July 2026

Issue Description: The July issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on vehicle extrication, a Firehouse product review, the next evolution of interoperability and building mental resilience.

Cover Description: Paterson, NJ, Fire Division Ladder 2 radioed dispatch to ask whether it had any reports of a fire near to the firehouse. The dispatcher confirmed that no calls were received, and Ladder 2 went to investigate a large column of black smoke that was visible. On arrival, a second alarm was requested for an occupied, 2½ story woodframe, with fire on all floors as well as on all floors of the D-side exposure. Deputy 1 reported heavy fire conditions and that companies were transitioning to a defensive operation. A third alarm was requested. A propane cylinder was located in the original fire building and removed. The fire took almost two hours to be placed under control. Photo by Pete Danzo.

Dedication: Seven U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty— Fire Chief Russell Shoultz, Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible, Engineer Steven Decker, Firefighter/Paramedic Demair Llyod, and Firefighters Thomas Kelly, Robert T. Kilduff Jr. and Robert Cross. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

More content from July 2026

Photo courtesy of Chase Marshall Architects
fire station built to withstand a natural disaster standing in flood waters
John "Jay" Chase Jr. explains how four interlocking station domains—structural; power, water and operational systems; communications; and community—are key to the development ...
July 16, 2026
Photo by David Griffin
firefighter and national medal of honor awards
David Griffin shares the particulars of his decision to retire, realities that many in the fire service never will understand.
July 14, 2026
Photos by Jeffrey D. Gaskin
fire department rescue-pumper that has a polypropylene body instead of metal
Jeffrey D. Gaskin tells why department apparatus committees shouldn't dismiss the option of rigs that are built with polypropylene bodies.
July 14, 2026
Photo courtesy of TaylorsTins.com
11-step incident response plan for elevator emergency management
Billy Goldfeder uses the close call of a Providence, RI, Fire Department firefighter who attempted to rescue a person who was in a stuck elevator to tap a leading elevator emergency...
July 10, 2026
Photo courtesy of Holmatro
firefighters training scenario involving school bus on top of automobile
The chances for firefighters to save lives at automobile accidents are being improved continually thanks to equipment experts’ dedication to responders’ evolving needs.
July 9, 2026
Firehouse Product Review Staff
Midtronics xIM-100 EV Immobilizer device inserted into electric vehicle charging port
Firehouse Product Review evaluations found that the Midtronics xIM-100 EV Immobilizer provides a practical, affordable solution to help to ensure the safety of rescue company ...
July 8, 2026
Photos courtesy of the Tucson Fire Department
firefighters on a roof deploying a piercing nozzle to put water on an attic fire that's below them
Daniel Burke explains why the Tucson, AZ, Fire Department developed a new tactic for fighting attic fires and the details of the operation.
July 7, 2026
Words of Wisdom for Firefighters From Firehouse's Editor-in-Chief's First Chief: His Mother
Peter Matthews recalls important tenets and life lessons that his mother bestowed on him and shares why they're worthwhile for members of the fire service.
July 6, 2026
Photo by Liam Sullivan
Firefighters' efforts for the well-being of themselves and their family members are measured by how often they acknowledge a rupture and choose reconnection over slience.
Dr. Lea Sullivan believes that the one tool that firefighter families need to address disruptions to home life is to learn to repair, meaning returning after the conflict, acknowledging...
Jan. 2, 2026