Sunday, July 20, 2008
Virtual Aide
By Roger C. Huder
The days when every department could afford a fireground aide are ending, but software can be a good substitute.?...
Technology a Blessing, Curse at Washington Blaze
From July 31 to Aug. 14, 2005, firefighters were mobilized to the Dirty Face Fire, which was burning on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests and...
Small Pumps Pack a Big Punch
Chris Cavette
Departments that want a small, lightweight, portable pump can choose several models ranging from 60 pounds down to as little as 14 pounds. Some of these...
Strong Cargo
By Janet Wilmoth
Inspired by military design and increasing response requirements, dual-compliance stationwear is driven by function, not fads....
Blockwork Orange
By Douglas Page
Government researchers have found a simple, safe way of removing radioactive uranium from contaminated surfaces, soil and incinerator ash by using citric acid....
Airport Explosive Detection Made Easier, Portable
Chemists at Purdue University have come up with a fast, portable, reliable way to detect residues that could indicate the presence of explosives and other hazardous materials inside luggage....
Repurposed Decon Trailer Allows Safety, Savings
Faron L. Livingston
In these times of strict budgets and more demands on service, innovation is the hidden gift that firefighters possess among many other talents. ...
Peak Performance
By Chris Cavette, Senior Editor
Regular pump testing does more than identify problems. It can help improve your ISO rating. ...
Platinum Rewards
As the architect of the first fire station to win our overall outstanding award, Lawrence Enyart wants design to keep with the times....
Challenges Net Changes
By Mary McGrath
As the fire service evolves, so do its fire stations. New facilities must solve problems related to co-ed living quarters, increased EMS calls, extensive computer and communications systems, and more....
Multi-Storied
By Michael J. Veseling
Training tower uses are limited only by your imagination....
Bay of Rigs
By Dennis A. Ross
More than just a place to park, the apparatus bay is an integral part of a fire station’s aesthetics and function. Make sure it’s designed for current needs and future wants....
Arizona Firehouse Greets New Era
Michael L. Dale
With modern technology, the Phoenix Fire Department now has new equipment and more direct ways of saving lives....
Family Business 
Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
Slow and steady growth has been the hallmark of KME’s apparatus line, which is just over two decades old and going strong....
Tech Dependence Needs Simple Cure
By Mike Chiaramonte
To avoid technology dependency syndrome, train with and without the technology. This ensures that the safest and most efficient action will take place instinctively if the technology malfunctions. ...
Special Order
By Chris Cavette
Many fire departments already have one or more specialty vehicles on their apparatus roster....
Shall We Play a Game?
By Roger C. Huder
No amount of planning can help prepare for major incidents if those plans are never practiced by those who will be in the trenches....
Seeing is Believing: Hazmat Cam Gives IC Full View
By Douglas Page
Check out the Hazmat Cam, a wireless camera system that can be carried by emergency responders to a hazardous scene....
New Heights
By Kent Pauli
Aerial apparatus aren’t immune to change. The latest specification trends are paying off with improved firefighting capabilities and more powerful performance....
Breathtaking Tech Detects Disease
By Douglas Page
Exhaled breath may soon be all responders need to detect infection rapidly after potential exposure to a biological warfare agent....
Seeing Is Believing
By Douglas Page
Hazmat cam gives incident commanders a full view of the hot zone....
Dirty Bomb Detection: What's Hot?
By Douglas Page
Byproducts of cosmic space rays may be the key to uncovering radioactive materials — seriously....
TALK FAST
By Joel Greenberg
Friday afternoon and trouble was brewing. Just on the other side of Table Mountain where the Coors Brewing Co. is located in Golden, Colo., a fire was...
The Power of Positive Pressure
By Kriss Garcia & Reinhard Kauffmann
Despite numerous successful tests of blowers' effectiveness during initial attack, many fire departments use them only for post-knockdown operations....
SPOT-ON
By Mike Lee
Three firefighters stood in a fire camp on the Bitterroot National Forest, 20 miles southwest of Missoula, Mont. It was August 2003, and sweating firefighters...
| Commentary | Special Reports | Station Style |
|---|---|---|
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Mutual Aid is a blog of news and views from FIRE CHIEF staff and industry experts — a virtual conversation about the issues important to you as a fire service leader. |
In Service provides information on fleet management, apparatus specifying and maintenance. Keep abreast of new trends and changes to emergency vehicle apparatus. |
Station Style focuses on the architectural design and needs of fire and emergency stations today. See the latest in design trends and learn about the Fire Station Design Awards. |
