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In 2003, the “Blue Ribbon Panel Report on Aerial Firefighting Safety” highlighted one key claim: “Possibly the single largest challenge now facing leaders of these federal agencies is to foster cooperation and collaboration among working-level staffs, contractors and states to raise the standards of aerial wildland firefighting in the United States.”

Nearly 10 years later, have we faced this challenge?

To revisit this issue, circa 2011, visit www.wildfireworld.org and read “Big Plane, Little Plane or No Plane at All?” This reflection by Bill Arsenault, firefighter and line paramedic, recalls a long afternoon on the Texas bust of 2011, where he worried if the air resources, from helicopters to SEATs to large air tankers, would support the ground crews in time to hold the line, save houses and avoid a burnover. After that close call, Arsenault asks, What should we do next?

Aerial firefighting suppression has a long and esteemed history — and a tradition of controversy and quandaries to match. Join Bill and others online to offer your ideas on what we can do next to face and resolve the question of aerial firefighting resources — from questions of safety and funding to allocating resources — so we won't be asking these same questions in the next decade, too.

During the last decade, the question of potential criminal liability surrounding fireground decision-makers has been exhaustively reviewed. Incidents such as the Thirtymile, Cramer and Esperanza have raised awareness of inherent potential criminal liability on the parts of Incident Commanders and others involved in the decision-making process. This awareness has resulted in significant legislative and policy changes, which have improved post-incident investigation procedures.

In this article, Don Oaks, a retired fire marshal and an attorney specializing in fire protection planning and land use, examines the topic of civil liability as it relates to WUI incident decision-making. In particular, he defines negligence and its elements, discusses the defenses and immunities available, and addresses the appropriate use of, and value of, insurance.

Every summer around 214,000 Australians volunteer their time and efforts to become the backbone of Australia's bushfire fighting efforts. These individuals are normal citizens who have been organized across the country at the state levels into various agencies that then cascade down to form community-based fire brigades.

How did these volunteer organizations end up providing the bulk of Australia's frontline fire forces? What do they contribute? What do they get in return for their efforts? And why do they do it?

Michael Hill, wildland firefighter, aircraft specialist and remote-area helicopter hoist specialist, examines the evolution and function of this volunteer system — an important piece of the overall Australian bushfire fighting picture. He traces the roots of the volunteer bushfire brigade system, explores the motivations for volunteering and the concept of “matesmanship,” and reviews possible ways to reward the volunteers.

For expanded versions of these articles, community forums and world fire news, go to www.wildfireworld.org. For access to the full articles featured in Wildfire magazine, as well as news, commentary and research on important fire service topics, go to www.wildfiremag.com.