https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-edbwu-10e02ec Kelly Woods talks with Erik Apland about his assignment to read all of the entrapment reports housed in the LLC Incident Review Database. Erik provides perspective on the evolution of reports spanning over a century. He highlights how old reports contain modern topics and he also provides some unique thoughts on PPE. In addition, … Continue reading Reading, Reflecting, and Changing Behavior
Entrapment
An Entrapment Survival Story: Before, During and After
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rb7n3-1066242 In a conversation with Travis Dotson, Chris Fry shares the powerful story of his entrapment and shelter deployment on the 2006 Mudd Fire. We learn several key details about what happened that day. Chris discusses the lessons he has gained during his healing process and how the post-deployment mental health aspects of his experience … Continue reading An Entrapment Survival Story: Before, During and After
Learning from the Bridger Foothills Entrapment and Shelter Deployment
Three members of a helitack crew are overrun by fire inside the meadow that serves as their helispot. Only two of the firefighters have fire shelters.
Do the Exercises
Each year the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center analyzes and summarizes reported incidents to create an Incident Review Summary. Each summary includes exercises to aid crew leaders and instructors with facilitation. (Pro-tip: Do the exercises.)
Honor The Fallen
By Travis Dotson How exactly do we Honor the Fallen? It's a tough question because it has a thousand right answers. One of the most important ways to honor is to learn. We are always in danger of squandering the bitter opportunity that tragedy affords us. This video is a glimpse of what so many of … Continue reading Honor The Fallen
Are Your “Slides” Blinding You?
By Persephone Whelan So there I was, snuggled on the couch in the early morning hours with my 3-year-old, sipping coffee, idly flipping through Facebook when a Hotchkiss Fire District video of the Horse Park Fire came under my thumb. I thought, “Wow. That’s some interesting fire behavior. Wonder what the story is there.” Then … Continue reading Are Your “Slides” Blinding You?
When You Have to Run
By Travis Dotson You should read this one. It's straight up scary. We've talked about this before, how normal ops can get sketchy in a second. Here it is. Real-deal run for your life type stuff. First fire of the season. First shift. Just scouting a road. Just serving as Lookout. Normal ops. Watch this: … Continue reading When You Have to Run
Engrained into My Thoughts and Actions
Redding IHC Crewmember – 2016 The South Canyon Staff Ride was without a doubt one of the most influential experiences of my wildland fire career. It is one thing to sit in a classroom and learn about a tragedy fire from PowerPoints and write-ups. However, talking to the individuals involved, putting yourself in their shoes, … Continue reading Engrained into My Thoughts and Actions
Finest Learning Experience of My Life
Redding IHC Crewmember – 2016 There are a number of aspects I consider key in becoming a proficient, knowledgeable, and accomplished wildland firefighter. Some help with professionalism or presentation, others focus on safety or cohesion. The list is as long as it is diverse. Some of the more beneficial skills are those that directly relate … Continue reading Finest Learning Experience of My Life
Should Be Mandatory
Redding IHC Crewmember - 2015 The South Canyon Staff Ride, as well as any other staff ride, is a tool every firefighter can benefit from. I feel it’s a valuable experience that should be mandatory. What you get out of a staff ride is so much more than what you get from any book, case … Continue reading Should Be Mandatory