Nevada Fire Aviation with Jeremy Seng, Alec Goicoechea, Lucas Rhea, and Melissa Fry
05/16/23 • 122 min
Welcome to Episode 119 of The Anchor Point Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of wildland firefighting and the culture that surrounds it. In this episode, we'll be discussing the crucial role of aviation and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, featuring guests from different aspects of the industry.
Join us as we delve into the day-to-day operations of the various helitack crews and the ins and outs of the tanker bases. We also take a look at the management side of the fire aviation program and discuss how it all comes together to help fight wildfires.
With wildfires becoming increasingly common and devastating, it's more important than ever to understand the role that aerial firefighting and aviation assets play in the overall strategy to control these fires. From the equipment used to the training required, our guests break down the essential elements of a successful aerial firefighting operation.
Jeremy Seng - Detailed BLM National Flight Operations Program Manager. He shares his experiences on how helitack crews and fire retardant can win the day with wildfires, the challenges and importance of coordinating with ground crews, and how his team manages resources during times of high fire activity.
Lucas Rhea - Nevada State Office Air Attack, joins us next to discuss the unique challenges of working in Nevada and Air Attack operations. He also shares some of his experiences as the superintendent of the Las Vegas Helitack crew.
Melissa Fry - Wells, Nevada, Single Engine Air Tanker Base Manager, discusses her role in managing a Single Engine Air Tanker base and ensuring the safety of pilots and crews. She also shares some of the challenges and rewards of working in such a dynamic environment.
And Alec Goicoechea - Nevada State Aviation Manager... Alec discusses the management side of the fire aviation program, including the process of allocating resources and equipment to different parts of the state based on need and the challenges of maintaining a high level of readiness in an unpredictable fire season.
Overall, this episode covers a variety of topics related to aviation resources and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, from the day-to-day operations of helitack crews to the ins and outs of tanker bases. Join us as we dive into the world of aerial firefighting and the unique challenges faced by those on the front lines of wildfire control.
Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting.
To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com...
Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
To find out more about the Nevada BLM Aviation Program - Check out: www.nevadafireinfo.org
Y'all know the drill:
Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!
----------------------------
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:
Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com
Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com
Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org
The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org
Welcome to Episode 119 of The Anchor Point Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of wildland firefighting and the culture that surrounds it. In this episode, we'll be discussing the crucial role of aviation and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, featuring guests from different aspects of the industry.
Join us as we delve into the day-to-day operations of the various helitack crews and the ins and outs of the tanker bases. We also take a look at the management side of the fire aviation program and discuss how it all comes together to help fight wildfires.
With wildfires becoming increasingly common and devastating, it's more important than ever to understand the role that aerial firefighting and aviation assets play in the overall strategy to control these fires. From the equipment used to the training required, our guests break down the essential elements of a successful aerial firefighting operation.
Jeremy Seng - Detailed BLM National Flight Operations Program Manager. He shares his experiences on how helitack crews and fire retardant can win the day with wildfires, the challenges and importance of coordinating with ground crews, and how his team manages resources during times of high fire activity.
Lucas Rhea - Nevada State Office Air Attack, joins us next to discuss the unique challenges of working in Nevada and Air Attack operations. He also shares some of his experiences as the superintendent of the Las Vegas Helitack crew.
Melissa Fry - Wells, Nevada, Single Engine Air Tanker Base Manager, discusses her role in managing a Single Engine Air Tanker base and ensuring the safety of pilots and crews. She also shares some of the challenges and rewards of working in such a dynamic environment.
And Alec Goicoechea - Nevada State Aviation Manager... Alec discusses the management side of the fire aviation program, including the process of allocating resources and equipment to different parts of the state based on need and the challenges of maintaining a high level of readiness in an unpredictable fire season.
Overall, this episode covers a variety of topics related to aviation resources and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, from the day-to-day operations of helitack crews to the ins and outs of tanker bases. Join us as we dive into the world of aerial firefighting and the unique challenges faced by those on the front lines of wildfire control.
Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting.
To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com...
Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
To find out more about the Nevada BLM Aviation Program - Check out: www.nevadafireinfo.org
Y'all know the drill:
Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!
----------------------------
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:
Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com
Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com
Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org
The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org
Previous Episode
"Nevada Hotshot and Handcrew Superintendents Tell It How It Is" with JP, Chase, Justin, and Kris
Welcome to The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 118! In this episode, we delve into the world of wildland firefighting with a focus on the Nevada Bureau of Land Management Handcrews and Interagency Hotshot Crews.
Our guests for this episode include JP Blair, Justin Zabala, Kris Bruington, and Chase Maness, all experienced Hotshots who have worked on the frontlines of some of the toughest wildfires in the country. We talk about their experiences as members of these elite firefighting teams, how they have seen the industry evolve over the years, and the direction the industry is heading with the new changes on the horizon.
We also have an honest and candid conversation about the following topics:
- Changes in crew dynamics from the "old school" to the "new school" and the impact it has had on the job.
- Operational changes and how they have had to adapt these changes.
- Moving away from chasing hazard and overtime pay, and how the focus has shifted to safety and taking care of the human component of fire.
- The importance of saving and not blowing all your money you made in the summer.
- The toll firefighting can take on mental health and the importance of support systems both during and after the job.
Finally, we explore the role of social media in firefighting and how it can be used for "clout chasing" or for a greater good. Our guests provide examples of how social media can be leveraged to educate the public on fire safety and prevention.
The guests on this episode are all current or former Interagency Hotshot Crew or Handcrew superintendents, here's a little about these rad individuals:
JP Blair - Superintendent of Vegas Valley Veterans Crew, US Marine, and former Del Rosa Interagency Hotshot Asst. Supt.
Justin Zabala - Current Assistant Superintendent, soon to be Supt. of Ruby Mountain Hotshots.
Kris Bruington - Fire Operations Coordinator for the NV BLM, former Lone Peak IHC Superintendent.
Chase Maness - Eastern Nevada Agency BIA Fire Management Officer, former Midnight Suns and Ruby Mountain IHC Superintendent.
I Just want to say to these guys are awesome, and I also want to extend a huge thank you for being on the show!
Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting.
To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com...
Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
Y'all know the drill:
Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!
----------------------------
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:
Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com
Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com
Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org
The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org
Next Episode
Overcoming Adversity: The Journey To Mental Health And Healing With Jay Walker
Welcome to the The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 117 with Jay Walker, a wildland firefighter from Wells, NV. Jay has served on multiple wildland firefighting crews, including Ruby Mountain Hotshots, Jackson Hotshots, and Elko District Engine Modules. He is currently the acting superintendent of Ely Helitack, based out of Panaca, Nevada.
In 2020, Jay experienced a severe rollover accident in a UTV resulting in the loss of his hand. After multiple surgeries, hardships, and financial challenges, he experienced something arguably worse than the pain of the accident itself - the mental health challenges.
In this episode, we dive into Jay's personal journey to discovering a distinct approach to prioritizing his mental health and recovery. It is an incredibly uplifting account that highlights his unwavering determination, how he overcame his demons, and his desire to support others in their own paths. Jay serves as a true inspiration and the epitome of the indomitable human will. His enthusiasm for fire remains undiminished, and he continues his firefighting endeavors using a unique set of prosthetics despite the unfortunate loss of his hand.
Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast," to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com. Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
Y'all know the drill:
Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!
----------------------------
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:
Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com
Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com
Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org
The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org
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