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Hi, I'm Connor with Honor - message me here!California has approved the Zone 0 defensible-space framework, but that does not mean every homeowner should start tearing out landscaping tomorrow. The first 5 feet around a covered structure are moving to the center of California's wildfire, insurance, and home-sale conversation. Santa Clarita sellers need to know what was approved, which homes may be affected, what remains in the rulemaking process, and what to inspect before a buyer, insurer, or escrow makes the issue urgent.TL;DR: This Santa Clarita real estate update explains California Zone 0, the first 5 feet around a home, phased implementation for existing properties, insurance and escrow preparation, current listing-status confusion, backup offers, pending sales, closing costs, seller credits, and how homeowners can prepare without panic or expensive guesswork.VIDEO: https://youtu.be/VOuntoTxZi4The market portion uses a CRMLS-backed aggregate snapshot pulled shortly before the August 28, 2026 recording. The episode separates clean active inventory from homes already under contract, accepting backup offers, or pending. That distinction matters because a portal label is not the same thing as actual buyer access. A property may appear in a status that permits continued marketing while the seller no longer wants regular showings, and syndication sites may refresh or label contract stages differently.Zone 0 is the area within 5 feet of a covered structure. The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection approved the regulatory framework in August 2026. Final administrative steps, effective dates, hazard-area coverage, phased compliance, local implementation, and property-specific facts still matter. Existing homeowners should not treat a headline as a demolition order. Confirm whether the property falls within the applicable responsibility area or fire-hazard zone, document existing conditions, inspect combustible mulch, dead vegetation, stored wood, fencing, gates, decks, eaves, vents, and anything touching the structure, then use final state and local fire guidance before making expensive changes.QUESTIONS ANSWERED- Does an "active" portal label always mean a home is fully available?- What did California approve for Zone 0?- Does Zone 0 apply immediately to every California home?- Should a seller remove mature landscaping now?- How can wildfire preparation affect insurance, buyer confidence, and escrow?CHAPTERS0:00 California Zone 0 without the panic1:00 Fresh Santa Clarita market context2:10 Why active does not always mean available5:10 Count the competition that can actually take a buyer10:30 Closing costs, credits, and compensation are different12:30 What California Zone 0 covers15:00 The seller's first-5-feet readiness check17:00 Seller-only representation and clear loyalty20:00 The practical Santa Clarita seller action plan22:13 The motorcycle and parking-space takeawayFAQDoes Zone 0 apply to every California home right now? No. Coverage, effective dates, hazard designation, responsibility area, final administrative action, phased implementation, and local enforcement all matter. Verify the exact property before acting.Should a homeowner remove trees or mature landscaping immediately? Not from a headline alone. Document and inspect the first 5 feet, remove obvious dead debris and address current fire-safety duties, but use final rules and the responsible local authority before making expensive structural or landscape changes.Why can a property look active even when it is in escrow? MLS contract statuses, portal labels, refresh timing, and seller showing decisions are not identical. A competent agent verifies the authorized source, contacts the listing side when appropriate, and keeps the buyer working on real alternatives.Who pays closing costs now? The contract assigns costs, local custom influences expectations, and leverage shapes negotiation. Ordinary seller expenses, seller credits toward buyer closing costs, a home warranty, and any separate written agreement about buyer-broker compensation are different items.SANTA CLARITA RESOURCESCurrent listings, open houses, recently sold homes, market statistics, tract guidance, Mello-Roos