Smart Firefighting

What are measurable, standardized ways to evaluate training across departments? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How immersive learning can draw from military, medical, and other industries The need for more collaborative forums between the fire service and technology providers The powerful opportunities AI presents for safety and communication Hear from Casey Grant - the Executive Director at DSRAE, LLC and a Senior Consultant for ESRG: Energy Safety Response Group LLC. Casey reflects on the evolution of immersive learning in the fire service and how frameworks like the Training Summit are shaping the future. He highlights lessons from other industries, the importance of co-developing solutions with technology providers, and the urgent need to adapt to generational shifts in how firefighters

What are the essential factors for firefighter readiness and retention? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What are the biggest challenges for recruiting volunteer firefighters? How to fit local needs better and reduce barriers to entry How can immersive learning tools empower smaller departments? Hear from Brittany Hollerbach - an Associate Scientist for NDRI-USA, Inc. Brittany shares findings from her FEMA- and NFPA-funded research on recruitment and retention in the volunteer fire service. She explains why time commitment, not training requirements alone, is a major challenge for volunteers balancing family, work, and service.  Brittany highlights how immersive learning, modular training, and creative community support can lower barriers and strengthen engagement. The conversation also explor

How can we strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What immersive learning’s role should be in firefighter training How to provide safer, more realistic, and repeatable training experiences Tips for setting appropriate expectations for different stages of a firefighter’s career Hear from John Oates - the CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI). John shares how immersive learning and simulation can strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods. He emphasizes using technology as an enhancer: bringing training to more places, engaging multiple senses, and improving knowledge transfer through tools like video and simulation. John also discusses the importance of calibrating expectations f

What is the future of fire service training? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What must immersive learning focus on for greater impact? What tools help fire instructors measure performance consistently? Why there’s a need for stronger collaboration between the fire service, industry, and academia Hear from Dr. Kate Kapalo - a Course Instructor & Instructional Designer for the U.S. Fire Administration, and a Principal Investigator & Adjunct Professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Kate shares her research and perspective on how immersive technologies like VR and simulation can transform fire service training. She highlights the need for standardized rubrics, national alignment, and stronger collaboration between industry and the fire service to ensure training delivers measurab

What are essential elements of the fire academy of the future? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What should immersive learning focus on? Measurable ways to evaluate training effectiveness How to customize firefighter training Hear from Ken Willette, the Executive Director of the North American Fire Training Directors.  Ken dives into how immersive learning and simulation are reshaping the fire service. He shares the evolution from early grant applications to today’s robust projects, emphasizing that technology must serve the learner, not just the gadget.  Ken explains how tools like rubrics and conformity assessments are giving instructors the ability to measure outcomes, bridge generational gaps, and tailor training to every career stage. This conversation highlights the momentum behind VR, s

Here’s why technology must fit seamlessly into firefighter operations: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why simpler technology drives better adoption Proof that science alone isn’t enough without operational usability How to push through resistance and set the stage for safer operations Hear from Paul Couston - the co-founder and CEO of Ascent Integrated Tech. Paul shares his journey from dropping out of engineering school to building rugged solar generators for the Air Force before launching Ascent. He reflects on the early iterations, lessons from failed prototypes, and the importance of designing technology that is operationally relevant and firefighter-driven.  Paul explains how Ascent pivoted from bulky systems to smartwatches, creating a simple, scalable accountability tool that firefigh

Why does the TAK ecosystem work? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How can partnerships close the tech adoption gap How Draper Labs builds tools for firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement What real collaboration actually looks like Hear from Brian Alligood from Draper Labs. Brian shares how his team is building and adapting TAK tools to support first responders, especially those in smaller or under-resourced departments. He brings experience from years of work in space and deep-sea navigation systems, now applied to the practical needs of people on the ground.  The episode highlights what it takes to move technology from federal labs to local agencies and why Draper invests in listening to end users from the start. It’s a grounded conversation about tech, community, and the realities of making

