Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire, welcomes Chief Latosha Clemons, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Park, Georgia; Deputy Chief Heather Mozdean, Fremont (CA) Fire Department; and Captain Laura Lyons, Des Moines (IA) Fire Department, to discuss how social media shapes the fire service today. They explore the benefits of platforms like Facebook and TikTok for real-time emergency updates, recruitment, and community engagement.
 
They also talk about some of the challenges social media presents: misinformation, blurred professional lines, and the risk of undermining public trust when firefighters post unvetted or inappropriate content. The panel emphasizes the importance of educating members on the ethical use of social media, reinforcing social media policies, and striking a balance between transparency and professionalism. The discussion also covers the evolving challenge of managing off-duty behavior and the cultural shift social media has brought to firehouse dynamics. As technology advances, the conversation stresses the importance of thoughtful social media strategies to promote the true mission of the fire service while protecting its hard-earned reputation.
 
More: https://www.womeninfire.org/
 

Tactical Impact: Basement Fires Uncovered  Basement fires remain some of the most complex and dangerous incidents firefighters face. FDNY Lieutenant Dan Gordon shares frontline experience and expert analysis featured in Fire Engineering’s June 2025 issue. He breaks down the crucial challenges of identifying basement fires—emphasizing thorough size-up beyond the front door, including the “rule of thirds” for smoke behavior and the critical role of flow paths. Gordon describes how misleading indicators, such as smoke location and wind conditions, can conceal a basement fire and the risks of low-inlet, high-exhaust scenarios. This episode explores structural hazards, such as drop ceilings, and the importance of checking basements for hidden fires to prevent catastrophic collapses. With references to notable incidents such as the Cherry Road fire, Gordon discusses tactics to improve firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. 

In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, Eric Dreiman tackles some of the most persistent myths in the fire service—practices handed down through generations, but outdated by today’s building materials, synthetic fuel loads, and firefighting science. Drawing on decades of experience and recent research, Dreiman explains why saying, “we’ve always done it this way” no longer suffices. He covers everything from the dangers of lightweight construction to the importance of clean gear in cancer prevention, coordinated ventilation, targeted search tactics, and the realities of interior versus exterior firefighting. This episode challenges listeners to question old assumptions, balance tradition with modernity, and prioritize coordination on the fireground. Firefighter safety, efficiency, and victim survival must hinge on evolving tactics—while still respecting the fire service’s legacy.

The Command Post: Leadership Lessons from Fire Service Veterans 
In this episode of The Command Post, Chiefs Rick Lasky and John Salka explore what sets great leaders apart in the fire service. Drawing from decades of experience in the Fire Department of New York and beyond, they share how inspiration and motivation from strong leadership directly impact firefighters' performance and safety. They discuss the difference between being “aggressive” and being “reckless,” emphasize the critical role of training, and expose the real pressures chief officers face behind the scenes. Beyond tactics, this episode uncovers the human side of leadership—the importance of earning trust, fostering ownership, and balancing accountability with support. Whether you’re a veteran firefighter or preparing to step into your first leadership role, candid stories and hard-earned wisdom can offer guidance on how to lead with integrity, toughness, and care. This is more than a discussion on titles; it’s about shaping the culture that keeps firefighters alive and efficient on the job.

In this “Issues and Challenges” installment of the Humpday Hangout, Rick Lasky, John Salka, Scott Thompson, and Curtis Birt talk about mentoring in the fire service and why it’s important to have a say in our future.

Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Navigating OSHA’s Proposed Safety Standards
 
 
Fire service veteran Dave Denniston joins host Tom Merrill to revisit the ongoing discussion about OSHA’s proposed overhaul of the past fire brigade standard. This episode breaks down key challenges faced by volunteer fire departments—ranging from the impact of incorporating over 1,500 NFPA standards to concerns about manpower, funding, and administrative burdens. Denniston shares insights from his testimony before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee and highlights the collective effort between career and volunteer organizations to shape a workable, effective safety standard. The discussion reinforces the importance of close communities; vulnerability assessments; and realistic risk management strategies tailored specifically to individual capabilities. Despite political shifts, the proposed regulations remain a pressing issue with the potential to transform firefighter safety nationwide. Volunteers are encouraged to stay informed, engage with elected officials, and work collectively to influence a ruling that supports all firefighters without compromising the volunteer spirit.
 

In The Books: An Insider’s Guide to Mentoring Fire Officers with Lee Shapir
In this episode of In the Books, veteran fire service leader Lee Shapiro shares insights from his new handbook, An Insider’s Guide to Mentoring the Fire Officer. With 40 years of front-line and command experience, including 28 years at Hartford (CT) Fire Department, Shapiro reveals why mentorship—rooted in real-life stories, critical thinking, and accountability—beats traditional leadership manuals. He discusses how aspiring officers can navigate the challenging shift in roles, develop trust through consistency, and avoid common pitfalls. Shapiro also tackles tough topics like line-of-duty deaths, succession planning, and the balance between crew loyalty and administrative demands. Drawing on decades of teaching and NFPA committee work, he emphasizes proactive learning beyond departmental limits and why involvement in standards helps protect fire service resources.

Generation Engine: Inside a High-Stakes Rescue
 
In this episode of Generation Engine, veteran firefighters Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett host an in-depth conversation with Rico Bush and Joe Toomey as they recount a tense residential fire rescue. What started as a routine call quickly escalated to a working fire with confirmed entrapment, testing their training and teamwork under pressure. They walk through every critical moment—from rapid victim location, challenging drag conditions, and effective hoseline placement, to coordinated communication and command structure. The discussion highlights the vital role of realistic training, decisive action, and maintaining composure when lives hang in the balance. Despite staffing constraints typical of many volunteer departments, these firefighters demonstrated professional discipline and tactical precision.

Tailboard Talk: Accreditation, Training, and Teamwork in Action
 
In the latest episode of Tailboard Talk, fire service leaders Chris Rasmussen, Craig Nelson, Jeff Wallin, and their guest explore the ongoing efforts to elevate fire departments through accreditation and joint training academies. They discuss the rigorous process of achieving and maintaining accreditation as a catalyst for continuous improvement—from governance and hiring policies to health, safety, and training programs.
 
The conversation highlights the benefits of a shared Metro Recruit Academy that crosses city and state lines, fostering camaraderie among new firefighters and enhancing operational readiness. Emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and community trust, they reflect on their personal journeys and the unique bonds formed in the fire service. The episode offers practical insights into sustaining a motivated, well-prepared firefighting force.
 

Humpday Hangout: Electric Vehicle Fires
Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and other members of the crew will talk with Chris Soda of the Chicago (IL) Fire Department about tactics for EV fires.
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