Lessons into Action

While a cluster of similar events may not necessarily be enough to call a trend, it is worth a focused analysis of the events and the recurring lessons. Often a clear recommended action is revealed and needs to be highlighted.

2020 Mid-Year Analysis

Here are some numbers and a few lessons from incidents that occurred during the first half of 2020 (January - June).

COVID-19 Mitigations: Effective or Reactive?

This article is about one Hotshot Superintendent's experience implementing COVID-19 mitigations.

Is LCES Dead?

The following thoughts and observations are derived from my own perspective that is based on 25 seasons filled with two shelter deployments, plenty of near misses, getting hit with branches because I was mesmerized by how awesome falling a burning snag is, falling asleep while driving, falling out on hikes (because I suck at hiking, smoke too much). Oh yeah, as well as one divorce and four or five failed relationships.

Heat Stress: It’s Not Just about Drinking Water

Content Provided by National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) Heat Stress. Heat Cramps. Heat Exhaustion. Heatstroke...  Heat-Related Injury (HRI). More than likely, you’ve heard these terms or possibly experienced symptoms yourself? At some point, we’ve all probably been on a hillside somewhere (listening to or) assisting with a medevac for a possible heat-related injury. If …

Our COVID-19 Fire Season: What’s Prepared You for Leading in It? What are Your Fears?

An interview with Engine Captain Alex Plascencia to see how he is leading through this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic environment.

The Northern Rockies Training Center’s Tree Hazard Identification Simulation

Tree Hazard Identification Simulation: It is a tool that may allow you to retain some “slides”, increase your margin, or just flat out practice in an environment that is “safe to fail”.

Are You a Practicing EMT? Maybe Not

This article is about Wildland Fire EMTs.
When you inquire “Are you an EMT?” do you really know what you’re asking for?

Thinking Outside the Stratosphere

On any given day we have contingency plans for our contingency plans and this current pandemic although unprecedented in scale, is exactly the sort of thing that our community has the capacity to navigate. The trick is recognizing and accepting that we cannot continue moving forward as if all things are normal, things are most certainly not normal. The term “think outside the box” might need to be expanded to “think outside the stratosphere.”

He’s Spreading the Word on ‘Stop the Bleed’

This article includes insights and information for wildland firefighters related to preparing to manage a major bleed on the fireline.