The Commercial Emergency Equipment team will be exhibiting across Canada this year at major tradeshows and expos. Come visit our Apparatus Specialists at the following shows & events:
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS TORONTO, ON | MAY 1 - 3
ALBERTA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CALGARY, AB | MAY 25 - 28
FIRE DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTORS CONFERENCE INDIANAPOLIS, IN | APRIL 7 - 12
SASKATCHEWAN URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION SASKATOON, SK | APRIL 13 - 16
ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA MUNICIPALITIES (SPRING) WINNIPEG, MB | APRIL 14 - 16
BC FIRE TRAINING OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE PENTICTON, BC | MAY 13 - 14
CAMA CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW MONT-TREMBLANT, QC | MAY 26 - 28
ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO ROAD SUPERVISORS WOODSTOCK, ON | JUNE 4 - 5
SASKATCHEWAN ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS KINDERSLY, SK | JUNE 5 - 7
NORTHERN H.E.A.T.
PEACE RIVER, AB | JUNE 2025
MANITOBA ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS BRANDON, MB | SEPTEMBER 3 - 6
BC FIRE EXPO (FCABC) PENTICTON, BC | JUNE 8 - 12
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS WINNIPEG, MB | SEPTEMBER 21 - 24
A.I.F.E.M.A. CALGARY, AB | SEPTEMBER 9 - 11
FIRECON 2025 THUNDER BAY, ON | SEPTEMBER 11 - 12
CANADIAN WILDFIRE CONFERENCE KELOWNA, BC OCTOBER 1 - 2
AMCO CONVENTION AND TRADESHOW SUDBURY, ON | OCTOBER 5 - 8
ALBERTA FIRE TRAINING CONFERENCE LETHBRIDGE, AB | OCTOBER 16 - 18
INDIGENOUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONFERENCE 2025 CALGARY, AB | OCTOBER 23 - 24
RMA FALL CONVENTION AND TRADESHOW TBD, AB | NOVEMBER 17 - 20
ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA MUNICIPALITIES (FALL) BRANDON, MB | NOVEMBER 25 - 27
COLUMNS
Directing decision-making with Standard Operating Guidelines
From hire to retire Essential conversations for families of new firefighters
By Brittani Schroeder
Tackling severe weather and natural disasters
We’ve officially made it to the first print edition of 2025! Is it too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year? If so, let me just say that I hope the first few months of this year have treated you, your families and your teams well.
In this first edition, we’re looking at wildfires. Focusing on some of the statistics from last year’s wildfire season, we can see that 5,686 wildfires started, burning 5,378,075 hectares. Thankfully, this is nowhere close to the 17,347,637 hectares burned in 2023, but it is still drastically more than the numbers seen in 2022 (1,467,970).
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, last year was also the costliest year for severe weather-related losses in Canadian history, totalling $8.5 billion. Numbers like this have never been seen before. The next-closest year was 2016, with $6.2 billion, largely due to the Fort McMurray Wildfire in Alberta.
The 2024 calendar year saw many severe events, such as a deep freeze in Western Canada in January, flash flooding in the Toronto area in July, and significant storms throughout the year in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The Jasper Wildfire Complex was one of the costliest events, coming in third behind August’s hailstorm in Calgary and the remnants of Hurricane Debby moving through Quebec, costing over $1.1 billion.
July in Alberta was exceptionally hot and dry. Fire danger warnings reached extreme levels, necessitating daily patrols to detect smoke and any illegal fires. The emergence of four fires—one on the northeast side of Jasper with its
As extreme weather events intensify and wildfires continue to grow in frequency and severity, it will be crucial to remain vigilant, proactive and prepared to address the impacts of these natural disasters.
cause still unknown, and three fires south of town ignited by lightning—threatened residents within the national park. Evacuations became urgently necessary as the fires merged into one massive inferno.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak with Mathew Conte, the fire chief in Jasper, Alta., about last summer’s events. In our conversation, we discussed the
emergency planning that was in place before the wildfires ignited to ensure all residents evacuated safely, the equipment they used to protect the town’s critical infrastructure, and how they’re trying to heal and move forward after the incident.
Though the fires may be out, the grieving and healing process for the members and the town is still ongoing. What’s next for Conte and his team? You can learn more on page 10.
As extreme weather events intensify and wildfires continue to grow in frequency and severity, it will be crucial for firefighters, communities and all levels of government to remain vigilant, proactive and prepared to address the impacts of these natural disasters.
As always, I encourage you to reach out to me if there’s a topic you believe deserves attention, a new initiative your fire service has launched, or a member you think should be featured. Your input is invaluable in helping us cover the issues that matter most to the fire fighting community. You can contact me at bschroeder@ annexbusinessmedia.com.
Until next time, stay safe, happy reading and be well.
Spring 2025
Vol. 48, No. 1 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
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.
OPTIMIZED CUTTING BLADES AND JAW DESIGN
T1 can easily cut rebar, chain and padlock; easily replace the cutting blades when they are damaged.
SPREADING TIPS
Load-holding function makes the tool suitable for (progressive) lifting.
