COVER Photo by Lt. Richard Quinn of Comox Fire Rescue. Winner of the 2024 cover photo contest.
By Brittani Schroeder
Reflecting on a pivotal year
Just like that, we have already reached the final print edition of Canadian Firefighter for the 2024 calendar year. How time flies!
So much has happened in the Canadian fire service this year. Lithium-ion battery fires have remained a top priority in preparation, training, research and intra-agency collaboration. Wildfires raged across the country, and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre shared that over 2,000 Canadian firefighters were deployed as of Aug. 20, leaving the country at a national preparedness level of five and requesting assistance from international partners. Canadian fire departments have started welcoming electric fire apparatuses to cities such as Calgary, Victoria and Vancouver. As the Canadian Radio Television Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) mandate for all emergency call centres to implement NG91-1 by March 4, 2025, looms nearer, firefighters are preparing for a new dispatch system. Firefighter mental and physical health and wellness was also a top priority for municipalities and provincial bodies alike, as further investments into new programs for first responders were announced.
Throughout all of this, you have remained resilient and dedicated to serving your communities, and now, we want to celebrate you and what you do
every day.
With that, I am excited to bring you Canadian Firefighter’s second annual cover photo contest. After the success of our inaugural contest and the opportunity to share firefighters’ unique perspectives from coast to coast, I knew this tradition must continue. This year’s contest received over 100 entries from nine provinces and one territory and reflected widespread engagement and enthusiasm within the fire service.
Competitions like this play a crucial role in highlighting the
Throughout all of this, you have remained resilient and dedicated to serving your communities.
exceptional talent within the fire service while fostering a stronger sense of community across Canada. I hope this year’s winning photo and group of honourable mentions shown in the magazine and on cdnfirefighter.com inspire you and offer new ideas for future submissions.
A special thank you goes out to WATERAX for sponsoring the 2024 contest. We greatly appreciate your support in showcasing the experiences of Canadian firefighters. On behalf of WATERAX and Canadian Firefighter , I hope you enjoy the finalists as much as we did.
We are excited to continue
@fireincanada facebook.com/canadianfirefighter
this tradition with Canadian Firefighter’s third annual photo contest in 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming details, and get ready to share your compelling images!
As always, I invite you to pitch me your ideas, send me your latest news and accomplishments, or connect with me to have a conversation. You can reach me at bschroeder@ annexbusinessmedia.com.
Until next time, happy reading, and be well.
October 2024
Vol. 47, No. 3 cdnfirefighter.com
READER SERVICE
Print and digital subscription inquiries or changes, please contact Angelita Potal, Customer Service Rep. Tel: (416) 510-51132
Email: apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com
Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
EDITOR
Brittani Schroeder bschroeder@annexbusinessmedia.com 416-317-5967
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jared Dodds jdodds@annexbusinessmedia.com 437-775-9680
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR – PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP Laura Aiken laiken@annexbusinessmedia.com 416-522-1595
PUBLISHER
Adam Szpakowski aszpakowski@annexbusinessmedia.com 289-221-6605
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR Catherine Giles cgiles@annexbusinessmedia.com 416-510-5232
MEDIA DESIGNER
Curtis Martin
GROUP PUBLISHER Paul Grossinger pgrossinger@annexbusinessmedia.com
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Beata Olechnowicz bolechnowicz@annexbusinessmedia.com 416 -510-5182
CEO Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 530, 105 Donly Dr. S., Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
SUBSCRIPTION RATES For a 1 year subscription (3 issues: April, July and October):
Canada — Single Copy $5.00
1 Year $14.00
2 Year $22.00
3 Year $39.00 GST # 867172652RT0001) USA — $32.00 CDN Foreign — $39.00 CDN
ANNEX PRIVACY OFFICER Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374
ISSN 1488 0865 • PM 40065710
Occasionally, Canadian Firefighter will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.
HOLMATRO T1
T1: ALL-IN-ONE FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOL
Whether it’s breaching doors, cutting locks, or lifting heavy materials; with the T1, you always have the right tool for the job.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOL
T1 is the only tool that can hammer, cut, spread, lift, wedge and ram.
SPREADING TIPS
Load-holding function makes the tool suitable for (progressive) lifting.
OPTIMIZED CUTTING BLADES AND JAW DESIGN
T1 can easily cut rebar, chain and padlock; easily replace the cutting blades when they are damaged.
TWO-STAGE PUMP
High power transmission gives you a maximum cutting force of 14,2 ton/31 248 lbf and a maximum spreading force of 3,4 ton/7 419 lbf.
Government of British Columbia introducing new structural fire safety legislation
The government of British Columbia is implementing new legislation to enhance structural fire safety through an elevated system of inspections and effective enforcement.
The Fire Safety Act (FSA) will replace the previous Fire Services Act, reflecting significant advancements in fire protection and a deeper understanding of fire behaviour since the legislation was last updated in 1979, the government reported in a press release.
The FSA introduces enhanced monitoring to identify higher-risk buildings, a penalty system to incentivize owner compliance with fire-safety legislation, and more enforcement tools.
The legislation was developed in response to stakeholder feedback and recommendations from a B.C. Coroners report on the 2012 Lakeland Mills explosion, which recommended penalties for building owners for non-compliance with B.C. fire code and orders of the fire commissioner, the press release reported.
Under the FSA municipalities and regional districts will be required to designate fire inspectors and investigators, and municipalities will operate with a proactive fire-inspection model that focuses on compliance monitoring of higher-risk buildings.
Regional districts will operate within a complaint model and can request fire service advisers from the Office of the Fire Commissioner to conduct fire inspections and investigations at no cost, though they may choose to undertake investigations and inspections themselves if they have sufficient expertise and resources.
As of August 1, there is a one-year transition period before designated inspectors and investigators must meet new training standards.
90%
ESA holds first Ontario Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Symposium in Mississauga
The first Ontario safety symposium from the Energy Security Agency (ESA) was designed to give frontline first responders and investigators a comprehensive overview of lithium-ion batteries.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood of Mississauga, and a commemorative plaque presentation to Chief Deryn Rizzi, celebrating the inaugural event.
