The View from Here

Looking for wildland fire discussion/learning topics for your crew or staff?

You might want to check-out or revisit “The View from Here”.

This Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) publication, first posted in December 2018, provides 16 essays that share a common theme: How and why we in the wildland fire service must alter some of our most ingrained practices and perspectives.

Most of these essays originally appeared in Two More Chains or were featured on the LLC’s Blog.

From the “The View from Here” Introduction:

"This collection of essays—divided into three key categories: Risk, Culture, and Operations—daylights qualities and practices in the wildland fire service across a broad spectrum, from outdated and unwarranted to honorable and profound. We must acknowledge our current culture and its shortcomings while using its strengths to lead change.

The main intent is to provide awareness for those decision-makers operating at crucial levels who are empowered to influence how we interact with fire across the landscape.

We must align our perspectives related to risk and exposure if we are to advance our collective interest in the well-being of our workforce and our landscape.

To fully appreciate the task at hand, we must also fully acknowledge the culture that supports and shapes the work as it’s currently performed. This collection is intended to illuminate the complexity of interacting with wildland fire while revealing the simplicity of shifting perspective. Common understanding will lead to action that will ultimately advance our collective well-being."

Stimulating Group Discussion and Learning

You can use “The View from Here” as an ideal vehicle to stimulate group discussion and learning. Select one essay at a time for everyone on your staff/crew to read. Set a time and discuss it together:

• What are the key takeaways?
• Has your perspective changed?
• Will you change your behavior?
• How will you take follow-up action related to the topic?

The View from Here