[This article originally appeared as the “One of Our Own” feature in the 2021 Summer Issue of Two More Chains.] As you’re about to discover, Kip Gray has an important story—and insights and learning—to share with us. This man’s unique perspective helps enrich his stories, his learnings. In 1999, after working on engines on Oregon’s … Continue reading He’d Rather You Call Him a ‘Learner’ Not a ‘Survivor’
Reading, Reflecting, and Changing Behavior
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-edbwu-10e02ec Kelly Woods talks with Erik Apland about his assignment to read all of the entrapment reports housed in the LLC Incident Review Database. Erik provides perspective on the evolution of reports spanning over a century. He highlights how old reports contain modern topics and he also provides some unique thoughts on PPE. In addition, … Continue reading Reading, Reflecting, and Changing Behavior
After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
By Nick Bohnstedt, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center “All personnel should continually evaluate the need to use aircraft versus other transportation modes in the accomplishment of any mission. In this case, the AOBD and fire staff received information that the road to the repeater site was blocked by trees and was … Continue reading After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
Are You Prepared for an Active Shooter Situation?
Have you ever considered what you would do if you encountered an active shooter—or someone threatening you with a gun—out in the field? Do you have a plan? These reports have helpful insights. Check out the lessons in this recent RLS that tells the story of what happened when an active shooter walked onto a … Continue reading Are You Prepared for an Active Shooter Situation?
Fruit We Can Reach
"The language is messy." This was the mantra our professor would reiterate to emphasize how difficult it can be to talk about risk. Having just completed a master's level risk management program, I have a better appreciation for the complexities of risk analysis. Thankfully, as Travis Dotson offers in The Summer 2017 Two More Chains, … Continue reading Fruit We Can Reach
Heatstroke Lesson Sharing from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
[This blog post enlightens you to how we might best reflect and learn from the experience of others—avoiding the “Us and Them” pitfalls. It also shares vital information about concepts and practices that might be new to you—including “capacity sponges” and the “TACO” method for saving someone’s life. Pertinent topics here include “Three Dangerous Myths … Continue reading Heatstroke Lesson Sharing from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Where Does Your Incident Repeater Come From?
What I learned from two weeks at the Great Basin Cache By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center I recently mobilized to a 14-day assignment that was completely outside of my previous experience—working for the Great Basin Support Cache in Boise, Idaho. The Great Basin Cache (GBK is its identifier) … Continue reading Where Does Your Incident Repeater Come From?
US…and Them
By Nick Bohnstedt, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center The Summer 2015 issue of Two More Chains explored the concept of "US and THEM" and the barriers this mindset creates to learning in the wildland fire service and beyond. Unfortunately, I’ve got a pile of “Us and Them” examples from my own … Continue reading US…and Them
The Work Never Ends
[This article originally appeared as the introduction to the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] By Kelly Woods, Director, Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center It has been a decade since the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) set out to produce a quarterly publication to highlight thought-provoking topics from and for the field. This … Continue reading The Work Never Ends
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?
A Personal Decision on the Fireline - Are You Willing to Roll the Dice? By Dr. Jennifer Symonds Fire and Aviation Management Medical Officer U.S. Forest Service The decision on whether or not to get your COVID-19 vaccine is a personal one; we must all make our own choice. Clearly, we all have different motivators … Continue reading To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?