The first organized volunteer firefighting service has a rich history dating back to early Eighteenth century in Boston. In 1711 the Mutual Fire Societies was formed to combat the ever growing presence of destructive fires in the fast growing English Colonies. The early group of volunteers was described by Benjamin Franklin, a prominent volunteer firefighter, …
The process of recruiting, selecting, and retaining talent in a fire organization is one of the most difficult challenges a leader can face. Everyone has read or experienced first-hand a story about successfully hiring a recruit and then having the probationary firefighter get hurt within his first days of employment, experience irreconcilable performance issues, or …
Fire Chiefs: How to Set Your Fire Department Apart From the Rest Read More »
Demographic trends indicate that women and minorities are the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce. As of 2012, women accounted for nearly half of the workforce, while minorities made up 36 percent of the workforce. However, this growth is not reflected in the fire service industry. According to the NFPA, women made up just over …
How to Improve Diversity in Your Fire Department and Why It’s Important Read More »
Last December, another major fire plagued California. For over a month, the Thomas Fire blazed through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The destruction surpassed 440 square miles of land scorched and 1,063 structures burned, claiming the title as the largest wildfire in California history. As of December 22nd, more than 8,500 firefighters fought to contain …
The California Wildfire Season Is Now 4-5 Months Longer Read More »
As the weather in the United States starts to change with the onset of winter, so too do the causes of fires. Daily fire incidence is at its highest in the spring. Spring in the US is characterized by an increase in outside fires due to the prevalence of recreational activities after winter. As people …
Holidays are Lowest for Wildfires, but Prime Time for House Fires 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 »
