The Firefighter's Workout Book (2000). By Michael Stefano. Harper Collins Publishers, 10 E. 53rd St., New York, N.Y. 10022; 212-207-7000, . $24.95, 146 pages.

Michael Stefano's The Firefighter's Workout Book is an easy reading, self-help fitness tome written specifically for members of the fire service, but it has value for anyone interested in improving his or her physical conditioning. The book is attractive and well presented, with well laid-out chapters and graphs and charts that are easy to follow.

Stefano begins with a discussion of why fitness is important to firefighters — it's literally a life-and-death issue. He uses stories of his 22 years of service in the Fire Department of New York City to describe his own “transformation” into a believer of the critical nature of physical fitness, as well as stories of real-life fdny fireground incidents where good conditioning allowed firefighters to prevail in physically demanding situations. His simple argument is that fitness in the fire service isn't an option but a necessity that provides for long-term quality of life. The content is basic and the information is straightforward enough for anyone to understand, yet heavy on the practical.

It has a logical progression over its eight chapters. While the first few set the stage for why conditioning is important and why it must be individualized, Chapter 3 begins the discussion of the basic principles and components of physical conditioning. Stefano tries to simplify fitness training by breaking it down into three components: cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. He explains each component and puts them all together in an individualized training plan. He makes an important point often lost in fitness books: Individuals should set an attainable fitness goal. The main cause of failure for most people who begin conditioning programs is not sticking with it long enough to see results, which is understandable if the program is one you hate and your expectations are too high.

One of the most valuable sections of the book for firefighters is Chapter 4: Chow's On. Stefano addresses the worst enemy of firefighters, fat, and provides an easy-to-follow discussion of nutrition. His point is that it's both what and how much you eat that matters, and he provides sample meal plans that can be followed both at the station house and at home.

Chapter 5, Exercises and Routines, can be immensely helpful to those just starting an exercise program or trying to choose what exercise to include in their plan. It begins with a chart listing the muscle groups and exercises that can be used to condition them, and includes photographs and explanations for each exercise. The exercises listed are basic, don't require fancy equipment and can be easily adapted for the home or firehouse. The last section of the chapter is invaluable for someone just starting on a conditioning program and is the highlight of the book.

Other chapters and sections cover fitness assessments, frequently asked questions, a summary of key points, and three helpful appendices including a glossary, anatomy chart and blank charts. The blank charts are a welcome idea and can be used in conjunction with the information in Chapter 5 for planning an individualized conditioning program.

This is the kind of fitness book that firefighters can relate to. It provides them the important practical information they need to design sound nutritional and physical conditioning programs that will ensure their capacity to perform on the job and help them to enjoy a lifetime of healthy living. Every firehouse should have a copy.

Firefighting Strategies and Tactics (2000). By Michael Galam, David Harlow, William Lombardo, Craig Maciuba, James A. Angle and Kasey Young. Delmar Thomson Learning, P.O. Box 6904, Florence, Ky. 41022; 800-347-7707, fax: 800-487-8488, . $49.95, 512 pages.

Written for universal application in both rural and urban areas, this book offers comprehensive coverage of all firefighting strategies and tactics, from standard company responsibilities and assignments to specialized situational strategies and tactics. Written by a team of fire service personnel representing a variety of geographic and professional viewpoints, it presents first-hand knowledge of strategies and tactics, including fighting high-rise or wildland fires.

The concepts progress from basic firefighting to the application of tactics and situational strategies for particular occupancies or types of fires. It also includes case reviews, self-study questions and activities, photos, and charts and illustrations.

Juvenile Firesetting Video Guide to Intervention and Prevention (2000). Fireproof Children Co., 1 Grove St., Suite 210, Pittsford, N.Y. 14534; 716-264-0840, fax: 716-264-1754, . Videocassette running time: 18 minutes, $49.95.

Designed as a training resource for fire trainers, firefighters, public safety educators, investigators and community officials, this video is a complement to the Firefighter's Complete Juvenile Firesetting Handbook. It provides an overview of juvenile firesetting from a firefighter's perspective and was compiled by researchers, educators, fire investigators and firefighters.

Extinguishing Fires in Silos and Hay Mows (2000). Natural Resource, Agriculture and Engineering Service, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853-5701; 607-255-7654, fax: 607-254-8770, , . $7, 40 pages.

This monograph explains the causes of silo and hay mow fires and teaches firefighters how to safely and effectively extinguish them. It starts out with a review of the three silo types with line drawings to clearly illustrate the differences among them. Discussions about modified oxygen-limiting silos are new in this revision. Most of the book focuses on the different techniques required to locate and extinguish fires in various silo types. It carefully reviews essential safety precautions required by fires in oxygen-limiting silos. Many of the book's 21 figures illustrate methods for locating fires in silos and proper extinguishing techniques. The final chapter, new in this revision, describes the causes of and procedures for extinguishing fires in hay and straw mows. Two appendices list proper hay- and silage-making methods.