4,459
Dalan Zartman, a career firefighter and chief operations officer at ESA, began the day with a session on lithium-ion battery safety, covering impacts on fire fighting and transportation. He highlighted challenges with electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage, stressing the need for specialized training. The talk addressed EV operational specifics, such as cooling systems and high-voltage cable risks, emphasizing safety protocols for effective emergency response.
Jeff Haltrecht, a consultant with ESA, discussed the requirements for moving batteries and transporting them across provincial and international borders.
In a presentation focused on
electrical safety and batteries, Dirk Fuchs, the director of engineering at ESA, educated those in attendance on EV motor operation, high-voltage circuits, proper personal protective equipment, thermal abuse of batteries, cell balancing, insulation fault and enclosure leaks.
In the next session, John Cassidy from the New York City Fire Department discussed the threat of lithium-ion battery fires in urban areas, especially in consumer electronics and micro-mobility sectors. He highlighted the rapid and explosive nature of these fires in densely populated settings like apartments and businesses, citing challenges due to inadequate data and varying response strategies across municipalities.
In the afternoon, the attendees moved outside for three breakout sessions, which included a dismantling lab and battery handling/ packing, a suppression lab, and an EV interaction and ESA risk assessment lab. The day finished with a demonstration led by Jason Defosse, FDIC’s lead instructor, on EV extrication concepts and techniques.
Increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires seen by Toronto Fire Services from 2022 to 2023.
Structural fires took place in B.C. in 2023, reported by B.C. Housing.
PHOTO:
Wildfire smoke more hazardous to brain health than other air pollution, new study shows
A new study shows exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other types of air pollution.
The decade-long study of more than 1.2 million people examined the effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a microscopic mixture of solid and liquid droplets in the air that are 30 times smaller than the width of an average human hair. This type of air pollution is emitted by wildfire smoke, motor vehicles, and factories.
Researchers found the risk of dementia diagnoses due to exposure to PM2.5 in wildfire smoke was notably stronger, even with less exposure, than the risk due to other sources of air pollution.
They observed a 21 per cent increase in
the odds of dementia diagnosis for every increase of one microgram per meter, or the amount of particulate matter in a cubic meter of air, in the three-year average wildfire PM2.5 exposure.
Comparatively, study participants had a three per cent increased risk of diagnosis for every increase of three micrograms per meter in the three-year average of non-wildfire PM2.5 exposure.
“Previous research has found that exposure to PM2.5 is associated with dementia, but in light of our large, long-term study, it’s apparent the risk from exposure due to wildfire smoke is an even bigger concern,” said Dr. Holly Elser, the study’s first author, in a media statement. “Air pollution produced by wildfires now
accounts for more than 70 per cent of total PM2.5 exposure on poor air quality days in California. This is a real problem.”
Researchers analyzed the health records of 1,227,241 socioeconomically diverse Kaiser Permanente southern California members who were 60 years or older between 2009 and 2019, none of whom had been diagnosed with dementia at the beginning of the study.
They then used air quality monitoring data, satellite imagery and machine learning techniques to separate wildfire and non-wildfire PM2.5 and determined each participant’s exposure to both sources based on where they lived.
That information was then compared to subsequent diagnoses of dementia.
Technical Response
By Chad Roberts
Chad Roberts is an Acting Captain on a Heavy Rescue in Oakville, Ont. He is a member of the Oakville Extrication Team and Vice President of the North American Vehicle Rescue Association. He also instructs at various colleges throughout Ontario and is a current member of the Canadian Motorsports Response Team. Contact Chad at chadroberts12@gmail.com.
Stepping back to move forward: Strategic decision-making in fire service operations
Our profession is driven and sustained by the notion of continual improvement and developing the succeeding generations. Passing on the knowledge we have learned through our experiences makes the fire service one of the world’s greatest and most respected professions. However, before we impart that knowledge to our newest generations of firefighters, we must look in the mirror and ensure we are doing our part.
Too often, we hide behind the security blanket of years served and forget to realize that we, too, need to continue our improvement at the same level we are imparting those skills. Just as important is developing ourselves into the new roles we have taken on, whether chosen or not. That being said, those new roles often put us in situations where we need to step back and look at the bigger picture.
When dealing with technical rescue and the various calls that fall under that umbrella, we are challenged with the speed of the fire response mentality, but have to mix in the slow down and visualize temperament associated more with hazmat responses. This is because we, as well as many others, want to help immediately but, unfortunately, don’t always understand the complexity that technical rescue calls present us with. One wrong move, whether it be rescue versus recovery or just proper positioning, can ultimately prove costly for our members and the patients involved. Being able to step back and observe is a true lesson to be learned. I will briefly go over three different technical rescue incidents and some of the main learning points I have gathered from various incidents I have studied or responded to over my career.
The first example relates to the steep terrain associated with most rope rescue incidents. When called to this kind of incident, our main concern must be securing
the scene and locating the patient(s). On one such call, the first arriving crew were not tech rescue trained and failed to do either of the above-mentioned tasks. This led to a delayed identification of the patient’s location and a chaotic scene caused by onlookers and other emergency service personnel. All in all, the rescue was performed appropriately, and the scene was concluded successfully, but the room for improvement was glaring to me. If this first arriving crew had located the patient and passed that information on to the incoming crews, secured the area and kept untrained personnel away, this scene would have been handled much more efficiently and professionally and avoided
unwanted hazards to our members.
The next example involves the water rescue environment, which can be extremely hazardous and unpredictable. While the scenario seen in photo one is not one I attended, its relevance and learning points are something we all may one day face. This call is a staple in my mind in regards to understanding your resources as a first-in crew, trained or not, and deploying them appropriately and safely. Step back and understand what you have and what you can do while protecting your members and yourself. This scene was a great learning experience as it involved a very low-frequency but high-risk
Continued on page 16
High-risk incidents like water rescue require the right equipment and highly trained personnel.
Proper vehicle placement at vehicle rescue incidents allow personnel to focus and operate safely.
SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1x3
SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1x3 Multipurpose Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate is a state-of-the-art alcohol-resistant, fluorine-free pseudoplastic foam technology. It is non-persistent, biodegradable, siloxane-free, and contains no intentionally added PFAS chemicals. SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1x3 is designed to extinguish and secure both Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A Fires.
SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1x3 is ideal for industrial emergency response, and is expected to be used extensively at facilities that store crude oil on site. It delivers excellent foaming, vapor sealing, extinguishment and burnback properties. With viscosity similar to traditional AR-AFFF foam concentrates, SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1x3 has multiple international certifications.
From coast to coast WINNER
2024 photo contest finalists
By Brittani Schroeder
We asked, and you delivered! Our second annual cover photo contest, in collaboration with WATERAX, brought in over 100 stunning submissions showcasing various aspects of the Canadian fire service. Photos poured in from across nine provinces and one territory, making it a true coast-to-coast competition.
We are thrilled to announce that the winner is Lt. Richard Quinn from Comox Fire Rescue in British Columbia.
With so many incredible photos to choose from, narrowing down the finalists and selecting a single winner was no easy task. The images featured in this issue highlight the outstanding work being done by fire departments across Canada.
A big thank you to WATERAX and to everyone who participated by submitting a photo. Don’t forget to keep your cameras ready for the 2025 contest—we can’t wait to see what you’ll share next!
Fire department: Comox Fire Rescue
Photographer: Lt. Richard Quinn
Location: Comox, B.C.
This photo was taken during a July mountain fire near Merritt, B.C. Comox Fire Rescue had more than two dozen members (five at a time) who were deployed for 60 days with the B.C. Wildfire Service. In the image, Lt. Brent Craven is seen as the fire advances toward the lake’s edge while very successful structural protection efforts are underway on the opposite side of the lake.
Photographer: Andrew Bird
Location: Cochrane, Alta.
This photo was taken in Cochrane, Alta. It was a complete fluke! I was a volunteer firefighter for a few years in Callander, Ont. This just shows how quickly a forest fire can begin.
Fire department: Petite Rivière Fire Department
Photographer: Karleigh Porter
Location: Lunenburg, N.S.
Here, you see a senior firefighter looking at his reflection to see his younger self. This is Billie Teal, who was born in Broad Cove, N.S. on Nov. 21, 1938. Mr. Teal is the most senior active volunteer firefighter at Petite Rivière Fire Department. Standing in for Billie’s younger reflection is Luke Deruyte, who is one of Petite Riviere’s newest and youngest members, who Billie Teal also sponsored. Thank you, Billie, for your commitment and dedication to your community!
Fire department: South Frontenac Fire and Rescue
Photographer: Alex Bennett
Location: South Frontenac, Ont.
Recruitment and retention are ongoing issues that we are continuously addressing. This image was captured during a live-fire training session and was later used as part of our recruitment campaign. Modern-day recruitment requires departments to capture the attention of possible candidates in an attempt to market the position and attract members of the public to engage with us.
Fire department: Niverville Fire Department
Photographer: Holly Dunphy
Location: Niverville, Man.
This was a training night with a live burn of an old house in town that was provided to the department. Most of the evening was spent talking about and observing fire dynamics. The officers spent considerable time teaching offensive and defensive fire fighting tactics for different stages of fire. In the picture, you can see two officers explaining something to the group in front of an exterior window while the fire engulfs the inside of the home—a stark contrast of the two worlds colliding.
Fire department: Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
Photographer: Mike Otis
Location: Sarnia, Ont.
This photo was taken during industrial firefighter training. It’s a mock-up of a fuel-filling station..
Fire department: Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency
Photographer: Sean Dewitt
Location: Halifax, N.S.
This is a photo of a structure fire in Halifax. This was a garage fire that extended into the house. Sean Dewitt is a freelance photographer who has done great work for over a decade, portraying the Halifax Fire Department positively and with very little recognition.
Fire department: Middlesex Centre Fire ServicesColdstream Station
Photographer: Scott Fletcher
Location: Ilderton, Ont.
Future firefighter Mason Fletcher with Dad, born Jan. 7, 2024.
Fire department: Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
Photographer: Ryan Celia
Location: Mississauga, Ont.
Mississauga Fire battling a major two-alarm residential structure fire.
Fire department: Nanton Fire Department
Photographer: Jodie Hennigar
Location: Nanton, Alta.
On Oct. 12, the Nanton Fire Department, with the help of our local tow company, created a scenario which allowed the members an opportunity to do live fire training on a mobile home. All the action was captured through the gracious support of Shutter Close Photography. From setting up the scene to capturing all the action, these partnerships are vital to the Nanton Fire Department. The firefighter pictured is Morgan Southgate.
Fire department: Sturgeon County Emergency Services
Photographer: Jesse Mercier, Morinville RCMP
Location: Sturgeon County, Alta.
A Sturgeon County Emergency Services (SCES) firefighter landing the STARS air ambulance. Before arrival, SCES members had successfully extricated a trapped patient from a serious motor vehicle collision. STARS would then transport the patient to hospital in serious condition.
Fire department: Eriksdale Fire Department
Photographer: Samantha (Sam) Miller
Location: Eriksdale, Man.
Deer versus vehicle MVC on Highway 6, just south of Eriksdale, Man. Thankfully, no injuries. This photo was taken while waiting for the tow and enjoying the northern lights. Taken Thursday, May 30 at 23:45.
Fire department: Innisfil Fire & Rescue Services
Photographer: Kevin Ashby
Location: Innisfil, Ont.
Canada Day fireworks at Friday Harbour, Innisfil, Ont. The crew was on standby for spark watch during the fireworks, and this shot presented itself.
Fire department: Sechelt Fire Department
Photographer: Ian Morrow
Location: Sechelt, B.C.
This is a shot from inside the burn room during a cold start demonstration. We are a volunteer fire department, and this was these recruits’ first live fire introduction. They were shown firsthand, in a controlled environment, how a fire develops and grows. I took this shot to try to capture their expressions, as this was their first experience with real fire.
Fire department: Toronto Fire Services
Photographer: Ian Duke
Location: Toronto, Ont.
St Anne’s Anglican Church, June 9, 2024. This was a four alarm fire in Toronto, where pump and aerial 315 responded.
Fire department: South Frontenac Fire & Rescue
Photographer: Michael East
Location: South Frontenac, Ont.
Michael is a volunteer firefighter for South Frontenac Fire & Rescue, #405. He attends live fire training at local fire grounds many times throughout year, and when he runs the air trailer filling bottles, he takes pictures. This picture shows a captain exiting the hot box, which is a single-story steel structure with two hallways and two rooms.
