Here is the deal. You damn sure ought to use LCES for all of your operations. But under no circumstances should you use it as proof that you are safe. Nothing we do is safe.
Fire Culture
COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent
After multiple incident assignments so far during this special COVID-19 year, Brendan O’Reilly, Superintendent of the Prineville Interagency Hotshot Crew, has compiled several helpful lessons and observations from his perspective and that of his peers. COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent By Brendan O'Reilly, Superintendent, Prinveville Interagency Hotshot Crew Online Check-In Excellent. … Continue reading COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent
What is “Normal Work”? Getting the Most from Accident Reports
This is the third of a three-part blog series by Jody Jahn, PhD, that addresses how we learn about complex hazards. Each of these three posts focus on a different facet of learning. (To see the first post: How "Oh Sh*t" Moments Can Make You a Better Firefighter ; and second post: “See Something, Say Something" … Continue reading What is “Normal Work”? Getting the Most from Accident Reports
“See Something, Say Something” – Why That Advice Doesn’t Always Work and How to Make it Work for Your Crew
A crew isn’t simply a collection of free-floating, fully independent people. Instead, it’s its own social system guided by a cohesive logic about what the crew is (and is not), what it does, and how it does it.
How “Oh Sh*t” Moments Can Make You a Better Firefighter
"In my research, I found that crews that make a point to do regular learning-based discussions can help their people put intense fire experiences into perspective."
Podcast: Command Presence with Monica Morrison
New Podcast: Fire Operations Specialist Monica Morrison shares wisdom you want about Command Presence.
Summer Camp – Using Wildland Fire Assignments to Escape from “Real Life”
Operational engagement can be an addictive coping mechanism in its own convoluted way.
‘And Other Duties as Assigned’
Ultimately, it comes down to doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons, which is another way of saying “And Other Duties as Assigned.”be asking you to do some unforeseen tasks and some yet to be thought of projects.
Is LCES Dead?
The following thoughts and observations are derived from my own perspective that is based on 25 seasons filled with two shelter deployments, plenty of near misses, getting hit with branches because I was mesmerized by how awesome falling a burning snag is, falling asleep while driving, falling out on hikes (because I suck at hiking, smoke too much). Oh yeah, as well as one divorce and four or five failed relationships.
Heat Stress: It’s Not Just about Drinking Water
Content Provided by National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) Heat Stress. Heat Cramps. Heat Exhaustion. Heatstroke... Heat-Related Injury (HRI). More than likely, you’ve heard these terms or possibly experienced symptoms yourself? At some point, we’ve all probably been on a hillside somewhere (listening to or) assisting with a medevac for a possible heat-related injury. If … Continue reading Heat Stress: It’s Not Just about Drinking Water