How can open-source tools make a real difference when traditional systems are failing? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How is TAK filling a critical gap in humanitarian coordination? How Free Burma Rangers are rebuilding maps from scratch using TAK and local knowledge Why verified, time-stamped information matters more than ever Hear from Miles Vining from Free Burma Rangers, a conflict relief organization working in some of the most remote and dangerous regions of Burma and beyond.  Miles breaks down how TAK is being used in the field—not just for coordination and logistics, but for mapping areas that don’t even exist on public maps and documenting war crimes with precision. From carrying casualties out of the jungle in handmade stretchers to overlaying satellite imagery in unmapped regions,

How can you focus on the mission, not the noise? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How did Colorado build a shared infrastructure for all public safety agencies? What’s the next evolution of PPE? Insights on enabling true tech adoption Hear from Ben Miller - the Director of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting. Ben breaks down how CoTAK is helping bring TAK technology into daily operations for fire, law enforcement, and search and rescue teams across Colorado. He explains how CoTAK’s centralized, state-funded model is removing barriers to adoption and turning TAK into real-time software PPE for public safety.  The conversation digs into practical use cases, how agencies can manage data overload, and the leadership required to make meaningful tech adoption happen

How did TAK become a widespread, indispensable tool for military and civilian first responders? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How TAK got started and its evolution Insights on the open ecosystem that’s allowed TAK to grow Why machine learning and shared data are the next frontier Hear from Ralph Kohler - the Principal Engineer/Senior Advisor at Air Force Research Laboratory. Ralph shares the story behind TAK: how it started as an idea during early deployments in Afghanistan and grew into an ecosystem now used around the world. He walks through the decisions that made TAK what it is today, including the importance of open intellectual property, community-driven development, and real-world feedback.  The conversation covers key moments in TAK’s evolution, how it's bridging military and

Let’s talk about practical, hands-on firefighter training: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What is durable learning, and why is it essential for firefighters? How to create a culture of psychological safety? Which data-driven tools can supplement training and help tackle evolving fireground hazards? Hear from Erin McGruder - the Instructional Program Manager at Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Erin shares her extensive experience as a firefighter, instructor, and National Fallen Firefighter Foundation advocate. She dives into transforming fire service training from outdated approaches to durable learning focused on real-world readiness.  Erin emphasizes how culture and technology must work together to drive meaningful change. Her insights offer a call to action for leaders and

What kind of fires burn hotter and faster than anything firefighters have faced before? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why battery fires require new tactics and tools Why departments need ongoing training and industry insights to stay ready The tactics that can improve safety and response Hear from Ryan Darley - Fire Sales Leader at W.S. Darley and Company and firefighter for Plymouth Fire Department. Ryan shares his unique journey from working in the family business to hands-on firefighting. He highlights the growing challenges posed by battery fires from EVs, scooters, and household devices.  Ryan breaks down the tools, tactics, and ongoing training that firefighters need to stay ahead of evolving threats. This conversation gives frontline responders the insights to be prepared for w

Is technology a part of the job now? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How drones are a low-cost, high-impact alternative to traditional air support The real-time collaboration tools that are changing how agencies work together Why resistance to change can cost your department more than you think Hear from Sergeant Zach Finfrock from the Clarendon Hills Police Department. Zach shares how drones are becoming essential tools for modern policing. He walks through the evolution of their drone program, the creation of a dual-purpose patrol vehicle, and how agencies can start small and scale thoughtfully.  The conversation covers the practical impact of drones in missing person searches, scene overwatch, and multi-agency coordination. Zach also dives into real-time crime centers, AI’s growing r

