Wildfire Medic - Wild fire Paramedic&Medical Unit Leader&HECM for Wildland Wilderness Fires, Disasters, Medics, USAR, Wilderness Medicine

Alaska Welcomes the Rain

With fires burning around the Fairbanks, Alaska area all summer long residents are relieved that the fall rains have finally arrived. Crews on the Railbelt and Rex Fire Complex spent the better part of 6 weeks chasing this massive 630,000 acre blaze with the goal of protecting land allotments, private cabins, and a natural gas drill rig. The dry tundra and fine fuels, the abundance of tightly packed spruce and aspen stands, and the prevelant winds drive wall of fire very difficult to tame, especially with the lack of any precipitation throughout most of July and early August.

News

For the 2009 Wildland Fire Online Annual Safety Refresher, click here. Fire activity is picking up in Arizona and Alaska. The question I keep asking is: "Will the early summer rains in Colorado be enough to keep the two million acres of beetle kill from igniting?" Only time will tell.

Updates

October 30th, 2009: With two feet of snow in Colorado's high country, it looks like the 2009 fire season is officially over in the mountain states. California could keep on burning and until then it is time to enjoy the first fresh powder turns of the year and prepare for next year's season.

July 15th, 2009: The Grammar fire is buring just down the road in Norwood Colorado. Numerous structures are threatened and evacuations are in effect. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and neighbors who are impacted by the blaze.

July 5th, 2009: Enjoyed the 63rd annual "Cherry Days Celebration" here in our hometown of Paonia Colorado and am now more than ready to get back to work on the fireline. Looks like the week ahead is going to challenge the fireless early summer season.

July 1st, 2009: Popular Mechanics featured me on the last page of the July edition in the "This Is My Job" feature. Huge shout out to the folks that made that happen! To view the digital version click here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4322933.html.

June 1st , 2009: The Colorado Wildfire Academy is being held right next to my beautiful hometown in Montrose Colorado. I have many friends attending and am pleased that the Academy is bringing the 'family' together here on the Western Slope. Good luck to everyone and enjoyed the rain, views and great classes.

May 2nd, 2009: Enjoyed working with line EMT Steve Spangler on the Deep Fire and meeting all of the State of Florida crews. Steve owns and operates "Titan Wildfire Resources Inc." The gators were more than plentiful as they are communing in the last remaining water holes that have survived the recent spring drought. Back home and ready for the summer fire season.

March 13 th, 2009: A crisp, beautiful morning in Montrose Colorado to take the arduous pack test with Becky's gang at dispatch. The Sneffels and Cimmarron Ranges were beckoning me to drop the 45 pound weight pack and dawn my 20 pound backcountry pack and ski the fresh powder. Thank you Montrose for helping me to complete my preseason requirements.

March 3 rd, 2009: Red flag warning for the Front Range while taking the annual fire refresher in Gunnison Colorado with Rick Bartman (PIO1t) and Pat Medina (AFMO Gunnison). The refersher was excellent and we had a great day of learning and discussions culminating in a deployment scenario. I will take the pack test in Montrose Colorado on March 13th.

Feb 23rd, 2009: Thoroughly enjoyed the Fairmount FIRE Team meeting and dinner held in Golden Colorado this past weekend. It was wonderful to network with my mentors and share in great food and company. Thank you Chief Angell, Wildland Coordinator Russ Lewis, and both Nikki and DeAnn Boyles for an outstanding event.

Fed 19th, 2009: Just completed a week long WUMP (Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals) taught by Iris and Liam from the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). The class was held in our town and it was a great honor to have both Chris Garvey from Frontline Medical and Matt Celesta from NOLS staying with Laura and I at our place. We learned a lot, met great people, put a lot of time in the wood fired hot tub (DJ you would LOVE the 106 degree soaking), and ate great food. I highly recommend a WFR or WUMP for any EMT working in the wildfire theatre. As always, my bags are packed and ready whenever you are.

December 15th, 2008: Flew to Galveston Texas to work as a paramedic in the Hurrican Ike FEMA camp on the runway. As things have slowed down quite a bit I have been able to tour the damage, visit the Johnson Space Center, the Moody Gardens Acquarium, and both work on continuining education and catch up on reading. The camp is scheduled to close on December 28th.

November 24th, 2008: Enjoyed a week of HECM training with Reggie Forcine and the crew at the Okefenokee National Wildlife refugee. Southern Georgia was experiencing record low temperatures with lows in the upper 20's. I am looking forward to the snowy winter of Colorado and whatever experiences come my way. Thanks to all for making this a great year and I look forward to working with you again soon.