Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Lessons from 2022

Kelly Woods and Travis Dotson discuss lessons collected at the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center in 2022. The centerpiece of the conversation is recent analysis of incident reports and learning reviews submitted by the field. Listen in to discover new information, action you can take, and nuances to facilitate learning.

Learning and Leaving a Leagacy

Kelly Woods talks with Sarah Fisher and Chad Fisher about what learning in the wildland fire service means to them. Sarah and Chad describe their different experiences landing them both near the top of their respective organizations. They each discuss their path and the lessons they learned along the way. Throughout the conversation, Sarah and Chad highlight their perspectives on learning and legacy. They also provide a glance into their world balancing careers and family time.

When Options Run Out: The Human Side of an Entrapment

Travis Dotson talks with Brian Crowley about his experience during the entrapment and fire shelter deployment on the Bridger Foothills Fire in Montana in 2020. Brian offers some perspective, not only on surviving as options disappear, but also on supporting each other during the tough times.

To read the Bridger Foothills Facilitated Learning Analysis visit: https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/bridger-foothills-fire-entrapment-a

Fireline Lessons - Tangible Take-Aways from Recent Incidents

Kelly Woods talks with Travis Dotson about lessons gathered from wildland fire incidents occurring in the 2021 fire year. This conversation centers around the Annual Incident Review Summary, a yearly publication based on an in-depth review and analysis of accident reports from the previous fire year. Tune in for some wild stories and a few handy lessons from real-life events.

 

Follow along or plan your next training day with the 2021 Incident Review Summary - download it here: https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/annual-incident-review-summaries

Family Business – Two Generations Talk Fire and What’s Important Through the Years

Kelly Woods talks with Beth Lund and her daughter Allison Lund about the dynamics of two generations of the same family forging careers in wildland Fire. They highlight how even though things have changed across the years, that which grounds them remains the same. Beth and Allison also offer insights on leadership, identity, difficult decisions, and family.

Reading, Reflecting, and Changing Behavior

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, Erik discusses how reading the reports has changed him and will affect his future actions.

An Entrapment Survival Story: Before, During and After

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 are what truly motivates Chris to share his story.

 

To see more documentation on the 2006 Mudd Fire: https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/mudd-fire-engine-ent

Tree Felling Accidents...What The Numbers Say

Travis Dotson and Alex Viktora discuss the Tree Felling Accident Analysis – a report comparing 53 different tree felling accidents. 

Topics covered include:

• Predicting Tree Reactions
• Hung-Up Trees
• Helmets
• Two People at the Base
• Area Control
• Escape Routes
• Accidents During Training

If you have anything to do with chainsaws on the fireline…tune in.

Download the report at:  https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/tree-felling-accident-analysis

Command Presence

A conversation with Monica Morrison on Command Presence. 

What is it?

What does it look and sound like? 

How do you get it?

Transitions

Travis Dotson and Brit Rosso have a great discussion about transitions, both on and off the fireline.

For more on this topic, check out the Fall 2018 issue of Two More Chains: https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/two-more-chains-fall-2018