Firefighting foam has revolutionized the way fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, are suppressed. Since its invention in the early 20th century, foam has become a critical tool for firefighters, thanks to its ability to cool flames, block oxygen, and prevent re-ignition. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this technology, the different […]
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2024 has been a year of intense wildfire activity across the United States and North America, scorching millions of acres and disrupting communities from coast to coast. As the wildfire season winds down, now is the perfect time to answer the question of how wildfires start. Wildfires are complex phenomena influenced by natural forces and
How do wildfires start? Read More »
As wildland fire activity intensifies each year, managing fire resources has become increasingly urgent. Fighting these fires puts a significant strain on available resources, so a scale was developed to assess the severity of a fire incident and determine whether local resources are sufficient to manage it. This scale, known as the National Fire Preparedness
What is a National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level? Read More »
One of the most important skills all firemen should possess is the ability to read smoke signals. The ability to read the smoke at any position within the company can help those responding to the incident make better tactical decisions. Smoke can help first responders determine the fire’s location, growth, toxicity, the direction of travel.
Reading Smoke Signals: How Firefighters Use Smoke Signals Read More »
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) releases studies, each year, on firefighter deaths and injuries. An important part of the yearly study helps better understand how these fatalities and injuries occur to help minimize the risks of firefighting. A recurring reason cited in the study is the incorrect use of or absence of firefighting personal protective
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As more individuals build their homes in woodland settings — in or near forests, rural areas or remote mountain sites, they enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Every year across the U.S., major wildfires test homeowners and firefighters, some homes survive while many others do not. Those
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Boise Mobile Equipment was recently highlighted in a Fire Apparatus Magazine article about discharges and inlets. The article discusses the different assortment of inlets and outlets, according to tactical needs on today’s fire apparatus. Below is a quote from Larry Segreto that was featured in the article.
BME Featured in Fire Apparatus Magazine Read More »
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,
How to Recruit More Volunteer Firefighters Read More »
As we move deeper into the 21st century, one of the prevailing issues of our time is the need for common sense to keep up with burgeoning technology and how it can help or hinder our response to all sorts of emergencies. Recently, the serious issue of civilian drones has come to the forefront of
How Drones Are Hindering Firefighting Efforts Read More »
Some of the biggest headlines of late show that California has been on fire near continuously over the past couple of months. Agencies such as CAL Fire and the Forestry Service have beefed up their staffing in the face of these unprecedented blazes. The staffing increase is especially underway in Southern California in the face
California’s “New Normal” Demands New Staff and New Strategies in 2018 Read More »
