FireFighterNation

Thermal imager technology is constantly changing. As such, firefighters must understand the basic operations and features of the imager(s) they carry. Mike Richardson breaks down the five parts of the TIC and provides training tips for mastering each area.

Offensive exterior operations is a blending of two historically opposed strategic options: offensive and defensive. Through training and implementation, traditional tactical skills can be modified and assigned from safer exterior positions and often-overlooked tools and appliances can be employed to apply water more effectively.

Sprinkler systems in hotels and condo/apartment buildings of wood-frame (Type 5) construction can and do go a long way to saving lives and property; however, the major sprinkler-related standard, NFPA 13R, allows for certain areas in these buildings to remain unsprinklered. Greg Jakubowski discusses the standard, as well as several considerations for fighting a major fire in a sprinklered building.

Many departments struggle to develop extensive preplanning databases. But one small department has used a combination of software and a singular focus on pre-fire plans to create one of the largest preplanning databases in the country.

Les Baker reviews Streamlight’s new Knucklehead work light, an upgraded version of the Survivor light.