Smart Firefighting

Why do cooking fires keep happening even when people know better? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Cooking fires remain one of the most common reasons firefighters respond to homes. In this episode, Kevin Callahan and Will Boake from Pioneering Technology Corp share what they have learned through years of working directly with fire services across North America and internationally. They discuss why unattended cooking continues to create risk in residential environments, particularly in social housing, and how engineering based solutions can stop fires before they start. Drawing on real world experience, they explain how collaboration

How many decisions do you make in seconds on the fireground, and what happens if technology slows you down? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Peter Dekkers from Teledyne FLIR talks about one idea that continues to define public safety operations: time. From interior fire attack to wide area search and wildland operations, Peter explains how thermal imaging helps first responders make faster and better decisions when every second carries weight.  He shares what’s new inside FLIR’s latest K Series fire cameras, including a major shift in responsiveness that removes image delay when moving across temperature ranges, allow

What does a farming background teach you about firefighting, risk, and resilience? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, we sit down with Sophia Curnow, a Western Australia firefighter with more than 22 years of operational experience. Sophia shares how her background in farming and land management shaped her approach to firefighting, risk reduction, and water use, along with lessons learned from incidents like Cyclone Seroja and asbestos contamination events.  The conversation explores practical technology that reduces firefighter exposure, the value of science and engineering for operational crews, and why living with fi

What happens when a building is not as safe as everyone assumed it was? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Former London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills joins the show to share what changed after Grenfell and what still needs to change now. Richard walks through the hard reality of high rise fires, including the human impact on residents, firefighters, control operators, and command staff. He explains how operational learning turned into real policy shifts, including improved procedures, better training, stronger connections between the fire ground and control, and the push for respiratory protection tools like breathing

What happens when fire leaders from around the world sit down with one shared purpose: to protect communities before disaster strikes? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell reflects on the momentum sparked by the first World Fire Congress and what it revealed about the future of global fire leadership. With 56 nations represented, the Congress was not a conference but a working conversation built on trust, accountability, and shared responsibility. The discussion highlights why collaboration across borders is essential as fire risks accelerate worldwide. Drawing from recent events in Lahaina and Los

When everything feels uncertain, what guides your decisions? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Claire Cooper shares what her research and real world experience reveal about how expert incident managers make decisions when conditions are complex and uncertain. Drawing from her PhD work on bushfire decision making and her role as Director of Strategy, Policy and Planning at Triple Zero Victoria, Claire explains why experience alone is not always enough, and how optimism bias, planning assumptions, and blind spots can quietly shape outcomes.  She discusses how strong leaders deliberately think through worst case scenarios

Ever picked up a piece of gear and wondered if you could trust it? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Scannable founder Rob Stirling shares how a simple idea grew into a powerful tool that helps firefighters and other responders manage mission critical gear with confidence. Rob explains how his background in climbing and equipment manufacturing opened his eyes to the risks, the paperwork, and the constant stress that crews face when they try to track inspections, lifespans, recalls, and usage. He walks through the shift from spreadsheets to digital identities, the partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the

What protects firefighters when everything changes in an instant? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Rapid intervention teams save firefighters when an emergency unfolds inside another emergency. Steven Kaiser from Fire Rescue Victoria explains how Australia is developing a stronger national approach to RIT and how research from the American fire service is shaping that work. He shares practical insight on thermal imaging, accountability tools, and emerging technology that helps crews make safer decisions. Steven also reflects on the importance of constant learning and why firefighters benefit from adding new knowledge every day. So ta

How do you stay honest about risk when the world around you is changing faster than the systems meant to protect it? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Greg Mullins has lived every part of the fire service, from teenage volunteer to Commissioner of Fire and Rescue in New South Wales. With more than fifty years of experience across Australia and around the world, he reflects on the moment he realized fire behavior was changing in ways that no longer aligned with the patterns the profession once relied on.  He shares how Black Summer sharpened his concern about political inaction, why public trust in firefighters still matters, and how hi

What does it look like when a fire service treats prevention and response as one mission? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell of Fire and Rescue New South Wales joins the Smart Firefighting Podcast to share how prevention and response work best when they move together as one mission. He reflects on how the Institution of Fire Engineers shaped his early understanding of fire behavior and why that connection between engineering knowledge and frontline experience keeps firefighters and communities safer. Jeremy also talks about lithium ion battery risks, current research efforts, and how cross government collabo

What does it really mean to build disaster resilience in a changing world? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Australia faces a growing wave of natural disasters, from cyclones and floods to heatwaves and wildfires. In this episode, Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, shares how his team is using research, science, and collaboration to strengthen community resilience and reduce disaster risk at every level. Andrew explores what it means to think decades ahead, using evidence-based approaches to anticipate risk before disaster strikes. He discusses the rise of nature positive disaster reduction, where biodiversity

