As a heavy equipment contractor the cooperator issue is big for everyone, not just engines. It’s a difficult topic but some conversations need to happen. Hard for a contractor to compete in this current environment. Another issue for us is the cooperators aren’t held to the same standards as we are for the VIPR requirements. It’s very frustrating
Just like cooperators - judge us (contractors) on performance not perception.
All resources should be held to the same standards just like we all adhere to NWCG standards. Id like to see some cooperators receive some performance evaluations.
Now let’s talk cost- cooperators (Municipal/Structure) cost 5x what a contractor cost per day.
Cooperators are using taxpayer and wildfire suppression funds to pay astronomical prices a day 8,000k, Then they buy new trucks and fire equipment, (side hustle) sounds like a conflict of interest to me..
Cooperators are leaving their primary public mandate of structure fire response (core mission) short handed because of their being first on the DPL is fast becoming epidemic, and causing insolvency for some contractors. All the other points made such as pulling cooperators from further away (not using closest forces) is happening many places.
The whole Granite mountain tragedy was born out of that - leaving a fire the size of a Buick for 24 hrs while waiting for cooperators to respond from further away while a local contract crew was sat down. …..
As a heavy equipment contractor the cooperator issue is big for everyone, not just engines. It’s a difficult topic but some conversations need to happen. Hard for a contractor to compete in this current environment. Another issue for us is the cooperators aren’t held to the same standards as we are for the VIPR requirements. It’s very frustrating
Hands down best Podcast episode, great perspective and insight. Thank you both Tim and Derrick.
Thank you!
Just like cooperators - judge us (contractors) on performance not perception.
All resources should be held to the same standards just like we all adhere to NWCG standards. Id like to see some cooperators receive some performance evaluations.
Now let’s talk cost- cooperators (Municipal/Structure) cost 5x what a contractor cost per day.
Cooperators are using taxpayer and wildfire suppression funds to pay astronomical prices a day 8,000k, Then they buy new trucks and fire equipment, (side hustle) sounds like a conflict of interest to me..
Great point Shannon
Cooperators are leaving their primary public mandate of structure fire response (core mission) short handed because of their being first on the DPL is fast becoming epidemic, and causing insolvency for some contractors. All the other points made such as pulling cooperators from further away (not using closest forces) is happening many places.
The whole Granite mountain tragedy was born out of that - leaving a fire the size of a Buick for 24 hrs while waiting for cooperators to respond from further away while a local contract crew was sat down. …..
My favorite from command's habitual misuse of water handling resources - "park your engines here and form a hand crew".