Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Latest Episodes:

Episode 37 - Unplanned Leadership Moments Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 36 - 30 Years of Growth: The Wildland Fire Service After 1994 Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 35 - Mental Health: First Steps to Getting Help May 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 34 - Lessons From 2023 Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 33 - Firefighter Cancer and Wellbeing Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 32 - Chance, Pain, Healing, and Hope Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 31 - Two More Chains – Fire Workers Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

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

Episode 30 - Data Points – Your UTV is on Fire Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

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.

Episode 29 - Two More Chains – Lessons from Firing Operations Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

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.

Two More Chains | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

Episode 28 - Lessons from 2022 May 19, 2023

Show notes

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.

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