There are exciting things going on in the fire service these days. A lot of what we thought we knew is turning out to be false. I think it's safe to say we have also learned that we still have a lot to learn. The research being done has proven a lot of important facts. Pushing fire isn't possible. Cooling the environment from the exterior is a viable option. Synchronized ventilation and fire attack is critical. Fires are burning hotter and faster. Fortunately now have emperical data to back…

OK,  Before I move on,  as a curiosity, if you pulled up and were assigned search - nothing else was said over the radio or face to face because Command was busy, would you first move towards the victim in the window in apartment C or, because of conditions showing, would you do something else?  Is this the time to split the Crew?  (Can you split your crew because of the staffing on your rig?) 

Lastly,when you deciden…

My guess is we all know kids who would do this LOL!  Happy Halloween, everybody!

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     We are living in an incredible time in the fire service; the fact that our knowledge of the fireground is evolving at an unparalleled rate, combined with the fact that at no other point in history has information been shared as fast and freely as it is today, this truly is the Firefighter Renaissance. Twenty years ago (pre-digital big bang and infinite internet), I remember searching for hours, even days for the answer to a given question. I would first look in a dictionary, then ask my…

Chief Ron Kanterman-October 2013

That’s what Chief John McGrath (Raleigh, NC) the Memorial Weekend Incident Commander said as we convened in Emmitsburg, MD on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. The planning for the National Memorial Weekend ceremonies started in March. We had completed 7 months of planning with the last meeting being the week before the event. When we showed up that day, we knew we were already locked out of the NETC/National Fire…

“JUST A” ????

ATTENTION all firefighters! This is a call to action! What am I ranting about? The realization of your value. That’s what.

Have you ever heard or even worse made the statement “I’m JUST a fireman”, in response to a question regarding one’s

rank or stature within the company or organization? Shame on you! This statement is made with an almost subconscious

denigration. Wake up! You are the marrow in the skeleton of the company! Look up skeleton in the…

To some people Fire Prevention means Fire Prevention and only that. Fire Prevention is a chance for your department to market themselves. Even though marketing should be done all the time versus just one week out of a year.

Fire Prevention week it is time to show off their talents and what your department provides to the…

By Mark vonAppen

In days overflowing with uncertainty, soaring numbers of line of duty deaths, budget…

Ventilation decisions

By: Dave Werner

Pick up the flag

Iconic pictures from the World Trade Center, Iwo Jima, Gettysburg and Pearl Harbor all share a common thread. During the chaotic aftermath of these unspeakable horrors someone quieted fear, started healing pain and suffering, restored hope and returned focus of mission. They stepped up and inspired others to engage as a team. They picked up the flag.

The position of flag bearer is one of great honor, then and now. During the Civil War, the regimental…

Most of our fires occur in residential structures. The primary access door to most single family dwellings and multi-family units are inward swinging doors, secured with a key in knob lock and a dead bolt above. This is not an absolute, this is a majority. If we think about theses locking mechanisms and the fact that they are centered at the jamb this point is going to be very tight, but as we work away from these mechanisms we may see an opportunity.…

Still not a lot of people out there willing to tell me how they would search these scenarios.  To those of your that have "spilled their guts", Thanks.  

This scenario occurs again at 6:30 a.m..  I never mentioned this but for all of these, lets assume zero visibility in any area that shows smoke.  

It is unknown at the time of the fire if any or all apartments are rented with victims inside.  The attached photo has letters in the windows to signify apartments (A, B, C and…

Here is a very good article on the LUNAR concept for Mayday and consideration for an alternative that is more fireground friendly and effective.

Scott is a fellow instructor with Engine House Training, LLC and a Lieutenant with the Metro West Fire Protection District.

LUNAR....Is There an Alternative?

As a Fire Service, we have done a good job…

Having a little Halloween inspired fun with our "morning" people today. 



ALWAYS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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My entire life, my parents have told me “it’s all what you make of it.” Like any kid, I would roll my eyes and say, “ok whatever”. The truth is, everything in your life is “all what you make of it.” As a firefighter in today’s fire service, this statement is true more than ever.

I believe that we can all agree that the fire service is changing. In some ways there is change for the better and in others, it seems the changes occurring are having a negative effect on the…

CHARACTER IS FIRST IN



“Character arrives before reputation and anything else.”  Me.



For many years, I worked part time for an oil company. I pumped gas, delivered fuel oil (pulled the hose) to homes and businesses and drove a tractor trailer. Sometimes I delivered gasoline to service stations or I hauled fuel oil from the corporate terminals in Richmond to our facility.



I didn’t realize that I was recalling character lessons, life…