Category Archives: Featured

WOTF Free 9/8/26 Bay County FL

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Join Chief Ike for a Water On The Fire Seminar in Bay County, Florida, on September 8th from 08:00 to 17:00.

This FREE event is a must-attend for everyone who responds to fires, serve as a chief officer at any fire department level, makes staffing decisions, and much more.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Deputy Chief Isakson and network with other industry experts.

Reserve your spot today by emailing Bay County Fire, Chief of Professional Standards, Chief Justin Busch at jbusch@baycountyfl.gov.

New Book Must Read from Chief Dennis Reilly

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Purchase Your Copy Here

Exciting news, everyone! We’re thrilled to announce the release of Team + Work = Success, the latest leadership book by Chief Dennis Reilly! As a US Army war veteran and seasoned Fire Chief, Chief Reilly has seen it all – from the battlefield to the fireground. He’s here to share his proven formula for building high-performing teams that will take your firehouse to the next level!

In his book, Chief Reilly dives deep into the importance of teamwork in the fire service. He emphasizes that a high-functioning firehouse is crucial for operational success. If your crew is cohesive and skilled, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. But if you’re stuck in a dysfunctional environment? Well, let’s just say luck won’t be on your side!

So, whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this book is packed with actionable insights that will help you create a culture of teamwork and excellence. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from someone who’s been in the trenches and knows what it takes to succeed! Grab your copy today and start transforming your team!

https://www.firefighterbookclub.com/product-page/team-work-success

HROC International, Only 100 Spots Remaining, Pensacola Beach Florida Nov ‘26

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Time is running out! Only 100 spots remain for the International High Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) happening from November 9 – 13, 2026, at the stunning Hilton Pensacola Beach.

REGISTER NOW
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This is your chance to immerse yourself in an unparalleled learning experience that combines intense research with practical applications in high-rise firefighting. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and be part of a transformative event that could change the way you approach your work!

At IHROC 2026, you’ll dive deep into the science of firefighting with hands-on evaluations of vertical water movement, wind-impacted fire behavior, and the physics of the hallway stretch. This isn’t just another conference; it’s an opportunity to gather data that could save lives.

Your performance will contribute to vital research that shapes the future of our profession. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by fellow passionate professionals who understand the challenges and triumphs of the fire service.

As the sun sets over Pensacola Beach, the networking opportunities will be just as intense. Join us for nightly socials where you can connect with international instructors and colleagues, share experiences, and forge relationships that last a lifetime.

With the discounted room block at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, you’ll be right in the heart of the action. Use code WOTF for your discount! Don’t miss out—register now and be part of something extraordinary!

#IHROC2026 #FireService #HighRiseOperations #Networking #FirefighterTraining #Brotherhood #PensacolaBeach #ItsWorthTheRisk

Now Hiring Bay County Fire Rescue Florida – Share Today !!!

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Come join Bay County Emergency Services – Fire Rescue Division !!!

Under new leadership, big things happening in Bay County, Share, Share, Share !!!

Learn More Here, Now Recruiting Firefighter Medic, Firefighter EMT, and Paramedic.

https://short.fo/about-bay-co-fire-rescue

https://short.fo/now-hiring-bay-co-fire-rescue

High-Rise Fires Know No Borders Nor Should Training Nov ’26 FL USA

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There is nothing foreign about high-rise firefighting. We all must go up and hook up.

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Recent high-rise fires in Spain, Hong Kong, New York, New Jersey, and Pakistan remind us that the challenges facing firefighters are remarkably similar no matter where the alarm sounds. Different building codes, different languages, and different fire departments all face many of the same operational problems: smoke migration, difficult evacuations, stairwell operations, standpipe systems, occupant accountability, and resource management. There is nothing foreign about high-rise firefighting. We all must go up and hook up.

A recent office tower fire in Madrid forced hundreds of occupants to evacuate through protected stairwells while firefighters battled smoke conditions far beyond the actual fire floor. In Hong Kong, investigators continue examining how construction features and building systems contributed to a deadly residential fire. Fires in Atlantic City and the Bronx highlighted familiar problems involving older buildings, difficult rescues, upper-floor access, and vulnerable occupants. A commercial building fire in Karachi reinforced the importance of building maintenance, exit access, and smoke control. The locations may differ, but the lessons remain the same.

By am730 – YouTube: 大埔宏福苑五級火 蔓延7幢樓宇　至少13死28傷一消防殉職

High-rise fires rarely become simple fire attack problems. They quickly evolve into rescue operations, evacuation operations, and command challenges occurring simultaneously. Smoke often creates more victims than fire. Stairwells become both lifelines and operational bottlenecks. Occupants may be trapped above the fire, while crews struggle with access, communications, water supply, and accountability. These are challenges that every firefighter, company officer, and chief officer must prepare to face.

That is exactly why the International High Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) exists. Scheduled for November 2026 in Pensacola Beach, Florida, IHROC brings together firefighters and fire officers from around the world to study high-rise operations through realistic training, operational evaluations, and evidence-based discussions. The conference focuses on the problems firefighters actually encounter inside tall buildings, including standpipe operations, stairwell management, vertical hose stretches, command decision-making, building systems, and firefighter performance.

Many departments respond to relatively few high-rise fires, yet when these incidents occur they become some of the most complex and resource-intensive events the fire service faces. The next major high-rise fire may occur in a modern office tower, an older residential building, a hotel, a healthcare facility, or a mixed-use occupancy. Regardless of the occupancy type, firefighters must understand the building, the fire, the occupants, and the operational challenges that develop as companies move higher into the structure.