resources, and MacBox:https://SantaClaritaOpenHouses.comSeller-only representation and undivided loyalty:https://SellersOnlyAgent.comSOURCESCRMLS-backed aggregate market snapshot and compliant listing search, pulled August 28, 2026:https://SantaClaritaOpenHouses.comCalifornia Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, Defensible Space Zones 0, 1, and 2:https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2California Department of Insurance wildfire resources:https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrrConnor MacIvor, REALTORCalDRE #01238257SYNC BrokerageIf your home is currently listed for sale, this is not a solicitation.#SantaClaritaRealEstate #Zone0 #CaliforniaWildfire #SellerStrategy #SantaClaritaYoutube Channels:Conner with Honor - real estateHome Muscle - fat torchingFrom first responder to real estate expert, Connor with Honor brings honesty and integrity to your Santa Clarita home buying or selling journey. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for valuable tips, local market trends, and a glimpse into the Santa Clarita lifestyle.Dive into Real Estate with Connor with Honor:Santa Clarita's Trusted Realtor & Fitness EnthusiastReal Estate:Buying or selling in Santa Clarita? Connor with Honor, your local expert with over 2 decades of experience, guides you seamlessly through the process. Subscribe to his YouTube channel for insider market updates, expert advice, and a peek into the vibrant Santa Clarita lifestyle.Fitness:Ready to unlock your fitness potential? Join Connor's YouTube journey for inspiring workouts, healthy recipes, and motivational tips. Remember, a strong body fuels a strong mind and a successful life!Podcast:Dig deeper with Connor's podcast! Hear insightful interviews with industry experts, inspiring success stories, and targeted real estate advice specific to Santa Clarita.
Hi, I'm Connor with Honor - message me here!Santa Clarita sellers are losing time before they lose money. Fresh CRMLS-backed data shows a 51-day market-time gap between homes that eventually required a price reduction and homes that closed without cutting from their original price. The price-cut group spent a median of 64 days on market. The straight-price group spent 13. That does not prove the reduction caused the delay, but it exposes the risk of launching almost right and reacting after the best buyers have moved on.TL;DR: This Santa Clarita real estate update explains what 818 active homes, 67 recent price reductions, 13 back-on-market events, 29% stale inventory, current mortgage rates, financing patterns, insurance friction, appraisal risk, Zone 0, and possession after closing mean for homeowners preparing to sell.VIDEO: https://youtu.be/02eoBRo6AK0The CRMLS-backed pull was completed at approximately 5:21 a.m. Pacific on August 29, 2026. It returned 818 active residential properties across the 9 tracked Santa Clarita Valley labels, 124 active under contract or accepting backup offers, 181 pending, 18 coming soon, and approximately 3.8 months of inventory. The 7-day ledger recorded 67 price reductions and 13 back-on-market events. Of the active homes, 234 had been exposed for at least 60 days, or 29%.The seller-outcomes report included 201 eligible closings in its current 30-day cohort. Of those, 29.9% closed above final list price, 21.9% at final list, and 48.3% below final list. In the 180-day analysis, 457 of 1,345 eligible closings had reduced from original list price. That group recorded a median 64 days on market, compared with 13 days for straight-price closings. The median reduction was $30,000, or 4%, and the price-cut group ultimately closed at a median 94.9% of original list price.Those figures are associations, not a magic pricing formula. Property type, condition, access, location, insurance, buyer financing, appraisal, presentation, lot, and HOA obligations can change the result.QUESTIONS ANSWERED• What can sellers learn from reductions and back-on-market events?• What did California approve for Zone 0?