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Cold storage close call: ‘From light smoke to volcanic eruption’

Andrew Klein details the terrifying fire that changed his life, plus how he’s managing his mental health

One routine smoke investigation. Ten minutes later, a cold storage building erupted around Firefighter Andrew Klein. This week, we’re revisiting the harrowing close call that nearly ended Klein’s career. Klein walks through the fireground decisions, details the hidden danger of a cold storage building packed with spray foam insulation, and recalls the moment his PPE became the only thing standing between him and catastrophic injury. He also shares the emotional aftermath of believing fellow firefighters had been killed and how he’s managed his mental health since the incident.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
Dr. Dan Madrzykowski shares what decades of research mean for stream choice, search and rescue, and lithium-ion fires
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito explains why fire and EMS work best as one agency — and what’s driving the department’s EMS staffing crunch
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Captain Mark Killion details how to build realistic simulations — and the training culture that makes them work
Kentland (Md.) VFD Sergeant Alex Caldaro shares how culture, high standards and member buy-in keep a busy volunteer house staffed — without begging for members
After separate trips down under, Chief Caughey and Zam break down what Australian departments are ahead on, where they struggle and what U.S. firefighters can borrow