June 2025

Issue Description: The June issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on volunteer firefighting strategies, rope rescues, drones in the fire service, award announcements and a preview to Firehouse's FireFusion Conference. Cover Description: Members of the Lawrence Township, NJ, Fire Department were dispatched for what was reported as a brush fire. The first firefighter who was on scene, who was a chief from the West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services Division, reported that the fire involved a shed-like structure that was some distance off of the road behind a line of trees. Firefighters who staffed two rescue-engines and one tower ladder arrived to find a fire that involved a storage building on the property of a tree service company. As firefighters advanced a preconnected 1¾-inch hoseline, they encountered heavy fire conditions that were fueled by the power tools, gasoline containers, lithium-ion batteries and other equipment that was stored inside of the structure. Photo by Michael Ratcliffe. Dedication: Eight U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty—Sgt. John Robinson, Firefighter John Saunders, Lt. Paul Mickolick, Firefighter Charles Shaw, Sr. Firefighter Corban Summers, Capt. David Meyer, Firefighter/EMT Scott Adams and Firefighter/Medic Graham Hoffman. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

More content from June 2025

Dr. David Griffin staunchly believes that passion, drive and dedication result when the newest members are coached, mentored and guided by veterans.
Dr. David Griffin staunchly believes that passion, drive and dedication result when the newest firefighters are coached, mentored and guided by veterans.
June 11, 2025
Photo courtesy of the National Volunteer Fire Council
Some new volunteers might not have familiarity with the fire service in the way that others have through firefighter relatives. Therefore, it can take some new volunteers time to adapt to the culture, lingo and environment. Assigning a mentor can help them to acclimate.
Sarah Lee explains what many overlook: The capability of a volunteer fire department to retain its members correlates directly to the success of its leaders.
June 10, 2025
Numerous indicators alone can mimic other issues, but in the presence of multiple indicators, EMS providers should be more diligent in their reporting.
Robert Olkowski gives EMS providers four categories of indicators of human trafficking that in multiples should prompt a particularly diligent report.
June 9, 2025
Rational thought and data put firefighters and chiefs in a better position to get what they want and need compared with “This sucks.”
Jim Campbell explains why rational thought and data put firefighters and chiefs in a better position to get what they want and need compared with “This sucks.”
June 8, 2025
Text-to-911, 911Helpme.com and AI-powered call-handling ease the burden on call-takers and improve the effectiveness of responders.
Jason Moore learned how technological innovation at a South Carolina 9-1-1 dispatch center eases the burden on call-takers, accelerates response to citizens in need and improves...
June 6, 2025
When considering health concerns for firefighters—such as the prevention of cancer and the promotion of heart health—macronutrient information, types of carbohydrates (simple and complex), glycemic index and how to make a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates are neglected and underemphasized.
Dana Harrison instructs on how members of the fire service can prioritize eating at home and at the firehouse to maintain energy levels while on shift.
June 5, 2025
Photos by Michael Daley
Initial-arriving crews must make a complete assessment of conditions of the entire incident, not just the front. Here, the bars that are on the windows immediately require another alarm to the assignment to deal with that hazard.
Michael Daley exams four NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports to illustrate the fact that the five most common causal factors in LODDs occur repeatedly and in multiples...
June 4, 2025
From AI to the Smart City concept, from drone as first responder (DFR) to data-driven decision-making, the FireFusion conference will aid departments in regard to training, response, operations and much more.
Convening in Charleston, SC, Oct. 14–16, the conference will bring together experts and fire department technology implementers to provide hands-on-useful information..
June 3, 2025
Peter Matthews urges members, officers and chiefs to use 2025 Safety Stand Down Week to have discussions that could save the life of one of their department brothers or sisters.
Peter Matthews urges members, officers and chiefs to use 2025 Safety Stand Down Week to have discussions that could save the life of one of their department brothers or sisters...
June 2, 2025