It is dangerous, that's why I always do it by myself with no one within 200 feet. I only have to worry about one person if things go to crap, me. All you need is to feel the ground shake when a "Big Boy" falls and you realize what you're dealing with.
Todd and the rest of the guys were standing too close because you never know when the tree will kick back, seen that happen a time or two. The branches, on up, hitting the ground wrong can cause a tree to spring back 5 to 10 feet from the stump, requires shutting down a while, going get a drink of water and reflecting on what the hell you are doing ;^)
Yoweee! I have actually experienced the ground shaking when a huge redwood fell after am early winter storm, so I can relate to your comment. Yep, I sure learned tonight some of the dangers of logging and I received some FR mail further expounding on the dangers. For me, tonight's show was most enlightening and interesting.
requires shutting down a while, going get a drink of water and reflecting on what the hell you are doing
Amen.
It looked like she finished her back cut too soon. The hinge pulled.