July 2 is National Wildland Firefighter Day, created to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our wildland firefighters. In Massachusetts and across the nation, they save lives, property, infrastructure, and precious natural and cultural resources. #ThankYou to all who step up to do this tough and dangerous work! #NWFFD
The Wildland Firefighter Exodus and New Mexico's Biggest-Ever Wildfire
With wildfires becoming more intense and fire season lasting longer, the need for experienced wildland firefighters is greater than ever. However, a recent investigation found that the Forest Service is struggling to retain these vital workers, with a 45% attrition rate in the past three years. The job's dangers, low wages starting at $15 per hour, and health risks have contributed to this exodus. We must support our firefighters and ensure they have the resources and support they need to continue their crucial work." A ProPublica investigation co-published with Outside Magazine found that the Forest Service is failing to retain experienced firefighters, suffering an attrition rate of 45% among its permanent employees in the past three years. Poor compensation (wages start at $15 per hour), cancer risk and mental health issues have all contributed to this exodus. #WildlandFirefighters#SupportOurHeroes#FightTheFirehttps://lnkd.in/ekBWpvZu
Ranchers: I guess it's time that thinking through this horrific scenario in the video needs to be part of our future fire planning. If you are fleeing a fast-burning forest fire (or, for that matter, a flood), make sure to open your gates/cut your fences for your livestock so they can run too. We all know they might not make it to the gate in time, so figure out the most likely flight paths and be ready and practiced to cut the fences in those places.
(On the one hand, I think some of our brave cows would push through barb wire more than these elk can get through their fencing... on the other hand, I think the fence will be easy to cross once the posts burn... but unlike the branches and cut-on-location posts my grandfather used for fence posts, most posts are treated these days, so the posts are probably more fire-resistant than the animals... the last thing any of us want to see is a barbecued herd beside a line of treated fence posts.)
We might not be able to save them all, but a little planning and forethought for emergencies means that maybe we can do our best to save as many as we can and do our best. If you're in a flood zone, make sure they can get to the high ground. If you're in a fire zone, consult a fire expert. How are prevailing winds and land patterns likely to steer a fire? Hm, I wonder if fire experts know that kind of thing, where a fire will go. I am sure it's not as predictable as a flood. I need to learn more.
<note: I do not agree "fossil fuel companies" caused this problem as the original post said, I'm sharing this for the video and to discuss ranch planning -- all of us who drive cars and have air conditioning jacked up this summer, use plastics, etc., and, particularly, who vote for governments who reduce fire funding like Alberta's did last year, are in this together. I seek not to lay blame but encourage future planning and preparedness.>
Chris Sharpe, a firefighter, captured these videos of elk from a high-fenced ranch frantically running for safety.
It's not just humans that suffer because of the crises fossil fuels companies have created.
No time to wait. #ActOnClimate
Happy #NationalWildlandFirefighterDay!
Did you know that 30% of wildland firefighters in California are currently incarcerated? Since WWII, Cal Fire has partnered with California prisons to run the Conservation Camp Program, which trains eligible prisoners to become firefighters.
Inmate firefighters in California are paid up to $2/hour, or up to $3/hour for 24-hour shifts during peak fire season. (In comparison, non-prisoner state firefighters are paid around $39/hour.) They're also 8x as likely to be injured from smoke inhalation than their non-inmate firefighter colleagues.
The state of California considers the inmates in the program as firefighters, but after they leave prison it's nearly impossible for them to become professional firefighters. In 2020, California passed AB 2147, making it slightly easier for ex-prisoner firefighters to get hired. There's a long way to go but this law was a key first step towards firefighting equity. It's up to Californians to keep the pressure on our politicians so we can fix this system.
All that being said, be sure to thank a firefighter when you see them! And make sure you vote to support them. They're literally saving lives.
#firefighters
Thank a firefighter on #NationalWildlandFirefighterDay!
Careers in wildland fire can take you to parks across the country! From battlefields in the Northeast, the prairies of the Midwest, the forests of the Rocky Mountains, and to the wilderness of Alaska, we're recruiting future leaders that will shape wildland fire management, face the threats of climate change, refine policy, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our workforce.
Learn more about wildland fire careers in the National Park Service at: https://lnkd.in/en3CHFzy.
#NWFFD
For anyone from class with more questions about the FBI and the Hostage Rescue Team, here is a great introduction from a few years back. #WMMBAhttps://lnkd.in/dpBsHyvm
🔥 Unprecedented Indictment of Duty Federal Firefighter Raises Questions About Liabilities 🔥
Hello Eminent Community,
A groundbreaking indictment of a duty federal firefighter sparks discussions about liabilities among employees.
Delve into this unprecedented development here: https://lnkd.in/exnMYQch
In light of these events, it's essential to reevaluate protocols and ensure clarity on responsibilities within the federal workforce.
#FederalFirefighter#Liabilities#Accountability#EminentFuture 🚒
Read up on the Fire Armada's white paper "The Will to War Against Wildfires" as it dissects the in-depth problems creating our current wildfire crisis in the US. Highlighted are the many bureaucracies, inefficiencies, financial imbalances and bottlenecks that are preventing us from solving the problem. If only we as a nation had the will to collaborate and focus our vast resources and intellect (like in War), the wildfire crisis could be solved in short order.
#wildfires#wildfireprevention#firefighting
Theoretical knowledge forms the foundation, but it’s the hands-on experience that builds the house. Our training programs are designed to mimic real-life scenarios as closely as possible, providing our team with invaluable experience in a controlled environment. From simulated wildlife rescue operations to mock disaster relief drills, we prepare our responders to face any challenge with confidence and competence.
The ultimate goal of our rigorous training program is to ensure the safety and security of both our responders and those we aid. By investing in hands-on training, we minimize risks and maximize the effectiveness of our interventions. In the field of emergency response, where unpredictability is the only constant, preparedness is the key to success.
www.alphaaid.orghttps://lnkd.in/gsnVbmfG
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#emergencyresponse#alphaaid#training#firstresponders#medics#veterans#specialforces#eliteteam#makingadifference#empoweringvolunteers