Fire Headlines

On this week's episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and special guest Darrell Reid, Vice President of Strategy at Darkhorse Emergency. With over 30 years of experience in the fire service, including serving as a Fire Chief in multiple Canadian cities, Darrell now shares his expertise to help fire departments leverage analytics and data for smarter decision-making.

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna sit down with Genasys Senior Vice President Michael Smith and Vice President of Field Operations Steve Sickler at WFCA's IGNITE Symposium. In the midst of devastating wildfires and other natural disasters, the ability to communicate effectively and coordinate resources is crucial for saving lives and ensuring the safety of communities. This episode delves into how technological innovations in crisis communication, particularly around evacuation management, are revolutionizing the way emergency services respond to incidents.

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna are at WFCA's first ever IGNITE Symposium. They sit down with Emergent Tech President David Blankinship and Microsoft's Director of Technology Strategy for State and Local Government, Sai Narain, to discuss the changing landscape of fire service leadership, focusing on the profound impact of data, AI, and technology on decision-making and operations. The conversation explores how fire departments are increasingly adopting new tools and systems to streamline operations, improve community safety, and allow leaders to focus on what truly matters: effective leadership.

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist, Chief Ken Kehmna, discuss an often-overlooked danger firefighters face while on duty—freak accidents that can lead to severe injuries. Inspired by an article featured in the Daily Dispatch about a Kansas City firefighter who was injured when a fire hose coupling struck his leg, the discussion highlights both the random nature of such accidents and the importance of safety measures to prevent them. From discussing real-world examples to offering key safety reminders, this episode shines a light on how preparedness, public awareness, and training are vital for minimizing risks.

In today's episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss an exciting innovation in wildfire fighting technology—a non-toxic fire retardant developed by two teenagers from Silicon Valley. Inspired by their firsthand experience with wildfire smoke, these young innovators have created a groundbreaking product called Clore, designed to protect properties from the devastating impact of wildfires, particularly in areas like Los Angeles. Chief Kehmna shares his insights on the importance of non-toxic fire retardants, the evolving role of technology in firefighting, and how public-private collaborations are shaping the future of fire service.

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna dive into the topic of the classic fire pole versus the modern-day fire slide. As shared in an article from the Daily Dispatch, the Bartlesville Fire Department recently replaced their traditional fire poles with slides to improve efficiency, prompting a deeper discussion on the pros, cons, and safety aspects of both methods.

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the significant and dangerous impact of unauthorized drones on firefighting efforts. A story featured in the Daily Dispatch highlights a recent incident at the Palisades Fire on January 9, 2025, where a drone collided with a firefighting aircraft. The collision forced all aircraft to land, temporarily halting aerial operations. The panel explores how these rogue drone activities pose serious risks to both the crews operating aircraft and those working on the ground. They also address the legal consequences for drone operators in active firefighting zones, emphasizing the importance of public awareness to prevent such disruptions in the future.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the challenges many fire departments face with fleet management, particularly the rising costs of purchasing and maintaining fire apparatus. With financial pressures mounting, some departments, like Amarillo Fire Department, are considering leasing fire trucks as an alternative to traditional purchasing. Chief Kehmna shares insights into how leasing can offer financial flexibility, improve fleet reliability, and help departments manage the increasing costs of fire equipment.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, we delve into the crucial role that empathy plays in first responder training. Our guest, Chief Ken Kehmna, shares insights on how empathy can be integrated into training programs to improve both technical skills and compassionate care. We also discuss how innovative tools like Lifecast Body Simulation Manikins are helping first responders better prepare for real-life scenarios.

To kick off the New Year, organizational psychologist and longtime friend of the show, Dr. Andrew Holter joins Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna to dive into the crucial concepts of psychological safety, leadership, and team dynamics within the fire service. Dr. Holter shares his experiences both from the academic and practical sides, offering valuable insights into how fire service organizations can improve their culture, performance, and retention. Drawing on real-world examples, he highlights the challenges faced by fire departments in fostering an environment of trust and communication, particularly in high-stress situations like emergency responses.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna explore a unique program called Industrial Artistic and Creative Therapy (IACT), designed to help first responders and veterans cope with PTSD and stress through blacksmithing. They discuss how this creative therapy provides a therapeutic outlet and offers participants the chance to develop new skills while connecting with others who share similar struggles. Chief Kehmna shares how this hands-on approach can significantly impact mental well-being.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the transformative impact of robotics in the fire service. They begin with a look at the Tulsa Fire Department's use of drones to monitor a large chemical fire at a petroleum tank farm. The discussion highlights how advancements like these are reshaping operational strategies and safety measures in the fire service.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the growing dangers of hazardous social media trends, focusing on the recent "mirror fire challenge" that involves rubbing alcohol. This trend has already caused severe injuries, highlighting the urgent need for fire service professionals to address these risks proactively.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion speaks with Chief Ken Kehmna about the impact of lithium-ion batteries on fire service operations. They discuss the challenges posed by electric vehicles, e-bikes, and scooters, as well as the evolution of tactics and prevention strategies in the fire service.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to explore the rising focus on pet rescue equipment in the fire service. With Colorado Springs Fire Department introducing emergency pet kits, the discussion highlights how the fire service is adapting to meet community needs and redefining the role of pets in emergency response.

