On Fire is a class about stress and how it can negatively impact your performance on the Fireground. Inspired by the work of Col. Dave Grossman, Chief Eric Nurnberg, and many others, On Fire has been adapted for the fire service to break down the psychology and physiology of the fireground and how perceived “threats” can lead to disastrous outcomes in fireground performance. A look into the science of stress, along with real life experiences and heart rate data will give the student an awareness to the “side effects” of stress and equip them with the skills and techniques needed to mitigate their stress response and perform at their highest when lives on the line.

When the public’s life spins out of control it is most often the fire department that is called in to make sense of the situation and rapidly regain order. In most cases this is a skill we’ve become quite efficient with, but not always.

Rapidly regaining control in the midst of chaos is not a simple task — it requires a finely-tuned system and personnel ready to operate effectively, efficiently, and successfully
in the fray.

This program looks at how to create an environment that allows for success when we’re faced with high levels of entropy in the systems around us. Through multimedia it looks at everything from preparation through execution and will help you establish the ground work to rapidly regain order on the fire-ground.

Engine company standpipe operations in high-rise and other low-rise standpipe equipped buildings is one of the most important operations the engine company will perform. Fire departments that respond to, and operate in high-rise and low-rise standpipe equipped buildings must develop and utilize pre-established standard operating procedures for this low frequency high-risk operation. Further, there must be an ongoing and continuous program of hands-on training focusing on engine company standpipe operations, with an emphasis on--- “Attention to Detail”.

In today’s instant information environment, firefighters have immediate access to numerous videos demonstrating how to do various fireground operations. This can be a good thing, but only if the information is factual and the instruction is coming from a credible, experienced fire service professional. Unfortunately, much of the information out there includes ridiculous equipment examples and absurd procedures, often times coming from someone who has never actually done the procedure; that is, with smoke and fire included.

This engine company high-rise standpipe operations training program will provide attendees with factual, experience based engine company standpipe operations equipment and procedures. This will include the essential appliances, equipment, and tools necessary for successful standpipe operations.

Coupled with the appropriate equipment, attendees will be given a solid foundation of operational procedures that can be utilized for their fire attack situations in high-rise and other low-rise standpipe equipped buildings.

Many of us live in a sunny world of what we believe to be ground ladders. In this reality we just carry, throw, and extend ladders. But...there is another world. A world that’s not as sunny not as brightly lit. In this world Ladders are spliced, walls are scaled, and buckets are extended. This is the Dark Side!

In The Dark Side of Ladders, we start with simple ground ladder basics, and then we show students how to elevate their ladder game to its maximum potential. In addition to just throwing
ladders, we work on climbing them and making transitions on and off of all manner of roof types with tools, saws, and other ladders. We coach success and build confidence and competence, then we delve into scaling, splicing, and aerial work. Techniques and problem-solving lessons are put to
use in a series of final scenarios that increase in complexity, stress, and duration.

These are not show-off skills, taught for shock-value; they are proven ladder operations that have made the difference for victims for decades. We progress from the darkness into the light.
PPE Requirements: Full turnouts, helmet, gloves, eye protection

The engine company standpipe operation is arguably one of the most important functions the engine company will perform. There must be a pre-established standard operating procedure for this low frequency operation, and there must be an ongoing and continuous program of hands on training.

This hands on training program will give attendees a comprehensive understanding of the essential appliances, equipment, and tools necessary for successful standpipe operations. Coupled with the appropriate equipment, attendees will be given a solid foundation of operational procedures that can be utilized for fire attack operations in high-rise and other standpipe equipped buildings.

This training program will include:
1) Standpipe Appliances / Equipment: Attendees will learn about all of the essential standpipe appliances and equipment and its application, from the recommended nozzle to the standpipe inline pressure gauge.
2) Standpipe Hose Packs: Attendees will learn about the recommended size (2 1/2-inch) hose for high-rise standpipe operations, including the most efficient and effective methods, for assembling, storing, transporting, and deploying (stretching) the hose packs. Specifically, the “Denver Hose Pack” / “Denver Fold” will be taught, utilizing lightweight, velcro hose pack straps.
3) The “Apartment Stretch”: Attendees will learn the correct method to quickly and efficiently complete an “Apartment Stretch”, with minimal manpower. This stretch is designed for, and can be utilized for situations where we have control of the door to the fire area, and that door is closed, such as an apartment door in a multiple family dwelling building. This stretch involves stretching the hoseline dry, as far as possible, typically up to the point of entry to the fire area (with a closed and controlled door).
4) The “Stairwell Stretch”: Attendees will learn the correct method to quickly and efficiently complete a “Stairwell Stretch”, with minimal manpower. This stretch is designed for, and can be utilized for situations where we have heavy smoke / fire / heat (an IDLH atmosphere) immediately upon exiting the stairwell onto the fire floor; such as a well-involved fire area in a commercial building, or heavy smoke / fire / heat in the public hallway of a multiple family dwelling.
5) Selecting an appropriate “Fire Attack Stair”: Attendees will learn how to size-up for, and select and appropriate Fire Attack Stair for their fire attack operations.
6) Standard Operating Procedures: Attendees will learn where to assign and place engine companies for the most effective operation.

This important training program will provide guidance for Chief Officers, Company Officers, and Firefighters, who may or may not have the benefit of High-Rise firefighting / Engine Company Standpipe Operations experience, and who may be relying on unproven and potentially dangerous equipment and procedures.

My primary personal goal is to provide training and information that could potentially prevent a firefighter injury or line of duty death. Ultimately, I share with attendees what has worked for me, and many other fire service professionals, and how they might successfully integrate these recommended, fact-, and experienced-based procedures and equipment into their respective fire department operations.
PPE Requirements: Full Turnouts, Helmet, Gloves

Proven techniques in both thermal imaging mastery and in through-the-lock procedures combine in this dynamic class.

The Through-the-Lock class equips firefighters with essential knowledge and skills to efficiently gain access into structures during emergency situations with minimal damage.
Throughout the course, firefighters will learn to identify various locking mechanisms commonly found on doors. This includes understanding the intricacies of different lock types, such as deadbolts, knob locks, padlocks, and more.

Participants will engage in hands-on training sessions to develop proficiency in selecting the appropriate tools for each lock type. This involves familiarization with tools like lock picks, tension wrenches, bypass tools, and others commonly used in through-the-lock operations.

By the conclusion of the course, firefighters will have gained the expertise needed to effectively navigate through different locking systems, enabling swift entry into buildings during emergencies while minimizing structural damage. This comprehensive training empowers firefighters to efficiently and safely execute through-the-lock techniques, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to various emergency scenarios.

In the Thermal Imaging class, firefighters will learn the ins and outs of using Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) effectively in their operations. By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently use TICs to make informed decisions during firefighting activities.

Key Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding TIC Operation: Firefighters will get hands-on experience with TICs, learning about the different modes and how they function. Through practical exercises, participants will become familiar with operating TICs efficiently in real-world situations.
2. Application of TIC in Fireground Situations: This part of the course will focus on using TICs to enhance situational awareness and improve decision-making during firefighting operations. Participants will learn how to identify hotspots, locate victims, and assess structural integrity using TIC technology.
3. Effective Training Techniques: Firefighters will also learn how to train effectively with TICs to improve their proficiency over time. Various training methods will be covered, including drills and scenario-based exercises, to help participants become more skilled in using TICs on the fireground.

This class is designed to equip firefighters with practical knowledge and skills for using TICs effectively in their work. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to apply their newfound expertise in real-world firefighting situations, thereby enhancing their performance and safety on the fireground.