Learning the Language of Fire

Photo by Chuck Hoffman © Genesis+Art

Chelan, Washington  

While Chuck is in the Village, I am with the down-lake team. One of the things that I do daily is attend a meeting in Lake Chelan called a "cooperators meeting.” It is a special briefing for stakeholders in the fire. I represent Holden, and I can ask questions of the IC (Incident Commander) and others.

I am learning the new language of fire. Like any language, it is hard to communicate if you don't speak fluently. So today four representatives from the US Forest Service came to the B and B to talk to our down-lake group about the Wolverine Fire with a focus on Holden. They helped explain some of the terminology, and a bit about the local fire ecology.

We looked at IR (infrared) maps and learned about "laying down lines” and about the different strategies and phases planned for Holden's defense. They brought maps and spent over an hour answering our questions. After they left, we felt more informed and empowered to move forward. They plan to come every other day to keep us up to date. We will try to pass that information along to you as we learn.

With good courage, Peg

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