Discover fire station resilience and strategies for responding when the station becomes the scene on the latest episode of WFCA's Fire Headlines Podcast

In this episode, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the use of inmates as trained firefighters, a program utilized by 35 counties in Georgia as reported in an article shared in the Daily Dispatch. With a shortage of firefighters, these counties have turned to prison-trained inmates to provide essential first-response services. In this conversation, Samantha and Chief Kehmna delve into the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding this practice, as well as how it impacts the communities served and the inmates themselves.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the pressing issue of EMS personnel shortages across the U.S. Following a recent article shared in the Daily Dispatch, this week's episode highlights Cincinnati State's expanded EMT and paramedic program as one solution, to address this shortage. While the Cincinnati initiative is promising, the conversation dives deeper into the nationwide shortage, exploring its causes and potential remedies. Chief Kehmna shares how hands-on experience, similar to Cincinnati's approach, can be pivotal in building new EMS professionals' confidence and readiness in this high-stress, critical field.

In this week's episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and Chief Kim Zagaris (also known as Chief Z), WFCA Senior Operations Advisor. They delve into the vital contributions of Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) member departments to hurricane response efforts, particularly in light of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 300 lives. Chief Zagaris provides a detailed overview of the urban search and rescue (USAR) teams that have been deployed to assist with hurricane recovery. These teams, managed in conjunction with FEMA, include members from fire agencies across several states, such as California, Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Departments like Los Angeles City and County Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, and others contribute highly trained personnel and specialized equipment for search and rescue operations, particularly in challenging conditions such as swift water environments and structural collapses.

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna delve into the growing issue of energy drink consumption at firefighter training sites. This topic has garnered significant attention in the Daily Dispatch after the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association banned energy drinks at all hands-on class sites. The decision came in response to the alarming rise in energy drink intake and two recent firefighter deaths in Kansas linked to their consumption. The discussion highlights the increasing reliance on energy drinks among firefighters, especially during long shifts and high-demand situations, raising concerns about health and long-term well-being.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and special guest Daniel Haight, President and Co-Founder of Dark Horse Analytics and Dark Horse Emergency, to explore how data analytics can transform the fire service. They break down the five stages of analytics adoption—deny, blame, game, accept, and optimize—while discussing strategies to overcome resistance and use data to improve decision-making and operations.

In this episode, Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and Erica Ray, Information Specialist at Santa Clara County Fire Department, to discuss the evolving role of social media in fire service communications. Erica shares her journey with Chief Kehmna, highlighting the importance of using social media for day-to-day engagement to build a robust audience for crisis communications. They also delve into the value of having a dedicated and experienced social media manager, who can drive strategic communications and enhance the department's relationship with the community.

This week, Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion and panelist, Chief Ken Kehmna welcome Chief Sam Greif, chairman of the IAFC's Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee, as a special guest. They discuss the recently published Fire Service Quick Incident Response Workbook for Civil Unrest and Disturbance, aimed at preparing the nation's fire service for increasing civil unrest.

In this episode of the Fire Headlines Podcast, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna explore the innovative method for creating personalized firefighter hydration plans using sweat testing. By measuring sodium levels in sweat, they explain how this approach addresses dehydration challenges faced by previous recruit classes and improves overall firefighter performance.

In this episode of the Fire Headlines Podcast, host Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna delve into the critical issue of arson. They discuss the evolution of fire investigation techniques, highlighting how advancements in technology and data collection have transformed the way arson cases are handled. Chief Kehmna provides insights into the challenges faced by fire departments, including the difficulties of evidence collection in destructive arson cases and the valuable role that specialized canines play in investigations.

