What every agency must have in place for high-risk events
In 2026, fire departments across the U.S. will face extraordinary operational challenges during high-risk, high-visibility events — from the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding to the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. FireRescue1 is launching On the Front Line, a special editorial series exploring how fire service leaders and incident commanders are preparing for and executing unified command, seamless information sharing, and rapid response in dynamic, multi-agency environments.
Large events test your system before the first call. This checklist helps fire and EMS leaders stage resources, align command and prepare for rapid escalation.
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Organizers said they are working with the venue and Indiana officials to schedule new conference dates
Florida Department of Health officials say the 70-year-old Broward County man attended last week’s conference in Tampa
The CDC now recommends organizers cancel or postpone gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks
Fire Maintenance Mechanic Jonathan Beale, who is also a professional beekeeper, coaxed approximately 16,000 bees away from the balloons
The order comes shortly after the department head announced the cancellation of firefighters’ vacations until further notice
The potential for a confusing operational picture existed during the opening minutes of the response to the latest school shooting tragedy in Santa Clarita, California
The Fire Protection Research Foundation received nearly $200K to conduct a two-year study into the impact of active shooters and hostile events on first responders
Chief Greg Cassell underscores the importance of interagency relationships in planning and staging for mass gatherings
A woman who witnessed the incident said there was approximately eight to 10 people gathered on each deck when the collapse occurred
MOST POPULAR
- FDNY formally forbids use of hoses against unruly crowds
- Photo of the Week: Care amidst chaos
- Ohio bills would penalize demonstrators who target first responders, block roadways
- Texas lawmakers pass bills targeting protesters who block roads, use fireworks, laser pointers
- Wis. man convicted of killing 6 with SUV at Christmas parade
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: L3HARRIS
L3Harris is a leading supplier of mission-critical communications systems and equipment for local, state and federal firefighter agencies. We have more than 80 years of experience in public safety and professional communications with over 500 systems now in use around the world. Learn more at L3Harris.com.
Download a copy of the Guide and level-up your operations by creating a culture of mayday training and designing rookie-, basic-, and advanced-level drills
Battalion Chief Steve Conn and Lt. Bassel Ibrahim detail mayday lessons from real-world events and progressive training
Communication on the fireground is made easier and safer with a personal public address system integrated into an incident command center