With over 10 years at WATERAX, Gabriella Gerbasi leads sales and marketing, focusing on expanding nationwide access to WATERAX portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment and building a community committed to wildfire prevention, response and restoration.
Brittani Schroeder is the editor of Canadian Firefighter.
Laura Aiken is the Public Safety Group editorial director at Annex Business Media.
Jared Dodds is the associate editor of the fire group at Annex Business Media.
DECON TRAILER WITH 2 SHOWER LINES
§
§
§
§
§
§
•
•
•
FEATURES
§ Aluminum 4 x 12 C-channel main frame
§ All-aluminum welded structure including 3/16” aluminum plate subfloor
§ 304 Stainless steel waste tanks (or direct hook to city services)
§ .090 FRP smooth interior walls
§ Smooth exterior (new ACM panel for added durability)
§ Tandem Dexter 5200 pound torsion axles
§ Aluminum steps and door assemblies
§ Overall estimated weight of 7400 pounds
§ (800 pound tongue weight)
§ Easy-clean wipe down interior
The Solo SCBA Decon/Washing machine was designed and built for one purpose only…to protect Fire Fighters from Cancer causing agents found in the Smoke and residue left on their SCBAs. As an added bonus it can clean Gloves, Boots and Helmets In addition, it substantially lowers the time spent decontaminating firefighter equipment. The SOLO is the only SCBA decon machine that meets both NFPA and CSA standards.
ü REDUCED HEALTH RISK
ü SAVES TIME 2/PKS IN 8 MIN ü EASY TO USE
Qualified by MSA, SCOTT, DRAEGER & INTERSPIRO for cleaning their SCBAs.
WASH/DECON TWO SCBAs In 8 minutes. Also cleans, boots, gloves and helmets.
Technical Response
Continued from page 8
incident in a public setting. While the crews did a great job with what they had in front of them and their training level, it led me to the following realizations for future scenes. Gather pertinent information, secure the scene and deploy your available resources while ensuring that your members are properly equipped to do the job and have the appropriate backup positions in place to keep them safe. Strength in numbers is key in these incidents, and by numbers, I am referring to properly trained and equipped tech rescue members.
Lastly, we will touch on one of the deadliest places we respond to: the roadway. While not trying to take away from any of our hazardous responses, the roadway and the incidents we respond to there are continually one of our deadliest positions.
It is also one of our most common and most frequent technical rescue responses.
Looking at those last two statements, it’s no wonder this area is sometimes approached with a less-than-ideal heightened awareness. While I was responding to a call many years ago, arriving on the second apparatus, we approached the scene to find that a secondary collision had occurred between an unaware motorist and our first arriving truck, also striking the initial incident and on-scene ambulance. While no injuries were recorded, this call always remains in my mind with regard to apparatus positioning and protecting the scene. No matter how minor the scene or level of roadway congestion, we must watch each other’s backs and not let our guard down. As a first-in commander, you must be extremely deliberate in how you want your apparatus positioned in order to properly
protect the patients and responders while setting the tone for all incoming apparatus. Leaving the appropriate space and maintaining a proper fend-off position is the only way to initiate and conclude these frequent yet deadly incidents successfully.
All of these calls were not points of blatant failure by anyone involved but instead represent learning opportunities that I hope to pass along to future responders and ultimately use to influence my own decisions in tech rescue response incidents. I have always enjoyed and strived to be a hands-on responder who wants to be the one on the rope, in the water, or driving the apparatus. However, as my time, like many others, continues on this job, we find ourselves in promoted positions that require different decision-making. Those that require less doing, more observing and making calls that protect the backs of your members.
Recipe rescue
By Patrick Mathieu
Transform your firehouse cookout: Tips for perfecting BBQ ribs
Barbecue is about more than just the food; it’s a way of life and a labour of love. It is time spent with family, friends, or your firehouse crew, creating great food and memories. If you think about it, you can put yourself in a time and place where you enjoyed a great BBQ meal.
Pork ribs are one of my absolute favourite cuts to throw on a grill. There’s just something about picking up a rib with your fingers and chewing all that meaty, smoky deliciousness. What I love most about ribs is their ability to handle almost any type of flavour or spice, from a traditional barbecue rub to something a little more exotic. Some of my top choices include bourbon-glazed, sticky Asian, jerk spiced and hoisin ginger. Many hours and rib samples have been consumed to perfect my recipe, and getting ribs just right can be tricky.
Let’s go through my foolproof method and everything you need to know about one of the best cuts of pork out there so you can be the star of your next cookout.
The baby back ribs are cut from where the rib meets the spine, at the top of the pig’s back. They are lean, tender, and usually the most popular, which means they are the most expensive. There are thirteen ribs on a rack; they have curved bones and are shorter on one end due to the natural tapering of a pig’s rib cage. They are named as such because they are smaller in size compared to the larger spareribs.
Next are the spareribs, which are my favourites. They are the same thirteen ribs, lower on the pig and
remember: it’s BBQ, so slow it down. Go low and slow every time for the best meals.
near the belly. Spareribs are meatier; the bones are larger and flatter. They contain more fat, but remember, fat equals flavour. Spareribs are less expensive than baby backs and will take a little more cooking time to make them tender.
Making truly delicious ribs begins with knowing what to look for when buying them. When looking for ribs at your local butcher shop or market, ensure they have an even layer of meat across the rack. You certainly don’t want to buy a slab with a large amount of meat on one end and little to no meat on the other.
Particularly with baby backs, don’t choose slabs with exposed bones, known as “shiners”, as they were cut too close to the bone and may fall out during cooking.
Also, try avoiding ribs that have been “enhanced,” meaning they
have been pumped up with an added solution, which is mostly water and salt. Be sure to check the label before purchasing. Today, pigs are bred to produce very uniform and tender meat.
Preparing ribs for your next cookout
How many slabs of ribs do you need? I always suggest that one slab of baby backs will feed two adults. Regarding spareribs, I figure one slab for three people because they are larger and meatier. Now it’s time to trim the ribs. First, ensure your workstation and cutting board are large enough to handle the number of ribs you plan to cook. Open your package of ribs, pat them dry with a paper towel, and lay them out on the cutting board with the meat side up. Close -
Patrick Mathieu is a Captain Training Officer with Waterloo Fire Rescue in Ontario. He has appeared on Food Network’s Chopped Canada and is the author of The FireHouse Chef Cookbook. Please email him at thefirehouse_chef@yahoo.ca and follow him on Instagram @stationhouse_
ly look at your ribs, and trim off any dangling meat or excessive fat.
