[This was the featured article in the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center As the 2021 western fire season begins, have you had the chance zoom out and put 2020 into its full context? Have you been able to revisit what happened, … Continue reading Siberian Smoke — the Power of Zooming Out
AARs: Why Do We Do Them?
Photo by Kari Greer. [This article by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center's (LLC) Analyst Travis Dotson was originally featured in the Fall 2013 issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Have you ever been through an After Action Review that was a waste of time? Have you been to the AAR where you … Continue reading AARs: Why Do We Do Them?
It’s Not Just You: Burnout and Stress in the Practitioner Community
Burnout sneaks up on a lot of us in the wildfire profession, whether we are digging line, holding hoses or fostering resilience actions with our conversations and our keyboards.
Same as It Ever Was…
Have we as the wildland fire service ever really changed? I would argue there is a difference between change and adjustment. I think we have made fantastic adjustments and very little change.
The Lunch Spot
The physical location of the Lunch Spot often coincides with a decision point. It’s commonly a spot offering a safe place to take a tactical pause.
Tree Felling Accidents…What The Numbers Say
Listen to a discussion about the Tree Felling Accident Analysis – a report comparing 53 different tree felling accidents.
CAUTION – The Pack Test Involves Risk
These incidents remind us that this annual endeavor may in fact be a walk in the park -- but that does not mean it is free from danger.
Do You Use ‘Hedge Words’? (“So, Do You Kinda Know What I Mean?”) It’s Time to Stop!
Hedge words make statements less forceful or assertive. While they are sometimes intended for politeness, they often end up "softening" the message. This can undermine our credibility and make us appear less confident.
Heroes and Dragon Slayers
You can buy belt buckles, T-shirts, and caps that proclaim you are “America’s Bravest” or that you are a “Dragon Slayer.” Are you?
LLC Staff Picks 2020
The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) staff reads lots of reports. In this post the LLC staff members share their favorite reports from 2020.