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
Incident Management Teams
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.
Tree on Truck…Tac-Pause
The innovative application of the tactical pause recounted here is the 'mental health' tac-pause for the person who just experienced a seriously close call. The mental health version is just a bit of time, space, and support to assure we have our 'head back in the game'.
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?
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
Masks or No Masks?
Two firefighters wearing their masks during an assignment in 2020. By Dr. Jennifer Symonds Fire and Aviation Management Medical Officer U.S. Forest Service It’s 2021. You are vaccinated. Should you still wear a mask on assignments? How about those of you who have not been vaccinated. What are the rules on wearing masks for the … Continue reading Masks or No Masks?
COMMAND PRESENCE — Looking the Part and Playing the Part
By Peter M. Leschak Part 1 A decade ago I was dispatched as a Division Supervisor to a fire complex in Georgia. As I walked into a bustling ICP to check in, a deep male voice boomed over the hubbub: “Hey, y’all! There walks a Div Supt. I can spot ‘em a mile away.” He … Continue reading COMMAND PRESENCE — Looking the Part and Playing the Part
What Does “Module as One” Mean in 2021?
Vaccines have been administered, infection rates are down, fire activity is picking up. Are we sticking with the practices that were established last year?
‘And Then What?’
I think the single-most dangerous thing for a Logistics Chief is indecision, the inability to make the uncomfortable decision with limited information.
The SOG Fire Rock Strike: Lucky? Or Prepared?
SOG Fire Rock Strike “Being lucky is often stated when something attributed to a miracle happens, but preparation is what really creates the outcome.”