The Firehouse Yak: Kristopher Blume – Recap of the Interschutz, The World’s Largest Fire Conference

Peter Matthews talks with Kristopher Blume, who shares what he saw and learned at the Interschutz firefighter training and product conference this month in Germany.

Peter Matthews

Kristopher Blume

June 22, 2026

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The Firehouse Yak: Kristopher Blume – Recap of the Interschutz, The World’s Largest Fire Conference

Chief Kristopher Blume joins Peter Matthews to reflect on what products and innovations he saw while attending the largest firefighter conference in the world, Interschutz, earlier this month in Germany. From robots and apparatus to PPE and training equipment, Blume explains the difference between Interschutz and shows in the U.S.

Blume explains how technology filled many of the exhibit halls at the week-long conference, displaying robotics, software and how the Europeans view the use artificial intelligence for the fire service now and in the future. Blume also saw a variety of PPE innovations, rigs and other equipment being used by firefighters in other countries.

In a variety of classrooms, Blume engaged in conversations with members of the fire service from around the world and shares what their priorities are while he also highlights some of the unique and awe-inspiring hands-on training that they offer.

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Ryan Baker

About the Author

Peter Matthews

Editor-in-Chief

Kristopher Blume

Kristopher T. Blume is the fire chief of the Meridian, ID, Fire Department and has more than two decades of fire service experience. He is an author, lecturer and independent consultant. Blume is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program and is an instructor at the National Fire Academy. As a student of the fire service, he is focused on values-driven, mission-focused leadership for the profession. He is the author of "Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service".