We in the wildand fire community are saddened by the passing of a great wildland fire safety advocate, Paul Gleason. See the tribute to Paul by Chuck Bushey on page 34.

As fire season begins in earnest, we need to remember the concepts developed by Gleason. LCES is a key component to our annual fireline refresher training, and a it's key factor in keeping personnel safe in an emergency services environment. [See “Give your crews an ‘A’ on the fireground,” page 14.]

I've recently been appointed to the International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Fire Program Steering Committee. The committee has been very busy developing a policy statement on Wildland Fire at www.iafc.org, attending National Fire Plan and Wildland Fire Leadership Council meetings, building key relationships in the wildland fire arena, and drafting a strategic plan for the committee. I will keep you informed of our involvement.

Planning is under way for the Seventh Annual Wildland Fire Safety Summit being held in Toronto from Nov. 18-20. If you have ideas or suggestions for program ideas or papers, contact Dick Mangan at blackbull@bigsky.net or Leslie Anderson at landerson@fs.fed.us or visit our Web site www.iawfonline.org for details.

Also, planning has begun for Wildfire 2004 in Reno, March 3-5. Contact Chuck Bushey at treasurer@iawfonline.org for program suggestions.

Until next issue, keep safe!

Contact the IAWF

International Association of Wildland Fire
4025 Fair Ridge Drive
Fairfax, Va. 22033
phone: 785-423-1818
fax: 785-542-3511
e-mail: iawf@iawfonline.org