicle before or during a wildland incident:

• Store all fire and personal gear properly. Pay particular attention to gear stored inside SUVs, vans and crew buses. I've seen loose, unsecured hand tools in many vehicles, and during my hurricane assignments in Mississippi and Florida (and on wildfire assignments everywhere), I witnessed one federal agency permit their vehicles to drive with multiple 5-gallon gas cans strapped to the tops of their rental vehicles — even after fuel became plentiful.
• Check your vehicle's undercarriage for any loose wires, bolts, exhaust pipes, body mounts or anything that doesn't look right.
• Adjust your two-way radio's volume so you can hear it, and make sure your PA works. You've got to be able to receive all messages called out to you at all times.
• Follow your agency's guidelines and common sense when it comes to using a cell phone. Pull over to take the call — even if you're using a hands-free device.
• Ensure the heater, air conditioner and defroster work properly. (These were mandatory items during most of the incidents I've been on.)
• Equip the vehicle with basic safety equipment, such as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a reflector set, wheel chocks (when appropriate), a jack/lug wrench with basic tools and a small box of assorted fuses and bulbs. I've had fuses and safety bulbs blow out at the most inopportune moments, and carrying a little box of them has been a life saver.
• Know your vehicle's unique features and issues, and add them to your routing inspection and monitoring. Just about every car or truck comes with special features, modifications and idiosyncrasies that warrant your attention. For instance, some of the larger pick-up trucks feature air intakes on the bottom of the vehicle. If you drive over hot fireground, you could suck up hot embers into the vehicle, igniting a fire.

 

PHOTO KARI GREER While cleaning your windshield, check the wiper blades to make sure they operate properly.

Once you arrive on scene with a vehicle (agency or rental) where an incident management team has set up operations, a qualified mechanic with ground support should always thoroughly check your vehicle before you become fully engaged in the incident. Like me, you're probably raring to go when you get there, but be patient. The ground support inspection is well worth the wait. During inspections on some of my vehicles, mechanics have found a number of "little" things, such as empty window washer fluid reservoirs, low air pressure in the tires and missing safety equipment.
           
A Final Word
Driving a vehicle into wildland fire conditions and hazards is always challenging and requires our full attention. During most incidents, roads are filled with obstructions and distractions — any one of which can ruin your day. Plus, we're hard on our vehicles, and because of this, we must care for our vehicles daily. Ensuring your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you leave your workstation or base camp is a sure-fire way to help guarantee you'll go home safe. Remember: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual, a Haynes Repair Manual and your agency's policies for proper vehicle maintenance.

Gene Madden, an SOFI, is the chairman of the NWCG Safety and Health Working Team and a member of the NWCG Emergency Medical Support Group. Madden is employed as the division safety officer for the Florida Division of Forestry and is an IOFI and a medical unit leader. E-mail him at maddeng@doacs.state.fl.us.