I know the area well as I have hiked San Gorgonio, San Bernardino and the entire ridge. It is VERY steep and VERY rough loose terrain in many parts. Trails cut across very steep terrain - the trails are safe, but much of the area has loose scree, very high slope angles, flash fuels after big fires charred lots of old growth trees....
This is like a nightmare rerun of the Gender Reveal apocalypse a few years ago, killing one fire fighter.
We are having just insane heat now. I live in San Diego County. The highest temp I have had by me on top of a hill was I think 97 or 98. Today driving back from shopping, driving up my hill, the temp registered at 111 in my car!!!! That is just UNBELIEVABLE where I live!
I so feel for the Hotshots - I have come across some of them or their work. You guys are SO SO VALUABLE! I pray for your safety!
Sometimes these episodes (when things go wrong) remind me of the harder times in my career.
I can think of 2 specific individuals who are owed a broken jaw over their cocky bullying trying to get my crews into dangerous spots.
I won’t say who, but anyone who worked where I worked at that time would hear the names and have their own stories…because it was the wild west sometimes, and certain sketchy assholes thrived in that.
Once I was in a safety zone during a blowup, and the overhead ordered us to move, but that move was headed right into the crown run that had us in a safety zone in the first place. Guy got all huffy and puffy threatening to demob us over the radio.
Once the activity moderated and we could make moves, we tied in with this guy and explained the whole setup making a dirt sandtable, etc…and it was made ok…
but the last thing you need when the shit’s hitting the fan is some overhead trying to bully you into the worst possible spot.
I dunno, it’s a crazy job…you really have to stand up for your own safety sometimes.
I’m curious, was this the Wapiti Fire that demobed crews for declining an unsafe work assignment? I was wondering why they had so many hotshot crews to only be doing structure protection and prep work.
Tacoma, WA checking in. Thank you for this update and explanation of crews that faced demobilization and why. I learn so much as a subscriber.
Cheers, you’re welcome. Thank you for the continued support. 🙏
I know the area well as I have hiked San Gorgonio, San Bernardino and the entire ridge. It is VERY steep and VERY rough loose terrain in many parts. Trails cut across very steep terrain - the trails are safe, but much of the area has loose scree, very high slope angles, flash fuels after big fires charred lots of old growth trees....
This is like a nightmare rerun of the Gender Reveal apocalypse a few years ago, killing one fire fighter.
We are having just insane heat now. I live in San Diego County. The highest temp I have had by me on top of a hill was I think 97 or 98. Today driving back from shopping, driving up my hill, the temp registered at 111 in my car!!!! That is just UNBELIEVABLE where I live!
I so feel for the Hotshots - I have come across some of them or their work. You guys are SO SO VALUABLE! I pray for your safety!
God bless!
Krysteen
Need more info about declined assignments to determine justification
I provide full details in the episode.
Sometimes these episodes (when things go wrong) remind me of the harder times in my career.
I can think of 2 specific individuals who are owed a broken jaw over their cocky bullying trying to get my crews into dangerous spots.
I won’t say who, but anyone who worked where I worked at that time would hear the names and have their own stories…because it was the wild west sometimes, and certain sketchy assholes thrived in that.
Once I was in a safety zone during a blowup, and the overhead ordered us to move, but that move was headed right into the crown run that had us in a safety zone in the first place. Guy got all huffy and puffy threatening to demob us over the radio.
Once the activity moderated and we could make moves, we tied in with this guy and explained the whole setup making a dirt sandtable, etc…and it was made ok…
but the last thing you need when the shit’s hitting the fan is some overhead trying to bully you into the worst possible spot.
I dunno, it’s a crazy job…you really have to stand up for your own safety sometimes.
Well said 👍
👍👍
I’m curious, was this the Wapiti Fire that demobed crews for declining an unsafe work assignment? I was wondering why they had so many hotshot crews to only be doing structure protection and prep work.
Please give details of why these crews refused to go on the line.
This is a "new one" for me.
Stub
Like Tim's comment above says there are full details in the podcast.