Over the course of the summer of 2017 Big Sky residents quickly got used to the lingering smell of the forests burning within their state. Montanans endured one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades marked by home evacuations and a state of emergency declared by the Governor. In addition, the grueling summer of 2017 […]
Montana Wildfires of 2017 Read More »
The potential financial costs of the wildfires that ravaged much of Northern California in October are staggering, taking a tremendous toll on the regional crop industries. Worse still are the more tragic costs of lives and homes. Now that the fires have been contained, the time has come for the necessary work of investigating their
Just as the record breaking 2017 fire season came to a close, fiscal year 2018 began. Although the new fiscal year began on October 1st, Congress was unable to agree on a budget. To avoid a government shutdown, Congress and the President signed and passed a continuing resolution (CR) on September 8th to allow funding
How Fire Departments can Circumvent Proposed Fire Budget Cuts for Fiscal Year 2018 Read More »
In the aftermath of Northern California’s most recent wildfires, which torched roughly 250,000 acres of wine country and other locations, Californian utility company PG&E has come under intense scrutiny. Concerns have arisen about the company’s possible negligence, namely downed power lines and sloppy upkeep of foliage near their equipment in some areas, may have caused
California Pushes for New and Improved Utility Safety Rules Following Major Wildfires Read More »
Each year, over 800,000 individuals die by suicide worldwide. 40,000 of those individuals are citizens of the United States. Among the figures compiled by the World Health Organization a subset of individuals within the group of people taking their own life is emerging: first responders. Over the past decade, there’s been an acknowledgement within
Studies Show PTSD and Suicides are Increasing Among Firefighters Read More »
The Phoenix Fire Department and the firefighting community lost an invaluable member on October 15th, 2017. The family of former Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini announced his passing on Sunday. As news of Al’s passing spread through firehouses and halls an outpouring of praise came from industry leaders across the country whom Al provided guidance
Remembering Al Brunacini: Pioneer of the Fire Industry Read More »
The 2017 fire season has been one of the worst in US history, especially for California. During the most intense period beginning in early October and continuing until the end of the month, eight counties in Northern California were hit by a devastating outbreak of wildfires which led to over 40 fatalities, nearly 250,000 scorched
Assessing the Damage: The Destruction of the 2017 Northern California Wildfires Read More »
Boise Mobile Equipment (BME), a fire apparatus manufacturer located in Boise, Idaho, is expanding its facilities and its product lines. Known best for being the industry leader in the wildland market, BME has just acquired two new warehouses: one 25,000 square feet, and one 50,000 square feet, to meet increasing demand and to produce innovative
BME acquires 75,000 sq. ft. in New Facilities Read More »
The iconic red fire engine that you often see has changed throughout history. In early civilizations, the need for fire to heat, cook, and light homes increased the risk of house fires. So naturally, people sought a means to extinguish the blaze, resulting in hundreds of years of new apparatus designs, and innovations. Early
The History of Fire Engines: From Primitive Pumps to Advanced Technology Read More »
What is the NFPA The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share
What is NFPA 1500? Understanding Fire Protection Health and Safety Read More »
