Fire Engineering

A tanker struck a New Orleans river cruise with 129 passengers on board on Friday, partially submerging the boat. Rescues were underway on the Mississippi River, officials say. ow.ly/pQqa5106C1f

A combination of extreme fire behavior and human error contributed to the deaths of four #firefighters who were overtaken by a wildfire on Colorado’s Western Slope this summer, according to a federal investigation. fireengineering.com/firefigh…

In vehicle extrication, seconds save lives. It’s not just the gear, but the skill and speed to wield it that make the difference. Are your cutting teams ready for anything? Read more: ow.ly/J7pa5104iEX

WEBINAR TODAY, 1 pm ET: ow.ly/VAog50ZWsZo Tactics for Life -with Brian Brush Where the term “aggressive” was once deeply connected to recklessness, today it is more closely associated with anticipation in planning, assertive decisions, and proactive actions. This is how we stay ahead of the incident power curve, properly positioning at the tactical level through a deeper understanding of the dynamics of our environment. Collectively we now have a much greater awareness to the degree in which time affects the fireground. The objectives of this class aim to inform the decisions of today’s fire officers using the information of today. Relying purely on experience is not sufficient for the higher accountability world in which we live, public trust in our profession, and expectations of the positions we hold as officers. This webinar will provide the appropriate blend of experience and evidence that is necessary to support command competence and confidence in the explanation and execution of duties and decisions.

Death Toll Rises to Eight in Brooklyn Building Collapse: ow.ly/fTAx510664b At least eight people have died after a three-story building in Brooklyn collapsed at the edge of a construction site, New York City’s mayor said Thursday, as firefighters kept digging through the rubble to find others who may be trapped beneath the wreckage. The building came down Wednesday afternoon. At least 17 people have been injured, including three firefighters, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

At least eight people have died after a three-story building in #Brooklyn collapsed at the edge of a construction site, New York City’s mayor said Thursday. #FDNY crews continued to search for survivors. fireengineering.com/technica…

WEBINAR TODAY, 1 pm ET: ow.ly/sxHs50ZGFlu Company Officer Development -with Jason Hoevelmann This webinar is designed to arm new and aspiring Company Officers with the essential skills needed to navigate the challenges of mid-level management. It focuses on the core responsibilities that define the modern frontline supervisor, providing the administrative, interpersonal, and leadership foundation necessary to effectively manage a fire company, ensuring a smooth transition from follower to leader. Key Learning Objectives: - Interpersonal Supervision: Techniques for managing conflict, conducting meaningful performance evaluations, and mentorship. - Company-Level Administration: Essential tasks like shift reports, documentation, and managing equipment records. - Leadership Principles: Implementing a daily philosophy that ensures crew accountability, training compliance, and morale.

A building collapsed Wednesday in Brooklyn, and people were trapped in the rubble, the #FDNY said. ow.ly/Xvsw5105VTh

Three members of a family died in a house #fire early Saturday in #Louisiana, according to a report. fireengineering.com/firefigh…

This is an older image, but the message still holds true today! Let’s remember our Brothers and Sisters who are not only fire service family, but are serving our country, too. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and may they ALL come home very soon! To ALL Veterans, young and old, of all races and many wars – THANK YOU!! -- Paul Combs ow.ly/Q6S05105Q4X

Stay drier and safer on the job with Elbeco’s Nano Fluid Repellency technology—advanced gear designed for fire and EMS professionals who demand the best protection and comfort. Discover the future of uniforms now: ow.ly/I8Jt5104ihN

A minivan crashed into people outside a metro station in Los Angeles during rush hour Tuesday, killing three and critically injuring the driver and at least two others, authorities said. ow.ly/jfUh5105K5B

Six ME Fire Departments Cited by State in Deadly Explosion: ow.ly/7mvK5105xur Six local fire departments were by the state of Maine in connection with the May 15 fire and explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, according to a news report. The agencies in question—Searsmont, Morrill, Montville, Belmont, Appleton and Lincolnville—were cited for not having an effective accountability system to track where firefighters were at the scene. The departments have since expanded their systems. Departments were also reportedly cited over personal protective equipment, including firefighting gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Eliminating the ‘Verbal All Clear’: Reclaiming a Victim-Centered Mindset on the Fireground - ow.ly/LGCr5105s2n Few phrases carry as much unintended consequences as the casual transmission of a “verbal all clear.” It is a statement often made with good intent, an attempt to pass along information gathered early in the incident. In practice, it can alter firefighter mindset, dilute urgency, and ultimately compromise our primary mission: life safety. This idea challenges the normalization of the “verbal all clear,” examines the operational impact, and proposes a disciplined approach to communication that preserves intensity, reinforces victim-centered operations, and aligns with sound incident command principles. The fire service does not exist to be efficient—it exists to be effective. Effectiveness, at its core, is measured by our ability to locate victims, remove them from danger, and preserve life. The “verbal all clear” is a small phrase with a large impact. It introduces doubt where we need certainty, and complacency where we need urgency. Eliminating it is about more than just semantics. It is about maintaining a level of discipline and controlling the intensity with purpose. It is about ensuring that every firefighter stepping off the rig operates with the same mindset: someone is inside, until we prove otherwise.