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.
Federal government investing $72 million in satellite infrastructure for wildfires
The government of Canada has awarded a $72 million contract to exactEarth Ltd., a subsidiary of Spire Global Canada, to design Canada’s WildFireSat constellation.
WildFireSat will consist of seven microsatellites tailored to monitor active wildfires across Canada on a daily basis, the government reported in a press statement.
The satellites will use advanced infrared sensors
to capture thermal images that can be used to provide fire intelligence.
This mission will provide this data to fire managers and other responsible authorities, allowing them to track fire behaviour, identify high-risk wildfires and make better informed decisions to combat wildfires.
System data will also be used in air quality forecasts, providing Canadians with the necessary information to protect themselves from wildfire smoke.
The mission is slated to launch in 2029.
WildFireSat is expected to save the Canadian economy between $1 and $5 billion over its first five years of operations, the government said in a media release.
The satellite network designed by exactEarth Ltd. will provide fire intelligence to more effectively combat wildfires.
PROUDLY CANADIAN. BUILT TO PERFORM.
At Fort Garry Fire Trucks, we take pride in designing and manufacturing fire apparatus that stand up to the most demanding conditions. As a proudly Canadian company, we understand the challenges faced by firefighters across the country and beyond. Our pumpers, rescues, and tankers are engineered for unwavering reliability, no matter the climate or terrain.
That reliability was put to the test on January 21, 2025, when the Orillia Fire Department responded to a structure fire in one of the city’s oldest buildings. Battling temperatures that dipped to -27°C with the wind chill, firefighters
fought through frigid conditions for hours. Their 2019 Fort Garry pumper was the second unit on the scene, tasked with supplying multiple handlines and a deck gun as the fire spread into the attic.
As the hours passed, the truck became encased in ice—but it never stopped. For 14 hours, it continued to pump water onto the fire, supplying firefighters with the critical resources they needed. When operations were complete, the crew had to break the truck’s tires free from the ice just to drive it back to the station. After thawing, a full inspection revealed zero mechanical issues.
“Our Fort Garry pumper was built for these conditions and performed flawlessly.”
— Chris Ferry, Fire Chief, Orillia Fire Department
This is what sets Fort Garry Fire Trucks apart. Built with a full-framed 6061-T6 aluminum extruded subframe and 5083 saltwater marinegrade aluminum body, our apparatus are engineered to handle the harshest environments.
When lives are on the line, firefighters deserve a truck that won’t back down. Proudly Canadian, built to perform, and trusted when it matters most.
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.
How to avoid overpacking: Streamlining your gear for every call
Way too much stuff! Is it needed? What can and can’t you live without?
This dilemma is all too real for modern air travelers who are trying to avoid charges and travel more efficiently.
So, what does this have to do with tech rescue? The point I’m trying to address concerns collective tools and carry-on baggage we keep in our pockets. Early in your career, there are a handful of things you can get away with. But how about those positioned on a rescue squad or any other station that requires you to respond to multiple disciplines, all requiring a collection of different PPE, equipment and any other trinkets you can’t live without? In the dead of winter, it is a great time to empty your pockets and see what is genuinely needed. The following suggestions have helped me through my career and time on a rescue truck, but by no means is this etched in stone.
So, let’s break it down quickly and simply, as there is a lot of ground and gear to cover. I like to have rope gear set up together for tech rescue calls, such as rope/confined space/trench. A helmet, gloves, field guide and a buff are needed to protect against elements such as UV and bugs (see image 1). For cold weather, keep extras of everything. At the bare minimum, have an extra shirt, socks, flash hood and pair of structural fire fighting gloves for those long nights at a call. When it comes to extrication, my tool chest is significant, as it can apply to many different functions; therefore, I put this cache of equipment in a small tool that fits easily into my turnout pants pocket. Some of my key items are a small pry bar, a 10 mm wrench for 12v battery disconnects, and
a small screwdriver for accessing and enabling most vehicle shift locks so we can put them into and out of gear without vehicle power (see image 2).
Now that I’ve discussed some different tools for your varying disciplines, let’s finish up by talking a little about transport. The assumption that I will need to have every tool for all situations is not realistic and will only add weight and confusion. I suggest breaking your gear down into a personalized and organized kit for specific uses so you can adjust quickly while en route to a call. In my smaller pouches, I break it down into two different sections. The first one has two pieces of tubular webbing and two carabiners. This never leaves my side pocket, no matter what type of call. I keep spring-loaded wire cutters and a
Image 1.
Image 2.
couple of wedges in that same left-side pocket (left for life). The other smaller pouch is where I keep my tools required for auto ex, man and machine, and other heavy rescue calls (see image 3).
While this may seem like a lot—you’re probably right— it could be worse. Ultimately, what you need to carry will depend on your needs and the types of calls you run in your area.
However, the one constant you must stress is how to organize these different disciplines into one easily accessible bag on the truck. Any tactical bag or large tool pouch will suffice to properly allow you to choose the right tools for the call you are re -
sponding to.
