By: Eddie Crombie On March 28, 1994 the Fire Department of New York responded to reports of heavy sparks and smoke coming from a chimney in an apartment located at 62 Watts Street Upon arrival companies found light smoke showing and prepared for an offensive attack. Crews positioned themselves outside the apartment door to mount…
The Day The Universe Hit me with a Bat
Chris talks about his experience of Line of Duty injury and retirement.
Extreme Fire Phenomena
By: Eddie Crombie Over the last two articles we have examined event we call flashover and heat release rate, the dynamic measure of energy that partially defines why the traditional fire behavior curve is changing. The next step in expanding our understanding of the modern fire ground requires us to delve…
Heat Release Rate
By: Eddie Crombie In the last post we extensively covered flashover. Specifically what has changed in the modern environment we operate in. We all know we fight explosive fires in disposable buildings because of the widespread use of synthetic materials in our daily lives. This translates to rapid fire development due…
Flashover
By: Eddie Crombie From the first days in academy we begin to learn about fire behavior, specifically flashover. We are taught that flashover is an event in every fire when everything combustible in a room ignites instantly creating a non-survivable environment for both victims and rescue personnel. Unfortunately, this is an…
“I Have a Theory”
By: Chris Brennan Theories are important. Theories give us room to stretch the metaphorical legs of our intellect and explore ground that we haven’t been over before, or that we might have seen at a distance but not explored. I remember as a young child, around eleven or twelve years old, being on Scout trips…
It’s Not a Job, It’s Not a Career…It’s a Calling
By: David Harms Members of the American Fire Service should consider themselves blessed to be alive and to have the opportunity to show up to work and serve their citizens. Without a doubt in my mind, this is an absolute honor. It’s not concerning whether you’re a volunteer, a part-time back stepper or a career…
NY Roof Hook
The New York Roof Hook is one of the most versatile fireground prying tools there is. This essay by FSW Contributors Brian Brush, Gary Lane, and Jason Jefferies provides critical info on using this tool. Download the PDF. The New York Roof Hook
Removing Fire Victims
By: Jason Jefferies The day we were awarded our badge we all had grand notions of the countless numbers of rescues we would perform. We also practiced our look of smug satisfaction we would exhibit on our stoic faces the day we were awarded medals for our harrowing and death-defying action. It did not take…