Next, turn the ribs over to remove the membrane covering the rib bones. To remove the membrane, insert a kitchen butter knife on top of a rib bone on the small end of the rack of ribs; gently push the knife upwards to loosen the membrane. Grab the membrane with a paper towel and slowly pull it toward the opposite end of the rack. If it tears, repeat the process until it is all removed.
Now, it’s time to apply your favourite dry rub. If you want classic barbecue ribs, use a rub heavy on brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Here is where you can start to be creative. Add Asian-inspired spices like Chinese five spice, Caribbean jerk, or Moroccan ras el hanout.
With the rack lying on the meat side, sprinkle the rub onto the entire rack, making sure you don’t miss any areas, even the sides of the ribs. Flip the meat over and do the same on the other side. I like to season my ribs an hour before they go on the smoker.
If a rack of ribs is improperly cooked, it can be tough and dry. My guess is that you’ve probably experienced this in subpar restaurants plenty of times. The best way to cook pork ribs is the well-known “3-2-1” method; this is the foolproof approach for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Once your barbecue pit is up to temperature (225 degrees), place the seasoned racks on the smoker, bone side down, for three hours. After three hours, the ribs will look golden brown and will have absorbed all the smoke flavour they need.
Next, lay down a double sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place each slab separately in the foil, meat side down. Before sealing them up tightly, I like to pour some apple juice in to help steam the meat to become tender. Place the sealed ribs back on the smoker for another two hours.
You are almost there! Remove the ribs from the foil, place them back on the smoker, meat side up, and hit them with your favourite barbecue sauce or glaze for
one more hour. Some folks even like hitting the ribs on a gas grill for a few minutes to char things up. If you need to rotate things on your smoker, you can throw wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees.
Always remember: it’s BBQ, so slow it down. Go low and slow every time for the best meals. Enjoy the process, and you will enjoy the results.
As always, friends, eat well and stay safe.
Back to basics
By Mark van der Feyst
Mark van der Feyst has been in the fire service since 1999 and is currently a Battalion Chief with the Six Nations Fire & Emergency Services as well as a part-time firefighter with the Fort Gratiot Fire Department. Mark is an international instructor teaching in Canada, the United States and India, and at FDIC. He is the lead author of the Residential Fire Rescue & Tactical Firefighter books. He can be contacted at Mark@FireStarTraining.com.
Desensitizing firefighters –Red-light syndrome
In our last column for 2024, we are wrapping up our topic of desensitizing firefighters with a look at the red-light syndrome. This is where fire trucks drive right through red lights or stop signs as they respond to a call.
When a 911 call comes in and the fire department is dispatched to respond, the personnel who are responding have the choice to act in a professional and structured manner, or adopt a freelance approach and cause issues as a result.
Statistics are collected each year on the number of firefighter injuries and fatalities that occur on the job. The best place to review these types of statistics is the NFPA, which produces annual reports on these topics. Their latest report, which was published in 2024 but uses data collected in 2023, reported that 19 firefighters in the United States died while responding to or returning from an incident. This accounted for 21 per cent of the Line of Duty Deaths in the country that year.
In 2022, there were approximately 20,300 collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles that were responding to or returning from an incident, resulting in an estimated 800 injuries. Firefighters responding to an incident in their personal vehicles led to another 925 collisions, resulting in approximately 250 injuries.
Canada’s population is about 10 per cent of the United States, with the U.S. coming in at 330 million people to our 30 million. So, when looking at these statistics on driving incidents in the United States, it is important to note these higher numbers are partially driven by a
When these conditions have been met, along with the previous requirements, the Highway Traffic Act permits emergency vehicles to proceed through red lights and stop signs.
larger population that requires more fire departments and will produce more responding vehicles on the roads.
The NFPA statistics do not break down the cause of these driving incidents, such as driving through an intersection or not stopping at a red light, but we can glean some useful information from them on this topic. For our purposes and focusing on the red-light syndrome, we need to look at situations where the fire apparatus does not come to a complete stop at the red light before proceeding.
All highway traffic acts in Canadian provinces and territories will prohibit driving through a red light or stop sign. The acts require each driver to make a complete stop at the line, whether for a red light or a stop sign and then proceed through the intersection only when the light indicates it is safe or, in the case of a stop sign, the way is clear to proceed from all directions.
Most highway traffic acts provide an exemption or allowance for responding emergency vehicles. An emergency vehicle can proceed through a red light or stop sign when responding to an emergency call. However, a few conditions must be met and adhered to for the emergency vehicle to be exempt from stopping.
The first condition is to come to a complete stop, regardless of whether it is a red light or a stop sign. Coming to a complete stop allows the driver to look both ways, check the intersection, and ensure that all traffic has stopped in all directions.
The next condition is that all warning lights and sirens must be turned on and working. The warning lights and sirens indicate to the other drivers that an emergency vehicle is responding to an incident and needs to get to the location as quickly as possible. When other drivers hear the sirens and see the warning lights, they are required by law to pull over to the right and come to a stop. This opens up the intersections and roadways so the responding vehicle can proceed safely.
The last condition requires the driver to proceed with caution only when it is safe to do so. The driver of the responding emergency vehicle must confirm that all traffic is stopped, no other vehicles are moving in the opposite direction, and that the intersection is clear to cross through. When these conditions have been met, along with the previous requirements, the Highway Traffic Act permits emergency vehicles to proceed through red lights and stop signs.
Some fire departments require the driver to stop at each white dotted line of the lane to ensure that it is clear to advance to the dotted line of the next lane, and so on, until they have cleared the entire intersection. This certainly adheres to the Highway Traffic Act provisions.
When it comes to personal vehicles responding to an emergency call, whether they are driving to the scene or driving to the station to get on a truck, the exemptions of the Highway Traffic Act do not apply to them. They must obey all the provisions of the act regardless of where they are driving.
Take Delivery of your Wildland Engine for the 2025 Wildfire Season
At Safetek Profire, we understand what’s at stake in wildfire management. We are not just offering wildland engines—we are providing cutting-edge solutions so you can focus on what you do best—protecting your community.