All in all, you have to make it work for you and the types of responses you will be attending. Every year, we learn new tricks of the trade from members we work with, classes or articles like this. As mentioned earlier, these suggestions are merely that.
If you have something that works for you, don’t throw it aside and definitely don’t keep it a secret. Please keep spreading the word in this great network; we have to help one another. Be mindful of your personal tool list, as it can grow and become overwhelmingly heavy and unrealistic.
So, take some time, get out there, and audit your carryon.
Image 3.
CANADIAN FIREFIGHTER
Jasper Wildfire Complex
How preparedness saved lives
By Brittani Schroeder
It was late afternoon, approaching early evening on July 22, 2024, and members of the Jasper Fire Department (JFD) were returning home after their shift. They were starting to unwind, but it wasn’t long before they learned their day wasn’t over quite yet.
Calls came in that a fire had been reported on the northeast side of town near the Jasper Transfer Station. Parks Canada was already responding but called the JFD for assistance. They responded with Type 6 engines and additional personnel, believing it was a typical brush fire.
A game plan was implemented to action the fire towards the north. Visibility was worsening; the highway was closed due to the smoke, and personnel were pulled back to the road as the fire grew.
As a new plan was being created, news came across the Parks Canada radio system that another fire—possibly more than one— was spotted south of Jasper.
“It was a bit of a shock learning from the chopper that there were multiple fire starts south of town,” said Fire Chief Mathew Conte. The JFD and Parks Canada teams continued fighting the north fire while making moves to evacuate the Snaring Campground.
The southern fires were growing at an alarming rate—up to 100 hectares in under one hour. Pushed by 20- to 30-kilometre gusts, the three fires combined to create a giant inferno.
At this point, Conte pulled his units back to the JFD station to prepare the town for what would soon be known as the Jasper Wildfire Complex while Parks Canada continued attacking the north and south fires.
As his team got organized, Conte, who also serves as Jasper’s director of emergency management, moved to the Parks Canada compound to meet with senior Parks Canada fire and administration officials and Jasper’s director of protective and legislative services. The incident management team (IMT) held crucial conversations about intel on the growing fires, resource availability, and the state of local emergency declarations. Evacuation alerts were initiated immediately.
The JFD consists of three full-time mem-
bers—including Fire Chief Mathew Conte and Deputy Fire Chief Don Smith—along with a contracted Captain of Training and Fire Prevention, Kelly Dawson, and 25 volunteer firefighters. These members immediately began working on the town, strengthening and protecting Jasper’s critical infrastructure, including the cell tower, hospital, fire station, wastewater treatment plant and more. At the same time, evacuation alerts went out, followed quickly by evacuation orders.
“Everyone, from our JFD members to Parks Canada crews, started actioning our tactical wildfire plan,” said Conte. “Parks Canada members were working on evacuating the outline commercial accommodations
and campgrounds while JFD members got started on sprinkler protection on the critical infrastructure.”
Members of all crews had minimal downtime in the first week of the fire. Most were attacking the fire for 14 to 16 hours a day, only breaking at night when Parks Canada does not allow fire fighting efforts due to safety precautions. By July 27, approximately 250 wildland structural personnel from across Alberta had arrived in Jasper, and hundreds more from across Canada, Australia and South Africa arrived on July 28.
Preparation pays off
When attacking the Jasper Wildfire Complex, the JFD utilized its structural protection unit trailers to protect the town’s critical infrastructure through sprinkler systems. In addition, six skid packages are installed yearround on the department’s pickup trucks to convert them into Type 6 engines. When
needed, the department has spare packages loaded into the back of municipal trucks in the operation department.
When Conte became chief in 2021, one of his main objectives was to review all the plans in place and update them where needed, with the help of key stakeholders and partners. The evacuation routes, the Emergency Support Services and the Municipal Emergency plans were updated in 2022, greatly aiding members during this incident.
One of JFD’s projects in 2023 was working with a consultant to review and update the department’s tactical wildfire plan. The team started implementing some of the changes in Spring 2024.
“One of the key changes was to look at wet lines around the town’s perimeter. Phase one included purchasing almost a kilometre of hose and other appliances like high-volume sprinklers. We had just finished converting a trailer to a sprinkler/wetline protection
trailer in April and started training our members on how to use it. So, by the time the wildfire started in July, we could immediately implement this new part of our tactical wildfire plan,” shared Conte.
Once JFD had identified the net resources in town, several crews went to work in different zones on critical infrastructure, and a separate crew worked to set up a protection line.
A project that has been worked on since the early 2000s is the fuel management and reduction program. Working in collaboration with Parks Canada, JFD is actively identifying areas around the municipality where fuel loads can be lightened by removing pine and spruce trees. This way, a barrier and fire break lay between the forest and the town.
Wildfire Warriors Deserve The Best Drafting Equipment Available
“Forest management is an expensive process, so it’s important for all levels of government to help with funding to better protect and prepare communities,” said Conte. eaving come reliable with weeds, sand, & even ideal for oatation y minute counts
The mental toll
Wildfires were ravaging California at the time of this interview, which evoked many memories of what happened in Jasper last summer.
