Fires in hoarder houses can present a multitude of problems on the fire ground, from access and egress, water application, to the eventual search for possible victims. This lecture will discuss the common, and, moreover, the uncommon signs indicating the possible presence of hoarding conditions. We will discuss why hoarder fires are so problematic and how they flip the fire ground in favor of the fire and force most fire departments out of their comfort zone. It will cover the initial operations such as when encountering the 3 main types of conditions we can expect to find and how to manage each condition individually to eventually flip the fire ground back in our favor. Hoarder fires are truly vent limited fires and we will cover the importance of having total control over ventilation of the fire building until we can get water into the fire area. It will cover operations at hoarder fires in both private dwellings as well as multiple dwellings. This lecture will also list some of the serious dangers these fires represent to firefighters operating in and around areas with hoarding conditions, and how to effectively do our jobs while safely evaluating each problem. This lecture will take an in-depth look at both engine and truck operations and the importance of coordinating these activities to achieve a successful outcome. We will also cover the information chain, which is critical for the incident commander to constantly monitor the progress or lack of, thereby requiring an immediate change in tactics. In the end fire departments must recognize that the true fundamental difference between our everyday fires and Hoarder fires is that we need to be more concerned about getting out, than we are about getting in.

This class is the result of over 2 years of research combined with my personal experiences and those of many other experienced firefighters. It was developed in conjunction with the Fire Department Training Network in Indianapolis, to coincide with their hands-on Hoarder fire training program. It is an entirely different view of how fire departments can successfully operate safely and productively at these very challenging fires.

This fireground strategies-based presentation will seek to challenge both current and prospective fire officers regarding preparation, attitude, philosophical approach, and operational and organizational skill both in the hard environment (on the fireground) and in the soft environment (the areas and time when you are preparing yourself and your subordinates for the fireground). The outcome of the 1% of the time we spend on the fireground is based on the actions, discipline, and leadership we display the other 99% of the time in the soft environment. This course will address Officer and Departmental responsibility as it relates to the Full Contact Leadership mantra: “Allow NOTHING to interfere with your ability to maintain the ready and in-service status of your Command.”

We will also examine tactical level fireground operations, examining the tactical responsibilities of the fire officer which will include strategic size-up. We will also be covering both engine and ladder operations including attack and hoseline operations, the utilization of exterior control decisions, out-of-the-box forcible entry, VEIS, and effective and precise ground ladder operations.

This presentation is aimed at all Officers, newly installed or promoted, as well as those moving up the ladder to higher ranks. We will base our objectives on what it takes to be an effective officer and an integral part of the organization. Discussed will be the utilization of command boards and how the Accountability Officer and Incident Commander can maintain a cooperative and effective approach to the critical priority of fireground safety. Company and Battalion level integrity and accountability will be a focus and discussion will include proper decentralization of the fireground to maximize information gathering which allows an addressing of strategies, accountability and safety. Decentralization of the fireground will be discussed as well as Safety Officer and RIT duties and Rehab guidelines. Finally, a look at buildings that change the rules o the game will be discussed. The Officer’s role in supervision will also be addressed in order to meet our highest priority: Get ‘em in safe, work ‘em safe, and get ‘em out safe.

This class will take the student through the transition from firefighter to company level officer, It will discuss the attributes that every Officer must strive to attain. It will cover areas such as discipline, training and the everyday duties of a company officer. This class covers the key decisions before, during and after any fire incident. These decisions can ultimately make or break the operation and put lives at risk. Knowing your firefighter’s strengths and weaknesses will make your decisions more effective and productive. Both Engine and Truck company fireground decisions will have a direct impact on the success of the operation and most of these decisions fall on the shoulders of the Company Level Officer, making him a key player on the fireground.

