United Site Services’ Post

The Wildland Firefighter Exodus and New Mexico's Biggest-Ever Wildfire With wildfires becoming more intense and fire season lasting longer, the need for experienced wildland firefighters is greater than ever. However, a recent investigation found that the Forest Service is struggling to retain these vital workers, with a 45% attrition rate in the past three years. The job's dangers, low wages starting at $15 per hour, and health risks have contributed to this exodus. We must support our firefighters and ensure they have the resources and support they need to continue their crucial work." A ProPublica investigation co-published with Outside Magazine found that the Forest Service is failing to retain experienced firefighters, suffering an attrition rate of 45% among its permanent employees in the past three years. Poor compensation (wages start at $15 per hour), cancer risk and mental health issues have all contributed to this exodus. #WildlandFirefighters #SupportOurHeroes #FightTheFire https://lnkd.in/ekBWpvZu

Only you can prevent forest fires

One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing that “events” are not a part of the job description as a firefighter. Maybe not, but prevention is. Getting out there and being seen IS prevention. Letting people know that as a fire department, we are a community asset, is one of the greatest parts of our jobs. Our job is not to just react to the event of a fire but do what we can to prevent these fires #fireprevention #preventinsteadofreact #firemarshal

I genuinely wonder exactly how much organizational learning is generated from such meetings. I have been fortunate enough to work closely and extensively with Australian fire and rescue services over the last decade or so, and also with their incredible State Emergency Services. Queensland is 7-8 times larger than the UK and they have a single emergency response agency. England alone has 44 fire and rescue services and 11 ambulance services. Wouldn’t mergers of UK fire and rescue services make for a leaner, more efficient and effective front line response? Would it reduce budgets and the need for investment in (for example) 44 brand brand new, state of the art training centres? Would it more easily promote best practices and the development of true subject matter expertise? Perhaps more critically, would it help with the current challenges the sector faces? I do hope the UKFRs can genuinely learn from other parts of the world. https://lnkd.in/e3zzbwgR

We would benefit from improvements on all fronts: leveraging suppression technology, increasing community- based fire resiliency efforts, and taking better care of the frontline workers. Wages is a good start there. https://lnkd.in/gSbNMYzC

As wildfires, again, spread all over Greece and temperatures rise increasing the chances of even worse fires, Areti Vlachodimou, from REVOLVE, interviewed Vangelis Isaris, volunteer firefighter from Western Greece to understand more a bout his job, the challenges and how to prevent the worst consequences. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eqfAFAh7 #Greece #ClimateChange #Fire #Wildfires #wildfire #volunteer #Firefighting #EmergencyResponse #CrisisManagement

While we are celebrating Fire Service week, some Home Fire Safety points for everyone to ponder, act on them immediately... - with ajay kumar goel #firesafety #firefighter #homeowner #homefiresafety #family #evacuation #fireescape #fireprevention #safety #safetyfirst #smartprofoundation #india #community #DisasterManagement #disasterpreparedness #emergency #emergencypreparedness #children

Fite safety is of utmost importance to avoid man-made disasters 

Heroic Selflessness: The Brave Sacrifice of Firefighters This video explores the remarkable courage of firefighters who risk their lives entering danger zones to save others. Discover inspiring stories of selflessness and bravery that highlight their dedication to public safety and the lives they impact. #FirefighterHeroes #BraveryInAction #Selflessness #FireSafety #CourageUnderFire #SavingLives #InspiringStories #PublicSafety #CommunityHeroes #HeroicActs

We proudly support the dedicated volunteer and auxiliary workers who represent the fire & rescue community 🚒 A huge shoutout to the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (VFFA) and the Queensland Auxiliary Firefighters Association (QAFA) for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. Your bravery and dedication make our communities safer every day, and we’re honoured to stand behind you! #BushfireControl #EmergencyPreparedness #StaySafe #WildfireSafety #HomeSafety #CommunityResilience #EmergencyResponse #CommunityPreparedness #FireReady #WildfireProtection #CommunitySafety #GetFireSmart #StayFireSafe #FireSeason #WildfireAwareness #DisasterPreparedness #ProtectYourHome #InnovativeEmergencyResponse #SafeCommunity #FireRiskReduction #EmergencyPreparedness #PreparedAndProtected #FireCommunity #CommunityWarriors #StrongerTogether #UnitedByFire #IgniteChange #StayAlert #BeFireSmart #FireResponsibility