“What happened in California was a triggering event for our members, incident management team and residents. We know what they were going through,” shared Conte. “Mental health takes a pretty big toll; it did last summer, and it still does today.”
Throughout the event, everyone from the JFD to the IMT, Alberta Wildfire, and Parks Canada had access to mental health professionals, and Conte said they are continuing to support members.
Moving forward
The Town of Jasper was officially reopened to tourists in Sep. 2024. “Tourism is such a large part of our community. Even though we were still grieving the loss of parts of our town and efforts to put it back together are still ongoing,
we needed to bring everyone back in,” shared Conte. He felt the same about his members and moving forward with training and planning for whatever comes next. “We don’t have the luxury of stopping.”
Though the after-action process is ongoing, an initial takeaway is that early resourcing and fire prediction and modelling data should be updated. Conte hopes to examine the resource ordering system and how the JFD integrates with the province through its wildland urban interface deployment program.
Other key lessons include training. “We spend a lot of time with our crews on wildland urban interface training through the province and in-house, but there is definitely room to grow in those areas,” Conte explained.
Regarding emergency management, the JFD is in constant communication with Parks Canada to ensure everyone is better prepared for the next emergency. This includes joint training exercises and mock scenarios so that
all crews are on the same page. He also wants all JFD members to be familiar with the emergency plans. By knowing the plans backwards and forwards, members can operate without delay in implementing them and share them with extra personnel who come in to help from other communities.
The JFD continues to work with a consultant to develop the wildfire mitigation strategy focusing on the fuel reduction and maintenance schedule for those areas. It should be in place by Summer 2025.
The department is also hiring a fourth full-time position—a captain focusing on fire prevention. This will increase the JFD’s capacity to go out into the community to better prepare and be fire smart.
Conte concluded, “Every year, the forest is a hazard, and we just have to keep moving forward. There will always be something to learn from these kinds of events that will help us change and adapt for the future.”
Psychological PPE
By James Rychard
Understanding fire service culture: Power Distance Index and leadership styles
When we strive to understand culture within the fire service, it’s important to consider both internal and external influences to gain a comprehensive understanding. It’s not just about the unique emergency operations that fire services encounter and how they are managed, but also the non-emergency situations. We must examine two elements: the Power Distance Index (PDI), a concept used in cross-cultural psychology, and the three leadership styles.
PDI is one of several cultural dimensions postulated by Dr. Geert Hofstede, professor of organizational anthropology and international management at the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands. If you have read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success, you’ve stumbled across PDI. Although Gladwell wrote about PDI in his book to help explain why airplanes crash, there is a correlation between the fire service industry and the aviation industry: an explanation of how people in different cultures respect and value authority. Given that the fire service is paramilitary and hierarchical with differing cultures throughout, it’s fitting to explore further.
While working with IBM, Hofstede researched and collected data from more than 70 countries over four decades, examining what drove people apart when cooperation was necessary. The study originated in
the early 1960s when his “job was to travel the globe and interview employees, asking about how people solved problems and how they worked together and what their attitudes were to authority.”2
Today, his mountain of data has been transformed into Hofstede’s Dimensions; one of these dimensions, PDI, could help explain why some fire departments thrive and others do not.
When a culture expects subordinates to respect the directives of their superiors, it is said to have a high PDI. In the fire service, particularly during emergency situations, it is essential for firefighters and fire officers not to question the directives of the incident commander (IC) in order to effectively manage the situation. This practice not only ensures that all functions assigned to the incident are prioritized but also contributes to the overall safety of the scene itself.
The only caveat arises when safety concerns emerge; it is crucial that any new information is promptly communicated to the IC immediately to maintain
the integrity of the scene’s operations. The IC, regarded as the most knowledgeable on scene, serves as the authority figure; adherence to their directives is essential for effective situation management. This is why high PDI is necessary in emergency situations.
The success of emergency management is primarily reliant on the authority figure’s ability to provide direction, discipline and division of labour. Conversely, in situations that do not necessitate an authority figure for compliance or cooperation, the group flourishes as individual strengths are harnessed, enhancing the career well-being of firefighters and fire officers. Therefore, a low PDI proves advantageous.
According to the NFPA textbook Fire Officer: Principles and Practice, “It is still recognized that a rigid command and control process is required at emergency scenes – however, for a department to be successful today, employee empowerment, decentralized decision-making, and delegation in non-emergency
activities are required.”4
Dr. Ron Friedman, author of Great Place to Work, wrote in his second book, Decoding Greatness, that “…all humans – regardless of their age, gender, or culture –are born with three basic psychological needs: the need for belonging, autonomy, and competence.”3
This implies that to maximize the effectiveness of firefighters during non-emergency times, they must know and feel that they are valued and trusted for the work they can accomplish without micromanagement, allowing them to succeed and grow while at work.
While a high PDI is advantageous in high-pressure situations where life and safety are critical, a low PDI fosters the sharing of dissenting information, respectful disagreement, and assertiveness—creating an environment where no single individual solely determines the course of problem-solving.