The discussion begins with a review of recent violent incidents involving first responders, including a high-profile vehicle crash in Los Angeles and a shooting incident in North Carolina. Ken and Samantha examine whether these events signify a troubling pattern of increased aggression towards first responders. They explore the potential causes behind this rise in violence, including societal issues and the increasing polarization of emergency services. The conversation highlights the urgent need for enhanced awareness and protective measures to address this growing concern.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion sits down with Chiefs Mark Niemeyer and Jeremy Craft from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) at the FRI conference. The discussion delves into the intricacies of maintaining work-life balance amidst the demanding responsibilities of fire service leadership. Both chiefs, with extensive experience in the fire service, share their personal insights on balancing their roles in multiple organizations while ensuring their personal lives remain fulfilling.

In this episode of the Fire Headlines Podcast, host Samantha Didion sits down with Chief Charlie Butterfield, Deputy Fire Chief at Meridian Fire Department and Idaho Representative for the Western Fire Chiefs Association. Recorded live in Dallas, Texas at the International Association of Fire Chief's Fire-Rescue International Conference, this conversation delves into the crucial roles of networking and higher education in the fire service.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion reflects on the first anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires. Join us as we revisit the events of August 8th, 2023, and explore the lessons learned from this tragic disaster.

This week Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion talks with Recruitment Coordinator, Randy Groom about the Executive Recruitment Program at the Western Fire Chiefs Association. With nearly 40 years of public sector experience, including roles as a city manager, Randy shares his insights into the program's recruitment process, the importance of understanding agency and candidate needs, and the unique challenges of recruiting for high-level fire service positions.

In this week's episode, Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion delves into the global computer update glitch that caused chaos across various sectors, including emergency services, on Friday, July 19, 2024. Samantha explores what happened, its impact on the fire service, and key takeaways for better preparedness.

In this week's episode, Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion welcomes back Chief Jeff Buchanan to discuss his new role with FirstNet built with AT&T and the significant advancements in emergency response communication. Chief Buchanan shares insights into the development and future of FirstNet, emphasizing its critical role for first responders.

One of the top Daily Dispatch article of this week tell the story of the Hartford Circus Tragedy. Host Samantha Didion delves into this devastating fires, as this month marks its 80th anniversary. This episode discusses the fire's impact on fire safety protocols and the critical lessons it offers to fire service leaders today.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Bob Horton delve into the critical issue of how to handle messaging and media releases during an ongoing incident. Last week, Bob raised a provocative question on this topic, prompting us to dedicate an entire episode to exploring the complexities and strategies involved in effective communication during a crisis.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion delves into he topic of social media's impact on fire service communication, exploring innovative strategies and the inherent challenges. She is joined by Chief Bob Horton, who provides his expert insights on leveraging various media platforms to enhance community outreach and education. Together, they examine the increasing reliance on social media for disseminating vital information, starting with a fascinating case study from the Daily Dispatch about a woman using TikTok to educate people on handling grease fires.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion welcomes Dr. Donnie Hutchinson to explore the critical topic of work-life balance for first responders. Dr. Hutchinson shares his extensive experience and insights on how first responders can achieve a healthier work-life balance, improve their self-care practices, and enhance overall well-being.

Explore fire code violations from Chief Greg Rogers and Chief Brittany Brown on the latest episode of Western Fire Chief Association's Fire Headlines Podcast.

An article recently shared in the Daily Dispatch discusses how Minnesota lawmakers are considering spending $6 million dollars on a pilot program to test the use of what they're calling “sprint paramedics,” to help battle the state's worsening rural emergency response. Fire Headlines host, Samantha Didion hears from Chief Bob Horton, along with the president of the Western Fire Chief's Association and Fire Chief of the Boise Fire Department Chief Mark Niemeyer to hear their differing takeaways on the topic of emergency response in rural areas.

Our goal is to provide insights and quick take aways from subject matter experts on trending and innovative topics in the fire service. In doing so, we also provide insights and tips to help guide fellow fire service leaders. If you're tuning into this week's episode only through audio, check us out on YouTube and our other social media platforms to be face-to-face with the conversation. This is just a little preview of what's to come in the new Fire Headlines format that's coming soon!

Fire Headlines is currently in the process of reformatting the podcast. While we are hard at work behind the scenes, please enjoy revisiting Episode 7: Mental Health Training for First Responders in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month.   An article shared by the Daily Dispatch addressed recent policy changes to support firefighter mental health. Early retirements, employee retention difficulties, and increasing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses are all indicators of escalating mental health struggles among first responders. In response, 11 fire agencies in South King County, WA, are in the process of creating a behavioral health unit for its crews. Guest expert Dr. Kelly Morgan joins Chiefs Bob Horton and Jeff Buchanan to discuss the science of trauma and the importance of policies that support first responders' mental health.

