Firefighting History
Learn the full history of firefighter decon, from dirty gear to modern-day protocols that save lives
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
The NFFF will add 16 names to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this year
The fire service responded as it always does, tackling the challenges with vigor and determination
The novel coronavirus landed in Washington State in early 2020, kicking off a nationwide reckoning and a new era of service for first responders
FDNY
As the unit celebrates its centennial, firefighters, families and the community honor its legacy of courage, leadership and the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice
Saint Florian is also associated with brewers due to lore that he once miraculously stopped a fire with a single pitcher of water
Porterville Captain Raymond Figueroa and Firefighter Patrick Jones died in 2020 after becoming disoriented while searching for a civilian
While not always obvious, our commanders-in-chief and firefighting have intersected throughout history
Detailing how the Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy unfolded and the community’s determination to honor the 19 fallen firefighters
Six of the firefighters were students or former students at the University of Montana
From natural disasters to homeland security, FEMA’s development tells the story of resilience, adaptation and innovation in emergency management
The Santa Ana winds mirror the self-generated fire winds following German air raids on the city of London during World War II
For centuries going back to Leonardo da Vinci, humans have innovated and perfected ways to protect their health amid hazardous conditions
Remembering the three firefighters killed, many others injured, and recognizing the push for continued training and equipment
Jan. 23, 2005, marked the first time since 1918 that FDNY members had died in separate calls on the same day
With Engine 18’s motorized pumper out of service due to fuel line issues, the department gathered hay, straw, oats and cordwood to place a steamer in service
The dangers associated with hoarding conditions are the same whether you call it “heavy clutter,” “Collyer Mansion conditions” or “hoarder house”
Following World War I, military veterans-turned-first responders expanded the challenge coin tradition to public safety organizations
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