[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’
Two More Chains Articles
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
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
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?
Same as It Ever Was…
Have we as the wildland fire service ever really changed? I would argue there is a difference between change and adjustment. I think we have made fantastic adjustments and very little change.
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.
The Repeats
Please resist the urge to use Bad Math, which goes like this: “This one thing happened and then this other thing happened, so I will make a random correlation and spout some overused catchphrase (‘They lost SA’) as if it were an actual solution and expect people to listen because I have a belt buckle.”