FireFighterNation

In the United States, the fire service tends to be much more focused on suppression than prevention. But in other countries, the concept of integrated risk management has been successful in dramatically reducing fire losses. Would such an approach work here?

Consumption drills are a great way to get out of the classroom and demonstrate to firefighters the importance of air management.

When you hear the word "MCI," you probably think about major disasters in urban areas. But MCIs can happen anywhere--and that includes the rural environment. In his Rural Command column, Mike Kucsma explains some basic tenants everyone working in rural areas should know to prepare for an MCI, hitting on topics like SOGs, family and victim assistance and training.

Editor-in-chief Tim Sendelbach discusses the fact that acts of failed leadership can have deadly results. He points to the 1994 crash of a B-52 as the primary example. The pilot of the aircraft was a well-established instructor pilot whose rogue attitude led to the fatal crash. The fire service has also experienced failed acts of leadership, but the role of any officer is to be the obstruction that moves against the "ripple effect" that's created when individuals push the envelope and risk their lives to uphold their reputation.

Stanley Tools’ FUBAR Forcible Entry Tool, a 30" demolition tool that features a spanner wrench, carabiner holes, flame-resistant aluminum grips, a jaw sized for grabbing common dimensional lumber, a nail puller, a pry bar and a gas shut-off feature.

Wayne Township firefighter Joe Frolick jumped out of an airplane 100 times in a row to help raise awareness about the risks and treatment of smoke inhalation.

In response to a letter in which the writer says his department spends too much time collecting for MDA and not enough time training, Nozzlehead explains that any department can find the time to perform apparatus checks and train—every department’s No. 1 priorities—in addition to collecting for MDA.

Tim O’Neil with Greenwood Fire Apparatus has begun selling vehicles built under the Maxim name, 20 years after the company officially closed its doors.

Peter Kertzie focuses on one of the few times when there’s crossover between truck and engine company functions—ladder pipe operations—and the various elements involved, including apparatus positioning, getting big water, directing elevated master streams and safety on scene.

Cold-weather calls can be particularly challenging, and therefore require additional preparation and resources. Mike Kirby and Tom Lakamp discuss everything from what you need to wear to additional resources you'll need on scene to be ready for responding in the colder months.