How will we operate?

We have two detailed operating plans, one each for pre/during-fire operations and post-fire operations.  We review our plans with each Geographic Area Coordination Center and Incident Management Team for the particular incident(s) we wish to sample.  Our during-fire chief of operations, Ed Matthews (http://www.firelab.org/fep/festaff.htm), and post-fire chief of operations, Andy Hudak (http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/~ahudak)  Communicate routinely with the Incident Management Team in person and via radio.

The during-fire operations involve a 6-8 person research crew led by Sharon Hood and Helen Smith (http://www.firelab.org/fep/festaff.htm).  In addition, on selected wildfire incidents, an aircraft managed and operated by Forest Service Research conducts airborne infrared remote sensing overflights from a nominal altitude of 1525-2450 m above ground level, all of which are coordinated through the appropriate Air Operations authority (http://www.cis.rit.edu/~rlkpci/jfs.pdf). 

The post-fire operations involve 6 to 8 other people led by Leigh Lentile and Sarah Lewis. The post-fire research team samples where the fires have been extinguished, well removed from any fire fronts, to preclude any potential interference with the Incident Management Team.

All Rapid Response personnel practice the LCES system ( Lookouts - Communications - Escape Routes - Safety Zones) at all times, have personal protective equipment to current standards, have completed annual standards for survival training, and have successfully passed the appropriate work capacity test.  All fire research personnel working on active wildfires hold current minimum red card qualifications at the FFT2 level or higher, including current physical fitness at the arduous level.