News

Flammable gases behave very differently than smoke from a structure fire. Gas accumulates silently, can migrate far from its source, and remains invisible until ignition. Firefighters may be operating in an environment that is well within the flammable range without any visual warning signs. Ventilation or forced entry at the wrong moment can instantly turn a “routine” response into a mass‑casualty...

Firefighting is a profession built on skill, knowledge, and quick decision-making. One of the most fundamental concepts every firefighter must grasp is the understanding of basic fire streams. Fire streams refer to the flow of water or other extinguishing agents from a hose or nozzle, which play a crucial role in controlling and extinguishing fires. ...

Have you noticed more solar panels going up around your neighborhood? As electrical infrastructure continues to evolve, fire and emergency services face new operational challenges when responding to incidents involving photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays and battery energy storage systems (BESS). These technologies are becoming more common in residential, commercial, and utility scale settings, increasing the likelihood that firefighters will encounter them during...

In emergency medical services, time is more than a metric—it is a responsibility. Every call place EMTs and paramedics in fast-moving, unpredictable environments where decisions must be made in seconds, often with incomplete information. Whether navigating congested city streets, responding to mass-casualty incidents, or stabilizing a patient en route to care, emergency transport is one of the most high-risk moments in the EMS workflow. ...

Many of us in the U.S. are in the midst of the months when rain can turn to ice and snow. With this seasonal transition comes the added challenge of keeping our feet under us, and ourselves and others off of the ground due to a fall. Falls and near falls due to slippery surfaces can lead to everything from wounded pride, to...

Emergency service organizations are built on trust. Volunteers and staff handle donations, equipment purchases, and public funds, often without the financial controls that large corporations have in place. Yet even in the most trusted departments, financial crimes can and do occur.  A missing deposit, forged check, or misused credit card can quickly turn into thousands...

Inflation has become more than just a headline; it’s a daily reality affecting fire and EMS departments nationwide. Rising costs of materials, vehicles and specialized equipment means what was fully covered a few years ago might not be the same today.   The Rising Cost of Readiness  Over the past few years, the price of building materials, specialized vehicles, and equipment has climbed sharply. Lumber...

https://youtu.be/-DKa5vVxHsg Each year, our community gathers at Homer Hops Brewing for a day that blends gratitude, celebration, and purpose. The Believe 31 First Responder Day—presented in partnership with ESIP and Homer Hops—has quickly become one of the most meaningful annual traditions in our region. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful...

Tips for Volunteer Fire Departments Supporting Community Events As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, communities across the country come together for their favorite fall traditions—pumpkin patches, apple picking, and harvest festivals. These celebrations often rely on local organizations, including volunteer fire departments, to help with setup, parking, or even sponsorship. While these...

Fire and emergency services delivery in the United States is headed for a crisis. These are strong words, but I would challenge you to prove them unwarranted. Many of us struggle to even acknowledge it, let alone admit it or accept that our own organization could be in tough shape. Don’t get me wrong, there...