We’ve examined culture, specifically its Power Distance index, to help explain how firefighters and fire officers value and respect authority. Now, we need to turn to leadership styles to examine how the culture can function.
Kurt Lewin, who created the Research Centre for Group Dynamics, believed behaviour is caused by the interaction of the environment and individuals’ traits. He focused his work on the study of groups and how they affect individual behaviour. Lewin postulated the three styles of leadership: authoritarian or
Adapting your leadership approach to fit the situation at hand is key to getting the most out of your team.
autocratic, democratic or participative and laissez-faire or delegative.
An authoritative leadership style involves providing clear expectations about what needs to be done, when it should be completed, and how it should be achieved1. For the fire service, when in an emergency situation with high stakes, this is a necessary leadership style. However, it does not foster creativity; in fact, it stifles it.
The second leadership style is a hands-off approach, allowing the group to make decisions: laissez-faire. Lewin found that when group members are highly qualified in specific areas, this approach can be effective. However, research revealed that
group members demanded more from the leader, resulting in decreased overall cooperation.
Although it might appear that most people strive to be democratic leaders, when pressure is looming, such as a project or initiative that needs completion, a person might resort to one of two other styles. Research has demonstrated that when in a reactive state, people lose the ability to think clearly and resort to what’s comfortable: dictating or taking a hands-off approach.
Nonetheless, the democratic leadership style is the most effective of the three. While research found that productivity was not as high as it was for authoritarian leaders, the quality of the work was significantly better. The
group members understand that the final decision lies with the leader but are more engaged and motivated because they were invited to be a part of the process, making their contributions part of the final product.1
The basic organizational structure for fire departments has remained unchanged for three centuries. Yet, to improve the fire service, the traditionally paramilitary structure needs to be reevaluated, incorporating unconventional practices and studies with the conventional. That means introducing best practices and studying other disciplines, such as psychology. If the fire service wants to improve its culture to make it safer and healthier, then examining PDI and
leadership styles together will create both short-term and longterm value.
References
1. Kleinman, P. (2012). Psych 101: A Crash Course in the Science of Mind. Adams Media.
2. Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success Little, Brown and Company.
3. Friedman, R. (2021).Decoding Greatness: The Hidden Strategy for Achieving Extraordinary Success. Simon & Schuster UK.
4. Ward, M. (2021). Fire Officer: Principles and Practice by IAFC and NFPA. NFPA and IAFC.
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.
Big weapons for offensive and defensive firefighting
Most engines and pumpers are equipped with a deck gun and/or a ground monitor for defensive operations. A defensive operation occurs when significant fire is present within a structure, making any interior operations impossible.
When taking a defensive position, large amounts of water must be discharged from the nozzles of a deck gun or ground monitor. This same large amount of water, starting at 500 gallons per minute, can also be utilized for interior operations when mounting an offensive attack. Discharging large volumes of water will assist with interior operations when faced with high or large fire loads or deep-seated fires in large areas.
In photo 1, we can see a commercial building with a fire burning both inside and outside. The large fire volume was significant enough to declare a defensive operation upon arrival. Once the fire was knocked down and suppressed enough, an interior operation took place to continue suppressing it. A switch to an offensive mode was indicated, and crews entered to continue knocking down the fire.
The crews were ordered to take in a 45mm handline along with the 65mm supplied rapid attack ground monitor. The monitor is very versatile, allowing one or two firefighters to advance it inside a structure and deliver large volumes of water.
One advantage of the rapid attack monitor is that it rests on the ground when water is flowing. To position it, the firefighter must lift and move it, potentially with the assistance of another firefighter managing the hose, or they can collapse the support legs, turn the monitor on its side, and drag it by the strap. Once in position, the legs can be extended, placed down, opened, and water can flow – as shown in photo 2 (inside the structure).
With the rapid attack monitor on the ground, the nozzle reaction produced will not be directed against the firefighter but rather to the ground. This allows one firefighter to be effective and effi-
cient with a large caliber stream. Inside a building, the stream’s reach allows for deep penetration of water to the fire, significant cooling of the surfaces, and ample water for fire suppression. If there is a need to clear drop ceiling tiles to check above the fire room, the stream’s power can easily blow away the tiles and expose the upper ceiling area.
The rapid attack monitor also allows for the extension of the hose line to a smaller or equally sized hose. The nozzle tips can be removed along with the stream shaper, with either an adaptor screwed on to reduce to a 38mm hose coupling or a gated wye attached to accommodate two
hose lines, or additional sections of 65mm hose can be threaded on to extend the operation if necessary. The rapid attack monitor will then function as a gate valve or control valve; once the valve is opened and water is flowing, it will not shut off unless manually closed by a firefighter.
When the monitor detects any movement, the nozzle is directed upward to direct the nozzle reaction forces down to the monitor body. The forces are then transmitted to the ground, keeping the monitor in place. This allows the ground monitor to be unmanned if necessary.
For these types of monitors to be utilized in operations with quick deployment, they must be set up on the engine or pumper with convenient access for the firefighter, pre-connected to the pump discharge with sufficient supply hose attached for at least 30m. If an additional supply line is required, extra sections can be added to the initial deployment before the ground monitor is charged with water.
