The (class’s) safety elements have become more robust in my mind. Instructing it now, I feel we’ve really ramped that up. I feel that’s a factor of lessons that have been learned in the community over time. Taking the approach of: ‘Hey, we can do better.’ Maybe to try and plan for that adverse thing to occur even though this is a training.
One of Our Own
The One of Our Own section of the Two More Chains articles highlights the stories and perspectives of our field going folks. Enjoy!
That Elusive Thing Called Balance
We’d like you to meet two women from the fire service living a life filled with joy, struggle, loss, adventure, and tough decisions—just like many of us.
How Do We Take Care of Those Who Remain?
Ben wants to share all that he learned from this tragic experience with the wildland fire community—so that others might be better prepared for reacting and responding to critical incidents.
He’d Rather You Call Him a ‘Learner’ Not a ‘Survivor’
[This article originally appeared as the “One of Our Own” feature in the 2021 Summer Issue of Two More Chains.] As you’re about to discover, Kip Gray has an important story—and insights and learning—to share with us. This man’s unique perspective helps enrich his stories, his learnings. In 1999, after working on engines on Oregon’s … Continue reading He’d Rather You Call Him a ‘Learner’ Not a ‘Survivor’
Insights on Resiliency and Innovation with Advice for New and Older Firefighters
[This article originally appeared as the “One of Our Own” feature in the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] --------------------------------------------- For this ten-year anniversary issue of Two More Chains, we thought it would be beneficial to get the perspective and insights from a wildland firefighter who’s been in the wildland fire service business for … Continue reading Insights on Resiliency and Innovation with Advice for New and Older Firefighters
‘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.
Our COVID-19 Fire Season: What’s Prepared You for Leading in It? What are Your Fears?
An interview with Engine Captain Alex Plascencia to see how he is leading through this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic environment.
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.
First the Tree Tries to Kill Him – Then the Bureaucratic Aftermath Does the Same
Kevin Reese lived the nightmare. He got mangled doing the job we all love. He survived the injury, but the bureaucratic aftermath almost killed him.
Standard Response
This article is from our 2019 Summer edition of Two More Chains. Thoughts from Three Focused Fire Folks By Alex Viktora and Travis Dotson Eric Graff Eric Graff is the Helicopter Program Manager for Grand Canyon National Park. With a positive shout-out to interagency collaboration, he is currently on detail as the National Assistant Helicopter Operations … Continue reading Standard Response