Author Archive for Christopher J. Naum, SFPE
NIST Advanced Fire Service Technologies Program
Summary: This program focuses on improving the safety and effectiveness of fire fighters by enabling the effective use of existing and new technologies and tactics. Increasing the safety and effectiveness is critical to reducing fire fighter fatalities and injuries, as well as the cost of fire service. For existing and emerging technologies, performance must be […]
NIST to Conduct Technical Study on Impacts of Joplin, Mo., Tornado
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) today* said that it will conduct a full technical study on the impacts of the May 22, 2011, tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. The remains of what was once a home improvement store in Joplin, Mo., showing the destructive power of the tornado that struck the area […]
Historical Architectural Styles and Building Types
Historical Architectural Styles and Building Types A brief description of common architectural building styles 1835-1895 Vernacular Revival Vernacular is the term given to indigenous forms of building construction. Some refer to vernacular buildings built after mill-sawn lumber was available as National Style. Buildings continued to be built according to […]
Chicago Attic Fire: Firefighter Maydays, Four Injured
Four Chicago firefighters have been injured while battling a fire in the city’s West Englewood neighborhood Thursday night according to news media outlets. The fire was located within a 1-1/2 story wood frame residential occupancy in which fire suppression operations were underway. Fire companies operating within the attic area with attack lines operating, experienced rapidly […]
Statistical Reports: Firefighter Casualties
Statistical Reports: Firefighter Casualties USFA Topical Fire Report Series (link here) The National Fire Data Center’s Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and relevance […]
Statistical Reports: Nonresidential Structure Fires
Statistical Reports: Nonresidential Structure Fires USFA Topical Fire Report Series (LINK) The National Fire Data Center’s Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and relevance […]
Statistical Reports: Residential Structure Fires
Statistical Reports: Residential Structure Fires USFA Topical Fire Report Series (Link Here) The National Fire Data Center’s Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and […]
Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective
Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective The United States still has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world, but our standing has greatly improved. Falling from among the top three nations in terms of the fire death rate two decades ago, the United States now has the tenth highest fire […]
Building Knowledge = Fire Fighter Safety….where do you fit into this equation?
Modern incident demands on the fireground are unlike those of the recent past requiring incident commanders and commanding officers to have increased technical knowledge of building construction with a heightened sensitivity to fire behavior, a focus on operational structural stability and considerations related to occupancy risk versus the occupancy type. Strategies and tactics must be […]
Deployment Decisions: Defining Operations on the First-Due
First-due company operations are influenced by a number of parameters and factors; some deliberate and dictated, others prescribed and prearranged and yet others subjective, biased, predisposed or at times accidental, casual and emotional. For many of you riding the seat or arriving assuming command; you understand the connotations and implications I’m making here. Here’s an […]
The New Fire Ground and the First-Due
The most recent production of Taking it the Streets was on-line live this past Wednesday August 17th where another special program continued our series discussion on the Emerging Tactical Renaissance in the Fire Service. Taking it to the StreetsTM, radio program hosted by highly regarded national instructor, author, lecturer and fire officer Christopher Naum, continues to provide […]
Building Construction Training for Fire Service Commanders, Company Officers and Firefighters
We’ve got an advance look at some of the new training and lecture offerings coming out this fall and for 2012 that will be offered commencing in October for the Buildingsonfire Series produced and offered by the Command Institute and Buildingsonfire.com. Buildingsonfire -2012 Building Construction and Systems Training for Fire Service Commanders, Company Officers and […]
NIOSH Report addresses Operational Issues at Metal Recycling Facility Fire
NIOSH Report Issue: Seven Career Fire Fighters Injured at a Metal Recycling Facility Fire – California NIOSH Exective Summary On July 13, 2010, seven career fire fighters were injured while fighting a fire at a large commercial structure containing recyclable combustible metals. At 2345 hours, 3 engines, 2 trucks, 2 rescue ambulances, an emergency medical […]
NIOSH LODD Report Released on Fire and Collapse Which Killed Two Chicago Firefighters
NIOSH LODD Report Released on Fire and Collapse Which Killed Two Chicago Firefighters F2010-38 Two Career Fire Fighters Die and 19 Injured in Roof Collapse during Rubbish Fire at an Abandoned Commercial Structure – Illinois NIOSH Executive Summary On December 22, 2010, a 47-year-old male (Victim # 1) and a 34-year old male […]
Standpipe Systems and Operational Insights
There are some discussions emanating and emerging regarding the Medical Center Fire in Asheville, NC that claimed the life of a highly regarded Captain and injured numerous firefighters. Emerging reports are discussing water supply, standpipe operability and integrity and deployment delays affecting fire behavior, growth, intensive and operational risks during the time in which water […]
