Fuel Geysering: Predictable?

In this video, an experienced Hotshot firefighter tells his chainsaw geysering story and discusses lessons learned.
Please visit the National Fuel Geyser Awareness Campaign website for the latest information. If you have experienced fuel geysering, please complete the reporting form on the National Fuel Geyser Awareness Campaign website. www.nwcg.gov/c...
The National Technology & Development Program (NTDP) continues to develop operator practices and engineering solutions to reduce the risk of injury from fuel geysering.

[@thomthumbe]

I’ve had this happen many times before when taking a yard tool (weed whacker, edger or leaf blower, etc) from hot storage in our shed on a hot day. Luckily in my case there is no fire burning and I am away from any source of combustion while getting ready to use the tool and before doing so am checking the initial fuel level. This video is a good lesson to take more care when using these tools. Thanks!

[@magicponyrides]

Thanks very much for sharing your experience. We can all learn from it.

[@Andy-rp3ee]

Even fuel containers themselves can build pressure too, a great reminder to be mindful.

[@stevegraydon6351]

Thanks for telling the story. I imagine that this could have happened many times, to sawyers on mop up, and just like that... Thanks again.

[@northernfire9591]

Is there an updated link for the National Fuel Geyser Awareness Campaign? The referenced site doesn't work.

[@WildfirelessonsNet]

Thanks for pointing out the busted link! Here's the correct link: www.nwcg.gov/committees/equipment-technology-committee/national-fuel-geyser-awareness

[@florichi]

some excessive use of audio reverb, isn't it?

[@WildfirelessonsNet]

Have you experienced a fuel geyser?

[@Leprechaun-qv6mo]

WildlandFireLLC I have not, since I'm not a member actually. This was recommended to me because I've been researching and studying your lessons because I'd like to get involved. I live in PA and we don't have many crews. What schools can I go to, what areas that need the most work, or how do I go about getting into mobile crew with the forest service?

[@WildfirelessonsNet]

Mark. Thanks for your reply and comments. The best place to go if your looking for a job in the fire service is here: www.usajobs.gov/ good luck!

[@firewatch814]

I've experienced a fuel geyser on my saws. Open the cap real slow when the saw is hot!!

[@old_and_slow5471]

I bought a nice and shiney brand new MS461 to do hurricane cleanup right before Florence hit the Carolinas. Last weekend I was out in Wilmington, NC cutting storm damaged trees, and was on my first tank of fuel. After cutting a large oak, I set the saw down for a few minutes after shutting it off, picked another tree to drop and tried to start the saw. Fuel sprayed out of the compression release, out under the covers and outside on the saw, my gloves, chaps, and the grass. Apparently the exhaust was still just hot enough to ignite the fuel. Luckily I had my Kevlar firefighting pants onand got the fire out on me quick enough to not get burned. The saw ended up with at least a melted air filter, and who knows what else. I was so mad I just tossed it back in the truck, and finished the weekend running my MS311, All I can figure is the tank overpressured as it does in these recent geysering conditions, and filled the crankcase to the point it was probably very close to hydraulicing. I fought wildland fires from 1994-2009, and most of that time I was a B-faller, along with Felling Boss, Engine Boss, and a TFL. I ran 044's, 036's and 360pro's all those years (1000's of hours) with 0 issues. Apparently Stihl has a major problem they need to address immediately with the flip type fuel caps or tank vents,.The Feds supposedly have already put a full stop on any Stihl chainsaw purchases until the problem is fixed . My saw is now back at the dearlership so they can try figuring out the problem and fix whatever fire damage is sustained. I love my Stihls, but this type of problems may cause me to switch to those dreadful Husky's

[@Cognitoman]

Yea my wife has... lol

[@JoeC92]

Is this only an issue to Stihl chainsaws or any in general? I haven't heard anything about this besides with stihl. Trying to decide between a stihl or husqvarna to get for my truck. Need something for when I'm on isolated trips and there's a fallen tree on the trail. Given the isolated aspect I'd rather avoid having a saw that is prone to this if its only certain makers that are having this issue. Or has Stihl since addressed this issue?

[@austinprieto2762]

get a husky, stihl tries to over engineer everything and that’s why they have problems like this

[@chrisclifford4109]

@@austinprieto2762 perfect way to sum it up. I agree and that's why I have a Husky

[@ricflair5956]

Always something with Stihl saws

[@hammerdown184]

Don’t let these guys tell you this won’t happen with husky because it’s happened with every brand.

[@earlofsammich6886]

@@hammerdown184 exactly funny thing is we will take a STIHL over anything else any day

[@captainsledge7554]

I hate stihl more and more everyday