Glenn Corbett returns to the National Fire Radio studio for a wide-ranging conversation on fire service history, building construction, and the lessons that continue to shape the modern fireground.

Drawing from decades of experience as an educator, fire protection engineer, Fire Engineering editor, and steward of Brannigan's Building Construction for the Fire Service, Glenn explains why understanding the past remains one of the most important responsibilities of today's firefighters.

Jeremy and Glenn discuss historic fires, building construction changes, lightweight materials, warehouse fire challenges, single-stairwell residential buildings, sprinkler system performance, and the growing influence of codes, regulations, and litigation on the fire service.

Throughout the conversation, Glenn reinforces a simple but powerful message: history is not about nostalgia. History is about learning, adapting, and ensuring that hard-earned lessons are not forgotten.

Whether you're a probie, company officer, chief officer, or fire service student, this episode delivers valuable insight into where we've been, where we're going, and why the fire service must continue to balance tradition with innovation.

Key Topics

• Fire service history and why it matters
• Francis Brannigan's legacy
• Building construction education
• Lessons from historic line-of-duty death fires
• Lightweight and modern construction concerns
• Warehouse and high-challenge commercial fires
• Single-stairwell apartment building debate
• Firefighter safety and risk management
• Tradition versus innovation
• Preserving knowledge for the next generation

National Fire Radio — Conversations that preserve the culture, traditions, and lessons of the American fire service.