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  • January 2026

    • January 2026

    Issue Description: The January issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on station furniture, technology-purchasing pitfalls, fire department culture and a focus on Firehouse Magazine's 50th Anniversary.

    Cover Description: On arrival, Engine 5 of the Rochester, NY, Fire Department found heavy smoke coming from a five-story vacant warehouse and declared a working fire, with a second alarm transmitted shortly after because of the size of the building. Crews made an interior push on the building but were forced to go defensive because of a heavy fire load that was advancing rapidly. Third, fourth and fifth alarms were struck as firefighters worked to to get ahead of the flames. Crews acted fast to move rigs out of collapse zones. (The building collapsed on multiple sides.) Exposure buildings caught fire. Companies operated into the next day as the fire continued to burn. Photo by Jon Tenca.

    Dedication: Two U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty— Lt. Brian Hatt and Capt. Michael Booke. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

    More content from January 2026

    Photos by Jacob Johnson
    When department members’ integrity is unwavering, all members know that their word matters and that others will stand by them.
    Jacob Johnson explains how his four pillars of firehouse culture produce firefighters who are physically sharp, mentally tough, ethically grounded and relentlessly aggressive....
    Jan. 16, 2026
    Photos courtesy of the Fairfax County, VA, Fire and Rescue Department
    A Fairfax County, VA, Fire and Rescue Department firefighter sustained burn injuries during a live-fire training evolution during a training academy. Critical factors that contributed to the event included failure to adjust fuel loads to match the water can’s operational capabilities, inconsistent practices that resulted because no single, authoritative live-fire training policy was followed and an insufficient understanding of PPE burn dynamics.
    Billy Goldfeder provides the findings of an investigation into burn injuries that were sustained by a firefighter during live-fire training, including contributing factors and...
    Jan. 15, 2026
    Photos by Steve Reno
    A fire in a residence of this size might require a commercial approach to ventilation, which might tax a department’s resources.
    Steve Reno tells why personnel who are assigned ventilation at a fire at a large residential structure should be prepared to make vertical ventilation cuts, smoke indicator holes...
    Jan. 13, 2026
    Ryan Baker/Firehouse
    Firehouse Magazine 50th Anniversary fire service innovation
    Peter Matthews explains how Firehouse Magazine will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, including recognition of the countless great authors who contributed and of the innovation...
    Jan. 12, 2026
    Photos by Peter Matthews
    Just as each side of a fire service challenge coin serves a different purpose, the terms management and leadership are different and distinct. Management champions operational precision, structure and readiness. Leadership stimulates growth, resilience and unity and harmonizes organizational culture and morale.
    David Hupp points out that, although the two terms often are used interchangeably, they are different in the fire service realm and require their own dedication.
    Sept. 12, 2025