The rapid attack monitor can be mounted to the outside of the fire truck’s body or placed on top of the hose bed, which sits on top of the supply hose it needs.
Audit the engine or pumper in your station to see if it is set up and combat-ready for rapid deployment of ground monitors like the one pictured in photo 2. If it is, then train on deploying the monitor with one firefighter. If it is not set up for quick deployment, do what you can to educate for the change.
Photo 1.
Photo 2.
EFLARE electronic road flares are intrinsically safe, waterproof and nontoxic. Designed to warn workers of dangerous areas. Sets up in seconds
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.
✓ REDUCED HEALTH RISK
✓ SAVES TIME 2/PKS IN 8 MIN ✓ EASY TO USE ✓ 5 YEAR WARRANTY
Qualified by MSA, SCOTT, DRAEGER & INTERSPIRO for cleaning their SCBAs.
WASH/DECON TWO SCBAs
In 8 minutes. Also cleans, boots, gloves Aand helmets.
CANADIAN SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS PROUD TO BE A DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE INTERSPIRO RESPIRATORY PROTECTION LINE. THEIR STATE OF THE ART S9 INCURVE IS ONE OF THE MOST COMFORTABLE SCBAs YOU WILL EVER WEAR.
GIVE US A CALL AT 0182 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@CDNSAFETY. COM
No company has a richer history in respiratory protection than Interspiro. Their innovations have become industry standards, time and time again.
With the FirePRO Series, outfitting every firefighter with a costeffective, lightweight thermal camera has never been easier or more economical. The FirePRO 300 boasts a high-resolution sensor of 320 x 240, while the FirePRO 200 offers a robust 200 x 150 sensor resolution. Both enable firefighters to regain their bearings in challenging, low-visibility conditions.
AttackPRO™ Series cameras are the decision-making weapons of choice for captains and commanding officers. Designed for simplicity and durability, AttackPRO and AttackPRO+ deliver superior image performance and are built to withstand drops and extreme temperatures. Find the seat of the fire, direct primary search crews, and effectively attack the fire with enhanced clarity and detailed colorization.
AttackPRO+ is everything you love about AttackPRO but with the NFPA 1801-2021 certification.
AttackPRO's Mixed Gain mode allows firefighters to see detail in the hottest and coolest regions of the scene at the same time without freezing and switching modes. Mixed Gain simplifies and improves thermal imaging for the fire service.
By Jason Clark
Directing decision-making with Standard Operating Guidelines Front Seat
Ilove to cook. Come dinner time, you can probably catch me outside throwing something on my barbecue grill or smoker. When cooking, I use many apps and recipes to get an idea of where I am starting. It isn’t anything special; I read a set of instructions before carrying out the process, using the correct measurements, maintaining the right temperatures, and following the steps within the recipe. It’s kind of like having a set of guidelines and procedures.
Every fire service should have a set of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs), and most services I have worked with have a pretty good grasp of their foundation and how those guidelines apply to everyday fire scenes.
I use our SOGs as a solid base and then supplement that foundation with information from various resources. Just like when I cook, I start with the basic recipe but might decide to kick it up a notch, utilize something we have in the pantry or try to make it my own.
Having a plan allows you to bring multiple systems together to work for you when dealing with large scenes during the initial response before a chief officer arrives and assumes command.
Without delving too deeply into the legislation surrounding it all, a competent supervisor must possess the knowledge, training and experience necessary to fulfill their obligations. As a company officer, your fire service has assigned you this supervisory role. We oversee work performed in a wide range of circumstances and situations, some of which can be hazardous. Newly appointed company officers must grasp the seriousness of their responsibilities as they change their helmet colour and step into their new supervisory position.
Learning your SOGs is a daunting task. But when it comes to firefighter safety, your SOGs should help you in your decision-mak-
or
ing process. If you’re a new company officer, those decisions will be tactical choices within your crew.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) calls make up a significant percentage of our call volume. While a solid percentage of CO calls are investigated and found to be caused by a faulty alarm, we tend to see one or two a year where the reading is above the threshold. Because I know my department’s SOG on CO responses, it eliminates the guesswork regarding how my crew and I enter the house. As a standard guideline, during any CO or alarm investigation calls, my crew and I go in wearing our personal protective equipment and, additionally, our breathing apparatus. As a young firefighter, I was told that it’s easier to take something back to the truck when you don’t need it rather than retrieve it from the truck because you “forgot” to bring it.
During one such call, one of my firefighters brought the gas detector to the front door of a house where a carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. His instinct was to hand the device to me so I could use it, but I thought it was a
Jason Clark has been a volunteer firefighter in southwestern Ontario since 2007. Having made the transition from firefighter to captain, Jason shares perspectives on roles in the fire service and riding in the front seat. Contact Jason at jaceclark71@gmail.com
Utilizing Standard Operating Guidelines on the fire ground allows you to build a strong response foundation and keep your team safe.
