Wildland

Report: Warning Signs Ignored Ahead of Maui Wildfire

A raging fire burning directly into densely populated areas. A historic city built between the ocean and a volcano with limited escape routes. Gale-force winds that left firefighters on the defensive. In the wake of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century, officials in Hawaii have, at times, insisted that little could have been done …

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New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and its Wildland Fire Policy Committee are proud to announce the launch of our new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit. This toolkit allows users to assess their current capabilities, view evacuation resources, and explore their community within a map-based application to create evacuation zones.

Fire Officials Unaware of Railroad Maintenance that Sparked Fires

The fires and railroad personnel denying access to local fire departments came just months after a Norfolk Southern train carrying volatile chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, prompting evacuations of nearby residents as those chemicals burned. The company has been criticized for minimizing safety measures to maximize profit.

Wildland Fire Safety

Bill Arsenault, Fire Chief at Kamiah Fire-Rescue, located in north central Idaho on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Bill shares the need and encouragement for everyone to participate The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), Health and Safety at Wildland Fires training module.

Understanding What Responders Need

On this episode of Tech Speak, join S&T in Harbison State Forest, South Carolina, as we test a newly designed respirator tailored to help wildland firefighters breathe easier. These firefighters must travel light and work long days in remote conditions with little to no respiratory protection. They not only battle smoke, dust and flames, but …

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The Benefits and Importance of Diversity in the Fire Service

Demographically speaking, our nation’s fire departments are not diverse. Consider the following workforce statistics from 2019 reported by Data USA: 95.8% of firefighters were male. 79.9% of firefighters were white and non-Hispanic. Many communities have started improving their efforts to recruit a more diverse workforce. For these programs to succeed, it’s important to recognize two …

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Professional Development: Tips on How to Get Your Program Started

To be a student of the job means you chase unfamiliar factors tirelessly until you find a solution or answer. Seeking the answer on how to start and manage a Professional Development Program became my newfound passion in the fire service. The development and implementation of this program began as a priority for McHenry Township …

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July 2 will be the first “National Wildland Firefighter Day”

The newly established National Wildland Firefighter Day (July 2) recognizes the dedication of wildland firefighters, including federal, state, local, rural, contract, and support personnel. The selected date is especially meaningful as it occurs during the Week of Remembrance, which is held annually June 30 to July 6, and serves as an opportunity to renew our commitment …

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