Communications and Interoperability
The communications and interoperability resource page is designed to help firefighters keep up with the latest communications gear and best practices in mutual-aid and interoperability.
Nine McKinney firefighters were injured, including two seriously, during search operations at a 2025 McMansion fire, underscoring air management, size-up and interior coordination
From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, veteran chiefs reveal how to build a unified command structure that holds under pressure — before the first siren sounds
Chief Bryan Frieders breaks down the fire department role at major events like the Super Bowl and large festivals
From a hoax school shooting to Boston Marathon planning, real-world incidents show how relationships and pre-event coordination determine outcomes
How to lean into a customer-focused approach to modern fire service delivery
With the right training and direction, rapid intervention should never be a dull assignment
FirstNet
An honest look at what it really means to be aggressive and stay safe on the job
From drones and AI to virtual reality, emerging innovations promise to reshape operations, enhance safety and strengthen decision-making across the fire service
After-action reports one year after the Palisades and Eaton fires point to staffing, coordination and evacuation gaps, driving changes to improve future wildfire response
A step-by-step resource to help fire agencies prepare a stronger AFG communications grant application
Don’t assume residents know what your department does; spell it out and explain how additional funding would positively impact community members
Confidence can only be obtained through realistic MCI drills that truly test the system
Delayed, late alerts and widespread misrouted notifications have renewed concerns over the reliability of the region’s emergency warning systems
Moses Lake and Grant County firefighters practice search, hose advances, wall breaches and ventilation while strengthening coordination amid staffing challenges
Speakers and sessions underscored how practical innovation, coordinated planning and early engagement between developers and responders are shaping safer, faster and more efficient emergency operations
The five Cs of radio communications help firefighters deliver effective size-ups and status reports
Digital tools may streamline operations, but they risk eroding the face-to-face dialogue and trust that build strong firehouse culture and leadership
A new after-action report on January’s catastrophic Palisades Fire praises officers’ heroism but details major coordination breakdowns, unclear command structures and recordkeeping lapses
A look at what first responders need now – and what they need next
A new after-action review says agencies were overwhelmed, the EOC was largely ineffective, alert tools went underused and outdated policies delayed orders, echoing Woolsey-era warnings as west Altadena burned during the Eaton fire.
Supervisors grilled fire and OEM leaders over late, confusing warnings during the Palisades and Eaton wildfires
Turn fragmented systems into seamless collaboration during critical incidents
UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia network last year detected 1,668 fires, including 636 before any 911 call
An independent review says incident command wasn’t formally established until 25 minutes after the shooter was in custody and fire crews were dispatched late
Repeated training and breathing techniques to help lower your heart rate will help you make the mental shift
Officers must take personal responsibility for member readiness and plan single-company and multi-company drills to hone their own command skills
Mislabeling public safety K-9s creates confusion, liability and access issues during high-stakes deployments
Breaking down the role of division officers in reducing command overload and supporting tactical execution on complex incidents
Experts say Katrina’s communication breakdowns, coordination gaps and aid delays still shape policy and should guide today’s debates over FEMA’s future
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- On-demand webinar: Stronger together: Advancing unified command and communication
- Chief Kim Zagaris reflects on the Oklahoma City bombing 30 years later