This week, we continue our discussion of the After-Action Report (AAR) of the Maui wildfires of August 2023. If you haven't already, make sure to catch up on the conversation by listening to Part 1 - Episode 51.   The AAR, produced by the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) and released on April 16, 2024, provides critical insights into the challenges faced and lessons learned during this catastrophic event. Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Bob Roper, WFCA's Senior Policy Advisor and Lead Content Author of the AAR, and Chief Kim Zagaris, WFCA's Senior Operations Advisor and Subject Matter Expert. Their firsthand experiences and expertise offer invaluable perspectives on the Maui wildfires and the subsequent review process.

In this episode, explore the after-action report (AAR) of the Maui wildfires that ravaged the island in August 2023. The AAR, produced by the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) and released on April 18, 2024, provides critical insights into the challenges faced and lessons learned during this catastrophic event. Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Bob Roper, WFCA's Senior Policy Advisor and Lead Content Author of the AAR, and Chief Kim Zagaris, WFCA's Senior Operations Advisor and Subject Matter Expert. Their firsthand experiences and expertise offer invaluable perspectives on the Maui wildfires and the subsequent review process.

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion hosts alongside Chief Bob Horton to announce the departure of Chief Jeff Buchanan from the show, as he pursues a new professional opportunity. The Fire Headlines team is extremely grateful for his past contributions and eagerly anticipates his return as a guest in the future. Throughout this episode, Bob highlights recent developments from wildfire conferences and discusses an article that outlines California's firefighter insurance crisis. The article points out the alarming situation where even the state's own firehouses struggle to obtain coverage.

This week we are giving our listeners an inside look at a live roundtable event hosted by a friend of the show, Kevin Sofen, on his podcast, Smart Firefighting. Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan were special guests on the show and shared their thoughts on the question, “If technology is so great, why don't we use it?”   Stay tuned – our team will be on a break next week, but we'll return with a brand-new episode of Fire Headlines on April 17th!

With fire season just around the corner, Chief Horton and Chief Buchanan are away in Reno this week for the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) conference. Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion takes this time to talk with Natalie Weber, the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest District, about public outreach efforts for fire season.   Natalie began her career in television news, eventually transitioning to becoming a reporter and anchor. Her diverse experience in media and government communication came together in her current position as a PIO. Natalie sheds light on her dynamic interactions with her colleagues, emphasizing the integral role of teamwork in emergency response. As a PIO, she collaborates closely with firefighters on the ground, ensuring accurate and timely communication to the public.

AT&T's recent announcement of a significant 10-year investment exceeding $8 billion in FirstNet has garnered attention. This week, Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Jeff Buchanan and former FirstNet Vice Chairman, Chief Jeff Johnson. Chief Johnson, who retired as Fire Chief from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in Oregon, also served as a Past President of the IAFC and currently holds the role of Executive Director of the Western Fire Chiefs Association. With a broad range of experience in public safety at the local, national, and international levels, Chief Johnson brings valuable insight to this discussion.  

This week's discussion centers around a recent article shared in the Daily Dispatch. It features the collaboration between a North Texas fire department and a video game maker, resulting in the development of a first-of-its-kind simulator. Host Samantha Didion of Fire Headlines is joined by Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan on our panel to explore the benefits of firefighter training simulators.

An article from the Daily Dispatch highlights a prefab modular fire station in Southern California that has a rapid construction timeline of six months and a substantial size of over 4,600 square feet. Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion is joined by a panel consisting of Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan to discuss their thoughts on modular builds in the fire service.

This marks the continuation of our conversation about outcomes in the fire service. To catch up on part 1, please refer to episode 43. The Fire Headlines team received an email from a fire service leader inquiring about the concept of outcomes in the fire service. The email outlines the challenges faced in translating this concept into actionable strategies in their organization. Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion is joined by a panel of experts to discuss these questions. Joining Samantha on the panel this week are Chief Jeff Buchanan, along with Dr. Matt Hinds-Aldrich, a senior risk strategy lead at the American Association of Insurance Services, and his colleague Sara Wood, an expert in Community Risk Reduction and Data Analysis.

The Fire Headlines team received a listener email from a fire service leader inquiring about the concept of Outcomes in the fire service. The email mentions the struggle it has been to operationalize the concept of outcomes in their organization. Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion is joined by a panel of experts to help dissect this topic. On the panel this week is Chief Jeff Buchanan, joined by Dr. Matt Hinds-Aldrich, a senior risk strategy lead at the American Association of Insurance Services, and his co-worker Sara Wood, an expert in Community Risk Reduction and Data Analysis.   Chief Bob Horton is away this week.