Breaking Windows



(Photo credit: Operation Clean Sweep)



“A window of opportunity is a brief period of time where it is particularly advantageous to do something. Often a window of opportunity closes quickly, meaning someone must take a decisive action at the time . . .” ~ WiseGeek.com



(Photo credit: Two More Chains website)


BREAKING WINDOWS
by Travis Dotson

Have you ever heard this during a firing operation: “Hustle up, the window is closing.”

What does that mean? I think I get it. We are trying to get through the window. Right? We are on this side and we want to be on that side. (Why are we trying to squeeze through a “window”? Apparently, “door of opportunity” just doesn’t sound as good.)

“A window of opportunity is a brief period of time where it is particularly advantageous to do something. Often a window of opportunity closes quickly, meaning someone must take a decisive action at the time…” informs WiseGeek.com.

Yes, we know the term “window.” We use it all the time. We also know about making sound and timely decisions and having a bias for action. How are we able to recognize windows of opportunity? We use Situation Awareness. So we have all the tools to recognize and take advantage of the right windows. So why do we end up in situations where the window is open and there is no action going on, and then—as it closes—we scramble around and do something?

That is the Window Closing
Have you ever been stuck waiting for someone to give the OK to put some fire down? And during the waiting there is not a lot of discussion about what exactly the plan is and how it will be carried out. And then when they finally pull the trigger, it’s an emergency and chaotic and you take more chances because you have fewer options? That is the window closing, and us breaking the glass to force our way through. And we get bruised, scraped, cut, and even killed doing it.

How do we avoid that, even if you are just a lowly holder or torch dragger? Well, when you look back on situations where you lost the window, how do you finish the sentence: “We should have…” We should have what? Been on the same page? Had a clearly defined trigger point? Known ahead of time what all of the terrain looked like? Had a briefing?

Get That Stuff Ironed OutYou have to get that stuff ironed out before the operation begins, however you can, or you’re right back in chaos mode. And chaos mode is dangerous. The answer is Leading Up.

This year, eleven wildland firefighters have already died. We have lost folks flying on a fire, driving on a fire, and PT’ing in preparation for a fire. We have already had multiple people get hit by trees resulting in fractured bones and other injuries. We have had multiple narrow escapes where equipment is abandoned and burned up.

Who knows how many unreported close calls have occurred. The window for us getting hurt seems to be constantly open. So, what do we do about that window?

Adapt this Question to Other Risky OperationsIt seems like sometimes we get so excited about an open window, we get all geared-up and jump through—without looking out of it first. It’s why we ask: “Is this flight necessary?” Meaning, just because we have a chance to fly, doesn’t mean we should. Maybe we should adapt that question to some of our other risky operations: Is this drive necessary? Is this tree felling necessary? Is this firing operation necessary?

I’m not trying to create a bias for inaction. I’m all about gettin’ after it when it’s time to get after it. I just don’t think we need to be getting smashed doing things that don’t need to be done.

Just know why you are being asked to carry out an operation, how it fits with the strategy, and look for the windows. The ones for getting it done—and the ones for getting smashed!

Dig on Tool Swingers.

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Travis Dotson is a Fire Management Specialist with the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and advisor to the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee.