During the shifts dominated by underpaid pain and undue stress, I derived honest comfort from the idea I was serving the community by performing essential acts of citizenship, privileged with the opportunity of accomplishing tasks I considered mostly worthwhile most of the time.
Guest Authors
Is Our Safety Messaging Making Us Less Safe?
If we agree that our goal is to bring folks home unharmed, but we work in an inherently hazardous environment, what is the most effective messaging to ensure intent is understood and achievable?
I Want to See What Happens Next
I hope that we can move forward to shape what will come, in our lives and on the land.
Refusing Risk – Authority and the Judgement of Emotion
When a situation seems questionable you are the judge and arbiter, and that’s a lot more difficult and demanding than just following orders.
The Notes are There You Just Have to Find Them
Emotions and Wildfire, breathes and moves like a song. We all experience it on the line or at the house as a new Crewmember, Squad Boss, Engine Boss, AFMO, Lover, Husband, Wife, Son or Daughter.
The Art of the Briefing
By definition, you get one shot at a briefing. Preparation can ensure you nail it. By Peter M. Leschak You could smell rotting meat a quarter-mile away. When Hurricane Ivan’s tidal surge scoured the barrier island of Santa Rosa in September 2004, the damage was catastrophic. A small restaurant that catered to tourists at the … Continue reading The Art of the Briefing
What We Are Learning About the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems on Wildfires
An Unmanned Aircraft System was used extensively at night for Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) burning operations.
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
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?
7,305 Days Ago, I Learned How to Fight Fire
We had opportunities to make better decisions and we didn’t. How do we process and transfer these lessons? By Thomas R. Taylor Seven thousand three hundred and five days ago I learned how to fight fire. It occurred on one shift and it also took the lives of four young people, one who was a … Continue reading 7,305 Days Ago, I Learned How to Fight Fire