THIS IS A REPLAY of an old post from 6 years ago,
a photo and a message posted back in June 2017 by a friend of a friend.
He gave me permission to re-run the photo and the message.
Patrick Carnahan wrote back then:
“A little better pic from last night’s fire. I’ve been doing this for 29 years now and this is the first wildland season since 1994 that I’m concerned about extreme fire behavior. In ’94 I didn’t know any better and I thought all fires should, would, and will hand you your ass if you’re not on top of your game. For those spending the summer on the lines this has the potential to be a long season, so keep one foot in the black and live to tell the stories. Here’s to walking where the devil dances and your water is always warm. STAY SAFE, MY FRIENDS.”
We all know the associated risk of wildland fire, A game or not things can and will go sideways in a split second. then factor in accumulated fatigue from nonstop rolls and by the end of Aug the A game is over, this is when you have to exhibit mental toughness, this is when you rise to the awesome responsibility of being a leader of others, they are counting on you to bring them home. Adjustments have to be made in how you process information, reacting on the fly is dangerous, take that tactical time out, and if you decide not to then I hope that someone on your team calls you OUT! I would only hope that Yarnell Hill was a fluke, a one off, but if we are honest, we know that is not true….it’s a matter of time before the wheels come off again, I recall being a very young Forman on a shot crew and thinking that Storm King would be the last heart breaking tragedy……wrong…..so WRONG……Peace….
A tragedy that still makes people wonder WTF? went on there
Light and flashy fuels. Nevada this year has an abundance of flashy fuels. With near record rainfall amounts the saw and cheat grasses; in addition to varieties of sage, have set the “stage” for an interesting August to (?) fire season.
Both continuity and compactness of flammable vegetation here in Nevada hasn’t been seen for years.
“ if you’re not on top of your game”. Yes, remember, a large percentage of injury and death happen in light fuels under relatively calm conditions, mostly because we are not on top of our game. Any fire can hurt you.
“Here’s to Walking Where the Devil Dances and Your Water’s Always Warm”
Classic tag line Patrick !!! Gotta Love it Patrick.