Looking at 2022’s reported instances of chainsaw injuries, one number jumps out: More than twice as many cuts to swampers as sawyers.
Cover Story
Find the Two More Chains cover stories here. Enjoy!
Lessons from 2022: Entrapments
In 2022, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center recorded 12 different events that meet the NWCG definition of “Entrapment”.
Opening a Space for Dialogue that has Never Closed
Knowing the kind of firefighter and leader I was at that time, and who I strive to be now, what I believe most strongly is that I struggled, and still struggle, to initiate and sustain dialogue.
The Conditions We Create
If we as a workforce don’t consciously identify and exploit opportunities for learning as part of everyday work, we are failing to foster the constant growth required to navigate the dynamic environment in which we operate
The Illusion of Control — Ready to tip some sacred cows?
We are not in control of the elements influencing fire, we are not in control of the other humans influencing our situation, and we are not even in control of our own perception of what the situation is. In spite of all this uncertainty, as we step into this dynamic and complex environment, we convince ourselves we are in control of our own safety.
The Balancing Act
Finding a mentor, both on the job and in your life, is a great way to make your plan for a healthy work/life balance as you move through both life and career.
Traumatic Transitions
[This article originally appeared in the fall 2018 issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Brit Rosso is the Director of the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center—but not for long. Brit is retiring in January 2019, and not by choice. This winter Brit gets the old “golden boot”—the federal wildland fire mandatory retirement. This … Continue reading Traumatic Transitions
Stories: Why We Need Them and Why They are Never Over
[This article was originally featured in the 2021 Summer Issue of Two More Chains.] By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center Mark Twain supposedly said: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Whether he said this or not, it nevertheless seems absolutely true. I’ve been working on a special … Continue reading Stories: Why We Need Them and Why They are Never Over
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
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