How can technology rebuild trust and reduce admin burdens for volunteers in fire and emergency services? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Fireant’s Thomas Mynott joins the Smart Firefighting Podcast to explore how technology, trust, and collaboration are shaping the future of public safety. Thomas shares how Fireant builds custom software that strengthens communication and efficiency for fire and emergency service organizations. He explains why some agencies are returning to building their own systems, how involving volunteers in design leads to better adoption, and what it takes to make technology truly serve those on the ground. The

Hydrogen is often called the fuel of the future, but what does it really mean for public safety? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Dr. Paul Medwell from the University of Adelaide shares his insights into hydrogen research, fire safety, and the standards shaping the next generation of energy systems. From early lessons in combustion science to leading efforts in hydrogen safety, Paul discusses how research and collaboration can help prevent past mistakes while preparing first responders and communities for what comes next. He also explores the delicate balance between innovation and safety, reminding us that progress r

How do we turn overwhelming data into meaningful, life-saving action? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Olivia Breed from Kablamo shares how their Firestory platform—built in partnership with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service—is helping emergency agencies move from reaction to readiness. Olivia explains how Fire Story integrates multiple data sources into a single view that helps command centers see what matters most, predict fire spread, and make faster, smarter decisions in critical moments. She also discusses Kablamo’s approach to risk, data prioritization, and the future of AI partnerships in emergency managem

Wind picks up, embers are flying...what stands between you and loss? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. Chief Tony Marrone of Los Angeles County shares a hard truth from January 2025, when Los Angeles faced four major fires in one day and then eight more over the next two weeks. He walks through what happened on the ground, why ember cast overwhelmed even a large and ready fire service, and how communities can prepare for a future where wind driven wildfire meets dense neighborhoods. With clarity and humility, Chief Marrone outlines three priorities that save lives and property. Manage fuels and the wildfire environment with the right m

What if we could predict the next wildfire before it started? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. This episode features Peter Thompson and Barry Evans from the University of Canterbury. They discuss their groundbreaking “Minority Report” project, which uses future climate modeling to predict extreme weather events and help communities prepare before disaster strikes. Peter and Barry explain how data-driven simulations of wildfires and floods are transforming how cities like Wellington approach risk, resilience, and emergency planning. From physics-based fire modeling to real-time decision tools for local governments, their work shows how

What are measurable, standardized ways to evaluate training across departments? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How immersive learning can draw from military, medical, and other industries The need for more collaborative forums between the fire service and technology providers The powerful opportunities AI presents for safety and communication Hear from Casey Grant - the Executive Director at DSRAE, LLC and a Senior Consultant for ESRG: Energy Safety Response Group LLC. Casey reflects on the evolution of immersive learning in the fire service and how frameworks like the Training Summit are shaping the future. He highlights lessons from other industries, the importance of co-developing solutions with technology providers, and the urgent need to adapt to generational shifts in how firefighters

What are the essential factors for firefighter readiness and retention? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What are the biggest challenges for recruiting volunteer firefighters? How to fit local needs better and reduce barriers to entry How can immersive learning tools empower smaller departments? Hear from Brittany Hollerbach - an Associate Scientist for NDRI-USA, Inc. Brittany shares findings from her FEMA- and NFPA-funded research on recruitment and retention in the volunteer fire service. She explains why time commitment, not training requirements alone, is a major challenge for volunteers balancing family, work, and service.  Brittany highlights how immersive learning, modular training, and creative community support can lower barriers and strengthen engagement. The conversation also explor

How can we strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What immersive learning’s role should be in firefighter training How to provide safer, more realistic, and repeatable training experiences Tips for setting appropriate expectations for different stages of a firefighter’s career Hear from John Oates - the CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI). John shares how immersive learning and simulation can strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods. He emphasizes using technology as an enhancer: bringing training to more places, engaging multiple senses, and improving knowledge transfer through tools like video and simulation. John also discusses the importance of calibrating expectations f

What is the future of fire service training? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What must immersive learning focus on for greater impact? What tools help fire instructors measure performance consistently? Why there’s a need for stronger collaboration between the fire service, industry, and academia Hear from Dr. Kate Kapalo - a Course Instructor & Instructional Designer for the U.S. Fire Administration, and a Principal Investigator & Adjunct Professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Kate shares her research and perspective on how immersive technologies like VR and simulation can transform fire service training. She highlights the need for standardized rubrics, national alignment, and stronger collaboration between industry and the fire service to ensure training delivers measurab