Our very own Adobe Walls Fire Module has deployed out to South Texas, for post hurricane recovery efforts.
Saw teams are assisting with debris removal and damage assessments across several impacted counties.
Deploying out to natural disasters is not uncommon for many of our Wildland Firefighters. In fact, the bulk of their job consists of it. Their skills are invaluable in post-disaster recovery efforts. Their expertise extends beyond firefighting and contributes to various aspects of recovery and rehabilitation. Here's how their skills help:
Assessment and Monitoring:
Fire Behavior Knowledge: Understanding the impact of natural disasters on the landscape helps in assessing damage and potential risks.
Use of Technology: Drones and thermal imaging are used to monitor damaged areas.
Safety and Hazard Mitigation:
Safety Protocols: Ensuring the safety of recovery teams and the public by identifying and mitigating hazards such as unstable trees, smoldering debris, and damaged infrastructure.
Search and Rescue:
First Aid and Emergency Response: Providing medical assistance to injured individuals and coordinating with emergency medical services.
Navigation and Orientation: Efficiently navigating through damaged and unfamiliar terrain to locate and assist affected individuals.
Rehabilitation and Restoration:
Fire Suppression Techniques: Applying erosion control methods such as spreading mulch, creating water bars, and building check dams to prevent soil erosion and promote vegetation recovery.
Teamwork and Leadership: Coordinating with various agencies and volunteers in rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
Infrastructure and Community Support:
Communication Skills: Serving as liaisons between affected communities and disaster response teams, providing clear and accurate information.
Physical Fitness: Engaging in physically demanding tasks such as clearing debris, rebuilding structures, and restoring access to affected areas.
Environmental and Ecosystem Management:
Fire Weather Prediction: Anticipating weather conditions that could influence recovery efforts, such as heavy rains that may lead to landslides or flooding.