Determining barriers to wildland firefighter response efficacy in the mid- and western United States

Purpose: This study aims to critically evaluate firefighter perceptions of barriers to wildfire decision-making and performance assessment. Design/methodology/approach: A series of 12 inductive, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with wildland firefighters across the mid- and western United States. The resultant data were transcribed and subjected to a computer-assisted content analysis using Atlas.ti. Findings: Content analysis resulted in 37 codes, 11 categories and 3 themes; namely, strategy, response efficacy and barriers. A comprehensive network diagram and the posited wildland firefighter decision-response efficacy model were constructed to visualize the data. Originality/value: The posited model demonstrates the interconnectedness between strategy, decision-making, internal and external barriers and response efficacy. Its use within firefighter training, i.e. scenarios, discussion-led seminars and case studies, can enhance decision-making and performance assessment efficacy.