Fire Engineering

07/30/2025

WEBCAST TODAY, 12 pm ET:
https://ow.ly/aV7e50Wn419
Real World Saves, Misreads, and Lessons Learned: Thermal Imagers in Action
-with Andy Starnes

Join a panel of seasoned Fire Service Thermal Imager trainers for a powerful, no-filter roundtable discussion on how thermal imagers have made a life-or-death difference on the fireground. This webcast dives into real-world incidents where TICs led to victim rescues, critical fire behavior recognition, and firefighter accountability.

Trainers will share stories, videos, and thermal images— highlighting both the successes and the moments where misreads could have turned tragic. Learn how to spot common interpretation mistakes, pick up proven search tactics, and apply practical, actionable lessons your department can use on your next fire. Whether you’re a frontline firefighter, company officer, or training officer, this conversation will sharpen your skills, challenge assumptions, and give you tangible takeaways for safer, smarter TIC use.

More info and registration:
https://ow.ly/aV7e50Wn419

Sponsored by Bullard Emergency Responder

07/29/2025

WEBCAST TODAY, 12 pm ET:
https://ow.ly/Z42v50WqfrZ
Developing a Municipal / Industrial Partnership
-with Rick Haase

Many business and industries develop internal emergency preparedness and response programs to ensure the safety of their facility personnel and the continued operation of their facility during emergency situations. The concepts of emergency planning and business continuity/restoration are critical to business and industries. Municipal emergency service agencies should take advantage of these planning and response programs to enhance their programs.

This webinar will explore how local municipalities can partner with their local business and industries to develop preparedness and response programs that are mutually beneficial. This program will provide examples of key preparedness and response programs which have been successfully implemented. The programs include resource sharing, joint training, collaborative planning, and similar programs. The program will also discuss the benefits of the partnership programs as well as the hurdles that may need to be overcome. This webinar will benefit both industrial emergency response organizations and municipal response agencies that may respond to industrial facilities. This webinar will stress the importance of relationship building between municipal and private resources.

More info and registration:
https://ow.ly/Z42v50WqfrZ

07/28/2025

Talkin' Tactics: Multi-Occupancy and High-Rise Fire Tactics

During the latest episode of the Talkin' Tactics podcast, the hosts explore the complex world of multi-occupancy fires, focusing on garden and high-rise apartments. The hosts share firsthand accounts of challenging fires, from aggressive void-space blazes in garden apartments to intense, wind-driven high-rise infernos. They emphasize the importance of pre-incident planning, building familiarity through regular drills, and understanding unique construction features, such as English basements and stairwell congestion. The discussion highlights tactical discipline—such as staggered engine placement and effective overhaul practices—to prevent rekindles and enhance firefighter safety. The conversation stresses continuous learning, situational awareness, and clear communication as crucial for success in these high-stakes environments. This episode offers important insights for firefighters looking to sharpen their approach to multi-unit fireground operations.

07/28/2025

WEBCAST TODAY, 12 pm ET:
https://ow.ly/guFM50VQfy6
High-Rise Essentials: “The First Five”
-with Jimmy Davis

This class will examine the significance of the first five critical minutes of a high-rise fire, which represents the greatest area of operational vulnerability and is highly prone to error. Incident demands require the appropriate tactical inputs based on intelligent, time-sensitive decision making. High-rise fires require the entire operation to be quickly moved vertically while prioritizing the appropriate course of action under the burden of time.

This class will examine experience-based, highly effective high-rise structured response models, addressing the pragmatic realities of high-rise fires. Lessons learned and case studies will be shared to provide valuable insight into the significance of a methodical, well-planned approach during the first few critical minutes. It will explain how time influences outcomes, identify predictable areas of tactical breakdown and ineffectiveness, and address potential barriers associated with the challenges of vertical firefighting.

More info and registration:
https://ow.ly/guFM50VQfy6

Sponsored by Task Force Tips

07/27/2025

In the Books: Anthony Avillo on Fireground Strategies, Fourth Edition

In this episode of In the Books, host and Fire Engineering Editor in Chief David Rodes sits down with Chief Anthony Avillo, North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire and Rescue legend and author of the bestselling Fireground Strategies. Covering over three decades of frontline experience and fire service education, Avillo shares insights from his career. He highlights the development of his influential book through four editions, the challenges of regionalization, and the evolution of firefighting tactics amid modern building construction and high-rise complexities. Avillo also discusses his deep connection to music, drawing parallels between his love for classic rock—especially The Beatles—and his philosophy on leadership.

07/27/2025

Plainville (CT) Firefighter Raymond Moreau, 60, was killed after a piece of fire apparatus broke free of the truck and struck him, officials said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the fallen and the department.

