After Deployment

What You Can Expect

After a fire shelter deployment, a learning review is conducted. The US Forest Service utilizes the Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) or the Coordinated Response Protocol (CRP) while the Department of Interior uses the Serious Accident Investigation (SAI). Many times, the teams are comprised of specialists from multiple agencies. Review teams are often quickly mobilized following a deployment. The teams consist of agency personnel trained to conduct interviews and gather information to tell your story so other firefighters can learn from your experience. The team will be interested in the events leading up to the deployment, your assigned tasks, and how you experienced the event. As part of the review team, equipment specialists will inquire about the performance of your equipment, specifically the performance of your fire shelter. Questions focus on how the shelter performed, if there were any difficulties during the deployment, and the conditions inside the shelter during the burnover. If you deploy your shelter and safety allows, leave your shelter in the spot you deployed. Place a rock or something heavy on your shelter to keep it from blowing away or into the surrounding brush or trees. If you cannot safely leave your shelter in place, mark the location as best you can. By marking the location where you deployed your shelter, you will help the review team better assess the deployment site and conditions during the burnover.

Why Are Deployed Fire Shelters Reviewed?

Valuable information can be gathered from inspecting your fire shelter and the location where it was deployed. Equipment Specialists from the National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) can evaluate the deployment site and the fire shelter to gather information about what type of heat and how much of it a shelter was exposed to. The inspection helps NTDP equipment specialists evaluate the effectiveness of the fire shelter, the shelter components (PVC bag, tear strip, carry case, etc.), and the fire shelter training. Many fire shelter advancements have come from shelter deployment reviews.

For additional information on Learning Reviews, go to Chapter 18 of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (the Redbook).

The Mental Toll

Experiencing a burnover can have serious and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health. The emotional strain can linger for months to years. Firefighters may experience triggering events on the fireline or feel they are being judged or scrutinized following a deployment. If you or someone you know has gone through a deployment, a close call, or are having mental health struggles for any reason, there are options available. You can access your agency’s employee assistance programs, utilize your support network, or reach out to someone who has experienced something similar.

Back to Duty

After going through a shelter deployment some firefighters have decided to go right back to work and others have taken some time away. Others never returned. The decision to return to the fireline is your decision, do what is right for you.

If you choose to return, you may experience hesitation, increased caution on the fireline, apprehension to engage the fire, even self-doubt about your abilities. There is nothing wrong with these reactions. Don’t expect to jump right back into things on your next fire like nothing ever happened. The shelter deployment you have been through may very well impact you for a while. Some firefighter have found it helps to use their deployment experience as an opportunity to educate others, and help other firefighters understand that it can happen to them.

Resources Available

Mental Health Professionals (MHP) are available through your agency’s employee assistance programs. They are free to use and available 24/7 to permanent and temporary employees.

Find out what benefits your agency’s program offers, some services extend to your immediate family.

Don’t struggle in silence, reach out for help and take advantage of your support network. Whether it is utilizing your agency’s employee assistance program, talking to family or friends, or reaching out to someone who has experienced something similar, these resources can help you navigate complex feelings and improve your mental health.

Be proactive. Don’t keep avoiding what your mind and body are telling you, address them. Mental health challenges are something many firefighters experience and is nothing to be ashamed of. Getting the assistance you need will enhance your life, your relationships, and your resilience.

If one of your friends and/or coworkers has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, watch for signs of mental health struggles. Make yourself available, help when and where you can, and be present. If you have concerns for their safety, do not leave them alone and seek guidance to get them the help they need.

Remember, it is OK to not be OK, especially after experiencing, or witnessing a traumatic event. Reach out for help and be proactive because your mental health is just as important as your physical health.