Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Travis Dotson, Erik Apland, and Rebecca Sorensen discuss “unplanned leadership moments;” decisions that need to be made when the boss isn't there. 

Kelly Woods visits with Larry Sutton, Jim Cook, and Chris Wilcox to capture their reflections on the 30 years that have passed since the watershed 1994 fire season when the wildland fire community lost 34 firefighters in the line of duty. That season changed the trajectory of the wildland fire program and was a catalyst in the development of many things we take for granted today. Larry, Jim, and Chris provide their perspective on what was happening culturally at that time and as these significant changes began. They also share lessons on how to be an agent of change.

Kelly Woods and Travis Dotson visit with Riva Duncan and Dr. Patty O'Brien about some considerations when deciding to seek therapy, how to find a therapist, and how to get the most out of the experience when working with a therapist. The conversation covers many topics about mental health, including personal experiences related to therapy and the importance of having a support network.

Travis Dotson and Kelly Woods talk about lessons the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center received in learning reviews and reports in 2023. Travis highlights some themes and shares his unique insights on data. Throughout the conversation, Travis and Kelly reference the Annual Incident Review Summary and the latest issue of Two More Chains which feature many of the lessons discussed and provide links to the source material. These documents can be downloaded at lessons.wildfire.gov.

Erik Apland talks with Erin Phelps and Kat DuBose about wildland fire presumptive illness legislation, some lessons associated with filing a cancer-related claim with the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, and firefighter exposure to environmental hazards. Erin and Kat define what presumptive illness means for wildland firefighters and share their insights on when someone should file a claim, how and when additional illnesses may be added to the list, and what the agencies are doing to address wildland fire health and wellbeing.

Kelly Woods visits with Tyler Doggett in a candid conversation about some of the mental health difficulties that often accompany a career in wildland fire. Tyler openly shares his story which includes a chance search and rescue, a shattered femur, battles with alcohol, and the loss of loved ones. It also includes the power of gaining perspective, seeking help, healing, and hope.   If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 988.   Incidents central to Tyler's story:   South Canyon Fire 1994: https://lessons.wildfire.gov/incident/south-canyon-fire-entrapment-fatalities-1994 Bishop Fire 2020: https://lessons.wildfire.gov/incident/bishop-fire-seat-fatalities-2020

Travis Dotson and Erik Apland discuss the most recent issue of the quarterly publication Two More Chains centered on the wildland fire worker. Travis and Erik talk about the history and explore a few of the hot buttons we face today as fire seasons and the workforce change. Download the issue at: https://lessons.wildfire.gov/two-more-chains

Kelly Woods and Travis Dotson discuss the latest edition of Data Points that focuses on UTV fires. Data Points is the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center publication designed to highlight a collection of similar events that signal a need for specific action. The action recommended here: Equip all UTVs with an accessible and serviceable fire extinguisher. Data Points can be found on our website: www.lessons.wildfire.gov. Click on the products tab on the menu bar.

Kelly Woods and Travis Dotson discuss incidents featured in the latest issue of Two More Chains, the quarterly publication produced at the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center. Each of the featured incidents involves firing operations. Their lessons are diverse and meaningful. More information on each of these incidents can be found on our website, www.lessons.wildfire.gov. Click on the Incident Review Database tab and start searching.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

A conversation with Monica Morrison on Command Presence.  What is it? What does it look and sound like?  How do you get it?

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

Andrew Addey is currently a Forest Training Officer, a position he landed after ten years on the Sawtooth Interagency Hotshot Crew. Travis and Andrew chatted about a ton of important topics, including: Growing our perspective on the job of a Line Officer. Expanding our training beyond the "traditional" courses. The San Antonio Fire Hit by Tree and Medical Extraction. Preparing more than just radio drivers for emergency command roles. Learning from Military Crew Advisor assignments.

Why Talk About Entrapments? In January 2018, as part of work on the 2017 Annual Incident Review Summary, LLC staffers Travis and Alex recorded this discussion about entrapments. Listen to their wide-ranging conversation to find out more about entrapments, what they really are, why we're reluctant to use the term “Entrapment”—and why we should use this term more often. To read more about entrapments in 2017, check out the 2017 Annual Incident Review Summary (Download Now). Curious to know more about the Wagon Box incident that is discussed in this podcast? Check it out here.

In this podcast, Travis Dotson and Brit Rosso introduce the concept of the "Bad Apple" as it applies to the business of wildland fire. To do so, we take a close look at one of our heroes, Paul Gleason, and some decisions Paul made back in 2000 on a fire some of you may have never heard of. For more on the topics of Bad Apples, Paul Gleason, and this mystery fire, be sure to check out the Spring 2018 Issue of Two More Chains.

In this podcast, we hear from Travis Dotson--a regular on the podcast--and Brit Rosso, the Director of the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and podcast newcomer. In the discussion, we try to make sense of the super complex and convoluted topic of "Identity."  Travis and Brit tackle a wide range of topics, including: What does it mean to be "All-In?" What are all the ways your identity can get "smashed"? What do we struggle with when we leave the fireline? Do you "throw rocks" at folks struggling with retirement? For even more on the topic of Identity, be sure to check out the Fall 2017 Issue of Two More Chains.  

For the 2017 Week of Remembrance, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center is focusing on a single shift on a single fire from July 2004, the Nuttall Fire, which burned on the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona.   In the final episode of the Nuttall Fire podcast, we hear from Thomas Taylor.  Thomas has had a remarkable fire career. He was at H-4 when the Nuttall Fire came to life.  Thomas takes us through July 2, 2004 and beyond in this podcast. Check out the Nuttall Fire video series on our YouTube channel!   Read about the Nuttall Fire on our Blog: www.wildfirelessons.wordpress.com Be sure to also listen to the entire Nuttall Fire Series of Podcasts!

