[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’
Risk Management
After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
By Nick Bohnstedt, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center “All personnel should continually evaluate the need to use aircraft versus other transportation modes in the accomplishment of any mission. In this case, the AOBD and fire staff received information that the road to the repeater site was blocked by trees and was … Continue reading After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
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?
Fruit We Can Reach
"The language is messy." This was the mantra our professor would reiterate to emphasize how difficult it can be to talk about risk. Having just completed a master's level risk management program, I have a better appreciation for the complexities of risk analysis. Thankfully, as Travis Dotson offers in The Summer 2017 Two More Chains, … Continue reading Fruit We Can Reach
The Work Never Ends
[This article originally appeared as the introduction to the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] By Kelly Woods, Director, Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center It has been a decade since the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) set out to produce a quarterly publication to highlight thought-provoking topics from and for the field. This … Continue reading The Work Never Ends
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
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?
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?
Siberian Smoke — the Power of Zooming Out
[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
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?