The Game Plan Changes, Like It Or Not

Posted by Feld Fire on 9/10/2014

Those of us on the fireground every day know all about change. A fire scene is not linear and predictable; it is dynamic and unpredictable, even from minute to minute. We have to be flexible and adaptable and be able to think quickly on our feet or lives could be lost.

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Fitting Facts

Posted by Feld Fire on 9/8/2014 to Fire Fighting

Firefighters come in a remarkable range of shapes and sizes, which isn't surprising, as firefighters span the entire adult population. The days of building turnout gear that fits a "normal" range of firefighters are over. When your gear really fits your body, it's not just more comfortable; but it enables you to perform your job to the maximum of your ability. In spite of manufacturers meeting all the rigorous safety standards and requirements for fire fighting protective wear, many firefighters are still getting gear that doesn't fit well.

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Getting Along

Posted by Feld Fire on 9/8/2014 to Fire Fighting

Firefighters must work and live with a variety of personalities. The long hours and often close proximity of living quarters, combined with sometimes stressful working conditions can often cause tension in coworker relationships. If you are able to exhibit tolerance, understanding and compassion, these same things that create tension can also create bonds between you and your co-workers.

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Reputation Is Important

Posted by Feld Fire on 9/8/2014 to Fire Fighting

When celebrities like actors and athletes end up making the headlines negatively, people remember their names for some time to come. When people employed in the area of public safety are featured in the headlines negatively, the public doesn’t remember the individual, but instead, they remember the occupation and even the city associated with the story.

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9/11 Memorial To Open To Night-time Visitors This Year

Posted by Feld Fire on 9/3/2014 to Fire Fighting History

This year on September 11, the 9/11 Memorial Plaza will open at night to the general public for the first time on the anniversary of the attack. In the 13 years since the Al Qaeda terror organization headed by Osama bin Laden flew two 747 passenger jets into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in TRiBeCa, hundreds of volunteers and paid employees have reclaimed the crash site in honor of the 2,606 New York victims of the attacks, along with some 372 passengers on board the aircraft, 341 NYC firefighters, 62 police officers, and 10 paramedics and EMTs. The nation has seen an invitation-only memorial service televised every year on the date, and the reading aloud of all of the victims' names, including those who perished at The Pentagon and on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

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Command And Leadership Qualities Of A Firefighter

Posted by Feld Fire on 8/29/2014 to Fire Fighting

A leader must understand when to stand up and say something and when to sit down and listen. Able to show displeasure or pleasure by the words and tone of voice in the actions of subordinates. You have to be able to speak your point without much ado. When seconds count, long winded discussions and instructions are killers. You have to make sure you are quick, to the point, and that your followers understand your objectives.

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Understanding The Basics Of A Radio Network

Posted by Feld Fire on 8/29/2014 to Fire Equipment

Everyone on the fireground has likely operated a walkie-talkie system at some point in the past, but are you a fire department that considers communication the No.1 priority? If you do, then you probably shouldn't be reading this - because you already know that the mobile radio systems currently in use are not your father's walkie-talkies, and you know that training on these networks is every bit as vital as training in various fire situations.

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Spotting Wildfires, The Tools Of The Trade

Posted by Feld Fire on 8/28/2014 to Fire Safety

Wildfires are rather a problem these days and that is due to the lack of rainfall resulting in drought conditions in many portions of the U.S. One of the keys to success in regards toward stopping a wildfire in its tracks is catching it early enough to do something about it before it grows out of hand.

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Getting Above A Fire Safely And Effectively

Posted by Feld Fire on 8/27/2014 to Fire Fighting

When it comes to fighting fires, the conventional wisdom is to attack the fire from the base, having your feet firmly on the ground on equal footing with the fire. However, there is little doubt that sticking with that wisdom can be risky and could result in more damage to a structure, especially if that structure is two or more stories and the fire is on the first floor.

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So You Want To Become A Firefighter

Posted by Feld Fire on 8/26/2014 to Fire Fighting

If you’re thinking about becoming a firefighter, you probably already have the most important trait a firefighter needs to have – the desire to help people. Because, let’s face it, you won’t get rich by being a firefighter, so there are no reasons to become one if your primary motivation is material gain.

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