Battling Wildfires

2008 Jul 29 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

This has been a very tough year for battling wildfires in the Western United States, particularly in California. The last battle is near Yosemite National Park and is threatening both homes in the area and the park itself. The wildfires near Yosemite National Park are particularly challenging given the rough terrain and landscape that firefighters must contend with.

At one point several months ago, firefighters were contemporaneously battling nearly 700 wildfires in California. Several factors such as the weather, wind, and arid brush in California make wildfires a perennial challenge and population and development over the last several decades has increased the exposure and vulnerabilities.

Battling these wildfires presents numerous challenges for public safety, particularly the need for cooperation and coordination amongst agencies given the expansive geographic area and length of incidents.

Take care and stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

2 Responses to “Battling Wildfires”

Sandy Boyd, Ed.D. Says:

Mutual aide has stretched beyond the oceans! My family and I were just watching the news about the fires near Yosemite and they were highlighting the work of 10 Greeks who came to California to help, but also to learn wildland fire fighting techniques and disaster management protocols. Any incident gives all of public safety a chance to learn, no matter where they come from. Being of Greek heritage, we got a kick out of seeing all these sturdy men who looked and sounded like our cousins and uncles! Our hope is that all involved come home safely and quickly.

Joe Pascarella Says:

Sandy,

Thanks for the post. I do agree about learning from other incidents, irrespective of the location of the incident.

Dr. Joe

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Public Safety Signals provides a venue for those working or interested in the public safety field to join in a conversation about the latest news, trends and important issues related to public safety. The authors are experienced professionals and educators in the field of public safety, but your topic suggestions and insightful comments are needed to keep this site relevant and engaging.

Authors

Picture of Dr. Charles Tiffin, a contributor to Capella's public safety blog.
Dr. Charles Tiffin
Program Chair, Public Safety Program, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Joseph Pascarella, author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Joseph Pascarella
Core Faculty Member, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Harry Carter author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Harry Carter
Adjunct Faculty Member, Capella University
Melissa Beasley
Captain, Florence Alabama Police Department
Michael Brown
Capella University Learner

Lisa J. Bjergaard
Capella University Learner, and Director, Division of Juvenile Services North Dakota
Darryl Jones
Capella University Learner and Chief, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire
Laura Pettler
Capella University Learner

Mark Rubin
Capella University Learner

Rebecca L. Smith
Capella University Learner, Manager of Emergency Planning and Training for Jefferson County Public Schools
Mark S. Warnick
Capella University Learner, Retired Asst. Fire Chief

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