• What should be agreed when a seller stays after closing?CHAPTERS0:00 The 51-day Santa Clarita pricing warning1:26 Fresh inventory, contracts, and market leverage2:28 Price reductions and back-on-market events3:27 Why portal status labels disagree4:21 What backup-offer status means in real life5:29 MacBox separates competition from market evidence6:43 What 201 current closings reveal7:43 The 64-day price-cut trap9:45 Appraisal risk before escrow pressure arrives10:42 Mortgage rates, closing costs, and seller credits11:53 Why the local record challenges the VA-loan myth13:24 Why missing concession fields cannot become a statistic14:11 Insurance now belongs at the beginning15:11 California Zone 0 approval and phased implementation17:17 Seller possession after closing18:10 What must happen between acceptance and closing18:58 Seller-only representation and dual-agency boundaries20:34 First-responder preparation applied to real estate21:19 Private local AI as an analytical tool22:02 The seller's practical action planFAQWho pays closing costs now? The contract assigns costs, local custom influences expectations, and leverage shapes negotiation. Ordinary seller expenses, a seller credit toward buyer costs, and any separate buyer-broker compensation agreement are different items.Are VA offers slower or cheaper here? Not in this aggregate. Across 2,565 verified closings, VA-financed sales had a median 27 days on market and a 100% median sale-to-final-list ratio. Conventional closings showed 29 days and 100%. Every offer still requires individual review.Has Zone 0 fully taken effect for every existing home? No. Board approval is one step. Review and official publication remain, and existing homes have phased timelines.LIVE SANTA CLARITA RESOURCESCurrent listings, open houses, recently sold homes, market statistics, neighborhood guidance, and MacBox:https://SantaClaritaOpenHouses.comSeller-only representation and undivided loyalty:https://SellersOnlyAgent.comSOURCESCRMLS-backed market snapshot, seller outcomes, financing mix, market statistics, and market pulse pulled August 29, 2026: https://SantaClaritaOpenHouses.comCalifornia Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, Zone 0 resources and August 2026 materials: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2Freddie Mac mortgage-rate information updated August 27, 2026: https://myhome.freddiemac.com/buying/mortgage-ratesConnor MacIvor, REALTORCalDRE #01238257SYNC BrokerageIf your home is currently listed for sale, this is not a solicitation.#SantaClaritaRealEstate #SantaClarita #HomeSelling #SellerStrategy #RealEstateMarket #SellersOnlyAgentYoutube Channels:Conner with Honor - real estateHome Muscle - fat torchingFrom first responder to real estate expert, Connor with Honor brings honesty and integrity to your Santa Clarita home buying or selling journey. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for valuable tips, local market trends, and a glimpse into the Santa Clarita lifestyle.Dive into Real Estate with Connor with Honor:Santa Clarita's Trusted Realtor & Fitness EnthusiastReal Estate:Buying or selling in Santa Clarita? Connor with Honor, your local expert with over 2 decades of experience, guides you seamlessly through the process. Subscribe to his YouTube channel for insider market updates, expert advice, and a peek into the vibrant Santa Clarita lifestyle.Fitness:Ready to unlock your fitness potential? Join Connor's YouTube journey for inspiring workouts, healthy recipes, and motivational tips. Remember, a strong body fuels a strong mind and a successful life!Podcast:Dig deeper with Connor's podcast! Hear insightful interviews with industry experts, inspiring success stories, and targeted real estate advice specific to Santa Clarita.
The 26 August 2026 Newtown Township Bills List provides a comprehensive summary of expenditures for the township. It outlines a total distribution of $350,311.41 across several municipal accounts, including the General Fund, Fire Protection, and Capital Projects. The records detail payments for police equipment, public works maintenance, and various community recreation programs. Key costs include monthly inspection fees, infrastructure engineering, and essential utility payments like street lighting. The list also tracks escrow disbursements related to specific local development and professional consulting services. Information is categorized by vendor names, specific check amounts, and designated ledger accounts to ensure fiscal transparency.
