Wildland Firefighting

Again, I don't like to ramble on about things, but this incident has been on my mind and many others for several days.  Wildland firefighting, we as firefighters have always considered the "lowest of the low risk" when it comes to calls.  I know of some people who consider wildland fires almost enjoyable, and to their defense they get an opportunity to fight real fire and spray water while statistically there is minimal risk to life and property.  In Marshall County we're blessed to have a large amount of residential area and a lower amount of woodland area.  Combine that with our regular high moisture and lack of
significant wind forces, we're constantly dodging the bullet on the "big one" when it comes to wildland fires.  However, with all that said we must not let our guards down as to the dangers involved with fires that we consider insignificant or unimportant.  Remember the basics in wildland firefighting, such as wearing our protective equipment, ensuring any equipment being used is in proper working order before we engage in operations, our environment and surroundings, the elements of the weather, especially humidity and fuel moisture contents.  And finally, know how to read a fire and how it is spreading, and fight from the "black" (aka the burned area) when you can.  Sometimes you'll have to make an offensive move and fight from unburned area, but be extremely careful when/if you do.

The picture with this post is the last photograph of the Hotshot crew preparing to battle the fire that claimed their lives.  Let's all remember that no matter what the call the dangers are still real and do exist and we must always practice safety and if anything let lessons be learned.  May our wildland firefighting brothers rest in the arms of God.