Fire Engineering Podcast Network

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: 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
 
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 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
 
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
 
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
 
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.

The Command Post: Advice to the New Company Officer In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka share important guidance for firefighters stepping into company officer roles. Drawing from decades of their own frontline and command experience, they emphasize the importance of preparation, mentorship, and embracing the full scope of officer responsibilities beyond firefighting. Learn firsthand how leadership involves mastering communication, enforcing discipline, and handling administrative duties as much as commanding on the fireground. The hosts highlight critical points like knowing when to say no, setting clear expectations, and the ongoing need for training as the foundation of safety and effectiveness. Real-life stories underscore the necessity of evolving from crew member to respected boss, modeling professionalism in every action while fostering the growth of future leaders. This episode offers a realistic look at challenges new officers face and realistic advice to tackle those challenges head-on. 

Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Understanding NERIS
 
In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Tom Jenkins, a fire service veteran and senior advisor at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes. They discuss the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). Set to replace the decades-old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by January 1, 2026, NERIS introduces a modern, streamlined approach to fire incident data collection. The conversation covers the evolution from NFIRS, key improvements like geospatial data integration and tactical timestamps, and how this data will empower departments in training, resource allocation, and firefighter safety. Jenkins also discusses the rollout process, accessibility via a free app, vendor integration, and the cultural shift required for accurate reporting. Fire departments of all sizes—career or volunteer—will find helpful guidance here for transitioning to NERIS, a system designed to better capture the realities of today’s fire service and support firefighters nationwide. 

Fireground Strategies: Heat, Hydration, and The Human Factor
 
In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Jim Duffy and Anthony Avillo cover the critical challenges firefighters face battling extreme heat. They explore how scorching temperatures and high humidity impact operational effectiveness and safety, emphasizing the strain on cardiovascular health, hydration needs, and the importance of strict rehab policies on the fireground. Candid insights reveal the human factors—ego, emotion, and physical fitness—that influence decision making under stress. Duffy and Avillo discuss best practices for managing heat injuries, the value of mutual aid during multi-alarm incidents, and the evolving realities of volunteer departments struggling with aging personnel and staffing shortages. Through real-life stories and practical advice, they underscore why proactive preparation, effective hydration, and continuous training remain vital.