Firefighting History
A bomb in a van in the underground parking garage exploded killing six people, injuring over 1,000
From its wooden beginnings to modern ‘smart’ systems, the fire hydrant is a storied icon that represents the evolution of the fire service
Hundreds visit the Station Fire Memorial Park each year to pay their respects
How post-fire risks contributed to the fatal 1972 collapse just minutes after the fire was called under control
The landmark federal report marked a turning point for the U.S. fire service in 1973. Five decades later, many of its recommendations remain relevant – and unmet
Decades of deadly fires spurred federal action, culminating in the iconic 1973 publication that remains relevant to the fire service today
Fifty years after the pivotal report, there is clearly still work to be done and new challenges to address for future firefighters
Remembering Dr. Anne W. Phillips, author of the Minority Report published in conjunction with “America Burning”
Having a foundational understanding of our history is essential to seeing the bigger picture for our future
Share your before-and-after fire department pictures
Buffalo’s Edward M. Cotter put out a brush fire from Lake Erie
Check out FDNY’s 1963 photo of a Field Communications Unit
West Firefighter Edward Hykel was injured in the 2013 fertilizer plant explosion
The exhibition includes artifacts, multimedia displays, video animations and 3D models that illustrate major events of the time
Middletown’s 1930 tiller truck came with no doors or roof, a top speed of 30 mph, and is a predecessor to the modern aerial apparatus
The NYFP was primarily tasked with protecting property, but its members also saved lives alongside the FDNY’s Bravest
The 12-alarm blaze resulted in the deaths of three Philadelphia firefighters: David Holcombe, Phyllis McAllister and James Chappell
We can honor our past and maintain our traditions without dismissing new, better and safer ways of doing the job
The 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history
For the Washington Fire Company location, the future is undetermined
“Emergency responders need to become students of history. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid becoming the subject of history repeating itself,” says Graham
“David White is someone many people looked up to,” said Ernest Upchurch, chaplain for the Bryan Fire Department
EMS leaders described Dr. Leonard Cobb as a giant, pioneer and luminary whose work “touched the lives of thousands worldwide”
“You don’t expect to actually see a giant hole where a bridge used to be — a bridge that I had driven across thousands of times,” said Paramedic Jon Atkinson
Jan. 23, 2005, marked the first time since 1918 that FDNY members had died in separate calls on the same day
Most of the London crewmembers’ cancers are digestive varieties or leukemia
The Loveland, Colo., chief shares lessons from his time in media and urges leaders to maintain forward progress for their organizations
Nagel helped develop ALS and the country’s first paramedicine program, held leadership roles through the 1980s and was an adviser for “Emergency!”
“Fire remains a serious threat to public safety — and America is still burning,” said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on a three-city tour
Listen as Gordon Graham details the benefits of learning from the past and how firefighters can implement those lessons in their communities
The origin of our current command system began 50 years ago and was further developed through the work of Chief Alan Brunacini
A six-year push for the day of appreciation, inspired by heroism and tragedy, culminated in the designation of Oct. 28 to honor first responders
From the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow to the annual observations that bring fire safety messages to millions
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