‘Communication was so tack-sharp that during my entire experience not once did I feel not at ease. Teams were clear and direct with each other and others. Making it a prime environment to be safe as well as productive.’

Firefighters relax after a controlled burn, sometimes used for forest management, in Redmond, Oregon

A smokejumper prepares to leap from a plane in Redmond, Oregon. ‘Communication, safety and precision were three things that were in high consistency that day’

A firefighter takes a breather between duties after a prescribed burn outside Redmond

A team prepares fuel for a controlled burn outside Redmond, Oregon. ‘ Often I try to just observe, digest and then react. Two things went on a tier one level out there – communication and preparation’

The great descent in Wenatchee, Washington. ‘ I had expected them to repel slowly and at ease. It was the exact opposite – fast and no room for error’