Firefighter Podcast

Six firefighters. A rapidly advancing wildfire. And an escape route that suddenly disappeared.
On 19 August 2018, firefighters working on California's Mendocino Complex were conducting a tactical firing operation designed to stop the spread of a major wildfire.
But as conditions deteriorated, a sudden wind shift and explosive fire development cut off their planned escape routes.
We explore:
The background to the Mendocino Complex wildfire and the challenges facing responding crews.
The tactical firing operation and the events leading to the entrapment.
How rapidly changing fire behaviour compromised escape routes.
Operational urgency, leadership and the pressure to complete an assignment.
The importance of communication, clear briefings and shared situational awareness.
Why firefighters need the confidence to challenge a plan when conditions change.
Lessons that apply beyond wildfire incidents, including structural firefighting and incident command.
Further reading and original investigation DOWNLOAD HERE
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Are We Training Firefighters Wrong? | Chris Gott & Justin Brunner
Are we genuinely developing better firefighters, or are we simply getting better at ticking boxes, completing assessments and documenting competence?
In this episode of The Firefighters Podcast, I sit down with Chris Gott and Justin Brunner for a fascinating conversation about the future of firefighter training, operational competence, leadership, artificial intelligence and how we can develop better decision-makers.
Connect with our guest here | Chris Gott | Justin Brunner
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Why does meaningful change remain so difficult when decades of research, inspections and cultural reviews have already identified so many of the problems? In this episode, Im joined by Janette Morris, former senior fire and rescue leader and HMICFRS inspector; Dave Baigent, former firefighter and long-standing researcher of firefighter culture; and Leanne Allen, operational firefighter and researcher with experience internationally. Together, they challenge assumptions around leadership, inclusion, recruitment, accountability and the traditions that shape our profession, exploring what it might actually take to create lasting cultural change.
Leanne's presentation to Women and Firefighting Australasia https://youtu.be/JfLtwzoXbuo?feature=shared
Link to Leanne's research award -https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/firefighters-research-into-workplace-gender-disparities-earns-prestigious-kate-sheppard-award/
Website - www.cultureonfire.org
Dave's research/reports/resouces website - www.fitting-in.com
LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culture-on-fire/
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Recorded at the World Fire Congress 2026 in London, I sat down with Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former US Fire Administrator and founding Chair of the World Fire Congress, and Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), to explore some of the biggest challenges facing fire and rescue services around the world.
We discuss the growing threats of wildfire, extreme weather, operational pressures and funding challenges, alongside the importance of international collaboration and learning from major incidents. Lori shares why we must never waste the lessons of tragedy, while Phil reflects on the UK's changing risk profile and the need to influence meaningful change. We also explore the human impact of major disasters and the extraordinary challenges facing firefighters in conflict-affected nations.
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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
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Lithium-ion batteries are now embedded in almost every part of modern life, from mobile phones and power tools to electric vehicles, public transport and large-scale energy storage systems. But as this technology becomes more widespread, are fire and rescue services keeping pace with the risks?
Recorded live at the World Fire Congress 2026 in London, this episode of The Firefighters Podcast features Dr Stephen Kerber of UL Research Institutes and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), one of the leading voices in research-led firefighter safety.
Stephen explores the increasing operational challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries, the hazards that can emerge throughout their lifecycle and the diverse environments in which firefighters are now encountering them.
Of particular concern is the potential for flammable battery gases to accumulate within enclosed compartments, creating conditions for deflagration.
But this conversation is about more than understanding the hazards. It's about translating scientific research into better education, improved standards, more effective operational preparation and greater public awareness.
As lithium-ion technology continues to evolve, our understanding, training and response must evolve alongside it.
An important listen for firefighters, incident commanders, trainers, fire safety professionals and anyone involved in preparing our services for emerging risks.
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William Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on website
PBI high-performance fabrics 
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
JAFCO
DELTA FIRE
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Support the show
***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew