Lessons Observed Collection

(By Johannes Moreelse (after 1602–1634) - Own work, Public Domain,)

"No person ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and it's not the same person." Heraclitus

The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and OMNA International have teamed up to create a web-based collection form that allows firefighters to input lessons they have observed. Data will be used for trend analysis and integration into training and education curricula.

We thank you for helping to make the entire wildland fire community a learning organization, able to effectively integrate lessons from the past into the fluidity of a rapidly-changing operating environment.

Click here to access the form.

In case you are curious, here is a glimpse at the questions:

• What is the NAME of the Fire or Operation where you observed this lesson?
• Where on the fire was this lesson observed? Give coordinates or description...
• What date did you make the observation?
• Is this a positive lesson (something we should do more often) or a negative lesson (something we should stop doing)?
• Which functional areas does this lesson affect the most? 
• What conditions did you observe from which you draw this lesson? This is the condition that will trigger application of the lesson you identify in the next question. For example, write something like this: "Conducting crew movements during the burning period with unburned fuels between you and the fire or where terrain and fuels makes escape difficult will increase your level of risk."
• What lesson do you want to share based on the condition you just identified? Please start this answer with the word "Therefore..." For example, from the condition example in the previous question, write something like this: "Therefore, make every effort to tactically engage the fire at the location of your choice prior to the burning period."
• What is your name?
• What was your role on this incident?
• What is your email address?