Firefighting History
A Netflix documentary about the deadly blaze balances themes of loss with courage and fortitude
Bismarck paid $25,000 to reacquire its second-ever fire truck, a 1926 Seagrave that served landmark calls
How determination, partnership and political will reshaped the relationship between local fire departments and the federal government
For the first time in decades, Ypsilanti firefighters responded to calls from their original 1898 station, sliding down fire poles and backing modern trucks through barn doors
The 1995 deaths of Bill Buttram and Josh Oliver in the Point Fire sparked critical improvements in communication, training and equipment across Idaho fire agencies
The Siskiyou Smokejumper Base in Cave Junction operates as a hands-on museum preserving the legacy of smokejumper through artifacts, personal stories and guided tours
First responders saved more than 200 people during one of the worst engineering disasters in U.S. history
Phoenix’s Hall of Flame Museum showcases firefighting history and honors fallen heroes with over 130 fire engines and interactive exhibits
Richmond marked the anniversary of hiring Virginia’s first professional Black firefighters, honoring the legacy of Engine Co. 9 and the men who broke barriers in 1950
From ‘Emergency!’ to ‘Third Watch,’ discover the television series that have motivated individuals to pursue roles as firefighters, EMTs, and police officers
Former IAFC president Bill Killen reflects on his time as one of the original members of an exclusive firefighting team tasked with high-risk missions
The July 1, 1988, fire claimed the lives of five New Jersey firefighters
Chief Bill Killen – surviving member of the original Apollo rescue team and former IAFC president – details the history of these unique teams
A 1925 Ahrens Fox piston pumper led a vintage fire apparatus parade in Shenandoah, celebrating its 100th birthday and permanent home at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society museum
What public safety can learn from the Titan submersible disaster
The Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum is seeking support to transport the historic FDNY Super Tender from California to Bay City, where it will be reunited with the iconic Super Pumper
Time and again, history has shown what happens when fire codes are ignored
The Quad Cities International Airport marks 50 years of dedicated public safety service, honoring the evolution from volunteer fire coverage to a full-time police and fire department
The American flag is considered a living symbol under federal law. We must treat it as such.
This recent legacy fire prompts review of stateside historic blazes
The death of the Charleston 9 brought significant organizational change
The overcrowded club lacked the required exits, firewalls and fire alarms in the 1977 tragedy
The May 31, 2013, motel structure collapse resulted in the five LODDs, four at the time of the incident, one years later
Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags
Troopers, bomb techs, paramedics and FBI agents share how the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing shaped their careers and their lives
168 people—19 of them children—were killed and hundreds injured when a truck bomb tore through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building
Three decades after the deadliest domestic terror attack in U.S. history, survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing still carry deep emotional and physical scars
Zagaris served as the planning section chief at the scene
A comprehensive look at the evolution of aerial fire apparatus and its pivotal role in firefighting history and operations
The new Engine 23 from Seagrave revives the department’s 1970s-era Omaha Orange and white color scheme to enhance visibility and honor its history
Nearly 14 years after the EF-5 tornado devastated Joplin, killing around 160 and leveling entire neighborhoods, a documentary captures the chaos and heroism
From racetracks to rescue trucks, discover the history, inventor and modern use of the Jaws of Life tools that help save lives in seconds
Check out these must-read books that cover everything from historical nonfiction and memoirs to practical advice and the science of wildfire
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