Fire Engineering Podcast Network

The Backstep Boys: Mastering Command Decisions and Crew Resource Management   In this episode of The Backstep Boys, guests Dennis Rubin and Tom Currao join hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer to dissect the complexities of fireground decision making. From battling large-scale urban fires to pioneering crew resource management, they draw from decades of frontline and leadership experience to explore how instinct, training, and teamwork shape command success under intense pressure. Highlights include the critical role of checklists, accountability systems, and communication structures, as well as managing stress during high-stakes incidents. The conversation also covers invaluable lessons from cockpit resource management in aviation and how these translate to firefighting operations.   Brought to you by FireFacilities

Point of Origin: NFPA, Code Development & How to Make Your Voice Heard   In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Rob Dawson, regional director at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to demystify how fire service standards are created, updated, and consolidated. Dawson shares his journey from volunteer firefighter to NFPA leadership, shedding light on the vital role technical committees play in balancing industry, enforcement, and end-user perspectives.   Learn how to get involved in the standards development process—from submitting public inputs to engaging with committee members—and why NFPA’s deliberate, multiyear update cycles matter. The discussion also tackles common misconceptions about appendix language, code references in state fire prevention codes, and more.   Brought to you by Fire Facilities

n this Humpday Hangout, guests Frank Ricci and Dave McGlynn join members of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) to talk about setting standards in fire training and how that can influence the direction of an organization.  

BuildingsonFire: The Commercial Fireground Facts Update, Part 1   Join host Christopher Naum for the latest episode of BuildingsonFire as he kicks off a new series, The Commercial Fireground Facts Update. Drawing from decades of after-action reports and key line-of-duty incidents—from the 1989 Sunrise Gift Store fire to the 2007 Charleston Sofa Superstore tragedy—this episode highlights evolving challenges in commercial building construction, fire behavior, and operational tactics. Listeners gain critical perspectives on building classification, risk assessment, and adaptive fireground management necessary for today’s high-risk commercial environments. The episode includes an emphasis on the need for in-depth knowledge of building anatomy, occupancy hazards, and tactical patience to enhance firefighter safety and effectiveness. Naum also previews upcoming modules, including expert panels and live walking tours, designed to expand command officers’ and firefighters’ understanding of these demanding settings.    

Hooks & Hoses: Striking a Balance Between Safety and Realism in Live Fire Training In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman delves into the complexities of live fire training, sharing lessons from his extensive experience across acquired structures and fixed facilities. He emphasizes the critical balance between adhering to NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, and providing firefighters with realistic, effective training that prepares them for the unpredictable nature of real fires. Dreiman discusses the value of the crawl-walk-run approach in building confidence and skills, the challenges of controlling burn conditions using door management and burn packages, and the limitations of various training props, including gas-fired simulators and flashover chambers. He stresses how overly intense heat can hinder learning and create dangerous “training scars,” while too-safe scenarios risk fostering a false sense of security.    

This “Politics and Tactics” edition of the Humpday Hangout explores the raw realities of wildland firefighting and the urgent push for federal recognition of occupational cancer in first responders. Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann, filmmaker of the acclaimed documentary Hotshot, talks about his six-year journey embedding with elite hotshot crews in California’s brutal wildfires. He reveals the physical demands, evolving mission scope, and overlooked health risks these firefighters face. Transitioning to policy, Julie Paidar, widow of Mike Paidar, fire captain from the St. Paul (MN) Fire Department, discusses her tireless advocacy for the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. This groundbreaking legislation was created to grant cancer-related line-of-duty death benefits at the federal level. She and Jimmy Seavey Jr., a firefighter and advocate, emphasize the need for legislative momentum and grassroots pressure to address this crisis, which touches every firehouse in the United States.  

Women in Fire: Inside the Fire Service Promotion Process   In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire, welcomes experts from California and Colorado dissect the realities behind fire service promotions, from driver/operator to captain and beyond. Deputy Chief Heather Mozdean of the Fremont (CA) Fire Department, Lieutenant Heidi Simon of the South Metro (CO) Fire Department, and Firefighter Brooke Sims of the Aurora (CO) Fire Department, share their hard-earned insights on the motives behind seeking promotion, the rigors of written and practical testing, and the critical leadership responsibilities that departments often overlook. They also address common pitfalls like test integrity, balancing firefighter and engineer experience, and the tough conversations that must happen when officers fall short. Sims offers a frontline perspective on juggling study demands with family life, while Mozdean and Simon emphasize mentorship and ongoing development through task books and probationary periods.

Talkin’ Tactics: Lessons from the Front Lines and Beyond In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert “RJ” James, and Sam Villani take a close look at the landscape of fire service leadership. Reflecting on James’s recent training at the Jimmy Ellis Memorial and their own careers, they explore when and why firefighters decide to pursue leadership roles. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, accountability, trust, and genuine connection with crew members—qualities often missing in rapid promotions. They emphasize investing time into learning every rank, embracing mentorship, and leading by example on and off the fireground. They also talk about today’s younger firefighters, the impact of military leadership principles post-9/11, and the importance of being accessible both at work and in personal crises.    

