To paraphrase an old saying: The only constant in life is change. Life changes every day for every person in some way. The same hold true in the fire service. Technology has lead to some significant changes to the tools we use to fight fires over the years. However the actual buildings we fight fires […]

If you have been a firefighter for very long, you are probably aware of firefighter’s concerns with engineered wood and how it performs under fire conditions. The use of engineered wood products has grown significantly in recent decades. According to APA–The Engineered Wood Products Association, engineered wood components saw their first commercialization in the 1960s […]

Firefighters from Abingdon Fire Company, The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (Official) and Aberdeen Proving Ground FD have the Winterberry Drive fire under control (20min). One civilian male taken to a regional hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Media: Jenn will be POC for your calls. Rich/Jenn Original Source: […]

Originally published on Renew Economy. A small terrace house in the inner Sydney suburb of Glebe is hosting what is believed to be the world’s first building integrated solar system that generates electricity as well as heat. The array combines thin-film solar PV and solar thermal technologies into a steel sheet roofing product produced by […]

Do you know what Photovoltaic (PV) is? What are the safety hazards with PV? What tactics should be used at fires with PV present? How do I secure utilities on a PV system? If you are not able to answer these questions, then hopefully this post can give you the sources to gain the knowledge […]

Energy efficiency is a high priority in today’s buildings as compared to the past. Chief reasons driving the change are the perceived benefits to the environment and most importantly, the economic benefit to the building owner and occupants. Various methods and materials are used in modern building construction to achieve a higher performing building, in […]

Quick overview of basement fire training Full program with audio and videos: Basement Fires GFD   Enjoy and please share it with others.   Stay Safe Lt. John Shafer

I am very excited to post about my recent visit to observe a day of test burns that are a part of the Vertical Ventilation study being conducted by UL. I want to first say a special thanks to Steve Kerber, Christopher Hasbrook,Bob Backstrom and Chief Peter Van Dorpe for allowing me to experience so many  wonderful things they […]