We sit down with Andy Starnes of Insight Fire Training. We hope you enjoy what's a very informative show!

Thank you to our sponsors - Elkhart Brass, Key Fire Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear!

Andy's Bio -

Andy Starnes of Insight Fire Training

As Owner, Chief Instructor, and Level II Thermography Certified professional, Andy leads Insight Fire Training, a globally recognized training organization specializing in thermal imaging and fire behavior education.

Global Impact

• International curriculum deployment in Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, Poland, and throughout South America

• World-class instructor cadre comprised of fire service veterans holding Level 1 Industrial Thermography Certification or Tactical Firefighting Thermologist Certification from Western Kentucky University

• Collaborative partnerships with manufacturers and training centers worldwide

Innovation & Certification Development

• Product development consultant for multiple thermal imaging camera manufacturers since 2013.

• Pioneering certification program: Developed the first thermography-based firefighter certification, credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer-reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute.

Service & Leadership

Board Positions & Community Engagement

• Retired Battalion Chief: Charlotte Fire Department 1998-2023.

• Board Member, 5-Alarm Task Force (non-profit supporting first responders). Founder of Bringing Back Brotherhood (501-3c non-profit)

• Master Craftsman, Project Kill the Flashover

• Active supporter of multiple first responder charitable organizations

• Served as a technical editor for numerous fire service publications.

Conference Speaking & Media

• International presenter at fire service conferences globally (48 states and 12 countries).

• Featured guest on numerous fire service podcasts.

• Subject matter expert on tactical thermal imaging and modern fire behavior: Level II Thermography Certified from Infrared Training Center and assisted in testing and developing numerous fire service products. Currently provides consulting services for the top three thermal imaging manufacturers in the industry.

Recognition & Honors

• 2023: Inducted into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders by the National Fire Heritage Center at FDIC.

• January 2025: Nominated as one of the Top 20 Influencers in the Fire Service by Fire Safety Journal Americas.

• Contributing author to several fire service textbooks such as: Euro Firefighter 2 and The Book of Search.

Mission & Passion

Andy is deeply committed to demystifying the complex terminology of modern fire behavior and empowering firefighters worldwide with the knowledge and tools necessary for safer, more effective operations. Through Insight Fire Training, he continues to advance thermal imaging education and fire behavior understanding, ensuring that the next generation of firefighters is better prepared to face today's fire service challenges. His professional cadre consists of a diverse international group of fire service veterans: USA, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

For training inquiries, speaking engagements, or product consultation, please contact Insight Fire Training LLC at: https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/ (https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/)