The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast Weekly Scrap #291 - Keith Stakes, Data and tactics
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Mar 10, 2025 Keith Stakes, a research engineer and Deputy Fire Chief, dives deep into the world of firefighting tactics and safety. He discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making and effective fire ventilation strategies. Realistic training scenarios are highlighted as crucial for preparing firefighters for emergencies. Stakes emphasizes balancing fire attack with victim rescue and the evolving nature of firefighting techniques. He also shares insights from the Fire Safety Research Institute and encourages ongoing learning and reflection among firefighters.
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Make Training Real By Controlling Ventilation
- Realism in training comes from how fuel packages interact with buildings, not simply more fuel.
- Create ventilation-limited scenarios so fire responds like real incidents when crews ventilate.
Manage Instructor Exposure—Don’t Ban Wood
- Avoid banning specific wood fuels; instead manage instructor exposure and scenario timing.
- Rotate instructors, limit time in exposure areas, and air out between scenarios to reduce health risk.
Simulate Residential Surfaces In Burn Cells
- Line training facilities with residential-like flat surfaces and drywall to teach realistic water-surface interaction.
- Use OSB or framed assemblies as 1403-compliant options to simulate surface wetting and deflection.