A Plainville (CT) firefighter died after being injured during operations at a structure fire today, according to reports.

07/27/2025

"Just follow orders!"
Yeah… but what if the order doesn’t make sense, or the leader is overwhelmed?

Technical rescue isn’t just about rope systems and cribbing—it’s about knowing when to lead, when to follow, and how to support the mission without adding friction.

This piece breaks down the often-ignored skill of followership—and why it matters just as much as leadership on the fireground: https://ow.ly/4o6o50Wv3ur

07/26/2025

Tactical Impact: Strategies for Short-Staffed Departments with Lt. Jake Jorgensen
In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with Lieutenant Jake Jorgenson, of Watertown (SD) Fire Rescue, to discuss the realities and tactics of operating short-staffed fire departments. Watertown, a smaller city with limited personnel, faces frequent challenges responding to structure fires with minimal crews. Jorgenson shares how his department developed clear prearrival assignments, streamlined roles like nozzle and irons firefighter, and leverages their engine operators’ skills to maintain effective fireground operations despite staffing constraints. The panel also highlights rigorous training methods, including timed drills and scenario-based discussions, to build crew cohesion and adaptability. Jorgenson encourages firefighters from similar departments to share their experiences and participate in advancing fire service tactics through writing and collaboration.

07/25/2025

Hooks and Hoses: FSRI’s Keith Stakes on Fire Dynamics, Suppression, and Ventilation Research

In this revealing July episode of the Hooks & Hoses podcast, host Eric Dreiman sits down with Keith Stakes, principal research engineer at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, and deputy chief with Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD) Rescue Squad. Stakes shares his unique perspective, which bridges rigorous fire science with frontline firefighting experience. They discuss the origins and evolution of critical fire behavior concepts like flow path and thermal layers, and why clear terminology matters. The conversation cuts through misconceptions about ventilation, emphasizing timing and coordination with suppression to avoid worsening conditions. They also touch on ongoing research tackling the challenges of water application in multistory structures and offer ways for firefighters to access training and research updates.

07/24/2025

BuildingsonFire: Rowhouse Firefighting Realities: Tactical Challenges, Command Insights, and Life-Saving Lessons

This episode of BuildingsonFire explores the evolving challenges of firefighting in rowhouses and row frames, reflecting on decades of experience and critical incidents across major U.S. cities. Veteran chiefs expose the risks posed by the aging, modified buildings that often defy conventional tactics, highlighting the urgent need for heightened situational awareness and continual reassessment during operations. They emphasize the narrowing tactical window due to structural degradation and intensified fire behavior, urging firefighters to slow down, execute thorough size-ups, and prioritize safety with strategic pauses and 360° evaluations.

Command officers share practical strategies for managing scarce resources, fostering effective communication, and balancing aggressive action with calculated risk. The conversation underscores the importance of preserving institutional knowledge amid workforce transitions while advocating hands-on familiarity with these unique structures.

07/24/2025

WEBCAST August 6, 1 pm ET:
https://ow.ly/bsEE50WuI0C
Scaling Fire & EMS Training: Enterprise Readiness with First Due and Fire Engineering Training
-with Ari Goldblatt, Sergio Nardi, and Amber Wade

Large fire and EMS organizations require more than basic learning systems—they need connected, strategic solutions that support accreditation, compliance, and data-driven leadership. Disconnected LMS platforms and siloed systems across operations create barriers to readiness and oversight. To meet evolving demands, agencies need an all-in-one platform that unifies training, personnel, and operations into a single, streamlined solution.

Join First Due and Fire Engineering Training to explore how combining high-quality content with an all-in-one platform that includes scheduling, credentialing, and incident tracking enables smarter decisions, seamless workflows, and ongoing compliance at scale.

More info and registration:
https://ow.ly/bsEE50WuI0C

Sponsored by First Due

07/24/2025

WEBCAST August 7, 12 pm ET:
https://ow.ly/jcBj50WbYX4
Fit for Duty: Why Mobility, Fit, and the Right Gear Matter More Than Ever
-with Eddie Seaton and Jared Johnson

This webcast explores the vital connection between firefighter fitness, gear design, and operational performance. Hosted by Eddie Seaton of LION and featuring firefighter fitness coach Jared Johnson, the session dives into the physical demands firefighters face, how gear impacts health and mobility, and the innovations in turnout gear design.

Through a series of Q&A segments, the webcast highlights real-world experiences, expert insights on fitness and safety, and practical guidance for departments aiming to better equip and protect their teams. The event concludes with key takeaways and a live audience Q&A.

More info and registration:
https://ow.ly/jcBj50WbYX4

Sponsored by LION