013117 Huron-Manistee NF Risk Management and Type 3 Training

Continual learning is essential in preparing for our future.  This is one of the key reasons for the Risk Management and Type 3 training that was put on for the Huron-Manistee National Forest the week of January 30, 2017.

AA's receiving instruction on Time
Critical process and tools.

The session started off with risk management session for the Agency Administrators (AA) and their Fire Staff supervisors.  On Tuesday, January 31, the AA group were introduced to the Risk Informed Decision-making Using Risk Assessment Tools at Multiple Scales training session.  They were able to work through the three stages of decision making (strategic, deliberate, and time-critical) by utilizing a variety of risk assessment tools.  On February 1, the AAs were then offered a full day of open discussion/dialogue with two of the NIMO instructors.  This allowed them to interact with their counterparts throughout the Forest.

Also starting on February 1, the Type 3 teams (primarily the Command and General Staff members) were invited to attend a 2-day training session for the purposes of allowing the team(s) to work together and build their process tool box, while in a classroom setting.  The training was a combination of instruction, demonstration, and then simulations completed by the students.  The teams included individuals from the Huron and Manistee

Michigan Fire Department team
working on their 215/215a

Forests and Districts.  Also in attendance was a complete team from Michigan Fire Departments to provide them the opportunity to learn the process and also build their relationships with the Forest Service.  This team is hopeful to be able to shadow and/or support the Forest Service on incidents in the future to continue to grow their background and knowledge of wildland fire fighting.

This training session included a variety of incident simulation activities.  It allowed the students to learn the flow and processes needed for a successful incident assignment (all-risk and wildland fire).

One of the teams presenting their Operational Briefing to
the class.

On February 2, there was a simulation exercise that the students were involved in which allowed them to test out all that they had learned the previous day.  The teams were required to produce a variety of products, conduct a variety of meetings, and finally presenting to the entire class their Operational Briefing for the plan they developed. The teams were also assigned an Agency Administrator of their own to allow the realistic interaction that normally happens during an emerging incident.