In Their Own Words - Pagami Fire

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In this "Fire Shelter Deployments: Stories and Common Insights" video, six wildland firefighters tell their fire shelter deployment stories on the Pagami Creek fire in Minnesota on August 18, 2011.

As you watch the video, identify comments that cause you concern (red flags). Write them down to discuss with others.

Lessons Learned

• When using a lake as a safety zone, expect turbulence that could capsize your canoe.
• If ditching in a lake, you may suffer hypothermia and be at risk of drowning despite wearing a life jacket.
• When deploying a fire shelter in water, a perfect seal can limit breathable oxygen and water can break down the laminate of the fire shelter material, especially in turbulence.

A Few Concerns in Hindsight

• Frustrations with management's closures decisions and terminology ("soft closures").
• Fire behavior more aggressive than planned. ("Oh, the fire won't make it that far. It's not supposed to be there for a few days.")
• Water was not a sufficient safety zone. (Hypothemia, breakdown of shelter)
• Lack of communication with decision makers.
• Not comfortable with the mission given. Challenged the process.

Thanks to the USDA Forest Service Technology and Development Program and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center for creating and sharing this video. A special shout out to Chris Kinney, Nancy Hernesmaa, Nancy Moundalexis, Todd Stefanic, Naomi Weckman, Andrea Lund for telling their story.

"Fire Shelter Deployments: Stories and Common Insights" is a program developed by the US Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) that will help you understand what you may experience in a fire shelter deployment. Click here fore additional fire shelter information.