Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Broadcast Views
By Dale Lyman
Improve your public-outreach efforts by filling the dead air on your local government-access TV channel....
White Out
By Keith Klassen
Fires in the wildland-urban interface are becoming an increasingly significant problem as both their numbers and size increase. Between Dec. 1, 2005,...
Apparatus Array
By Chris Cavette
As any professional knows, having the right tool is essential to doing a good job. Apparatus are simply larger tools. ...
Big Rescues, Big Jobs
By Chris Cavette
Heavy-rescue units are more popular than ever as departments deal with a variey of responses that require specialized gear....
DHS, USFA Announce Outstanding Research Award Recipients
In a joint statement, George Foresman, under secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Directorate, and Charlie Dickinson, acting U.S. fire administrator, have announced that four fire service executives will be recipients of the National Fire Academy's 2005 Annual Outstanding Research Awards...
Beyond Brush Trucks
By Chris Cavette
The demands of interface residents require pumpers that can do more than just fight wildfires....
Data-Driven Decisions
By David Katz
On-site weather-monitoring devices can provide critical information to an incident scene....
USAR Rigs Go Local
By Chris Cavette
The closer the urban search and rescue team, the greater the chances of survival for victims....
Relay Race
By Jim Riddering
Technology is becoming more prevalent in wildland fire management. Handheld GPS units, personal weather instruments and laptop computers, to name a few,...
Ideal Chatter
By John Towns
Today's headset and microphone technologies offer functionality under the most adverse conditions and noisy environments....
Nowhere to Hide
By Dick Mangan
In 1990 on the Wenatchee Heights Fire in central Washington, the local fire chief attempted to ride out a burnover in the cab of an engine. Rick West...
Tactics Trade
By Bob Galvin
Sharing the critical information contained in preplans can go a long way toward fire and police cooperation....
Inspector Gadget
By Jim Moore
The Denver Fire Department went from cumbersome paperwork to electronic efficiency in one easy step with rugged handheld computers....
NIST Site Tracks WTC Recommendations
The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology has implemented a Web site that allows the public to track the status of the agency’s recommendations stemming from its building and fire-safety investigation of the World Trade Center disaster....
Deep Breaths
By Jeffrey Pindelski
Proposed revisions to NFPA 1981 aim to increase safety while emphasizing interoperability....
Evaluation Metrics Proposed for Thermal Imagers
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have submitted recommendations to the National Fire Protection Association that outline evaluation methods for thermal imagers as used in six critical emergency situations. These recommendations include tests to assess durability as well as image quality....
The Long, Long Trailer
By Chris Cavette
If you’ve never considered a tillered aerial unit for your department, you’re missing out on an extensive list of advantages....
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. ...
| 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. |
