Similar known and later discovered wildland fire human, psychological, and fire weather causal relationships saved lives on two separate wildfires 23 years apart

Abstract: This paper examines the parallel human factors, psychological elements, and weather conditions that influenced survival outcomes in two fatal Arizona wildfires: the June 1990 Dude Fire and June 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire. The analysis reveals how lessons learned from the earlier fire directly contributed to life-saving decisions 23 years later, challenging the notion that historical lessons go unheeded. Through examination of deep-seated systemic drivers, the paper explores how similar weather patterns, fire behavior, and human factors resulted in multiple fatalities in both incidents, while also highlighting how proper application of learned experience saved lives. The research questions whether current wildland fire management adequately promotes and ensures strict adherence to established Rules of Engagement and principles of entrapment avoidance. This analysis provides valuable insights for improving future training, site visits, and staff rides while acknowledging the impossibility of preventing all fatalities despite best practices. These findings staunchly suggest that while complete prevention of wildland fire fatalities is impossible, properly integrating human factors training with accurate and truthful practical knowledge can significantly reduce them.

Keywords: Wildland Fire, Human Factors, Fire Weather, Fire Behavior, Fire Psychology, Dude Fire, Yarnell Hill Fire

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006284

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