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CLEARING AWAY DANGER As a result of an aggressive right of way clearance program, Guilford Rail System closed out 1996 with zero fires along its’ lines in the state of Maine According to the program, a railroad must remove flammable material within seven feet of the rail on both sides of the track. In priority areas or fire start areas from the last five years that area expands to 25 feet from the rail. “The program has proven that it works,” said Jim Downie, Fire Prevention Specialist for the Maine Forest Service. The exhaust and braking systems of locomotives can produce sparks. If these sparks fall on combustible material found within the railroad’s right of way, they may cause a fire. Although all locomotives are equipped with spark arresters to prevent this from happening, it is still necessary to remove materials which are readily combustible from rail corridors. Through extensive training with the Maine Forest Service, Guilford’s employees go over how to properly clear the right of way. “You just can’t cut it down,” said Richard F. Dixon, chief engineer of track in Maine. “Our guys know that the smallest bit of brush can catch fire so they clear it out properly the first time.” The mechanisms used to maintain the right of way are brush cutting, soil sterilant spraying and a machine called the Jordan Spreader which eliminates growth by turning over the soil and exposing the roots of vegetation to the surface. On top of clearing nature’s obstacles Dixon’s crews are charged with removing any other flammable materials left near the rails. “We’ve stayed on top of moving old rail ties out to Mattawamkeag and clearing away stuff left there by abutters.” he said. “People have to know that you can’t drop trees, branches and leafs along the rails. It could start a fire that might spread back to their property.” Encroaching vegetation creates a variety of other safety and operational hazards on the railroad. Unrestricted growth of vegetation interferes with signal wires and makes the inspection of track and structures difficult. It also leads to the deterioration of the track structure by restricting the flow of water through the ballast, and it increases distances required for braking. While Dixon couldn’t say enough about the dedication of his crews in Maine he made sure to stress that Guilford’s success is due in large part to its’ relationship with the Maine Forest Service. Fire Prevention Specialist Downie noted that Forest Rangers perform site inspections with Guilford’s crews to ensure that all regulations are being met. “We are always cross-training with the Rangers as to the best way to keep the lines clear,” said Downie. “All we have to do is ask and Guilford Rail does extra inspections for us.” During the drier months, that can prove critical. “We keep the lines of communication open,” said Dixon. “It doesn’t matter who suggests how something should be done, so long as it gets done right.” |
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