A lot of signs have been given to us early on in the 2022 fire season. We should use those signs as a way to plan and maneuver through the summer. One of the most noticeable signals we see are the winds around the Nation the last month. Across the United States abnormally high winds have been recorded in multiple regions. The winds in New Mexico and Arizona the past couple days have been sustained 45MPH+ fueling the Tunnel Fire, Cooks Peak Fire, The McBride Fire, and more. Winds on Earth are greatly effected by our suns solar activity. If you watch the Solar Cycles lately you can draw correlations to what we are observing here on Earth.
The high winds early on cause fuel loading to be “pre treated” and will compound the persisting drought conditions in much of the Western United States. A lot of folks are crossing their fingers hoping for wetting spring rains up North and an early Monsoon season in Region 3. However, we need to take the signs we have been given and discuss some clear cut actions that need to be taken.
First and foremost, stay calm. The fire environment can quickly become “Stress City” with a high population of cortisol dumps, but we can control this. Manage your stress levels and heart rate to allow the brain and body to react in a more calm manor. This will also calm those around you creating a smoother communication highway. This does not mean lose a sense of urgency. Urgency can be better implemented into action with calm leadership and workforce.
Next, think clearly. When fires start to increase in pace clear thinking can be your best friend. When you take a deep breath to “stay calm” this in turn provides extra oxygen to the brain to clear your thoughts. There is a reason the orders are in this “order”. Thinking clearly also prevents indecision. Indecision is one of the larger causes of mis-steps and mistakes in a fast moving environment.
Thirdly, act decisively. When we start to linger on decision making, issues can compound and create that swiss cheese model. Make a plan and put it into action. T. Boone Pickens famously said “A fool with a plan is better of than a genius without a plan”. Have something in place and adapt that plan as the situation changes. If you stay calm and think clearly than it is easier to adjust your plan when conditions and environments change.
When it comes to personal responsibility, take care of your body and mind. Be responsible for monitoring how you
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