The 2022 Year-End Infographic is out. Take a look. Ponder. Discuss. Then take action on the lessons.
A Practice of Hope
By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center Light filtering through smoke on a prescribed fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills, October 2022. Now well into the second month of 2023, I have been thinking back on my New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps, like me, you reached back to last year’s resolutions and … Continue reading A Practice of Hope
Be an Active Participant in Dialogue — It Takes Commitment; It Takes Work
The challenge for you to focus on learning remains. Be curious. Create and leverage learning opportunities. Be an active participant in dialogue, seeking understanding and perspectives. It takes work. It takes commitment.
Opening a Space for Dialogue that has Never Closed
Knowing the kind of firefighter and leader I was at that time, and who I strive to be now, what I believe most strongly is that I struggled, and still struggle, to initiate and sustain dialogue.
Perfecting the Art of Leadership and Learning
“What I couldn't change as a hotshot superintendent, I tried to influence as an FMO. And then, when I reached the limits of an FMO, I knew that I had to think bigger and about where I could have more influence. So, I went to WFAP with 450 students a year. I could directly influence future generations of leaders, managers, and FMOs . . .”
A Fire Manager with a Unique Perspective on Dispatch
I believe Dispatchers are critical to the success of the fire management organization,” Jeff says. “And yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. Out of sight; out of mind.
Entrapment/Extraction
This post compares three aerial extractions of firefighters in danger of being overrun by fire.
Trees Through Windows
While driving, the tip of a downed tree along the side of the road broke the driver's side window and came through the cab, narrowly missing the driver's neck.
Not Knowing
We don’t know how to do everything, and surprises will occur. Both in the moment and afterward, not knowing is an opportunity.
The Conditions We Create
If we as a workforce don’t consciously identify and exploit opportunities for learning as part of everyday work, we are failing to foster the constant growth required to navigate the dynamic environment in which we operate