Fast Delivery
Get your engines before the wildfire season begins.
Scan the QR code to see how our engines can make a difference for you.
firetrucks.ca/demoandstockunits
Extensive Selection
Choose from a range of advanced and customizable engines.
@SafetekProfire
Learning from fire death data
Ten years of coroner data reveals factors behind escalated Indigenous fire risk in Canada.
By Len Garis and Mandy Desautels
Anew study of Canadian coroner data suggests that unsafe homes, lack of working smoke alarms and lack of attention to correcting major housing repairs needed are among the factors in why Indigenous people in Canada die in fires more often than non-Indigenous people.
The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) has released a new Sta tistics Canada study delving into the cir cumstances surrounding fire deaths in
Canada from 2011 to 2020, based on the Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database (CCMED) and Canadian Vital Statistics death data.
Titled Circumstances Surrounding Fire-related Deaths among the Indigenous People in Canada, 2011 to 2020, the report was commissioned by NIFSC, which is funded by Indigenous Services Canada. The study not only reinforces earlier research showing that fire-related deaths and injuries are significantly higher for Indigenous than non-Indigenous people but also sheds new light on the contributing factors.
The study data suggests that Indigenous people are four times more likely than non-Indigenous people to die in a fire in Canada, and that the risk is highest for those who live in rural areas with underfunded fire services, in homes that need major repairs, and in provinces without ongoing and widespread smoke alarm
education and installation programs.
“Study after study has shown us that Indigenous people in Canada die in residential fires at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous people, but this new data helps fill in the gaps as to why that is happening,” said Blaine Wiggins, senior director of the NIFSC. “With this compelling new evidence, we urge decision-makers across Canada to acknowledge the factors that increase this risk and to take immediate and appropriate steps to address them.”
Study approach
Fires are the fourth most common cause of unintentional death and injury worldwide. In Canada, an average of 220 people died in fires each year from 2011 to 2020.
A total of 2,200 deaths were reported to the CCMED during that time frame, but the study sample was about one-third of that number, limited to 700 deaths that
Mandy Desautels is senior director of strategic initiatives at the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), a project of the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada (AFAC). Contact her at MandyD@afac-apac.ca.
could also be linked to the 2006 and 2016 long-form censuses and the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) in order to select people who identified as Indigenous and access location data. While the study sample may not represent all fire-related deaths in Canada, the study’s key findings are based on data that was consistent between the sample and the total fire deaths: place of death, sex and age. It should be noted that the number of deaths reported may be lower than expected because only closed cases are published in the CCMED.
Key insights
Key results related to individual risk are as follows:
• Indigenous people made up 20 per cent of fire deaths from 2011 to 2020 but, based on 2016 Census data, represent 4.9 per cent of the total population.
• Indigenous people who died in fires were on average 41 per cent younger than non-Indigenous people (mean age of 39 versus 59). This may be explained in part by their younger age profile; 83 per cent are under age 55 compared to 69 per cent for non-Indigenous people.
Results related to the circumstances surrounding fire deaths are as follows:
• For both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, most fire deaths occurred in residential fires, most often in a single-detached home and in the winter.
• Indigenous people who died in a fire were 4.5 times more likely to live in homes that need major repairs than non-Indigenous people (about 56 per cent versus 13 per cent).
• Cooking, electrical and heating devices were the most common sources of fatal fires for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, followed by cigarettes and candles or other open flames. However, ignition sources were less often specified in Indigenous fires. This may point to a reduced level of fire service in rural areas, either related to data collection or response times that resulted in damage too extensive to identify the source.
• Nearly one in eight (12 per cent) Indigenous fire deaths were reported in homes without a working smoke alarm, similar to non-Indigenous people. Noting smoke alarms was either not specified, unknown or not applicable for 80 per cent of fire-related deaths among Indigenous people.
The risk factors for Indigenous people are combined with other known vulnerabilities that increase the danger of fire-related injury and death, including lower education and income, overcrowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare.
Provincial overview
According to the 2016 Census of Population, the distribution of Indigenous people living in Canada varied by province and territory. While the distribution of fire-related deaths among Indigenous
people also varied, it was not comparable to the Indigenous population distribution.
The proportion of fire-related deaths among Indigenous people was greater than the proportion of the Indigenous population in Alberta (21 per cent of Indigenous deaths versus 15 per cent of the Indigenous population proportion), Quebec (18 per cent versus 11 per cent), and Saskatchewan (21 per cent versus 10 per cent), suggesting an overrepresentation of fire-related deaths in these Provinces. Underrepresentation was observed in British Columbia (seven per cent versus 16 per cent), where the proportion of fire-related deaths among Indigenous people was 2.3 times lower than its share of the Indigenous population. In Ontario, the proportion of Indigenous fire-related deaths (21 per cent) was similar to the Indigenous population proportion (22 per cent).
Fire-related deaths for Manitoba were not available in the linked dataset, and death proportions for Atlantic Canada and the territories were suppressed to meet Statistics Canada’s confidentiality requirements.
Using what was learned
The new report provides direction for interventions to reduce the fire risk for Indigenous people:
• Home maintenance: Home disrepair has been identified as a risk factor in fire deaths. Census data shows that 19.4 per cent of Indigenous people live in a dwelling requiring major repairs, compared to six per cent of non-Indigenous people.
• Smoke alarms: Research has shown working smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of fire injuries and deaths. General fire education: In addition to smoke alarms, a report by the Ontario
chief coroner has identified that education on topics such as fire escape, fire safety and home maintenance is key to reducing fire fatalities in First Nations.
• Information gathering: Data related to Indigenous-specific fire deaths was lacking in a number of areas and topics. Fire services continue to be encouraged to report data to the National Fire Information Database to support the development of evidence-based interventions.
Future research could expand the study to look into the impact of socio-economic factors, including food security, cost of living and household income, funding for housing structures, the allocation of funds to meet community needs, the role of fire and building codes, and status of home maintenance on fire-related deaths among Indigenous communities.
Starfield LION Flame Fighter™ Bunker Gear
By James Rychard and Christopher Heaton-Leach
Toxicity in the fire service Psychological PPE
For decades, it has been recognized that hazardous materials responses are some of the most dangerous for fire departments. The diversity in what can be considered a hazardous material makes each call uniquely challenging.
