Fire Engineering Podcast

The Path Forward with Tom Jenkins

They talk about NERIS’s modernization of decades-old practices with a firefighter-focused, adaptable platform that integrates seamlessly with existing systems ranging from rural volunteer departments to large metropolitan agencies. The discussion also reveals cultural hurdles around data in the fire service and stresses the crucial role of peer support and education in smooth transitions. With onboarding underway regionally and the old system sunsetting by the year’s end, departments must take action to avoid gaps in data reporting.

Main Street Firefighting: Lessons from a Complex Main Street Fire

In this episode of Main Street Firefighting, get an inside look at a challenging downtown fire involving legacy brick buildings with cockloft involvement—fueled by heavy winds and complicated by unique building features like spiral staircases and metal roofing. The department’s rapid third-alarm call, strategic placement of crews at front and rear, and innovative use of a drone with thermal imaging helped identify hidden fire spots and halt the blaze’s spread. Despite resource limitations in a small city setting, strong interdepartmental coordination, disciplined radio communication, and tactical roof and hose operations kept structural collapse and loss largely in check.

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the core elements needed to build and sustain high-performance teams. Leadership here isn’t about titles or rank—it’s about clear purpose, strong communication, and unwavering accountability. Cline highlights seven key characteristics, from fostering open dialogue to cultivating trust and encouraging continuous improvement.

Drawing analogies from football, Cline shows how each member’s role and collaboration shape team success. The talk also covers the courage and responsibility leaders must embody, emphasizing actions over words. With practical advice on difficult conversations, leveraging team strengths, and maintaining adaptability, this episode offers a realistic framework to help you create a culture where every department member feels valued, motivated, and driven to excel.

Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service

In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley welcomes recently retired Arlington County (VA) Deputy Chief Tiffanye Wesley. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of a firefighting career and life beyond the fireground. Reflecting on decades of breaking barriers, mentorship, and community building, Wesley shares her journey of leadership grounded in courage, integrity, and empathy. The conversation touches on the vital role of emotional intelligence, the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and how retirees can continue shaping the fire service today. They also honor the legacy of Dr. Carl Holmes and the transformative Executive Development Institute, an inclusive leadership pipeline dedicated to empowering firefighters of all backgrounds. With candid stories and powerful insights, they lay out a call to action for the next generation to lead with boldness and heart.  

The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures

Hosts Mike Dugan and Mike Gagliano talk with a panel of fire service experts about the Firefighter Air Coalition supplement in Fire Engineering, and their respective articles that cover the complexities of firefighting operations concerning high-rise buildings and rapidly emerging big-box structures. Featuring insights from seasoned firefighters, including Jimmy Davis, Tom Merrill, and Daniel DeYear, the discussion highlights the critical importance of air management, situational preparedness, and interdepartmental collaboration.

The experts emphasize the need for comprehensive preplanning, rigorous training processes, and real-world scenarios that require mutual-aid partnerships. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on operational burdens, the realities of high-rise firefighting, and strategies for enhancing firefighter safety and effectiveness amidst evolving challenges.

To read the Fire Engineering supplement, go to https://digital.clarionevents.com/clarionsupplements/2025_firefighter_air/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&folio=1#pg1

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First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies

Seasoned firefighters Danny Sheridan and Erik Pettaway discuss the challenges presented by void spaces in residential and commercial buildings. Drawing insights from Frank Brannigan's seminal work, Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service, the hosts highlight critical concepts such as the rapid spread of fire in concealed spaces and the potential hazards posed by renovated structures. They share firsthand experiences, emphasizing the importance of thorough size-ups, effective communication among crews, and the use of thermal imaging equipment. The discussion underscores the need for ongoing education in building construction and fire behavior, equipping today's firefighters and incident commanders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire Service

The Panel:

-Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District

-Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston, TX

-Kimberly Lightley (ret.), United States Forest Service

-Heidi Simon (ret.), lieutenant, South Metro (CO) Fire 

-Megan Saylors, trustee, North West Region, Women in Fire 

-Kristi Bellock, professional basketball player (ret.) and athletic director, The Bay Club Company (CA) 

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Brought to you by Firehouse Subs

Hooks & Hoses: Mastering Fireground Size-Ups

You’ll learn about practical acronyms like BELOW, which help firefighters assess building types, fire location, life safety factors, and water supply.

The conversation also covers the significance of preincident planning, crew awareness, and adapting to unique challenges during various emergencies. As firefighters learn to accurately relay crucial information over the radio, they enhance their team’s readiness and response efficiency.

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