Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

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: Bridger Foothills Fire Entrapment and Shelter Deployment 2020 | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

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

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: 

Mudd Fire Engine Entrapment 2006 | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

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

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

Download the report at:  Tree Felling Accident Analysis | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

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.

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.