Rural Fire Command

MCI: Can It Happen in My Backyard?

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.

By Mike Kucsma
From the Editor

The Ripple Effect

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.

By Timothy E. Sendelbach
Gear Test

Gear Test: Meet the FUBAR Forcible Entry Tool

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.

By Peter F. Kertzie

  • 3 Pitfalls to Poor Communication

    Poor mental and emotional fitness can cause poor physiological health. Jeff and Martha explore three major pitfalls of poor communication, which can cause poor mental and emotional fitness. They also offer tools for regaining or maintaining a low-stress dialogue so you can achieve optimal overall health.

    By Jeff EllisMartha Ellis
  • President's Letter

    Is this an Economic Downturn or the New Normal?

    IAFC President Jeff Johnson addresses the need to rethink entire business models, as this is the only way to find practical solutions during times of economic strife.

    By Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Leadership Skills

    Saying Goodbye to your Team

    In his final Leadership Skills column, Jim Broman discusses the three elements to which you must pay special attention when planning a professional departure: your timing, your audience and your words.

    By Jim Broman
  • Near-Miss Reports

    Firefighter Caught in Wires

    This Near-Miss report describes an incident during which a piece a ceiling fell on top of a firefighter and the attached wiring became entangled with his breathing apparatus. Fortunately, the reporter was able to untangle himself, but he learned some valuable lessons from the incident.

    By John B. Tippett Jr.
  • Safety

    How the NVFC Helps You Stay Healthy

    Addressing the importance of health and safety measures in the fire service, Chief Jeff Cash highlights four main areas that comprise a series of "BEST" practices, as identified by the National Volunteer Fire Council--Behavior, Equipment, Standards and Training--and then offers other tips to help first responders stay heart healthy.

    By Jeff Cash
  • A WUI conflagration is every homeowner's nightmare; however, through the Ready, Set, Go program, firefighters can teach homeowners how to avoid disaster by preventing fire spread around their home, preparing their family for WUI fires and evacuating early. Photo Keith Cullom
    Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI)

    The "Ready, Set, Go!" Program

    In response to the growing WUI problem, the "Ready, Set, Go!" program teaches homeowners what to do well in advance of a WUI fire, including creating defensible space and evacuating early, so that they're fully prepared if/when a WUI fire strikes.

    By Bill NashBob Roper
  • Company Officer Development

    Department Image Can Bolster City's Prosperity

    To maintain a financially thriving city, local agencies must work together. This means the fire service must make a good impression on its response area, and do its job correctly, while also building a good rapport with business owners.

    By Ray Gayk
  • To cross a gap to a pinnacle where the helicopter was waiting, rescuers rigged a simple highline system, with the litter on a short guiding line in the shape of a shallow "V." To haul the litter, they attached a 3:1 MA haul system. They also attached a Prusik hitch belay system to the head and tail end of the litter. Photos Courtesy Washington County Sheriff's Office
    Rescue Report

    Daring Helicopter Rescue in Utah

    Tom Vines recounts a difficult helicopter rescue of an individual in Snow Canyon State Park inÿUtah, and the lessons learned from the experience.

    By Tom Vines

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