Findings From the Wildland Firefighters Human Factors Workshop
Appendix A—Overview
Decision Workshop
Improving Wildland Firefighter Performance Under Stressful, Risky Conditions: Toward Better Decisions on the Fireline and More Resilient Organizations
June 12–16, 1995
Village Red Lion Inn
100 Madison Street
Missoula, Montana
Overview—
It has become increasingly clear since 1990 that wildland firefighters are experiencing collapses in decisionmaking and organizational structure. Wildland fire agencies have lost 23 people since 1990 who might have survived had they simply dropped their tools and equipment for greater speed escaping fires. More than 30 people are entrapped each year. Our crews are not as proficient at escape, fire shelter deployment, and decisionmaking under stressful, risky conditions as they could or should be. Partly, this reflects attitudes, and partly it is a lack of knowledge.
This workshop will explore firefighter psychology, interactions among firefighters and among fire crews, and better ways to organize. To do this, we have brought together experts in psychology, sociology, organizations, fire safety, and wildland firefighting. We will be looking at the current situation on the fireline and ways to make the often-dangerous job of wildland firefighting safer. Finally, we will develop a series of recommendations for implementing the changes needed to improve firefighter safety.
The session begins with four presentations that outline the psychological and organizational aspects of wildland firefighting. These talks will set the tone for the session as we focus on the individual firefighter, fire crews, and organizational structures on the fireline. We hope the unique mix of professionals will create a synergism that leads to meaningful change and a safer firefighting environment.
Ted Putnam, Workshop Organizer
Dave Thomas, Workshop Moderator
Jerry Meyer, Workshop Facilitator
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