Raymond Grace Returns: Breaking the "Biblical Curse," Healing Past with Mind Blowing Results, Dowsing & Clearing Entities Host Kara Goodwin welcomes Raymon Grace back to Soul Elevation (tune into his first amazing episode, # 545) to discuss his decades of powerful work with dowsing and energy techniques. Raymon describes what he calls a biblical curse on women and shares results that indicate he broke the curse, with many women in his classes reporting feeling more empowered since that time. He shares a mind blowing account of going back in time to stop abuse, in a case where a woman's chronic pain and scars from childhood burns disappeared after his intervention, and a group exercise where women reported no longer remembering abuse. They also discuss water memory and a shared detox reaction he and another man experienced after clearing negative memory from their bodies' water. Kara shares how powerful she and her friends have found Raymon's protocols for influencing weather, and their real world results from using them. Raymon shares his definition of possession as negative entities affecting behavior, along with simple exorcism and emotional-clearing methods for schools and other places. Raymon's first episode: https://www.soulelevationpodcast.com/raymon-grace Connect with Raymon: https://www.raymongrace.us/ https://www.raymongracefoundation.org Subscribe so you don't miss any of the powerful episodes of Soul Elevation: https://www.youtube.com/@soulelevationpodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Listen or Apple or Spotify: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-elevation-guiding-your-ascension-to-new-heights/id1442136034 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rld3E6a4hWwySD73aBkbe?si=89d00821258844b3
Grant Lobdell is back on the show at a moment when the whole industry is paying attention. The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts put a hard question in front of every contractor: how do recalled sprinkler heads stay in buildings for decades, and whose job is it to catch them? Grant runs the lab side of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, now an NFPA Global Solutions company, and his answer starts with an honest observation: contractors handle the routine work well. It's the tests that come due 20 or 50 years after install that fall to the wayside. Dyne's whole stance is that the easier the test is to do, the more likely it gets done. From there the conversation goes inside NFPA 25. Grant walks through how testing intervals actually get set and why they keep changing edition to edition: dry sprinklers moving from 10 to 15 to 20 years as failure-rate data came in, quick response intervals stretching as the technology proved itself. The committee isn't trying to make life difficult. The intervals are a data-driven decision, and the data keeps moving. Then the hard part. Recalled O-ring sprinklers are not specifically called out in the standard today. As Grant puts it, if you hand him an O-ring sprinkler and it passes the test, it technically meets the standard, even though the failure rate says otherwise. He expects that to be a hot button in the next revision cycle. The codes, as the saying goes, are written in blood. The back half is a live walkthrough: how Inspect Point structures sprinkler head data down to the individual head, tracks the right test frequency for whatever NFPA 25 edition each building is on, projects what's coming due across every building in a portfolio, and submits heads to Dyne for testing in a couple of clicks. Grant's team sends a kit, you fill the box, and the lab report lands in your inbox.
Photo: Cars destroyed in the Mukluk Fire on August 18, 2026. (Courtesy Pyotr Dobrotvorsky) Residents of the eastern Interior community of Tok, Alaska are being ordered to evacuate their homes after a wildfire broke out Monday morning. What officials are calling the Mukluk Fire was reported shortly before noon in the backyard of a residence on the Alaska Highway, near milepost 1316, as the Alaska Desk’s Shelby Herbert from KUAC reports. As of Monday evening, it had grown to over 1,500 acres and was spreading to the east and northeast. Sam Harrel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection said hot, dry, and windy weather has made the situation dangerous. He said in a brief phone interview that state troopers and firefighters are going door-to-door in the area north of the Alaska Highway asking people to leave. Level 3 ‘Go’ evacuations — urging residents to leave immediately — were underway from Sundog Trail to Midnight Sun Drive. Residents in that area were being asked to evacuate to the local Mushers Hall and the Tok School. Pets are being accepted in both locations. Officials have also cautioned people in the area to avoid downed power lines. Harrell also said a helicopter initial attack team from Fairbanks has been dispatched to the fire, as well as fire engines from as far away as Mat-Su and Kenai. He was not able to confirm, if — or how many — structures have burned. Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) issued a disaster declaration Tuesday, activating the state's public and individual assistance program. Fur seals on St. Paul Island, Alaska. (Photo: Allen Shimada / NOAA NMFS/OST/AMD) Dogs have long been banned on the Pribilof Islands in Alaska, under a rule imposed by the federal government to protect the world’s largest concentration of northern fur seals, but that is set to change. The Alaska Beacon reports that under a new interim rule enacted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), dogs may be brought to the islands, but only for the specific purpose of hunting for rats. Dogs allowed on St. Paul Island or any other part of the archipelago must be trained and certified to detect and catch rats, and their stays are limited to 180 days. The Pribilofs have managed to stay rat-free, even as other Alaska islands and coastal areas have become infested with rodents. The new NOAA rule is intended to keep it that way. Rats are not native to any part of Alaska, but have been introduced by ships over time. They have infested several coastal regions and become one of the most destructive invasive species in the state. There have been instances of rat sighting on St. Paul over the years, but most were caught immediately in traps set up at the harbor. One rat escaped that gauntlet in 2018 and was found dead 10 months later. The new rule went into effect on August 6. Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. (Photo: Bob Wick / Bureau of Land Management) Mining companies are setting their sights on two national monuments in Utah. KNAU's Chris Clements reports the monuments were slashed by President Donald Trump last month, opening them up to new mining claims. Seven mining claims were filed in Bears Ears National Monument a day after President Trump announced the cuts, with two filed in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument less than a month after that. Autumn Gillard is a member of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. “It’s just very unfortunate that our public lands and Native American ancestral homelands are being put up so quickly on the chopping block.” She worries if the claims one day become mines, they will hurt a unique landscape that is home to thousands of cultural sites, but Brian Somers of the Utah Mining Association says he is confident any mining would be responsible. “We can develop our minerals in a way that respects the environment.” And, he says, mining the monuments for minerals like uranium could help reduce dependence on foreign adversaries. It is unclear if the U.S. Bureau of Land Management will approve the claims, since Trump's executive orders only allow them after September 11. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, August 19, 2026 — Native American groups have limited success fighting border wall construction
Sonic Fire Protection raised its new funding to help get its sound-powered fire protection system into everything from commercial kitchens to apartment buildings. Also, Wispr's total funding is now over $361 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines: Residents of the eastern Interior community of Tok are being ordered to evacuate their homes after a wildfire broke out yesterday morning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will go through a bidding process like the TV show “Shark Tank,” to select a partner to end Juneau's glacial outburst floods. And the Alaska Marine Highway System announced that all state ferry service to Skagway was stopped until “further notice.”Photo: Smoke rises from the Mukluk Fire outside the Tok Forestry & Fire Protection office. August 17th. Photo:E Johnson
Payton highlights the Explorer Program for those 14 to 18 years old to gain training and knowledge of the fire industry, members and leadership involved with the Central Warren Fire Protection District, and more on the WRAM Morning Show.
Insurance expert Bill Wilson shares how a background in fire protection engineering sparked a lifelong passion for insurance coverage, leading to a decades-long career educating the industry on … Read More » The post How Bill Wilson Turned Engineering Into an Insurance Career | IJA Aftershow appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.
In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Shannon Payne, Co-Founder and CEO of Allied Fire Protection, for a conversation about building a life safety company from the ground up and the discipline it takes to grow one steadily over nearly three decades. Shannon frames his work simply, describing a business dedicated to saving lives and protecting property through the engineering, construction, service, and maintenance of fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.Shannon shares how the company began in 1998 with three people in a Pearland garage, a lifelong friendship, and a mentor's early advice about mastering operations as the true heart of any business. He walks through the growth that followed, from the first offices on Telephone Road to expansion across Texas and eventually into markets like Nashville and Tampa, all achieved organically. He also speaks candidly about weathering back to back black swan events, including 9/11 and the financial crisis, and how deep customer relationships allowed Allied to remain profitable even through steep downturns.The conversation covers the themes that have defined Shannon's approach to leadership, starting with a commitment to hiring for values first and the story of how a rebranding effort surfaced the company's real mission by asking team members and customers who Allied truly was. He and Chris discuss the challenge of keeping culture consistent across regions, the importance of learning to let go and empower others, and the value of building in a pro business state like Texas. Shannon is also honest about hard lessons, including the million dollar cost of commodity swings in steel and pipe, and the transparency he brought to his team afterward along with the strategy he adopted to protect the company going forward.Shannon also talks about innovation in an industry that struggles to find skilled people, describing how Allied built talent acquisition and training programs that reach into high schools, military bases, and colleges to introduce young people to a career path, along with a rotational development program aimed at growing the next generation of leaders. Throughout, he returns to a principle he once taught his son, to say what you can do and do what you say, as the foundation of trust and lasting customer loyalty.For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders interested in disciplined growth, building a values driven culture, navigating economic uncertainty, and solving the talent challenges facing the trades, this episode offers a grounded and practical look at how a garage startup became a company operating across Texas and beyond.LINKSShow NotesPrevious EpisodesAbout BoyarMillerAbout Allied Fire Protection
Mike and Jason from Veterans Fire Protection talk about being the title sponsor of our golf tournament coming up in Septemeber.
