Engagement Dilema 2015

On August 28, the Pacific Northwest Coordinating Group (PCNWCG) issued a Safety Alert associated with a wind event. During the days prior to the wind event, the IMT on the Cougar Fire—in close consultation with the Incident Meteorologist (IMET) and Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN)—discussed how they might respond to these forecasted winds. The IMT concluded that they would limit the number of personnel who would travel to the line on the morning of the 29th.

In order to assess the feasibility of sending Division resources to their respective pieces of line, a “Storm Assessment Response Team” was identified. The Cougar Creek Fire teams included Safety and Operations personnel, as well as several pieces of heavy equipment to assist with opening roads. The Storm Assessment Response Team traveled out to the line during the weather event and provided updates to resources back at ICP, including when weather conditions were conducive to engaging line personnel. In addition, this special team also gave updates on road and travel conditions. 

RLS, Transition, Extended Attack, Multiple