An identification system was created to help distinguish hazardous materials, especially during transport, featuring placards in the shape of a diamond. These were given a number classification from one to nine, with toxic or poisonous substances identified as six. A clearly marked skull and crossbones located at the top of the diamond warns firefighters and fire officers to be a bit more cautious when mitigating the situation.
However, toxic substances do not just occur in our emergency responses but can lurk inside our non-emergency calls as well. In fact, toxicity in the fire service can represent people, organizational behaviour and dynamics, and the department itself. When toxicity invades the day-to-day working environment, it has the propensity to create havoc: long-term stress leaves, high turnover, increased anxiety and depressive conditions, and even suicidal ideation.
Co-author of this piece and member of the Quebec Association of Fire Chiefs, Chief Christopher Heaton-Leach, has dedicated his ongoing master’s thesis to making the fire service safer psychologic-
In addition to being a firefighter and R2MR instructor from the city of Burlington, Ont., James Rychard is an advocate for mental and behavioural health in the fire service, sitting on multiple association committees. He can be reached at jaymzr007@hotmail.com.
ally. Focusing his efforts on what constitutes a toxic workplace, he is committed to changing the landscape. Heaton-Leach’s research has proven that, even though the fire service is like a tight-knit family, the familial connection does not eliminate the presence of toxicity.
According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2022 study, 45 per cent of firefighters reported experiencing symptoms of burnout, with 20
per cent citing a toxic work environment as a primary contributor. The same study found that fire departments with high levels of reported toxicity had turnover rates nearly double the national average for fire services.
A significant movement is forming to bring the psychological safety of firefighters to the forefront. For years, the fire service, whether career, volunteer or composite, has been about fitting into a specific
culture. Yet, when you compare department to department, you find there is no one-size-fits-all. So, when a firefighter starts their career, they could be walking into a highly evolved culture or one that is reminiscent of the Paleolithic era: unevolved and outdated with dinosaur-like thinking.
Deborah Ancona, founder and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leadership Center at the
MIT Sloan School of Management, has shared three personality types to look for as an indicator of toxic people: narcissism (unhealthy), Machiavellianism and psychopathy. These are also called the Dark Triad of personalities. She has identified these personalities as endemic to toxic employees, leaders and organizations through her research.
“Narcissism (unhealthy) is having an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself. These individuals have trouble connecting to the organization and adopting a cooperative, team-focused mindset,” Ancona said. 1
“Machiavellianism is the power-hungry and ethically dubious mindset. These individuals often keep to themselves valuable information that could help others in the organization, pit different groups against each other, and build an ‘in-group’ of friends,” she said. “Psychopathy is an individual who has an inability to deal with one’s negative emotions and impulses. They lash out at people.” 1
When firefighters, fire officers, or service leaders exude any of these three traits, they can fall onto the toxicity slide. There is an axiom: when we know better, we do better; part of knowing is being self-aware. When hiring and developing staff,
choosing to ignore these traits can be very costly to the organization. It can create toxicity that can permeate through all levels of an organization. Although these traits can demonstrate drive, results and confidence, it is only when they are tested that they begin to rear their heads.
The second part of the toxicity equation is power. Dacher Keltner, a professor of social psychology at the University of California, Berkley, has done extensive research surrounding power and has shed a bright spotlight on the concept and how it can affect someone.
He broke it down into two types: absolute and enduring. Absolute power is about doing what a leader says to do without question or pushback and is the approach dictators use to get their people to do what they want. They focus so much on themselves that the people they lead become an afterthought, if they think about them at all. These people gain power, retain it and dominate.2 However, there are times when absolute power is necessary for the fire service: when stakes are high and the risk is significant.
Consider a fully involved structure fire with impending rescue and a high probability of reaching adjacent structures. The incident commander, revered as the most
experienced, dictates tactical orders to accomplish a goal. Their direction is necessary and must be followed to ensure the health and safety of the firefighters and fire officers remains the top priority. However, returning to the fire station is when the second type of power is needed. Absolute power is unnecessary to manage day-today fire station non-emergency duties, while enduring power is.
Enduring power involves the leader looking out for the greater good of all involved. This is the power that the group gives the leader because they act with kindness, compassion, and empathy and remain focused on the needs of the many. This is where power becomes effective. Firefighters and fire officers follow directions not because they have to but because they want to. This is the power that provides the sense of psychological safety needed to grow as an organization and as a leader.
As powerful and important as enduring power is, Keltner shared a minor provision. His research uncovered that the “skills used to obtain power are the very ones that begin to deteriorate once we have it.” This is profound. Unless those in power are cognizant of how they are using power, there is a possibility they, too, can become toxic.
As humans, we are predisposed to abuse power because of its intoxicating effect on us. Without balancing a good dose of character, toxicity can occur without notice or unintentionally. Although organizations work hard to build psychological safety to lessen turnover, maintain a healthy workforce, and eradicate employees’ suicidal ideations – it all begins with ensuring that toxicity does not occur.
Leach’s research offers hope for the fire service. To help combat toxicity while promoting psychological safety, he provided several recommendations:
1. Implementing anonymous reporting systems for toxic behaviour.
2. Conducting regular climate surveys to assess department morale.
3. Establishing mentorship programs to support newer firefighters.
4. Providing mandatory leadership training focused on emotional intelligence.
5. Creating clear, enforceable policies against bullying and harassment.
6. Offering regular team-building exercises to improve communication and trust.
7. Implementing a 360-degree feedback system for all leadership positions.
Above all, it starts with hiring and developing leaders because they set the tone for the rest of the organization. Getting it wrong is akin to NASA giving astronauts the wrong coordinates when re-entering the earth’s atmosphere: they skim right off the top, floating into oblivion.
If toxicity continues to be allowed inside our organizations, perhaps, like a hazmat response, we must introduce placards there, too. Danger lurks – a toxic environ-
ment is about to be entered. Who would want to come to work if they saw the number six placard with a skull and crossbones on the wall? Worse, who would advocate that it is a great place to work? The fire service faces enough dangers on the outside – it is vital that we can protect firefighters from the inside.