This course consists of a 4-hour classroom presentation covering the causes of thermal runaway and the fire behavior of lithium-ion batteries. Participants will gain insights into the risks associated with battery-related incidents, from electric vehicles on the road to garage fires and interior structure fires involving e-bikes, scooters, and other lithium-powered devices. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing hazards, mitigating injuries, and preventing fire extension to nearby exposures. The session will also explore potential policy updates that departments may consider implementing based on lessons learned.

Ventilation can make or break the outcome of a fire. Successful execution requires an understanding of how it works and the precautions that must be taken. This class defines ventilation and its relationship with fire dynamics, firefighting operations, and most importantly, victim survivability. A universal framework is provided and is applicable to any environment – from the smallest rural town to the largest metropolitan city.

With a practical basis of ventilation, participants can streamline their size-up and decision-making process and enhance their performance. By rapidly assessing conditions, prioritizing objectives, and intervening in the most impactful manner, ventilation can be leveraged to its full potential.

“As the first line goes, so goes the fire.” The driving force behind the selection, placement, and operation of that line is the engine company officer. The initial actions of the engine company officer directly influence the conditions, the other operations, and any trapped occupants. Developing proficiency in making these split-second decisions and executing the operations requires through deliberate practice, preparation, and readiness.

The engine company officer, and their crew, must be well-versed in their attack packages and deployment methods, as well as fire dynamics and building construction. This program will provide aspiring and current engine company officers with a roadmap to navigate this process and develop a high performing team.

Beyond the door is not just speaking about physically searching beyond the door but thinking outside the check box that has consumed most VES training.

We will use experience, statistics, building construction knowledge and tempo to occupy the spaces where victims are most likely to be found and put THEM first! We will put you in real world scenarios, environments and layouts that will reinforce your current VES skills and when, why, or how to move beyond the standard check box VES training.

Some situations include: what to do if there is no door to control, can multiple FF's perform VES, do conditions allow us to continue the search beyond the door, how to deal with access / egress problems, victim removal issues, victims presenting at windows and much more.

SKILLS & TOPICS Covered:

● Window cuts

● Baby Drop / Conscious Victim Ladder Assist

● Interior door removal / Isolation challenges

● Continuing search beyond the door

● Large open area’s / rooms with no doors for isolation

● Multiple beds / bunks / cribs

● Access / egress obstacles like cyclone gates, fences, window bars, cars

● Dirty drags

● Mask up skills

● Ladder carries & throws

This course will cover the introduction to tactical thermal imaging and spend intensive training on the application of tactical thermal imaging.

This course includes demonstrations and active classroom participation that is customized to the department’s needs and specific brands/models of thermal imaging cameras. Familiarize their Firefighters with their TIC’s currently in use by the department. Other topics that will be covered are;

• Situational vs Decision Making

• Demonstrate Tactical Proficiency

• Provide other examples of uses to assist them with enhancing strategies and tactics.

• Emphasize contraindications, reinforce fundamental skills, and how to overcome limitations of certain inaccurate TIC concepts

• Assist with providing insight on purchasing implementation criteria for the possible upgrading of newer model TICs for their department.

Polices, Training, Lesson Plans, and Guidance shall be provided on the last day with Insight Training.

Classroom portion 8-11 am.

• Search demonstrations (with no smoke or fire) 11-12pm.

• Lunch 12-1pm

• Live Fire Search Training 1-5:30pm consisting of primary search, vent enter search, and a final scenario.

This Truck Company Operations training class is designed specifically for the Firefighter assigned to a truck, engine, or rescue company which may be tasked to perform truck company operations on the fireground. The course gives the student a basic knowledge of building construction, roof construction and vertical ventilation operations; but places heavy emphasis on the hands-on fireground application, practices, and techniques vital to safe and effective truck company operations. The student will be taught and practice flat conventional ventilation, steep and shallow pitch ventilation and light weight panelized ventilation. Fireground Company Operations will be completed during multiple training scenarios including Ventilation over Fire. Specific training will be given focusing on Topside Ventilation techniques and tactics for short staffed truck companies.

