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Worcester Fire Department District Chief Gary Fleischer joins the B Shifter podcast to share his expertise on critical fire ground factors in century-old wood-frame buildings, particularly New England's iconic triple-deckers.

• Construction characteristics of triple-deckers, typically built between 1890-1920 as worker housing near factories
• Balloon frame construction creates continuous void spaces from basement to attic with no fire stops
• Original materials include true dimension 2x4s (full 2"x4") and often asphalt or asbestos siding
• Buildings typically built very close together (sometimes just 5 feet apart) creating exposure problems
• Vertical fire spread challenges requiring simultaneous tactics on multiple floors
• First-arriving company officers must "own the incident" with thorough size-up and clear assignments
• Importance of quick water application on exterior fires before they extend into concealed spaces
• Search priorities in densely populated residential structures
• Primary access challenges including blocked rear exits and cluttered stairwells

When you see these older structures in your community, remember they require specific tactical considerations due to their construction methods and arrangement. Train your officers to recognize critical fire ground factors that will drive your incident action plan.

This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, Gary Fleischer and John Vance.

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This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025.

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This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

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This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025.

Lincoln Fire Department demonstrates Blue Card implementation during a  fire involving three structures in sub-zero temperatures.

• Incident began with one fully involved structure that had already spread to exposures on both sides
• Battalion Chief established defensive strategy for main fire building while directing offensive operations in salvageable exposures
• IC maintained disciplined radio communication despite managing 13 companies across three structures
• Company officer successfully stepped into Division Supervisor role when command staff was limited
• Strategic decision to transition Delta exposure from offensive to defensive prevented resource waste
• Effective use of deck guns and aerial operations to control main fire while protecting exposures
• Incident demonstrates value of critical factor-based assignments over standard arrival-based protocols
• Fire occurred in extreme weather conditions that complicated access and operations
• Lincoln FD's commitment to After Action Reviews reveals areas for improvement despite successful outcomes

Join us in Cincinnati for the Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference, September 29-October 3rd. Register now at bshifter.com to secure your spot!

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, Pat Dale and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on March 14, 2025.

Nick Brunicini and John Vance introduce a conversation about Silverback leadership principles with fire service veterans Pat Dale and Terry Garrison, exploring how internal culture directly impacts external service delivery.

• Silverback leadership program currently contains two modules available on B-Shifter website with more being developed
• Full program will eventually include nine modules with a two-day workshop
• Inside-outside customer service approach forms the foundation of service delivery excellence
• We discuss scenario-based leadership situations involving problem behaviors
• Corrective, progressive and lawful discipline creates accountability without destroying morale
• Department culture starts with leadership behaviors that cascade through ranks
• The "kindness conspiracy" occurs when positive examples outperform negative ones
• Fire service recruitment crisis stems from leadership problems, not compensation issues
• Second chance management allows recovery from mistakes without career-ending consequences
• Effective leaders assume good intent while still enforcing professional standards

The 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference will be held September 29-October 3 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Silverback leadership training included. Visit bshifter.com for registration information.

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This episode features Frank Leeb, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

For drills and more go to https://30fires.com/

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded on February 12, 2025.

This episode delves into the critical importance of learning from past firefighting tragedies through the lens of the book "30 Fires You Must Know," co-authored by Chief Billy Goldfeder and Chief Frank Leeb. We explore how documenting these historical incidents creates a powerful learning tool for preventing future line-of-duty deaths.

• The book examines 31 fires that have significantly impacted the fire service, with all royalties supporting firefighter charities
• Chief Frank Leeb discusses fighting the "historical illiteracy" that leads to repeating the same mistakes that cost firefighter lives
• Detailed examination of the 2001 Southwest Supermarket fire that killed Phoenix Firefighter Bret Tarver
• How an exterior fire at a loading dock quickly spread through a grocery store, creating deadly conditions
• The 13 maydays called during rescue attempts and the lessons learned about rapid intervention
• Phoenix Fire Chief Brunacini's courageous decision to be completely transparent about what went wrong
• How the incident fundamentally changed the fire service's approach to commercial structure fires
• Why exterior fires must be extinguished from the exterior before moving to interior operations
• The critical importance of understanding that residential tactics don't work in commercial buildings
• How these lessons continue to shape firefighter training and response protocols today
 

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This episode features Nick Brunacini and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on February 13, 2025.

Command Safety intertwines safety with effective firefighting tactics and operational control. Each discussion point highlights critical aspects of situational awareness and fire behavior. 

• Introduction to Command Safety and its significance 
• Reflection on past firefighting incidents and lessons learned 
• Importance of dynamic situational awareness for firefighters 
• The cultural shift needed around safety in the firefighting community 
• How Command Safety evolves traditional firefighting tactics 

Thank you for tuning in! We encourage you to subscribe, share, and leave a review. 

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We're excited to introduce the newly developed ARFF program, designed specifically for airport firefighting! This innovative training program focuses on enhancing incident command and control, crucial for improving operational efficiency and safety at airports. 

- Introduction of the ARFF training program
- Discussion of the integration of the eight functions of command 
- Personal experiences of team members in developing the ARF program 
- Insights from JBlue Card instructors about practical applications and simulations 
- Details regarding the certification process and its structure 
- Emphasis on the importance of ongoing training and recertification 




Read all about it here: https://conta.cc/3XggCaa

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on February 12, 2025.

This episode delves into the critical role of accountability and improvement in firefighting leadership. Our hosts discuss how setting expectations, providing training, monitoring performance, and fostering a positive culture can enhance team dynamics and operational efficiency.

• Exploring the positive aspects of accountability 
• The importance of setting clear expectations 
• Training as a foundation for success 
• Monitoring performance without micromanaging 
• Building a culture that values personal responsibility 
• Community engagement as a facet of accountability 
• Transforming perceptions of accountability in leadership 
• Developing processes that support continuous improvement

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This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded on February 11, 2025.

Worcester Fire Department demonstrates what effective communication and incident management look like in action. With a robust incident action plan and seamless command transfer, every member of the team is prepared, engaged, and ready to respond to challenges, ensuring success in real-time crisis management. 
• Worcester Fire Department's journey with Blue Card incident command 
• Importance of initial radio reports in setting the tone 
• Effective incident action plans guide the team's response 
• Continuous training and improvement pave the way for excellence 
• Smooth command transfer maintains operational continuity 
• The impact of cohesive communication on firefighting outcomes 
• Engaged leadership promotes accountability and professionalism 
• Community service enhanced through superior preparedness

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This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded on February 3, 2025.

Today's discussion focuses on a multifamily fire incident in Fairfield, Ohio, showcasing the use of the Blue Card command system and effective communication. We explore the coordination between multiple fire departments, the execution of rescues, and the importance of maintaining a unified incident action plan for successful emergency responses. 

• Breakdown of the Fairfield fire incident and initial challenges 
• Importance of training under a unified command system 
• Analysis of dispatch audio for situational awareness 
• Victim rescue operations and prioritization of life safety 
• The collaboration among multiple fire departments during the response 
• Reflection on the tactical truth behind effective incident management

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This episode features Erik Phillips and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded on January 27, 2025.