Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Fighting Complacency and Building Firehouse Culture

Alex Anthony Seaman is a captain/paramedic with the City of Tamarac (FL) Fire Rescue and an acting battalion chief, bringing 16 years of fire service and emergency medical experience to his leadership role. In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Seaman opens up about what drives him every day—from his commitment to his crew to pushing past complacency in the fire service. He shares practical ways to keep motivation alive, especially when training for scenarios firefighters may never face on the job. He reveals how creative training in familiar community spaces and fostering a positive, accountable culture build readiness and trust. 

Legal Duties and Risk in Emergency Response

In this episode of Fire Service Court, legal experts and fire service veterans tackle critical liability issues faced by fire departments during severe weather and emergency responses. 
 
The discussion covers the duty to respond amid hazardous conditions like ice storms and heavy snowfall, emphasizing the special duty rule that limits individual liability unless a direct promise is made to a victim. They explore mutual-aid complexities, including responsibility for mutual-aid firefighters and the “borrowed servant” doctrine, along with how to manage risk when responding alongside other departments. The conversation emphasizes a strong focus on the necessity of clear policies, regular driver training, and the value of dashcams for accountability. 

The Operational Reality of Electric Fire Pumpers

In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, a guest panel joins the show to discuss electric fire pumpers. They discuss cost, delivery, maintenance, facility modifications, training, and the operation of electric fire pumpers. They also cover battery range, vehicle weight, and clearance in hilly terrain, as well as the quiet operation and intuitive technology that sets electric rigs apart from traditional diesel engines.
 
Guest Panel:
Kevin Tye, captain, Denton (TX) Fire Department
Shea Enos, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire Department
Michael Ventrca, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire DepartmentChris Parker, assistant chief, Cary (NC) Fire Department
Ted Larson, battalion chief, Roseville (MN) Fire Department
Dan O’Neil, senior firefighter, Roseville (MN) Fire Department
 
This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Apparatus Positioning and Traffic Insights from Battalion Chief Bobby Drake

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Battalion Chief Bobby Drake of Hanover County (VA) Fire-EMS. They discuss the critical but often overlooked topic of fire apparatus positioning at motor vehicle accidents and roadway incidents.
 
Drawing from personal experience and department practices, Drake stresses why preplanning and understanding local traffic patterns can save lives. They discuss practical, low-cost training methods—like tabletop exercises using matchbox cars—that reinforce blocking techniques and traffic incident management.
 
Highlighting lessons learned from the tragic loss of Lieutenant Brad Clark, Drake emphasizes how following best practices doesn’t eliminate risks but can minimize harm. They close with details on Drake's upcoming FDIC class “Commanding Alone: Leading the Fireground When You're All You've Got," which focuses on leadership, culture, and preparing to manage incidents solo. Drake's class is Friday, April 24, 206, at 10:30 a.m., at FDIC in Indianapolis.

What Are the "Deadly Sins" of the Fireground?

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the "deadly sins" of the fireground. In this solo episode, Cline addresses critical issues including ignoring critical signs, poor risk assessment, tunnel vision, freelancing without communication, and failing to follow orders. Cline notes that such mistakes often result in near misses or tragedies. The discussion also highlights how complacency, lack of rest, and poor attitude seriously undermine readiness. 
 
Emphasizing continual scene assessment, clear communication with command, and strict adherence to standard procedures, the episode urges firefighters to stay vigilant and prepared. Cline also touches on the importance of mental and physical readiness, advocating for ongoing training and fitness to sharpen focus in high-stress environments.

Black History Month: Lessons from Frederick Douglass for Today’s Challenges

This episode of The Larry Conley Show explores Black History Month, with a focus on Fredrick Douglass. The panel looks at the connection between Douglass and the signature EMPOWER model taught in the host's workshops. They discuss the EMPOWER model in detail and the ways they apply it to what they call the Douglass Standard.
 
Beyond a historical backdrop, the conversation uncovers how Douglass’s determination to read, write, and lead despite overwhelming odds offers a blueprint for self-empowerment in any era. The hosts discuss how qualities like discipline, integrity, and proactive learning fuel not only civil rights progress but also individual growth for parents, professionals, and community members. The panel highlights the importance of being the best version of yourself, staying committed to your vision, and inspiring future generations to do the same. Drawing parallels between the struggles of the past and current societal dynamics, the panel challenges listeners to confront personal obstacles, build resilience, and engage actively with their communities. 

A Closeup Look at Large-Scale Fires

On this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman welcomes guest Anthony Avillo for a discussion about the challenges of large-scale fires that expand past the initial response. They cover apparatus placement, water supply, and incident command.
 
Avillo gets into the complexities of managing greater alarm fires in tightly packed, multi-exposure environments, emphasizing the importance of predetermined company assignments, effective apparatus placement, and strategic water supply management. 
He stresses how incident commanders must leverage their senses maintain a strategic overview while trusting trained officers to execute tactical operations on scene. The conversation also covers the integration of modern technology, including drones and thermal imaging, balanced with time-tested practices like thorough pre-fire street intelligence.

Understanding Technology's Impact on the Fire Service

On the latest episode of the Women in Fire podcast, the panel discusses the ways evolving technology reshapes the fire service landscape. They discuss groundbreaking tools like drones, thermal imaging, and wearable devices, all of which enhance operational safety and efficiency. During the conversation, they also explore AI’s role in policy development and communication, weighing its benefits and challenges. Social media’s growing influence on recruitment and public perception is analyzed, alongside the struggle to balance digital engagement with team connection. The panel highlights technology’s integration in EMS, gear decontamination practices triggered by new research, and sophisticated data use for inspections and incident management. They also confront concerns about overreliance on technology, emphasizing the need for foundational firefighting skills and backup plans when systems fail. 
 
This episode features:
Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host)
Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department
Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District

Big Training, Small Budget: Get Resourceful in Your Community

For the latest Humpday Hangout, host Frank Ricci welcomes David Polikoff, Robert “RJ” James, and Dave McGlynn. They get into the art of creating effective training props without breaking the budget. The panel shares strategies for sourcing materials, from scrap wood and pallets to discarded furniture and garage door parts. They highlight creative partnerships with local businesses and housing authorities, among other local organizations. Stressing the importance of a clearly defined mission for training projects and engaging firefighters through hands-on team-building involvement, they also emphasize the value of recognizing contributors with framed thank you notes and social media shout-outs to foster ongoing support.
 
Mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/p6vZNnruYKU?si=m9t-HZ19hVKndI65

Facing Firefighter Cancer: A Farewell Tour and a Call to Action

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer take a careful look at the firefighting world’s toughest battle yet: cancer. As they announce the final year of their 15-year podcast journey, they reflect on the ongoing tragedies in public assembly fires worldwide and stress the urgent need for change beyond just fire marshals. Sharing personal stories of early cancer detection and recovery they touch on the critical role of brotherhood, highlighting how two-thirds of today’s firefighters face cancer risks far above the norm. 
The discussion also covers practical advice covers including early screening, gear decontamination, and several ways to practice self-care. They also discuss the uphill fight against political and industry resistance to stronger safety measures, and the importance of shifting department cultures to prioritize health.