#518 DEBRIEF: Six Firefighters Trapped | Mendocino Complex 2018

Six firefighters. A rapidly advancing wildfire. And an escape route that suddenly disappeared. On 19 August 2018, firefighters working on California's Mendocino Complex were conducting a tactical firing operation designed to stop the spread of a major wildfire. But as conditions deteriorated, a sudden wind shift and explosive fire development cut off their planned escape routes. We explore: The background to the Mendocino Complex wildfire and the challenges facing responding crews. The tactical firing operation and the events leading to the entrapment. How rapidly changing fire behaviour compromised escape routes. Operational urgency, leadership and the pressure to complete an assignment. The importance of communication, clear briefings and shared situational awareness. Why firefighters need the confidence to challenge a plan when conditions change. Lessons that apply beyond wildfire incidents, including structural firefighting and incident command. Further reading and original investigation DOWNLOAD HERE Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE  Please check out our Partners supporting this episode are William Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on website PBI high-performance fabrics  GORE-TEX Professional Clothing MSA The Safety Company JAFCO DELTA FIRE Send us Fan Mail Support the show ***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew