Page 27 - Georgia Forestry - Winter2017

masks. “About as protected as you can get,” he said.
“Our folks spend a lot of time away from home,” Butler said.
“Fatigue sets in, but they’re strong and they dig deep.”
Butler explained that fatigue is a symptom that must be taken seriously because, when it sets in, reaction times are slowed. It also affects one’s ability to think and process decisions properly. “That’s why we adhere to the 16 and 8 rule,” Butler said. “After 16 hours of continuous work, we must get eight hours of down- time. Going over the 16 hour mark increases the likelihood of poor response and decision-making. We were able to stay within
our 16 and 8 for the most part, but folks were still tired.” Grueling work in tough conditions takes its physical toll, yet
the emotional element must also be considered.
“Time away from family is always hard, and it takes a special
group of people to manage and maintain composure,” Butler said. “These folks pulled together and worked hard through this very busy fall fire season.”
“I’ve had a lot of training,” said Kevin Herrin, ranger 1 with GFC’s Satilla District, “and you can’t beat this hands-on expe- rience. I don’t like leaving my family, but I try to view it as a positive thing — helping other people, especially the ones I work with. I just do what I gotta do.” ■
STASIA KELLY IS A MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST WITH GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION. STASIA IS FOCUSED ON TELLING THE STORY OF FORESTRY AND THE IMMENSE IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRY ON GEORGIA'S ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY AND HERITAGE.
31,000+
acres of private land burned
42,000+
acres of federal land burned
$563,240,540
estimated non-timber property at risk from wildfires
Based on Georgia Forestry Commission data collected from January to December 2016.
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Jesse Johnson
Land Broker / GA Registered Forester #2725
706.614.4855 – Cell / 706.549.5050 – Off www.SouthernLandExchange.com
www.STForestryConsultants.com
www.GeorgiaForestryMagazine.com | 25
IMPACT OF 2016 WILDFIRES