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  • February 2026

    • February 2026

    Issue Description: The February issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on fire station alerting technology, our Station Design Conference preview and lessons on transforming from a volunteer to a combination fire department.

    Cover Description: West Haven, CT, Fire Department companies arrived to find a fully involved detached garage in the rear, with an automobile and dwelling exposed on the number three side. Two handlines quickly were stretched to fight the fire and cover the exposures. The garage collapsed as companies were darkening down the fire. Photo by Glenn Duda.

    Dedication: Four U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty—Firefighter-EMT Linzie Collins, Fire Commissioner Michael Ryan, Chief David Haverdink and Fire Apparatus Engineer Danny Cook. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

    More content from February 2026

    Ryan Baker/Firehouse
    AI and the Integrity of Reports from Fire Departments and EMS Providers
    Curt Varone explains the benefits of the use of artificial intelligence in writing reports and points out the risks when human control over the content isn't maintained.
    Feb. 19, 2026
    Ryan Baker/Firehouse
    Succession Planning for the Next Chief of the Fire Department
    Robert Moran tells fire chiefs that it's their responsibility to begin thinking about who will succeed them early in their tenure.
    Feb. 18, 2026
    Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Government Office of Public Information
    The Elkhart Brass floor-below nozzle proved to be an effective tool and is now carried on several frontline first responses by the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS).
    Corey Smedley tells why his department adopted the use of floor-below nozzles and smoke curtains for battling fires in unsprinklered high-rise residential buildings.
    Feb. 17, 2026
    fire department stations Firehouse Station Design Conference 2026
    Every year for the past 15 years, there have been significant updates to fire department facilities, so whether you’re planning your first or your 50th fire station, there’s a...
    Feb. 16, 2026
    Photo by Jeffrey Mondo
    Technical rescue incidents often require multiple skill sets. Technical rescue officers must ensure that the right people are placed performing the right tasks, such as trench rescue shoring, rigging and patient packaging all being performed together.
    Christian Brown and Jeffrey Mondo share best practices for officers who supervise technical rescues, including empowering their subordinates to solve the problem.
    Feb. 13, 2026
    Ryan Baker/Firehouse
    The Need for EMS Providers to Consider Rhabdomyolysis Beyond What the Classroom Teaches
    Paul Rosenberger tells EMS providers to remember the DOT mnemonic to consider the possibilities for rhabdomyolysis beyond crush injuries and compartment syndrome.
    Feb. 12, 2026
    Photos by Michael Daley
    EVs are considerably heavier than conventional automobiles. This GMC EV Hummer has a battery that weighs almost 3,000 lbs., placing the gross vehicle weight at more than 9,000 lbs. Serious consideration must be placed on lifting and stabilizing techniques.
    Michael Daley explains what rescuers on scene of a motor vehicle accident that involves an electric vehicle must know for their safety and that of victims compared with when only...
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Photo by Peter Matthews
    fire department vehicles EPA engine emission mandates 2027 Jeffrey Gaskin
    Jeffrey D. Gaskin helps department apparatus committees get ahead of the curve regarding vehicle specification in relation to the evolution of the EPA's new emission mandates ...
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Ryan Baker/Firehouse
    When Safety Policies Are Followed, the Fire Service Gets Better
    Peter Matthews urges every fire department member to embrace measures that are aimed at health and wellness.
    Feb. 9, 2026
    transition to combination fire department from volunteer organization
    Richard Wilson explains why engaging the governing board, reviewing response data, involving paid-on-call staff, a comprehensive onboarding program and five other steps were key...
    Dec. 29, 2025