The Scope of Technology

It’s November, and welcome to FireRescue’s Technology issue. If you take a moment and really look at this month’s cover, you’ll see an incredible example of how the fire service has incorporated modern technology into its oldest and most recognizable service: operating a hose stream into the fire area to extinguish fire. Although the fire service seems to be slower than other hazardous professions in adopting technological breakthroughs–except advances in PPE–it has always paralleled the military’s viewpoint of ensuring that technology is only there to assist the user, not the other way around.

In the case of this month’s cover photo, a chief officer assists the engine officer and nozzle firefighter in directing the stream with aid of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to ensure water is placed appropriately and efficiently. The very act of stretching, flaking, charging and placing a hoseline into operation has always been the fundamental task of the engine company; however, advances in PPE ergonomics and thermal protection, lighter hose and SCBA and yes, thermal imaging have allowed the engine company to become even more efficient, particularly when they have to get up close and personal during a hard push towards a hard-to-locate fire. In other words, technology is only as limited and constrained as we keep it in the fire service.

The use of TICs is also not just for the engine, truck and rescue. As described above, it’s a tool that all chief officers should consider using when conducting the initial size-up to help determine the location and extent of fire, the amount of fire knocked down by the engine while the smoke lifts, and where the truck may need to open up more afterwards. In fact, this month’s issue takes a look at how TICs can enhance the integration of fire behavior research into fireground tactics.

Speaking of cameras, we also highlight how firefighters in the Netherlands are using helmet-mounted cameras for research, training and operational practices. It’s time we reassess helmet cameras for their instructional and operational capabilities, not just their tendency to be abused by those who post their fire videos on social media. Recent high-profile incidents have led police departments to seek new approaches and benefits to their use, and so should the fire service. Cameras allow us to find novel ways to reduce injuries and streamline our operations–all in the first person.

Also in this issue you’ll find some outstanding technological advances that are just coming to fruition. We start with a company’s epiphany while looking at sample tiles from a NASA space shuttle–why can’t the same ceramic fibers that protect a shuttle during re-entry protect our wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighters when overrun by a wildfire? The answer: they can, and they should, and you can help it happen.

Perhaps the greatest quantum leaps in fire service technology have been associated with fire apparatus. We take a look at the advances in apparatus maintenance documentation and why it may be time to start digitizing our apparatus checks to better determine apparatus maintenance needs. Steve Marsar discusses how apparatus uniformity can help us stay mission-oriented, and Bob Vaccaro reminds us that winter is fast approaching, so it’s that time of year to begin winterizing our apparatus, and our drivers. Because no technology can help when your apparatus freezes up (or when those operating them do).

Further in this month’s issue, Greg Jakubowski reminds us that in addition to school active-shooter response, we must still consider fires in these occupancies. He describes in detail the variables associated with the many areas unique to schools, and outlines how student behavior when a fire is discovered may in fact be the most significant challenge.

On the prevention side of things, Jim Crawford highlights a new technology aimed at reducing kitchen fires–a leading cause of fire deaths. As a collective fire service, we need to stop relying solely on smoke alarms and embrace other innovations that provide a better chance of survival until we arrive.

Matt Tobia finishes the issue off on the Backstep, with a great perspective on living a life of uncommon valor. He introduces us to the common perspective of heroes, and describes how our nation’s true heroes have demonstrated virtue and ethos to serve others.

Remember: though we apply these advances in technology to our operations, training and research, the one thing technology will never replace is the basic tenet of the fire service to serve above oneself–everything else is simply to support that mission.