Tech isn’t just a toy. Tech helps save lives. Here’s how: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why drones and ROVs are critical tools that provide real-time eyes in otherwise inaccessible places How wearables are a safety net for firefighters Insights on department-wide technology adoption Hear from Lieutenant Kevin Swat from Mount Prospect Fire Department and the Team Manager for Medical Division, Illinois Water Rescue One. Kevin shares his perspective as an end user on how emerging technologies like underwater ROVs, drones, and wearables are reshaping real-world fire and rescue operations. His insights shed light on bridging the gap between tech innovation and field realities, while exploring how drones can save critical time and reduce responder risk.  The conversation touches on how SARC

How is forest fire monitoring changing for the better? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How space-based technology is changing forest fire monitoring How OroraTech's shoebox-sized satellites provide real-time insights for better decision-making in wildfire response How wildfire analytics, like fire-weighted power, help incident commanders understand fire behavior Hear from Thomas Grübler, Co-founder, previous Chief Strategy Officer, and current CEO of OroraTech. Thomas introduces their innovative space-based technology for forest fire monitoring. OroraTech uses a combination of data from public satellite sources and their own shoebox-sized satellites to provide continuous fire observations with high image quality. This data enables incident commanders to make better decisions by offering

Here’s why you gotta be more curious: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The value of training in the fire service How technology like virtual reality and gas props is transforming fire service training How the Institution of Fire Engineers bridges the gap between industry professionals and firefighters Hear from Steve Kaiser from Fire and Rescue Victoria. Steve shares his experiences at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in the United States, along with insights into the training facilities in Chicago and Melbourne. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of training in the fire service, helping firefighters refine their skills and improve decision-making under pressure.  Steve highlights the use of innovative technologies like gas props and virtual reality to enhanc

Let’s talk about the importance of measuring what matters in the fight against climate change… Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Leveraging IoT, computer vision, and AI for wildfire detection How data aggregation helps first responders with real-time detection and triage Discover the goals of the XPRIZE wildfire competition and how it aims to revolutionize fire response Hear from Rob Vernon - the CEO of Indicium Dynamics. Rob shares insights into their participation in the XPRIZE wildfire competition, focusing on innovative approaches to fire detection and response. Working alongside a team of partners, Indicinium uses IoT, computer vision, and AI to aggregate and analyze data, providing high-quality detection and triage services to first responders. Rob discusses their plans to have oper

A new firefighter’s journey into the fire service: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why diversity and inclusivity matter in serving diverse communities effectively How AI and drones are shaping the future of firefighting Why you should strive to be 1% better every day Hear from Sirena Allen-de Guzman, a firefighter in Sydney. Sirena shares her inspiring journey into the fire service. She reflects on the multifaceted nature of the role, from supporting the local community to adapting to diverse challenges on the job. Sirena emphasizes the importance of teamwork, adhering to protocols, and the potential of emerging technologies like AI and drones to make firefighting safer and more efficient.  She talks about the need for greater diversity and inclusivity within the fire service to better

How are intelligent satellites revolutionizing wildfire response? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How Akula Tech’s use of 3D printing makes satellites faster, lighter, and more affordable How Akula Tech integrates AI processing and hyperspectral imaging for advanced data analysis How Akula Tech’s satellites help firefighters make critical decisions Hear from Preetham Akula - Founder and CEO of Akula Tech. Preetham shares Akula Tech’s work on developing intelligent satellites that transform emergency management. Participating in XPRIZE, Akula Tech focuses on creating satellites that offer real-time awareness and analysis of wildfires, empowering firefighters to make informed decisions during critical moments.  Preetham explains how Akula Tech's full system-level approach covers everythin

How can we increase diversity in the fire service? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why equal opportunities and gender balance are key to fostering diversity of thought How Women & Firefighting Australasia is working to create safer and more inclusive fire service organizations Why collaboration between fire engineers and firefighters is essential for building safety Hear from Quinn Cramer - the President of Women & Firefighting Australasia. Quinn shares her insights on the progress and challenges of increasing diversity and representation in the fire service. She reflects on the history of women in firefighting in Australia and the efforts to build safer and more inclusive organizations. Quinn emphasizes the importance of creating equal opportunities for everyone, fostering dive