Poor intercrew and intracrew cohesion during the fire transition stage is a major factor in wildland fire fatalities. Cohesion problems that were quite different existed in crews on the Mann Gulch, South Canyon, and Thirty-mile Fires. Because of the rapid growth of such fires and the associated transition of command, it is difficult for crew bosses to create the minimally required intercrew cohesion before starting extended attack.

Sociologists know form their studies that cohesive groups are safer than groups with little or no cohesion. My studies of field crews show that during the transition stage in fires, it is unrealistic to expect different fire crews and fire managers to blend together into a single intercohesive unit. The time it takes to create this cohesion could be greatly reduced by focusing on the kinds of studies and training I have suggested in this paper.