Fire Engineering Podcast

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.

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.