IHROC recognizes that no single department has all the answers. Firefighters in New York, Madrid, Hong Kong, Karachi, and Florida all confront many of the same problems. Sharing those experiences improves tactics, strengthens decision-making, and helps firefighters prepare for incidents that may occur in their own response areas. The conference creates an opportunity to exchange ideas, evaluate operational performance, and learn from firefighters who have faced these challenges firsthand.

The recent fires highlighted in our daily brief serve as reminders that high-rise incidents remain one of the most demanding environments in the fire service. Smoke still moves the same way. Stairwells still determine survivability. Building systems still influence outcomes. Firefighters still carry equipment upward, stretch hose, search for occupants, and make difficult decisions under pressure.

There is nothing foreign about high-rise firefighting. The buildings may change, the languages may change, and the cities may change, but the mission remains the same. Firefighters everywhere continue to go up and hook up.

Join firefighters, company officers, chief officers, instructors, and high-rise specialists from around the world at the International High Rise Operations Conference in Pensacola Beach, Florida. Because the next lesson may come from another country, and the next high-rise fire may happen in your district.

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Press Release IHROC International High Rise Operations Conference

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IHROC Announces Five-Day Research-Driven Event Nov 9–13, 2026

Pensacola Beach, Florida — The International High-Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) is pleased to announce a five-day, research-focused training program scheduled for November 9–13, 2026. Delivered in partnership with County Fire Tactics, the event will bring together firefighters, instructors, researchers, and incident commanders from across North America and abroad.
 
The aim is to advance the global understanding of high-rise firefighting operations through structured education, rigorous, timed evaluations, and comprehensive data analysis.
The 2026 program is designed to address the increasing complexity of high-rise buildings and the operational challenges that accompany them. Over the course of five days, IHROC will lead one of the most extensive performance studies to date, capturing measurable data across twelve critical high-rise operational challenges.
 

A Research-Driven Approach to High-Rise Operations

Participants will engage in an integrated training and research environment that includes:
  • Classroom Instruction exploring fire dynamics, deployment models, situational factors, and operational science.
  • Hands-On Circuit Training featuring WET and DRY evolutions across twelve scenario-specific challenges.
  • Timed Task Evaluations examining standpipe operations, vertical movement, water supply, lithium-ion considerations, and wind-impacted fire behavior.
  • Improvised Standpipe Operations, including both interior and exterior coupling-drop methods.
  • Working-Group Analysis Sessions utilizing dioramas, tactical models, and international case studies to review all collected data.
The final two days are dedicated to structured analytical work that directly contributes to future tactical models, academic research, and evidence-based best practices for high-rise firefighting.
 

Participants: A Profile of Today’s Fire Service

IHROC encourages participation from firefighters of all experience levels and backgrounds, ensuring research reflects the true diversity and operational realities of the modern fire service.
A diverse attendee base provides valuable insight into how various departments and staffing configurations address high-rise operations.
 

Program Highlights

Day One — Essentials (Teams of 2)

On Day One, participants complete a WET circuit training session for all 12 scenarios, supported by foundational instruction on high-rise firefighting principles.
 

Day Two — Deployment & Tactics (Teams of 3)

On Day Two, four DRY tactical rotations focus on hallway stretches, wind-driven conditions, lithium-ion exposure protection, and smoke-control strategies.
 

Day Three — Improvised Standpipe Operations (Teams of 3)

Day Three introduces interior and exterior coupling-drop methods, cladding fire control concepts, and EV underground parking fire considerations.
 

Day Four & Day Five — Working-Group Analysis

The final two days focus on a comprehensive, data-driven review of findings. These are supported by international presentations and structured input for future operational development models.
 

Daily Media Features

  • Book Signing — Open to all participants at the conclusion of each training day.
  • Instructor Podcast — Daily sessions featuring instructional staff insights.
  • Participant Podcast — Attendees share perspectives and operational experiences from their home departments.

Registration Information

Register through CountyFireTactics.com. Participants arrange their own travel and lodging. Conference fees cover venue, equipment, consumables, and logistics for safe, effective training.
 

About IHROC

The International High-Rise Operations Conference is committed to advancing the study and practice of high-rise firefighting. Through rigorous research, operational expertise, and hands-on evaluation, IHROC seeks to enhance firefighter readiness and improve safety outcomes for both responders and building occupants. Its mission is to strengthen high-rise firefighting capabilities worldwide through a unified, evidence-based approach.

Chief Ike Weekly Scrap 350 Tonight!

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𝗜’𝗠 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧🎙️𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠❓

Looking forward to sharing some big news, real-life lessons, and a few stories from the job.

It feels GREAT to be back doing what we love — going to jobs… real fires. We are the lucky ones.

Grateful to be working alongside outstanding people at Bay County, Florida Emergency Services and the surrounding departments.

A lot is coming to the Panama City Beach area — stay tuned.

👉 Tune in tonight and join the conversation to stay in the fight‼️

https://short.fo/chief-ike-scrap-350

FDNY Roof Rope Rescues: 1991 Breakthrough to Today 

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The following is a post from FDNY Chief Frank Leeb, published May 14th, 2023 “Remembering- 5/14/1991 and The Most Daring Roof Rope Rescue.”


It is an unyielding and relentless dedication to training, preparation and teamwork that enables success on the fireground.

Be it 1991 or 2022 and the many years in between, time and time again, being ready to perform is a hallmark of the FDNY. Because when the tones drop, the time to prepare is over. Thank you Kevin Shea, Ray McCormack, Darren Harsch – the FDNY way!