Hani Taan, CTO and co-founder of Nanotech Materials, shares his journey from oil and gas to pioneering advanced thermal materials. Discover insights on technology development, startup challenges, and future applications in construction and industry. key topics Journey from oil and gas to tech startup Development of platform technology for thermal management Challenges in commercializing new materials Applications of nanotech additives in coatings and construction Future prospects for nanotech in various industries takeaways The importance of trying many approaches to find what works in tech development Scaling a platform technology requires focus and value creation Choosing the right partners and industry is crucial for success Innovation often involves trial and error, but persistence pays off Future applications of nanotech include electronics and construction materials Chapters 00:00 Journey from Field Engineer to CTO 07:22 Navigating the Startup Landscape 14:55 Innovative Products and Applications 16:36 Future Vision and Advice for Founders
77 members of Columbia-based Missouri Task Force One (MO-TF1) just returned from a deployment to historic flooding in southeast Missouri. Boone County Fire Protection District chief Doug Westhoff, assistant chief Chuck Doss and MO-TF1 program manager Jake Heller joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." They had to end the interview early because they just learned they are being deployed to flooded Texas:
77 members of Columbia-based Missouri Task Force One (MO-TF1) just returned from a deployment to historic flooding in southeast Missouri. Boone County Fire Protection District chief Doug Westhoff, assistant chief Chuck Doss and MO-TF1 program manager Jake Heller joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." They had to end the interview early because they just learned they are being deployed to flooded Texas:
Everybody in fire protection, and everywhere else for that matter, is wondering how artificial intelligence will impact their lives, their jobs, and society in general. On this episode, we will explore some of the ways that AI is already having a meaningful impact on fire protection engineering, and then engineer and industry observer Joe Meyer will engage in some informed speculation about what we will see next and how the industry might evolve and change as a result. This episode was recorded live in late June at 2026 NFPA Conference and Expo in Las Vegas. Links: Learn more about Joe Meyer Check out NFPA Journal's coverage on AI and fire protection, the AI-centric data center boom, as well as NFPA's new AI tool CASI
This "Deep Dive" podcast outlines the municipal financial obligations for Newtown Township scheduled for approval on July 8, 2026. The records detail a comprehensive Bills List totaling over $934,000 across various accounts, including the General Fund, Fire Protection, and Rescue Squad funds. Significant expenditures are allocated toward public health insurance premiums, recreational camp activities, and road improvement projects. The itemized reports also track internal fund transfers and specific payments to vendors for vehicle maintenance, utility services, and administrative supplies.
Clare Frank, the State of California's first female Chief of Fire Protection, discusses how she got hooked on pickleball, how pickleball players and tennis players can make peace, and whether pickleball has a bright future. Clare's new book is Just One More Game: A Pickleball Quest.
