Here are some numbers and a few lessons from incidents that occurred during the first half of 2020 (January - June).
Fire Training
COVID-19 Mitigations: Effective or Reactive?
This article is about one Hotshot Superintendent's experience implementing COVID-19 mitigations.
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
The Coronavirus Pandemic and Fuel Geysering
Be Aware: Gasoline being used during the warming months—May, June, July—may be more susceptible to geysering than in previous years.
Throwing Us a Monkey Wrench of Historic Proportions
[This article is featured in the Spring 2020 Issue of Two More Chains.] By Bre Orcasitas The Era Before COVID-19 If you stop and think about it, normal annual preparation and implementation of wildland fire resources is akin to a well-rehearsed orchestra whose members all know their part and come in on cue. An orchestra … Continue reading Throwing Us a Monkey Wrench of Historic Proportions
The Northern Rockies Training Center’s Tree Hazard Identification Simulation
Tree Hazard Identification Simulation: It is a tool that may allow you to retain some “slides”, increase your margin, or just flat out practice in an environment that is “safe to fail”.
Are You a Practicing EMT? Maybe Not
This article is about Wildland Fire EMTs. When you inquire “Are you an EMT?” do you really know what you’re asking for?
Thinking Outside the Stratosphere
On any given day we have contingency plans for our contingency plans and this current pandemic although unprecedented in scale, is exactly the sort of thing that our community has the capacity to navigate. The trick is recognizing and accepting that we cannot continue moving forward as if all things are normal, things are most certainly not normal. The term “think outside the box” might need to be expanded to “think outside the stratosphere.”
He’s Spreading the Word on ‘Stop the Bleed’
This article includes insights and information for wildland firefighters related to preparing to manage a major bleed on the fireline.