A FORWARDER was completely destroyed when it caught fire while it was extracting timber at a windfarm site.
The Logset machine was returning from the roadside stacking area into the County Tyrone woods when the operator observed smoke from under the cab.
Acting promptly, the individual stopped the forwarder and evacuated the cab. Subsequently, the fire escalated, resulting in the complete destruction of the machine.
The operator then informed management, who immediately called emergency services, providing the precise location details including the address, grid reference, and What3Words guided the emergency services directly to site, near Omagh.
Forestry officials have revealed details of the incident in a bid to alert operators to the dangers of fires.
A safety bulletin read: "Shortly after 12.30 pm, a fire broke out on the Logset forwarder while it was extracting timber at a windfarm site. The forwarder was returning from the roadside stacking area into the woods when the operator observed smoke emanating from under the cab.
"Acting promptly, the operator stopped the forwarder and evacuated the cab. Subsequently, the fire escalated, resulting in the complete destruction of the forwarder.
"During the incident, the forwarder operator was working alone. Unfortunately, the operator's Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) file was within the burning machine.
"Promptly, the operator then informed management who immediately called emergency services at 12:46 pm and requested fire dept to attend the scene, providing the precise location details including the address, grid reference, and What3Words guided the emergency services directly to site.
"At around 1 pm, the fire appliance arrived at the site.
"However, as of 1.26 pm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) personnel were maintaining a safe distance from the machine and had not yet approached it.
"Notably, the machine ignited approximately 250 meters away from the windfarm road."
More information can be found on FISA's website.
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