Mayday Monday: Gas Emergencies   Mayday Monday returns with another review of gas emergencies for September. The recent release of two reports on line-of-duty death in Virginia highlights the need to ensure firefighters are getting the message about practicing good risk management principles when responding to gas emergencies. This month, several firefighter deaths have occurred at these incidents. On February 16, 2024, the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department, of Loudoun County, Virginia, was dispatched for propane odor in a neighborhood of midsize, single-family dwellings. A neighbor called 911 and reported an odor of propane in the area, from an unknown source. As units arrived and begin to investigate, they located a 500-gallon underground propane tank used to heat an inground pool. About five hours earlier, a propane company had filled the tank with 125 gallons. The technician noticed it was leaking, stopped filling it, and left. Crews began to investigate the dwelling with the pool and found readings in the 40%-60% range of the lower explosive limit on their meters. They immediately began evacuating the house and began ventilation. A catastrophic explosion occurred. Trevor Brown, a firefighter, was killed. Two firefighters were trapped and issued Mayday messages. Several members were injured. Command arrived and assigned units to address the start rescue operations for the trapped members. Approximately 50 minutes after the explosion, Command reported the following "Everyone off the initial assignment has been accounted for, transported, or is on scene." All operations were stopped for a debrief.

In The Books: Water Thievery: Mastering Advanced Fire Service Water Supply and Pump Operations   Veteran firefighter and instructor Andy Soccodato shares his journey from being a teenage volunteer in New Jersey to becoming a key educator at the Tennessee State Fire Academy. Drawing on nearly two decades of hands-on experience, Soccodato reveals the often-overlooked nuances of water supply tactics, from advanced hydrant operation and drafting techniques to pump panel troubleshooting. His book, “Water Thievery: The Art of Water Supply and Operations,” breaks complex hydraulics down into practical knowledge tailored for firefighters of all backgrounds. Soccodato discusses the critical importance of drafting skills, the limitations of traditional 20 psi intake pressure rules, and the vital equipment needed for modern water supply efficiency.  

Generation Engine: Why Firefighters Commit to Growth Beyond the Station Recorded live at the First In Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, this episode captures the diverse perspectives of firefighters, from new volunteers to seasoned chiefs. Listeners will learn what drives firefighters to attend training away from home. Through honest conversations, these public servants share their motivations: serving community, embracing legacy, fueling passion, and refusing complacency. They explore the value of networking, fresh ideas, and constant learning in a profession that never stands still. The episode also highlights the challenges and rewards of organizing fire-service conferences that bring meaningful education and connection to small and large departments alike.

Tailboard Talk: Code of Conduct, Financial Integrity, and Modern Accountability   In this episode of Tailboard Talk, fire service leaders Jeff Wallin, Craig Nelson, Chris Rasmussen, and guest Eric Rosoff discuss the pressing issues shaping today’s fire departments. From the critical impact of workplace code-of-conduct violations on careers to the surprising prevalence of financial misconduct involving taxpayer dollars, their discussion reveals trends that every firefighter and leader must recognize. Rosoff highlights how the absence of the post-9/11 societal “jury” has shifted expectations for on- and off-duty behavior. He emphasizes the need for clear policies and proactive leadership. They also explore the complexities of managing workplace environment claims, the role of social media, and the challenges of balancing trust with oversight.

The Command Post: Navigating Certification Challenges and Career Transitions in the Fire Service   In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka take a close look at the complexities of firefighter certification across the United States. Drawing on decades of experience—from Illinois and New York to Texas and Florida—they expose the frustrating patchwork of state standards that complicate career moves and professional growth.   Lasky and Salka reflect on the evolving role of firefighters, contrasting volunteer and career demands. They also emphasize the critical need for standardized, transferable certifications like Pro Board to ease transitions. The conversation also touches on the human side of the fire service: maintaining connections, balancing family life, and the importance of staying active and engaged after retirement. Through personal stories, practical advice, and sharp criticism of bureaucratic inertia, they challenge leaders to unify and simplify certification processes to better serve firefighters and, ultimately, their communities.

The Professional Volunteer Fire Service: Celebrating the Heart of the Volunteer Fire Service   In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Rick Lasky and John Salka to discuss the enduring strength and value of volunteer firefighters. Despite ongoing challenges and negativity, volunteer fire departments remain a vital part of the firefighting community, comprising roughly two-thirds of all U.S. fire departments. The conversation highlights the deep commitment volunteers bring—often sacrificing family time and personal convenience. During the episode, the members of the panel explore how departments can embrace diverse roles to keep members engaged, from frontline firefighting to administrative and support tasks. They discuss innovative solutions like flexible credit for training and call availability, creative recruiting tactics, and the importance of leadership charisma in retaining volunteers.  

Fireground Strategies: Remembering 9/11 and Recognizing Dominoes on the Fireground   In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring the heroes and victims—firefighters, police, and everyday citizens—who stood strong during one of the darkest days in U.S. history. They explore the ongoing physical and emotional toll on responders and emphasize the importance of keeping the memory of September 11, 2001, alive for new generations.  The hosts pivot to discuss “domino recognition” in fireground safety: how small, overlooked factors can cascade into serious incidents. They also cover innovative safety programs like prefire street intelligence and line-of-duty death reviews.