We have all seen the news footage – huge wildfires consuming large areas in California. Last year, major fires like the Woolsey and Camp fires, destroyed thousands of acres of woodland, thousands of homes and disrupted the lives of tens of thousands of residents. And, in almost every newsreel, you saw firefighters and other first responders, doing tasks, such as fighting the fires, clearing a fire line, help escaping residents and much more. It begs the question, “How does California…

For as long as there have been people, fire and those willing to quench unexpected issues from fire, the basic tenet was “put the wet stuff on the red stuff!” Of course, there were no “classes” given to what was burning until many years later. And to be honest, that premise worked. However, in the last fifty years or so, one of the key issues that has changed is WHAT is burning and what is the safest and most expedient way to snuff these more modern flames.

On this podcast,…

Does your department have a plan in place for its future? Do you know when your current apparatus will be deemed out-of-date and how they will be replaced? Tune in to our latest episode with my guest, Capt. John Dixon. Captain Dixon discusses the importance of having a Strategic Vision Plan for your department and provides guidance on how to start the process. Tune in via your favorite podcast platform or on our website,…

Leaders Eat Last

Anyone that has ever broken bread together in the fire house knows that there are certain traditions that take place around this most sacred of times. These include things such as, the seat facing the TV is most likely the Lieutenant’s, or rookie has kitchen…always… even if they didn’t cook. But there is another tradition that should be taking place, leaders eat last.…

It’s been many years since I blogged on this site. Feeling nostalgic on the anniversary of my daughter’s death, I went to Google to read her obit and stumbled upon my old blog and the posting I wrote when she died. I saw a post from a FFN supporter, Brian M., and it brought me back to the memories of support and guidance I have had within the FD and even through this blog. 

I’m two years from 60 so my work for the FD is now social media manager so to speak, and officers…