Fire Policies
Policies are the foundation for all operations in the fire service. From apparatus backing to anti-retaliation, policies set expectations, provide guidance, and protect firefighters and fire departments. This section highlights how fire department policies play out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
Detailing how the first-arriving unit should take command, perform an initial size-up, and communicate with dispatch and other responding units
How to implement mayday-focused policies in an actionable and relatable way that builds muscle memory for these events
Fire and police agencies in Nashville, New Orleans, Toledo and Prince George’s County launched investigations and placed employees on leave after online comments about Kirk’s death
The Strategic Scan gauges fire chiefs’ AI use and comfort, outlining five action steps to pilot, train, policy-set and scale AI across fire and EMS
Exploring what the survey data reveals about how fireground tactics are executed and how safety culture is perceived
Forward-thinking leaders must champion engineered approaches that reduce risks and build healthier fire service careers
Chiefs John Tippett and John Oates debunk the idea that safety and aggression are mutually exclusive
Aggressive tactics and operational safety aren’t mutually exclusive when policies are clear, current and consistently applied
Fire chiefs must embrace policy advocacy to influence decisions that shape public safety and department operations
A solid Standard of Cover is the blueprint for effective, consistent fireground operations
Upskill your staff so you’re ready to deploy AI tools for everything from training plans to fire detection and post-incident analysis
An “attaboy” photo of a burned home spotlights a lesson in fireground humility
When elected or appointed officials make decisions without the proper context, they have the potential to endanger public safety
A social media post intended to praise a Warren fire crew has drawn backlash for insensitivity toward the homeowner
Every time you let something slide — a late arrival, a sloppy report, a shortcut on the drill ground — you widen the plate and your department’s liability
Time and again, history has shown what happens when fire codes are ignored
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
The driver was fired, but the department’s culture may still be on a collision course
Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags
Even with the best planning, nature doesn’t always play by the rules, does it?
Every fire department, regardless of size or whether they are a career or volunteer organization, needs both written policies and procedures
Four questions to help leaders refine how to educate their members on fire department discrimination and reporting practices
A well-executed chief’s inspection can mean the difference between a department that is merely functional and one that excels
Grant experts break down the latest opportunities, strategies, and insider tips to help your agency secure critical funding
Understanding the appointment process for the new U.S. fire administrator and how interim roles step up to support the team during the transition
Effective policies — and effective training to reinforce them — can make or break an agency
Fire departments and individual members can take several measures to make cold weather operations safer and more comfortable
With the right training and direction, rapid intervention should never be a dull assignment
Using social media to research potential firefighter candidates could cause problems for your department
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