I feel like I’ve been knocked back on my heals right now. I lost my old IC last month to a nasty...
Remembering Mike
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Bobbie on Fire
Bobbie Scopa started her career as a seasonal firefighter in 1974. After graduating from Arizona State University, she went on to work in fire and natural resource management. Eventually she left the wildand agencies to work full time for a structure fire department. She finished her Masters in Forestry at NC State then went back to the US Forest Service and BLM eventually becoming the Assistant Regional Fire Director in Region 6. Bobbie has spent many years working as a type 1 and 2 Operations Section Chief. You can listen to Bobbie tell audio stories from her long career at BobbieOnFire.com. She has also recently completed her memoir titled “Both Sides Of The Fire Line”. It will be available through Chicago Review Press late summer of 2022.
Good News-Bad News
I have mixed emotions right now for our federal wildland firefighters. The good news is the...
It’s Complicated
As we watch the fires burn our neighbors’ homes in southern California, we have to keep in mind...
How Civil Is Your Station?
Years ago, I was at a national fire leadership meeting for the Forest Service. The fire...
What’s the Cost?
Throughout our lives and careers, there will be times that we’re asked a question or asked to do...
Habituation to Risk
Here we are during the time of year where we remember our lost friends and coworkers. Those we...
Questions Aren’t a Threat, They’re the Answer
Awhile back, I was honored to speak at two different U.S. Forest Service fire leadership sessions....
“Oh Hell, a Prius!” – Powering Crew Performance
Years ago, I worked at a fire department where most of the firefighters were either hunters or...
What Does Humble Professionalism Have To Do With Wildland Firefighting? Everything!
Years ago, when I was an Ops Chief on a type 1 IMT, my IC used to talk to us knuckle-dragging,...
Post Season Tears
We used to say, federal wildland firefighters have four seasons just like normal people... but...
Don’t Give Up Hope
For you federal firefighters out there, you’re probably closely watching the drama and BS back in...
The Hardest Part of Fighting Fire
No matter what position you hold on the fireline, you are going to have difficulties, challenges...
