John Lewis and Robert Moran have been teaching basement fire tactics and strategies for nearly two decades, after a series of close call incidents they were involved with. The two, known as Jersey Guys Fire Service Training, discuss tactics, construction and command for below-grade residential fires on this episode.

From the use of the ELBOW acronym for basement fire size-up, to hoseline placement, ventilation tactics and search operations, Lewis and Moran dig into key strategies that can be used to prevent close calls, or worse, during residential basement fires.

Related links:

• John Lewis’ biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Robert Moran’s biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Jersey Guys Fire Service Training on Facebook

Capt. Sean Eagen joins Peter Matthews to talk about firefighting operations in vacant structures, because many vacant buildings can still be occupied, posing a serious life hazard. Eagen, a 28-year veteran of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, shares his experiences and takes listeners through his size-up approach.

From cues and clues on suspected vacant homes, Eagen talks about how firefighters should plan to conduct searches, including the use of a VES-like method to limit the number of firefighters on the interior, plus other fireground tactical decision-making ideas.

As cold weather in many parts of the country has homeless people seeking protection from the weather, Eagen says now is the time to review your vacant structure policies and talk with crews at the kitchen table.

Related links:

• Sean Eagen’s biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Truck Tactics: Vacant Properties: Search or Go Defensive?

Peter Matthews is joined by former U.S. Marine Daniel Byrne; T.J. Cullison, who served in the U.S. Army; and A.J. Kehl, who just retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. They discuss the similarities and differences between serving in the fire service and military and what carried over from their time serving in the U.S. military to the firehouse and what Veterans Day means to them.

They offer insight into the various military benefits, from the journeyman program, education and promotional points to other services for veterans, plus a look at mental health, and share the one military lesson that they continue to use today.

Related Links:

• Daniel Byrne’s Firehouse.com bio pages and content
• A.J. Kehl’s Firehouse.com bio page and content
• My Rich Uncle: An Informal Guide to Maximizing Your Enlistment