“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 . . .”
Lessons
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.
The Likelihood of Learning from Incidents
The likelihood of a lesson influencing our behavior is greatly increased by how personal the source of the lesson is. We strive to increase the likelihood of learning for those farther removed through personalizing learning experiences.
Clocks and Clouds
How does using the “Clocks and Clouds” analogy theory help us to think, talk about, and learn from past events?
Allow for Improvement
A deep commitment to learning asks us all to get comfortable letting go of a rigid or fixed mindset and coming into situations with true inquisitiveness.
Who Needs to Know?
It’s important to remember that sharing a lesson doesn’t always have to be associated with an accident or close call.
Where is the Learning?
When you read reports, don’t expect the lessons to be spoon-fed to you on paper. That’s not where the learning is. Learning comes from the intentional interaction you engage in after the reading.
Insights on Learning from the Redding Hotshot Crew Superintendent
The culmination of our crew’s training is the South Canyon Staff Ride. That’s where a lot of tremendous lessons are learned up on that hill during this Staff Ride experience.
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.