References
1. Relihan, Tom. “Fixing a toxic work culture: Guarding against the ‘dark triad’.” MIT Sloan School of Management. Accessed at https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ ideas-made-to-matter/ fixing-a-toxic-work-culture-guardingagainst-dark-triad.
2. Keltner, Dacher. The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. Penguin Books. May 2017.
Bruno Unplugged
$53.50 | Item 1593706005
A compilation of the late Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini’s wit and wisdom gained through his years as chief of the Phoenix AZ Fire Department. Based on his columns “Rules of Engagement” and “Bruno Unplugged” in Fire Engineering, Bruno’s advice is practiced in firehouses around the world today. Bruno had a unique ability to expose the simplicity in the fire service’s complex issues. He lived as he preached, being nice, being safe, and preventing harm.
The Official Book of Andy
$53.50 | Item 1593705978
This edition is a compilation of the writings of the late Lieutenant Andrew A. Fredericks that appeared in print in Fire Engineering and online for Fire Nuggets. Fredericks was a member of Fire Department of New York Squad Company 18 in Manhattan and was killed on 9/11. He was a pioneer and a noted expert in fire suppression methods. This book is a tribute to his work, gathering his expertise on hoselines, standpipe operations, and all the facets of fire attack.
Courage Under Fire Leadership
$67.50 | Item 1593705930
Courage under fire leadership is having the guts to do the right thing. Fire service veteran and instructor Steve Prziborowski’s new book offers a comprehensive guide to fire service leadership lessons applicable to the firehouse, the emergency scene, and day-to-day operations of a fire department. This book will explore how you provide the best possible service to those we are fortunate to lead, serve, and work for, as well as those we work alongside.
From hire to retire
By Arjuna George
George (Fire Chief, Ret.) has transitioned his leadership and resilience expertise into coaching and consulting for the fire service community. Connect with him at silverarrowco.com or via arjuna@silverarrowco.com.
Leading with intuition: The firefighter’s sixth sense
Every day, firefighters face challenges that require split-second decisions, which can mean the difference between life and death. While book knowledge and training are crucial, intuition is another powerful tool. This “gut feeling” is more than just a hunch; it’s a mixture of experience, instinct and subconscious processing that can guide leaders through challenging situations.
The science behind intuition
While intuition is often seen as mysterious, it is crucial to effective leadership. The gut, heart and brain form an intricate network of communication, frequently called the “second brain.” This part of the nervous system contains millions of neurons and constantly exchanges information with the brain via the vagus nerve. For firefighters, this internal communication system can show up as a sudden urge to change tactics or a feeling that something isn’t right. The body processes information faster than the conscious mind can ever analyze it.
The power of intuitive leadership
Leading from the gut offers several advantages in fire fighting:
• Speed and efficiency: There’s no time for lengthy debate at emergency scenes. Intuition allows for fast decision-making based on experience and repetition.
• Adaptability: Intuitive leaders can pivot when situations don’t go as planned, adjusting to plans B or C.
• Team cohesion: When a leader confidently follows their gut, it inspires trust and unity among team members.
Developing your intuition
Intuition isn’t something you’re born with; instead, it is a skill that is developed and honed. Here are some practical tips for strengthening your intuitive abilities:
1. Reflect on past experiences: Take time to reflect on past decisions and the outcomes. This reflection helps you recognize patterns and sharpen your intuition.
2. Stay present: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay grounded during high-pressure situations, allowing you to tap into your gut feelings more effectively.
3. Trust your body: Pay attention to physical sensations and emotional responses. Your body often picks up on cues your conscious mind might miss. Learn to listen to and interpret these signals.
4. Seek diverse perspectives: While intuition is personal, the insights of others can help inform it. Engage with your team and consider their perspectives.
5. Practice decision-making: Regularly put yourself in situations where you must make quick decisions. This practice helps you build confidence in your intuitive abilities and improves your capacity to act decisively under pressure.
The risks of intuitive leadership
While leading from the gut has many advantages, it has risks, too. Here are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:
1. Overconfidence: Relying only on intuition can lead to overconfidence. It’s vital to gather rational analysis and input from your team to maintain balance.
2. Bias and blind spots: Intuition can be influenced by biases and
Embracing intuition requires more than trust in our gut feelings; it demands a commitment to self-awareness, emotional regulation, and continuous learning.
blind spots. Be mindful of this and challenge your assumptions.
3. Lack of accountability: Decisions based purely on intuition can be hard to justify, especially if they lead to bad outcomes.
4. Stress and fatigue: High stress and fatigue levels can impair your intuitive abilities. Take care of your physical and mental health to maintain peak performance.
Balancing intuition and rationality
Here are some strategies you can use to balance intuition and rationality:
1. Combine intuition with data: When possible, use data and evidence to support intuition. This approach ensures your gut feelings are grounded in reality.
2. Create a decision-making framework: If you want to elevate your intuitive decision-making, develop a structured framework incorporating intuitive insights and rationale.
3. Cultivate emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence enhances your ability to manage your feelings and those of others. This skill is crucial for understanding and acting on intuitive signals.
4. Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest developments in fire fighting techniques, equipment, and leadership. Continuous learning enriches your knowledge base and guides your intuition.
As you face the next big decision, remember that your “gut feeling” isn’t a random impulse. Embracing intuition requires more than trust in our gut; it demands a commitment to self-awareness, emotional regulation, and learning. In moments of crisis, when every second counts, your intuition is a culmination of knowledge, experience, and instinct. Trust it, refine it, and let it guide you.
Arjuna
TRUSTED TO DO THE JOB
“As the first line goes, so goes the fire.” When you’re making the push, you need to trust your hose will perform on the job. That is why we aim to be fully transparent with our product performance – not only because we’re proud of it and the NFPA requires it, but most importantly...
Because YOU are on the line. And that matters to us. That’s trust built on over 45 years of Innovation Delivered.
Commercial Emergency Equipment are Canada’s wildland apparatus specialists. With an expansive branch network across Canada, and access to the best wildland apparatus available, Commercial is a clear choice for your next wildland project. From the most capable offroad vehicles to value-driven light-attack trucks, Commercial has multiple apparatus in stock, on the ground, and available now. WILDLAND APPARATUS IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY ACROSS CANADA.
Contact an Apparatus Specialist today to discuss your next wildland truck.