Patented Ventilated 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Triple Trim (Lime-Yellow/Silver or Red/Silver)
Optional custom name or ID lettering available
Numeric Sizes: 34”-66” Coats and 28”-64” Pants
Lightweight, breathable, and durable Sigma™ and Westex® DH Rip Twill fabric options offer excellent moisture-wicking properties
Available in Tan, Black, Yellow, Red and Navy (Depending on fabric option)
Recipe rescue
By Patrick Mathieu
Low and slow: The best braising methods for perfectly tender meat
If winter had a scent, it would be the smell of a piping-hot stew. What could be more comforting than a fragrant, hearty sauce enveloping tender morsels of meat? A successful braised dish is hard to beat for staying cozy during the winter months.
A favourite both at home and in the firehouse, here are a couple of secrets to mastering one of my favourite cooking techniques: the braise.
What is braising?
Braising is a technique used to cook tougher cuts of meat, such as shoulder, shank and brisket. The method is straightforward: once it’s been nicely browned in fat, the meat is cooked in a covered pot with some liquid (whether it’s stock, wine or water) until it becomes tender enough to fall apart under the light pressure of a fork.
The name of the technique originates from the French word “braiser,” which refers to the original method of cooking meat in a covered vessel set on a bed of glowing hot coals (braises). Today, braising generally refers to cooking any dish—meat or vegetables—by simmering it in a small amount of liquid over low heat in a covered pot.
How does braising tenderize meat?
Braising breaks down collagen, an elastic connective tissue present in all muscles to varying degrees. Acting like a thin translucent sheath, collagen envelops muscle fibres, providing structure and support. The more strenuous a muscle’s activity, the more collagen it requires to function effectively. Raw, tough cuts of meat are nearly impossible to chew because collagen binds muscle fibres together in tight bundles.
Cooking breaks down elastic collagen, transforming it into soft, melt-in-your-mouth gelatin. Without their elastic sheaths, the
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_
fibre bundles literally fall apart, leading to fork-tender meat. The newly formed gelatin melts into the sauce, adding a velvety, mouth-coating richness to the braising liquid.
Braising three ways
Converting collagen into gelatin takes time. How much time? It’s all about heat: the higher the temperature, the quicker collagen breaks down. Depending on the cooking method you choose, you can have a pot of stew ready to serve in as little as 15 minutes or up to eight hours. Just remember that speed can have consequences; higher cooking temperatures extract more juice from the meat, as the proteins in the muscle fibres coagulate, leading to dryness. When it comes to braising, low and slow is the best approach.
1. Thirty minutes in the pressure cooker
While pressure cooking is not technically classified as a braising method due to its high temperature, it is undeniably a quick and convenient way to tenderize meat. In a pressure cooker, temperatures reach about 250°F (120°C), significantly exceeding the typical boiling point. Consequently, collagen breaks down rapidly into its gelatinous form.
The cooking time varies depending on the cut and size of the meat. For example, stewing cubes become tender in just 15 minutes— ideal for a quick weeknight meal! In contrast, a large pot roast may be ready in as little as 45 minutes. Although pressure cooking is certainly a time saver, it often results in meat that can be dry and stringy, as it loses a substantial amount of its juices at this high temperature.
2. Three hours in the oven or on the stove
Meat can be simmered in a covered French or Dutch oven, whether in the oven or on the stovetop. Ideally, the temperature should be
Braised Short Ribs
INGREDIENTS
4 pounds bone-in short ribs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ribs celery, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dry red wine
1 ½ cups beef stock
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
EQUIPMENT
Dutch Oven
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 300°F. Season beef with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch Oven over mediumhigh heat. Working in batches, add beef and cook until evenly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes; set aside. Drain excess fat, reserving 2 tablespoons in the Dutch oven.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about five to seven minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Dust everything with flour, stir, and continue to cook for about three minutes.
Stir in wine, beef stock and balsamic vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer. Top with beef, bone-side up.
Place into oven, covered, and bake until beef is fork-tender, about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Set beef aside; keep warm.
Skim any remaining fat from surface and discard. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve beef with juices immediately with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
maintained just below boiling, between 185°F (85°C) and 195°F (90°C). At this temperature range, the collagen will require two to three hours to soften, based on the size of your cut.
To achieve the best results, avoid allowing the braising liquid to boil; set your burner to the lowest setting (the liquid should be at a gentle simmer), or braise in a slow oven preheated to between 275°F (135°C) and 300°F (150°C). The outcome is moist, tender meat, but it requires patience, as you’ll need to double the cooking time. Select a cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid to minimize liquid evaporation.
3. Six to eight hours in the slow cooker
Slow cookers are the most practical, handsoff way to braise meat, and they deliver tender, succulent pieces every time. How is this achieved? By cooking low and slow. The temperature in a slow cooker rarely exceeds 170°F (75°C) to 175°F (80°C). Thanks to this gentle heat, the meat retains more of its juices than with the previous two methods. At these low cooking temperatures, collagen takes six to eight hours to soften, so be sure to use the longest cycle on your slow cooker.
