All Blog Posts (3,147)

                As firefighters spend more time in the fire service and grow as professionals, they inevitably gain new interests and take on new knowledge to meet the challenges of an ever-growing industry.  They can develop many different, often specialized skill sets along the way.  Advanced rescue skills such as urban search and rescue, collapse, high-angle, trench,…

See how setting goals, staying motivated, and making small foundational changes can have huge results in Lieutenant Robby Owens, Sr.'s personal wellness story.

My Fitness Story

Some fitness articles and web sites offer suggestions on nutrition to workout programming and everything in between. Often times, the ones offering these…

Despite the irreverent title of this blog entry, I'm a fan of SLICE-RS, the acronym for a step-wise approach to controlling structure fires (See MFA #1 - Unlearning).  This synthesis of fire dynamics research findings and tactics, developed through the efforts of dedicated scientists and innovative fire service professionals, has rendered the process of structural firefighting easier, safer, and more efficient.  And, If you're like most of the firefighters with whom I've discussed these new…

Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Warrior Mentality - by David Rhodes

I was disturbed when I heard a fire service leader state that “we need to get rid of…

After we are dispatched to the call and speed to the scene to save the day, the most important part of the arrival of a fire apparatus besides pulling the first line and forcing the door is the size up by the first in officer and the initial actions that he/she orders. If everyone stays informed as they arrive and communication remains clear on the fireground, then the emergency will be mitigated much more efficiently. The first arriving officer or acting officer must paint…

You are called for a fire in the oldest area of your town or response area, as you hear the address you are instantly reminded that this is a rather large somewhat run down residence that was once considered a "mansion" 100 years ago when built, you have been there many times to assist the resident with his elderly invalid mother who resides in a bedroom facing the A side.

As you review the video simulation consider your thoughts:

1. At the front porch slide as you…

In general, a report of "victims trapped" should not cause any major changes in your initial operations. They may cause slight alterations - like where you take your line, which window you VES, etc.  However your plans/SOGs should already be setup assuming there are persons trapped. When added information increases the likelihood of entrapment, we should be doing what we always do - just harder and faster!

Remember, all tasks work in…

What Does “Unlimited Passion” Mean to You?

Joseph Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Department (Lima, Ohio)

            Often when I speak to new firefighters and fire…

Tactical Tips for Garden Apartment Fires

The First Twenty is a common expression in the fire service meaning that the first twenty minutes of a fire are the most crucial. It is twenty minutes that define the skill and judgment of a firefighter and often dictate the outcome. This critical and short window of time determines the difference between recovery or loss, as well as life or death for both the firefighter and the victims.

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First off, look at this method as just another tool in your extrication tool box. I have found that this method comes in handy in limited access situations. Think of the steering wheel displacements you have been shown in the past…come-a-long to the front bumper, spreaders on the hood, high lift jack on the hood, etc. What do…

When we talk about ladder towers, there is always the discussion of the ability of them to place their basket on the ground to do the patented sidewalk sweep. On most units especially rear mounted towers this can be a very long distance from the side of the rig. On some units they may have to extend out 60’ just to be able to touch the ground and…

By Mark vonAppen

Be safe, be smart, and call for the proper resources when you're over your head!





To see more of my work or to order this print, go to:…

This week's fireground simulation focuses on an old nemesis of our great service, the bowstring truss. There are many types of the bowstring truss roofs and all bowstring trusses are not created equal and do not share the same characteristics when found in a building and occupancy.They may have the same shape, but shape alone does not define the bowstring truss. Based on the type, design, construction, materials, age, span, spacing, configuration, occupancy and application there are vast…

"Happy Father's Day"

"We need to mentor and to mold that positive energy into the creation of good fireground habits. We can’t blame our recruits for being eager. It’s good when firefighters are ready to learn. Accept that eagerness as it is, and share with your experiences and knowledge. Be a mentor and role model to them. Make them the best firefighters they can be." Chapter 6, Page 55.

Today we celebrate one of the most important influences in many…

Why are vehicles changing and why should firefighters care? First off, vehicles are changing in the United States because of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA has a legislative mandate to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Regulations to which manufacturers of motor vehicle and equipment items must conform and certify compliance. The requirements are designed "that the public is protected against unreasonable risk of crashes occurring as a…

The following is an excerpt from Step Up Your Teamwork from Chapter 2 – Preparing for Success. What other qualities would you add to this list?  

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     Written 2,500 years ago by Sun Tzu, a general and strategist in ancient China (770-476 BCE), The Art of War consists of organizational and strategic planning to help an army achieve victory in battle. It continues to be relevant  and is used in modern military study and increasingly being applied to business and leadership…