This course is specifically designed for firefighters who seek to minimize property damage during less critical responses. Whether you’re dealing with residential, commercial locks, or padlocks, this class equips you with the knowledge and skills to access buildings swiftly and safely without resorting to destructive entry methods, while prioritizing proper techniques in emergency responses.

Each student is provided with a lock picking kit.

You will learn techniques for bypassing secondary door latches, electronic entry systems, and utilizing specialty tools to efficiently gain access in various situations.

This three day course will allow participants to learn, apply, develop, and coordinate effective fire suppression tactics in IDLH conditions. It is imperative that first responders train in like environments with multi-tasking coordination and effective communication while stabilizing an incident. This course is fluid and demanding, with all firefighting skill sets being applied. Everything will be covered, from back seat size-up to the seat of the fire!

Engine companies across the country experience setbacks and curveballs daily which require the most prepared company to elevate their performance to conquer the unfolding problem at hand. These challenges can stem from new building construction features and occupancies, errors made by members, or emergencies that occur outside of the company’s control. The difference between a good and a great Engine Co. lies in its members abilities to troubleshoot and quickly overcome challenges and emergencies encountered on the fire ground.

This 8-hour hybrid program focuses on alternate hose line stretches and common engine company hose line errors and emergencies. The hands-on skills evolutions and scenarios provide practical solutions to common issues that arise and are based on incidents that the instructors have personally experienced on the fire ground. All are applicable to every firefighter, regardless of department makeup or region of the country.

Building CONFIDENCE with one of the most neglected tools found on nearly every fire apparatus - the CAN.

The Can, a 2 1/2-gallon water extinguisher , is an extremely effective lifesaving tool that allows a well-trained firefighter to quickly apply water between fire and victims. This class will cover valuable skills on carrying, searching, and confining fire with the Can. Search will be dissected, ensuring a solid understanding of moving through a structure searching for life and fire. Attendees will also perform live fire attacks and witness the effect of the Can on pre-flashover conditions.

This class is all about Irons work and it’s so much more than access, it’s addressing the

main paths of egress!

Upon completion of this course Firefighters will be able to dress and set up their tools for

success, perform a rapid size up to identify and defeat multiple forcible entry challenges,

perform initial interior size up, account for door control, effectively use commands to

enhance communication, develop good striking techniques, and perform the appropriate

standardized techniques while working alone or as part of a team.

Seconds do count, we will be able to mask up quickly, make the force and make the

grab, NOT EXCUSES!

To effectively mitigate a high stress, unpredictable event, we must be able to

communicate to all rescue members our intent and predict each other’s actions based on

standardized training and techniques.

SKILLS & TOPICS

● 1 & 2 FF Inward opening doors

● 1 & 2 FF Outward opening doors

● Limited access / dead end hallways

● Bottom of the stairs

● Limited / Zero visibility forcible entry

● Additional leverage / limited Tools

● *Wood Jamb / Baseball Bat swing technique if necessary prop available

● Dirty Drags

● Mask Up Skills

This intensive 8-hour course is designed to provide firefighters and emergency responders with a thorough understanding of lithium-ion battery fires, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The first half of the course consists of a 4-hour classroom presentation covering the causes of thermal runaway and the fire behavior of lithium-ion batteries. Participants will gain insights into the risks associated with battery-related incidents, from electric vehicles on the road to garage fires and interior structure fires involving e-bikes, scooters, and other lithium-powered devices. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing hazards, mitigating injuries, and preventing fire extension to nearby exposures. The session will also explore potential policy updates that departments may consider implementing based on lessons learned.

The second half of the course is a 4-hour hands-on training (HOT) session. This practical component focuses on EV fire suppression tactics, where students will learn a structured 13-step extinguishment process. Training will include extrication operations while in full bunker gear, managing hose lines while flowing water, and vehicle stabilization using chains and winches to flip vehicles. This hands-on experience provides a critical foundation for safely and effectively managing EV fire incidents in the field.