Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

The Learning Curve

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View recent lessons learned and effective practices from the field, collected and summarized from After Action Review (AAR) Rollups. The Learning Curve is published periodically during the fire season.

*NEW*

The Learning Curve, April 2008 - 12th Edition
(196 KB pdf, Posted 04/23/08)

Lessons Learned and Effective Practices from the 2006 AAR Rollups featuring OPERATIONS (Water Conservation with Dust Palliative), PLANNING (Using Local Felling Groups and Contractors), and LOGISTICS (Using Spike Camps Decreases Safety Problems, Streamlining Spike Camp Deliveries, Coyote Camp Deliveries During Red Flag Conditions, Logistical Challenges in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness and Successful Approach to Recognizing a Potential MRSA Infection.

The Learning Curve, March 2008 - 11th Edition (159 KB pdf, Posted 03/25/08)
Lessons Learned and Effective Practices from the 2006 AAR Rollups featuring OPERATIONS (Division Supervisor Nightly Meeting Creates Cohesiveness and Simulating an Incident within an Incident is Vital to Success), PLANNING (Creative Responses to National Resource Shortages and Spin-off Benefits of Internet Availability) and LOGISTICS (Preplanning of Base Camp Location & Equipment, Changing Traffic Patterns to Avoid Traffic Congestion and Designating Crew Sleeping Areas Improves Safety).

The Learning Curve, Issue 10, September 2006
(344KB pdf posted 092106)

Five Lessons Learned and Effective Practices - Western State Fire Managers. This edition features Decreasing Nebraska Human-Caused Wildfires, Mutual Aid Agreements are the Cornerstone, Rural Firefighters Association is Instrumental, Aerial Fire Suppression Program, and Public Education and Prevention Efforts.

Biscuit Fire 2004

The Learning Curve, Issue 9, September 2006
(451KB pdf posted 091306)

Five Lessons Learned and Effective Practices - Western State Fire Managers. This edition features Cross-Training Local Fire Departments Brings Results, Collaboration Pays Off, Insurance Policies and Suppression, "Stone in the Pond" Concept and Partners in Prevention.

The Learning Curve, Issue 8, April 2005

(437KB doc posted 040505)
Five Lessons Learned and Best Practices from AAR Rollups
In this edition: Safety Refresher for Fire Line Leaders, Reporting Critical Incidents, Incentives for Donating Fire Equipment, Use of Tractor Plows, Use of Backpack Blowers.

FIVE LESSONS LEARNED AND BEST PRACTICES FROM AAR ROLLUPS, FEBRUARY 2005 – 7TH EDITION (443 KB doc posted 040405) This edition features: Arson Reward Hotline Reduces Wildfires, Improving Insurance Coverage for Volunteer Fire Department Trucks, Landowners Association is Vital to Success, Working with the National Guard, and Learning After Doing

The Learning Curve, Issue 6, 2003 (33 KB doc) This edition features: Incident Communications - Cooperation Between Ranchers and Operations, Safety - IMT Enhances Transportation and Driving Safety, Planning/Operations - Value of Sand Table on Incidents, Operations - Right Tool for the Assignment, Logistics - Locating Repeater Sites

The Learning Curve, Issue 5, 2003 FIVE LESSONS LEARNED AND BEST PRACTICES FROM AAR ROLLUPS Value of Contingency Planning, Aircraft Manifesting Using Digital Scales, Mobile Spike Camps, Security Badge System, and Incorporating Cost Measures.

The Learning Curve, Issue 4, 2003 (32 Kb) A highlight of five lessons learned and best practices from After Incident Reports submitted in the spring of 2003. “Common Speak” Lingo Needed between APHIS and ICS, Using Safety Technical Specialists, Emergency Plan Drills, Educating Forest Neighbors, and Strategic Application of Resources.

The Learning Curve, Issue 3, 2002 (pdf file, 37 KB) PDF File (99 KB) A highlight of ten lessons learned and best practices from After Incident Reports submitted August through December, 2002. Liaison with Local Law Enforcement, Increasing Communication, Use of Mark 3 Pumps, Specialized Firefighting Vehicle, Population Protection Plans, Safety Objective Becomes Paramount, Briefing Operational Resources at Check-in, Incident Medical Team, Dealing with Public Closure, and Mobile Sleeping Units.

The Learning Curve, Issue 2, 2002 (pdf file, 33 KB) PDF File (88 KB) A highlight of ten lessons learned and best practices from After Incident Reports submitted in July, 2002. Unified Command In Fire Use, Host Agency Participation, Safety Component In Briefings, Effectiveness of Town Meetings, Unique Suppression Tool, Large Spot Fire Threats, New Mapping Tool Available, Tapping GIS Resources, County Incident Command Trailer Used, and Assessment of Structural Loss.

Wildland Fire 2000 The Learning Curve, Issue 1, 2002 (pdf file, 23 KB) PDF file (86 KB) A highlight of ten lessons learned and best practices from After Incident Reports submitted in May and June, 2002. Staging Incident Management Teams, Use of IMT Web Sites, Providing Closure After a Serious Accident, Filling the Liaison Officer Position, Leadership by Example, Using Local Expertise, Fire Behavior in Drought-Stricken Forests, Setting Priorities for Staffing Divisions, Key Role of Incident Meteorologist, and Incident Qualifications of State and Municipal Agencies.

Credits

Editor - Paula Nasiatka & Brenna MacDowell

Disclaimer: Information is provided with the intent to share knowledge to improve safety, performance, efficiency and organizational learning throughout the entire wildland fire community. However, no warranties or guarantees are implied because much of the data provided is beyond the control of the Center. No endorsement of any company or product is given or implied.