Intent

Explore the Point Fire module for a unique perspective of the 1995 Point Fire, located near Kuna, Idaho. Immerse yourself in expert interviews supplemented by aerial footage and 360-degree video for an experience second only to physically attending the Point Fire staff ride.

Facilitator Preparation

• Review the Intent, Site Navigation, and Background Information sections.
• Consider delivering one stand each day as part of a morning briefing.
• Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to your location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

• Show the videos.
• Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and points posed in the videos.

Discussion Questions

1. Stand 1 – Discussion Questions
   • At the time of the Point Fire, coordination between agency resources and cooperators during wildfire response was inconsistent.
     • How has the relationship between agency resources and cooperators evolved since this incident?
     • What actions do you take to enhance cooperation and coordination with your adjacent resources? Where can you improve?
   • The Point Fire was initially contained at 120 acres but blew up during mop up operations when a cold front passed over the area.
     • How do you maintain and communicate situational awareness through all stages of fire suppression efforts?
     • How do you combat complacency during mop up operations?
2. Stand 2 – Discussion Questions
   • The wildland fire environment is dynamic and unforgiving. Often, we are inundated by time constraints and unanticipated factors requiring immediate action.
     • How do you recognize the need to take a tactical pause when you find yourself challenged by compounding factors?
     • How do you regain your situational awareness and re-engage?
   • Communication is a two-way dialogue between sender and receiver. The Red Flag Warning was not heard or acknowledged by all resources on scene.
     • How can you ensure your crew members communicate critical information or listen to and acknowledge the message?
     • As a leader on the fireline, how do you ensure all resources on your division or incident listen to and acknowledge critical information?
3. Stand 3 – Discussion Questions
   • Fire suppression knowledge and skills are learned through experience.
     • How can less experienced crew members be given learning opportunities where they can be safe and successful?
     • How can more experienced firefighters provide practical mentorship to newer crew members throughout the fire season?
   • Subject matter expert interviews note that even as second-year firefighters, they recognized key weather observations and understood potential fire behavior impact.
     • Identify specific weather indicators every firefighter must monitor using the Look Up, Down and Around reference in your NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
     • Discuss three additional indicators which will help you maintain awareness of fire environment factors Using the Look Up, Down and Around.
4. Stand 4 – Discussion Questions
   • The culture of wildland firefighting includes stigmas that may impact individual decision-making. Examples include taking undue risks to protect equipment for fear of reprimand or hesitation to deploy a shelter due to pursuant investigations.
     • Describe additional examples that you have encountered.
     • How can we promote growth and foster acceptance rather than advance stigmas?
   • Firefighters may experience long term fatigue differently throughout the fire season. Individuals may experience physical, mental, and emotional responses.
     • What can you do to be prepared for the next shift, individually and as a crew?
     • How can you maintain morale, physical and mental health, and personal relationships, etc.?
5. Stand 5 – Discussion Questions
   • Current firefighting culture promotes empowering employees with the concept of "see it, say it" regarding hazards.
     • How do you ensure all crew members are able to speak up?
     • How can you respectfully call out hazards as a new crew member?
     • How can you, as a leader, respectfully respond to crew members speaking up?
6. Lessons Learned – Discussion Questions
   • The many lessons learned from the Point Fire came at the cost of human life.
     • What was your biggest take-away from the Point Fire module?

• What is one practical change you will implement starting now based on this training?

Resources

• Website: RT-130, WFSTAR – Point Fire Revisited
• Publication: NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
• Document: 6 Minutes for Safety – Point Fire (Idaho) - July 28, 1995
• Document: Point Fire Accident Investigation
• Website: Colorado Firecamp - Point Fire Case Study
• Website: Wildland Fire Leadership: Remembering the Point Fire – 20 Years Later
• Website: Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) Framework
• Document: Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) Final Report
• Document: Swiss Cheese Model Presentation

Additional Viewing Information

This module must be viewed online on the ESRI StoryMaps platform. Downloading is not an option.