For the 2017 Week of Remembrance, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center is focusing on a single shift on a single fire from July 2004, the Nuttall Fire, which burned on the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona.   In this episode, we hear from a firefighter who was assigned to the Nuttall Fire as a helicopter crewmember, Jason Virtue.  Jason shares his perspective from Helibase and H-6, and provides us with a few key lessons from July 2, 2004 Check out the Nuttall Fire video series on our YouTube channel!   Read about the Nuttall Fire on our Blog: www.wildfirelessons.wordpress.com Be sure to also listen to the entire Nuttall Fire Series of Podcasts!

For the 2017 Week of Remembrance, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center is focusing on a single shift on a single fire from July 2004, the Nuttall Fire, which burned on the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona.   In this episode, we hear from two former Squad Leaders from the Flagstaff Interagency Hotshot Crew, Dan Martin and Corey Robinson.  Dan and Corey share their experiences and lessons from July 2, 2004 on the Nuttall Fire.  Check out the Nuttall Fire video series on our YouTube channel!   Read about the Nuttall Fire on our Blog: www.wildfirelessons.wordpress.com Be sure to also listen to the entire Nuttall Fire Series of Podcasts!

For the 2017 Week of Remembrance, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center is focusing on a single shift on a single fire from 2004- the Nuttall Fire, which burned on the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona.   Why?   Listen in to found out! Stay tuned here for more on the 2017 Week of Remembrance and the Nuttall Fire:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WildlandFireLLC  Blog:www.wildfirelessons.wordpress.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildfirelessonslearned   

What if your UTV caught on fire? Yeah - it happens. In this mini-episode we get right to the point - why you need to take a real close look at the underside of your UTV. Listen to this 5-minute episode - then go inspect that UTV! Related Blog Post: This Has Happened Before…UTV Floorboard Fire.

In this episode Alex and Travis chat about wildland firefighter burn injuries.  Why are they a bigger deal than we might think?  What can we do to make sure we get the treatment we need?  What are the lessons from past incidents?  Get the answers by listening! On the Blog: Burn Injuries - Wrong Hurts! Socks Matter Other Related Materials: NWCG Memo on Drip Torch Burn Injuries Video: Drip Torch Fuel on Pants  

Unfortunately, when it comes to fuel geysers, there are many popular misconceptions. True or False: "Fuel geysers only happen when it's hot.” “Fuel geysers only happen with chainsaws.” “The recent chainsaw recall will fix the fuel geyser issue." In this Podcast—that features the latest insights from Ralph Gonzales, an engineer with the U.S. Forest Service—we focus on separating fact from fiction. Listen to this conversation. Take the Quiz! More resources: The National Fuel Geyser Awareness Campaign Website Fuel Geyser Reporting Form Read about one fuel geyser event mentioned in this podcast: Willow Peak Fire Burn Injury  

2016 marked the eighth year in a row that the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center has recieved at least one report of a serious burn injury on the leg related to drip torch use.  This podcast is just 7 minutes long - a little booster shot of awareness on this topic with a couple of pointers to consider.   Put fire on the ground...not on your calf. Torch Leg Burns 2015 Burn Injuries

Do you like scouting?  Do you acknowledge the risk involved?  Chances are you take on more exposure than you realize whenever you "go take a look".  Some super dialed-in folks have died scouting: Sawtooth Rx Entrapment (2003) Devils Den Fatality (2006) Frog Fire Entrapment Fatality (2015)

What is it actually like to "Wag Dodge" it?  What does it feel like to realize you are in a bad spot?  What are some things you can do to prepare for that moment?  In this episode we hear it all directly from the survivor of an entrapment on the Bull Fire in Arizona.  Don't just listen - use this story, the lessons shared, and the material linked below to learn something...it could save your skin. Bull Fire Entrapment FLA Would You Hesitate To Use Your Fire Shelter?  -

Where do the lessons live?  In this episode we discuss the relationship between lessons and data and why it matters.  Along the way we wander through the following topics: Clocks & CloudsKnowing where the Medical Incident Report livesThe need for humilityCommunication with Medivac HelicoptersThe responsibility for relevanceData from past years: Annual Incident Review Summaries

In this episode we tackle the "Contractor's Dilemma" - the idea that contract fire resources face different pressures that make some conversations about assignment risk more difficult.  Is this an issue?  Is it not?  Take a listen and share your experiences with us.  Tune in to get dialed! Reports related to the discussion: Weiser Complex Dozer Rollover (mentioned by Alex) 2014 Incident Review Summary (pg 9) (has a general description of the "dilemma")

Alex Viktora and Travis Dotson discuss emerging numbers and lessons from the year so far.  Topics discussed include early season physical training medical emergencies, equipment burning up (including lessons about parking in the black), and tire failures.  Tune in to get dialed! Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Rhabdomyolysis LLR Deer Creek Fire Engine burn Damage RLS Turkey Fire Camp Overrun by Fire RLS Broadway Chainsaw Cut RLS Crew Carrier Tire Failure RLS 

Travis Dotson, Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center Analyst, has been crunching the numbers on chainsaw incidents during the 2016 fire season.  Listen in to hear his thoughts on chainsaws, and what sawyers and crew leaders might do differently based on what he's seen so far this season.