LLC 2024 Incident Report Staff Picks I
These are three of the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center staff members’ recommended incident reports from 2024 that appeared in the 2025 Two More Chains Winter Issue.
I Suggest: Hoy Prescribed Fire Slopover Response RLS
Why I Liked It: I appreciate this report because it emphasizes the critical
role of understanding fire history and possessing local knowledge before conducting a prescribed burn. Fire behavior often follows predictable patterns under similar conditions. Recognizing these patterns is key to planning and executing effective fire management strategies. This report provides valuable insights into how historical data and localized factors—such as wind patterns and topography—can inform decision-making. By integrating these elements, it becomes possible to anticipate challenges, improve preparedness, and enhance the overall success of prescribed fire operations. Additionally, the lessons learned, and actionable recommendations highlight the importance of careful planning and interagency collaboration, making this report a practical resource for refining future fire management efforts.
Recommended By: Orlando Genao, LLC Director (Detailed)
I Suggest: Crazy Creek Spike Camp Run Over By Vehicle RLS
Why I Liked It: I chose this incident that occurred in central Oregon for its “Run Over by Vehicle Event” and its discussion about designating sleeping areas. Those of us who have slept on the ground in makeshift sleeping areas know the drill—park the rigs, set up your sleeping bag, bed down until you’re woken up for the next shift. The risk analysis of being run over by a vehicle is not a normal consideration. From this incident, the importance of camp points-of-contact, demarcated areas for vehicles and personnel, as well as the visual importance of tents in a sleeping area are discussed. How do these lessons influence your decisions when making camp?
Recommended By: Erin Hurley, LLC Operations Manager (Detailed)
I Suggest: Goosmus Fire Vehicle Rollover RLS
Why I Liked It: My first year in fire, a lead told me “driving is the most dangerous thing we do.” This incident represents the extreme risks of driving intensified by individual hazards such as darkness, inversion, and kicked-up dust. It reminded me of riding in a pick-up truck bed; the driver is doing a lot of physical and mental work to keep the vehicle and its occupants safe. In this Goosmus Fire vehicle rollover, no firefighters were in the truck bed. Driving might be a regular responsibility for some, but sometimes when a crew has several vehicles, especially rentals, even folks who don’t usually drive are expected to step up. This incident prompts us to incorporate key lessons for driving such as headlight adjustments, staggered vehicles, scene management, and communication.
Recommended By: Matt Carlson, LLC Assistant Writer-Editor (Detailed)