Inside the research reshaping fireground tactics

For years, fire research went to a file drawer at the National Fire Academy instead of the fireground. Dr. Dan Madrzykowski of UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) has spent decades closing that gap, and he tells Zam how it happened — from the computer modeling of the 1999 Cherry Road fire in Washington, D.C., to research now built with firefighters, not just for them. Madrzykowski breaks down what that work means in the updated NFPA 1700: stream choice, coordinated ventilation and search, including why the fastest rescuers in one study weren’t necessarily the youngest or fittest, just the most recently trained. He also shares what to know about lithium-ion and EV fires, starting with staying on air. It’s a practical look at how the science behind your tactics got to the street — and where it’s headed next. Also, don’t miss next week’s webinar: Putting EV fire tactics to the test, with FSRI’s Adam Barowy, who will expand on today’s discussion of EV fire research and best practices. This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is sponsored by FirstNet. Check to see if you qualify to use the dedicated wireless lane by visiting www.firstnet.com Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback.