Primary Search: Focus on the Floor
Search operations are a race against time to save lives. Mark van der Feyst reviews some considerations for firefighters when it comes to training primary search.
Structural Firefighting
The Latest
Survivable Space: Not Our Decision
Robert Ricci discusses the decision-making processes firefighters must employ and the difference between survivability and searchability.
30 Fires You Must Know Now Available for Preorder
30 Fires You Must Know offers an unprecedented examination of 30 significant fires that have deeply impacted the fire service over the past few decades.
FDNY Crews Control Two-Alarm Queens Fire in Excessive Heat
FirstOnScenePhotos shared some images of New York City firefighters operating at the scene of a recent house fire in Queens.
More Structural Firefighting
Brain and Fire: Thinking Under Pressure
Marc Coenen considers some of the ways fireground stress can impact firefighter decision making—for better or for worse.
Firefighters and the Rescue: Being Too Safe?
Sometimes, being too safe results in delayed actions by the firefighter, says Mark van der Feyst. That can result in catastrophe on the fireground.
Preplanning VES Operations: It’s All About the Details
Dennis Reilly provides suggestions on decisions fire departments can make before firefighters arrive on scene where they need to perform vent-enter-search.
The Small Town Mid-Rise: Adapting Your Fire Response Protocol
Alain Rancourt reviews some firefighting functions that smaller departments must address when it comes to "little high-rises" in their jurisdictions.
McRaven’s Special Operations Theory and the Fireground: Speed and Purpose
Phil Jose concludes his examination of how to apply Admiral William McRaven's theory to fireground operations.
Void Spaces in Private Dwelling Contribute to Fire Extension
James Kovacs reviews a December 2023 structure fire in Passaic, New Jersey, that underscores the need for firefighters to recognize problematic building construction features.
Operating in Unison
Proper training and prior experiences can help you learn when, where, and how to perform proper firefighting operational tactics.
The Tactical Firefighter
Mark van der Feyst identifies some simple ways firefighters can prepare to be more effective and efficient with their actions on the fireground.
