[This was the featured article in the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center As the 2021 western fire season begins, have you had the chance zoom out and put 2020 into its full context? Have you been able to revisit what happened, … Continue reading Siberian Smoke — the Power of Zooming Out
Lessons
AARs: Why Do We Do Them?
Photo by Kari Greer. [This article by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center's (LLC) Analyst Travis Dotson was originally featured in the Fall 2013 issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Have you ever been through an After Action Review that was a waste of time? Have you been to the AAR where you … Continue reading AARs: Why Do We Do Them?
The Lunch Spot
The physical location of the Lunch Spot often coincides with a decision point. It’s commonly a spot offering a safe place to take a tactical pause.
Tree Felling Accidents…What The Numbers Say
Listen to a discussion about the Tree Felling Accident Analysis – a report comparing 53 different tree felling accidents.
CAUTION – The Pack Test Involves Risk
These incidents remind us that this annual endeavor may in fact be a walk in the park -- but that does not mean it is free from danger.
Do You Use ‘Hedge Words’? (“So, Do You Kinda Know What I Mean?”) It’s Time to Stop!
Hedge words make statements less forceful or assertive. While they are sometimes intended for politeness, they often end up "softening" the message. This can undermine our credibility and make us appear less confident.
LLC Staff Picks 2020
The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) staff reads lots of reports. In this post the LLC staff members share their favorite reports from 2020.
Who Studies Fire Shelters? This Guy
This is an interview with Tony Petrilli, who has served on more than 35 fire entrapment safety review/investigation team assignments.
Where are the Lessons?
Where are the lessons? Sometimes it's complicated. But not always. This post breaks down how to get the lessons.
When Lightning Strikes
Two Helitack members are struck by lightning on a remote fire. What are the lessons?