Four tips for a successful meat braise
1. Brown your meat
Quickly searing your meat first will produce a darker, richer, and more savoury sauce. Browning occurs when the meat’s naturally occurring sugars and proteins are exposed to high heat. This chemical reaction is known as the Maillard reaction, and it gives meat a wonderful roasted flavour. Make sure to sear in batches so as not to overcrowd the pot.
2. Gauge your liquid
Using too much liquid will dilute the flavour of your stew, resulting in a sauce that lacks both body and taste. Remember that the meat will release approximately one third of its weight as fat and juices into the braising liquid while it cooks. Add just enough liquid to reach halfway up the meat, no more.
3. Check it often, avoid overcooking
Whatever your cooking method, you will know the meat is ready when a fork easily
slips in and out and it pulls apart without resistance. This is a sign that the collagen has turned into gelatin and the muscle fibres are no longer bound together. Check the meat periodically throughout. Is it tough? Continue to cook. Is it tender? Remove it from the heat to prevent it from overcooking and drying out.
4. Keep it saucy
Braised meat loses a significant amount of its juices during cooking and can dry out and become stringy when exposed to air. To prevent this issue, store the meat in its cooking liquid. Keep in mind that braised dishes often taste better the next day, as the meat will reabsorb some of the liquid while cooling.
From hire to retire
By Arjuna George
Arjuna 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.
Essential conversations for families of new firefighters
Joining the fire service is an extraordinary journey filled with purpose, learning and a deep desire to serve.
But, the fire service isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle with unique challenges and rewards. Preparing your family for what lies ahead is essential. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed many exceptional firefighters struggle with family dynamics, some facing divorce or fractured relationships. Others reluctantly left the service they cherished because they hadn’t fully included their families in decision-making. My journey reflects the importance of family involvement. I contemplated volunteering for over a year, engaging in deep discussions with my wife as we weighed the pros and cons of serving while building a family and maintaining a healthy relationship. After careful consideration, we decided together it was the right time. The rest, as they say, is history.
Five must-have conversations when joining the fire service
Understanding the commitment Becoming a firefighter requires significant time and energy. Families need to understand the unpredictability of the schedule, the long hours and the physical and emotional demands. Explain to your loved ones:
• What schedules will look like.
• How these demands will impact routines and your availability.
The emotional rollercoaster Firefighters witness traumatic events that can take a toll on mental health. Talk with your family about:
• The importance of mental health and emotional resilience.
• How you will communicate and seek support when needed.
• Resources like counselling or peer support networks that are available for firefighters and their families.
Safety on the job
Fire fighting comes with inherent risks, which can be a source of anxiety for families. Be transparent about:
• Safety protocols and training that prioritize your protection.
• The steps you take to reduce risks to help them feel more comfortable.
Family expectations and support
Open communication about what you need from your family can prevent misunderstandings and foster teamwork. Discuss:
• How can they support your career (e.g., scheduling flexibility, understanding the need for decompression time)?
• How you’ll balance family life and fire service responsibilities.
The community aspect
The fire service is like a second family. Share with your loved ones:
• The camaraderie and support you’ll experience within your department.
• Opportunities to connect with other firefighter families.
Becoming a firefighter is a team effort, and that team starts at home.
The fire service’s role in supporting families
The fire service has a critical responsibility to support firefighters and their families. Building a culture of inclusivity and understanding helps create a more sustainable career for firefighters and fosters a sense of belonging for their loved ones. Here are a few ways fire departments can step up:
Family orientation programs
Recruits’ families often have questions and concerns. Departments can host orientation sessions to provide an overview of what to expect and connect families with support.
Ongoing family events
Family events, from BBQs to holiday parties, are fantastic ways to welcome and include loved ones. These gatherings strengthen relationships within the department and allow families to bond over shared experiences.
Counselling and support services
Departments should educate firefighters and their families and provide them access to counselling and peer support programs. Spouses and children benefit from understanding and managing the stressors of having a loved one in emergency services.
Acknowledging sacrifices
Firefighter families sacrifice a great deal to support their loved ones. Departments can show appreciation by recognizing families during milestones and ensuring families feel valued as part of the department’s extended community.
Creating a welcoming culture
The fire service is often called a “brotherhood” or “sisterhood,” but extending that sense of belonging to families strengthens the entire department. Welcoming families into the fold helps reduce many spouses’ or children’s isolation when their loved one is called away at 2 a.m. for a car crash or misses a vital family event due to duty.
Becoming a firefighter is a team effort, and that team starts at home. Having open, honest conversations with your family and fostering mutual understanding sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. At the same time, the fire service must embrace its role in supporting families, creating a culture that values and uplifts the loved ones who make this noble profession possible. Together, we can ensure that every firefighter—and their family— thrives on this incredible journey.
The MARK-3® Watson Edition honors the time-tested reliability of the original MARK-3® high-pressure pump while incorporating advanced technology to meet today’s demands. Lightweight, powerful, and dependable, it’s the pump that firefighters trust to perform when it matters most. The legacy continues with innovation that sets new standards in wildland firefighting.
