Strategy & Tactics Magazine Articles

  • Close Calls: With Nothing Showing Initially... Part 2

    This is the second of two columns about a close call experienced by members of the Mantua Township Fire District (MTFD) in New Jersey on Feb. 7, 2012 (part one was in the January issue). Part one featured an account by Chief Brian Hauss, who suffered...

    Article • January 3rd, 2013

  • With Nothing Showing Initially... Part 1

    On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at 10:01 A.M., the Mantua Township Fire District (MTFD) in New Jersey was dispatched to a dwelling fire with people reported trapped. While units were enroute, they were told by Gloucester County Communications that a woman...

    Article • January 1st, 2013

  • Fire Wire 1/13

    NOV. 2: OCALA, FL – Five people using a gasoline generator inside their home survived carbon monoxide poisoning when one was able to call 911. NOV . 10: COOKVILLE, TN – Improperly discarded cigarettes were a possible cause of a blaze...

    Article • January 1st, 2013

  • Fire Destroys Century-Old Beckley Buildings

    BECKLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief: Billie Trump Personnel: 41 career firefighters Stations: 3 Apparatus: 2 pumpers, 1 aerial, 1 regional response truck, 1 hazmat rescue, 4 staff/support vehicles Population: 18,000 Area: 12 square...

    Article • January 1st, 2013

  • Hot Shots 1/13

    LOS ANGELES, CA, OCT. 9, 2012 – Upon arrival, firefighters found the second floor was well involved with fire and soon was through the roof. One firefighter suffered a minor injury. Photo by Rick McClure/EPN   DETROIT, MI, OCT. 6, 2012...

    Article • January 1st, 2013

  • Rekindles 2/13

    YORK, NE: FEB. 2, 1913 – Firemen arrived to find several homes in flames and fire extending through a door leading into the Baer Furniture Store. Once the firemen were inside the store, the flames raced up an elevator shaft and throughout the...

    Article • December 17th, 2012

  • The Fire Scene: How to Avoid The "Short Stretch"

    If you are an engine company firefighter, you never want to hear or say the most dreaded words in the engine company dictionary – “short stretch.” This column describes exactly what a short stretch is and then discusses how this problem can be...

    Article • December 13th, 2012

  • Weekly Drill: No. 96: The Physics of Fire

    Understanding of the chemical and physical properties of fire can help firefighters when it comes to controlling it. Having the ability to predict what the fire will do with the fuel available and where it will head will make it easier for choosing...

    Article • December 9th, 2012

  • How to Nail Your First-Due Strategic Responsibility: Part 4

    Back in July (Firehouse ® , July 2012), we described box one of our first-due fire officer “Four-Box Strategic Progression.” Our structured and systematic four-box progression has been crafted so that you nail your first-due strategic...

    Article • December 3rd, 2012

  • On The Job Missouri: Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Table Rock Lake Condominiums

    On Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, a three-alarm fire destroyed the Majestic Condominiums on the shore of Table Rock Lake near Branson, MO. Despite strong winds, inadequate water and a shortage of manpower on the initial alarm, the fire was contained to...

    Article • December 1st, 2012

  • The Fire Scene: The K-Tool: Take It With You Every Time

    We’ve talked about through-the-lock forcible entry before, but a recent discussion I had with a friend who is a deputy chief with the FDNY raised some issues that I’d like to share with you. As we all know, forcible entry is a vast subject. There...

    Article • December 1st, 2012

  • Thermal Imaging:A Vital Tool For Extinguishing Any Fire

    When people think of firefighters, they often think about them running into burning buildings and risking their lives to save others. Movies and TV glamorize this aspect of the job and attach a certain hero status to it. All of us who work in the...

    Article • December 1st, 2012

  • Firewire 12-12

    OCT. 1: BYRON, MI – A blaze later determined to be arson destroyed multiple businesses and apartments in two-story brick buildings. It began in a vacant apartment above one of the village’s most popular restaurants, which was among the...

    Article • December 1st, 2012

  • Close Calls: Multiple Challenges –Then a Firefighter Trapped: Part 2

    This is part two of a report about a fire in Oconomowoc, WI, in which a firefighter narrowly escaped with his life. The close call occurred on Sunday, July 1, 2012, after the Oconomowoc Fire Department (OFD) was dispatched for a report of a structure...

    Article • December 1st, 2012

  • Hot Shots 12/12

    LOS ANGELES, CA, OCT. 9, 2012 – A fire in a three-story office building alongside the Hollywood Freeway damaged six businesses and sent one firefighter to the hospital. It took the combined efforts of 125 firefighters less than two hours to fully...

    Article • December 1st, 2012