Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Fire and Training: Leadership at the Frontline

Fire and Training: Leadership at the Frontline
In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Cline sits down with Dave McGlynn to explore leadership rooted at the firehouse floor. They discuss how true leadership transcends rank, focusing on accountability, mentorship, and the critical influence of those “unofficial leaders” shaping day-to-day culture. From personal stories of veterans who inspired lasting impact to the challenges of today’s social media-driven environment, they address how passion and responsibility are essential for building resilient teams. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked importance of fostering camaraderie and mentoring younger firefighters to create a legacy of excellence. McGlynn and Cline emphasize that leadership begins with caring for your teammates, taking ownership, and embracing the fire service’s unique brotherhood—and sisterhood—while balancing the high stakes and everyday moments that define the job.

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

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.

Tactical Impact: Strategies for Short-Staffed Departments with Lt. Jake Jorgensen

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.

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

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.

BuildingsonFire: Rowhouse Firefighting Realities

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.

Women in Fire: Unique Health Challenges and Supportive Firehouse Cultures

Women in Fire: Unique Health Challenges and Supportive Firehouse Cultures
 
This episode of the Women in Fire radio show covers health challenges faced by female firefighters, including heightened risks of breast, cervical, ovarian, and bladder cancers linked to fireground exposures. Panelists from fire departments across Texas, Colorado, and California share insights on the importance of gender-specific annual medical screenings, appropriate PPE fit, and mental health support. Their conversation highlights the need for education, advocacy, and cultural shifts within firehouses.
 
During the episode, the guests address gaps in reproductive health policies, hormone monitoring, and the stigma surrounding PTSD, anxiety, and moral injury. The discussion explores how strong labor-management collaboration, ongoing data collection, and targeted wellness programs can improve safety and longevity for all firefighters. The hosts emphasize that fostering open conversations and peer support networks among women in the fire service is essential to overcoming isolation and ensuring comprehensive care.
 
Guests:
Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire
Kat Desonier, firefighter, Evans (CO) Fire District
Brooke Sims, firefighter, Aurora (CO) Fire Department
Jennifer Nehrig, firefighter/paramedic, Aurora (CO) Fire Department
Isabel Banks, firefighter, Houston (TX) Fire

Mayday Monday: Inside Baltimore County’s Firefighter Mayday

Mayday Monday: Inside Baltimore County’s Firefighter Mayday During this episode of Mayday Monday, Baltimore County’s Scott Ebbert, Ken Hughes, and Michael Dennis share firsthand accounts and insights from a harrowing 2023 commercial fire incident. The dialogue explores critical challenges, including delayed dispatch due to antiquated systems, the complexities of managing large battalions with minimal chief officers, and the evolving role of thermal imaging cameras on the fireground. Dennis recounts his experience getting lost inside the structure, the vital role of buddy breathing, and the swift intervention by rapid intervention teams, which all underscore the importance of training, communication, and risk assessment. Hughes and Ebbert outline a comprehensive after-action review leading to 25 positive recommendations, from improved safety officer deployment to advanced firefighter rescue training. This episode also highlights the department’s commitment to mental health support and ongoing operational reforms.

The Backstep Boys: Preparing Firefighters for Violent Incidents

The Backstep Boys: Preparing Firefighters for Violent Incidents
 
In this episode of the Backstep Boys, fire service veterans Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer, and guest James Salas reflect on the tragic line-of-duty death of Roswell (NM) Fire Chief Louis Jones in 2002 and recent ambush attacks on firefighters in Idaho. They discuss how these events reshaped departmental protocols, emphasizing staged responses to violent scenes, close cooperation with law enforcement, and the critical role of first-line officers in managing evolving threats. Salas highlights the importance of ongoing joint training, including active shooter scenarios, and implementing mental health resources for affected personnel. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing traditional firefighting duties with emerging hazards like targeted violence and the adoption of ballistic gear.
 
 

Generation Engine: Rethinking Fire Service Training

Generation Engine: Rethinking Fire Service Training
 
In this episode of Generation Engine, Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett talk about the evolving demands on the American fire service and what the future of training must address. From the harsh realities of modern emergencies, including active shooter incidents, to the overload of certifications and specialties expected from new recruits, they highlight the growing complexity of the job. They critique overreliance on online and AI-driven training tools, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned “senior men.” They also examine the role of social media in training, praising its potential when it’s used responsibly but warning against misinformation and superficial content.

Tailboard Talk: Preparing for the Unthinkable

Tailboard Talk: Preparing for the Unthinkable
 
In this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Craig Nelson, Jeff Wallin, and Chris Rasmussen look at the realities of modern emergency response across North America. They discuss the increasing wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada, severe floods in Texas and North Dakota, and the vital role of interagency cooperation in disaster management. Drawing from recent tornado damage and community-led recovery efforts, the hosts emphasize the importance of preplanning, mutual-aid networks, and dynamic staffing strategies for public safety. They highlight how small-town departments must build relationships with neighboring agencies, public works, and emergency managers to effectively respond to large-scale crises.