I’m going to dip into the “We Search” subject for just 1 article, I hope. We search, yes it sounds good and it’s catchy. But HOW do we search? I would venture a guess the phrase “We Search” is an overstatement. It’s probably more like “We stumble around, call out and hope for the best” […]

Long Lug Out Smooth, Bump, Bump, to the Pump We were going over this basic firefighter safety drill with a class a while ago.  I started the evolution by letting them know that this should not even count as a skill.  Just like putting on your pants or SCBA.  You should know it as if […]

Many firefighters just don’t appreciate learning opportunities or recognize when learning opportunities present themselves. Recently, I thought about several examples I witnessed during “rookie schools” around the country. Rookie school, or Basic Fire School, is where you are taught “The Basics” and are expected to learn “The Basics” before applying them on the job. A […]

When arriving on the fire ground it is essential to know your role. In this new series we will place pictures up and Audio up when possible that will aid in helping you make the correct fire ground decision, based off the Pre- arrival radio traffic and the wind shield view when you arrive.

I was told to write about ladders again, and I will, but first I have a Pre-plan Challenge for you.

  This is the first of hopefully many follow-ups to the Boston Ladder Culture article.  After the Aerial or main ladder there are only 2 ladders of consequence on a truck; the 35′ and the 50′. The rest of the ladders; 40′, 28, 24, roof, pencil, Baby Bangor, Little Giant are almost all considered second […]

Why does Boston throw so many ladders?   Mainly because it’s better to have them and not need them. If you ask around Boston Fire you will get 4 common answers.  Most likely after they ask you why a firefighter would even ask a question like that. 1. Why not? 2. It’s a good practice 3. […]

We must start at understanding why we are using the hose load we are using and the pros/cons