On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:A man seeking to challenge U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has filed suit after the Alaska Division of Elections removed him from this year's ballot. The state Division of Forestry and Fire Protection estimated the Starry Fire has burned about 550 acres since it was reported Saturday night. And Four U.S. Coast Guard crew members involved in a helicopter crash in Sitka Monday morning have been reported safe with “non-serious injuries.”Photo: US Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter. (US Coast Guard)
This "Deep Dive" podcast analyzes the Newtown Township Treasurer's Report for the period ending March 31, 2026. This comprehensive financial summary details the allocation of over $11 million in combined cash across various municipal accounts, including the General Fund, Fire Protection, and Capital Projects. The reports include detailed balance sheets that list local assets and liabilities alongside budgetary comparisons for both revenues and expenditures. Key data points highlight the township's primary income sources, such as real estate and enabling act taxes, while tracking operational costs for public safety, public works, and administrative services. Ultimately, these records offer a transparent view of the township's fiscal health and spending efficiency through the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year.
Shawn Mahoney of NFPA's Technical Services team joins Drew for his fourth time on The Fire Protection Podcast, and this one covers a lot of ground before landing on a problem the industry keeps stepping over: construction-site fires. You've seen the headlines. A light wood-frame building goes up mid-construction, and the whole thing is gone, like the Denver complex that took a 238-unit building with it, or the South Park fire in North Carolina that killed two workers. Shawn's point is blunt: we already have the standard to prevent this. It's NFPA 241, the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, and it's been around since 1930. It's referenced by NFPA 1, NFPA 101, the IBC, and the IFC. "The biggest issue is people just aren't using it," Shawn says. The code isn't broken. Enforcement is. Drew and Shawn dig into why adoption is so piecemeal, what real enforcement looks like (Boston shuts a site down if the fire prevention program manager isn't there), the legislative push after the North Carolina fire, and what the Fire Prevention Program Manager actually has to do day to day. Before that, they preview the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, including Drew's Tuesday session on AI and fire protection, how AI has reshaped the codes world through NFPA LiNK, CASI, and the new Notebooks feature, and why data centers and small nuclear reactors are creating fire-protection problems in towns that have never seen anything like them. Join Drew for Episode 96 for a real conversation about why the standards we already have only matter if someone enforces them. Topics covered: Inside the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas AI in fire protection: NFPA LiNK, CASI, and NFPA Insights LiNK Notebooks for codes, checklists, and impairment permits Data centers and small nuclear reactors as emerging fire risks Light wood-frame construction fires and why they're catastrophic NFPA 241 and the enforcement gap The Fire Prevention Program Manager role Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:27 – Inside the NFPA Conference & Expo 05:35 – AI in Fire Protection 07:46 – Data Centers & Small Nuclear Reactors 09:13 – NFPA LiNK, CASI & NFPA Insights 12:00 – LiNK Notebooks 15:21 – NFPA 241: A Standard Since 1930 16:50 – Why Wood-Frame Construction Fires Are Catastrophic 19:07 – Referenced Everywhere, Enforced Almost Nowhere 20:36 – How Boston Enforces 241 25:54 – The Fire Prevention Program Manager Role 28:33 – Educational Videos & NFPA's YouTube Channels 30:23 – Conclusion
Jason Tielve, CEO of FireDesign.ai, an AI tool that automatically designs code-compliant fire sprinkler systems in minutes instead of days joins Enterprise Radio.… Read more The post AI for Fire Protection: Inside the Automated Design Platform of FireDesign.ai appeared first on Top Entrepreneurs Podcast | Enterprise Podcast Network.
The latest contract with Marion County Fire Fighters is a commitment to hiring and retaining the finest firefighters. Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak on the importance of firefighters' service to residents. Zalak announces he won't seek reelection after 16 years on the County Commission. Plus, the “Marion Celebrates 250” Independence parade and 4 fireworks shows honoring America.
Levi Rock got laid off for three weeks when COVID hit, and it changed how he thought about job security. In 2020 he started Red Seal Fire Protection in Windsor, Ontario, and grew it to 17 employees in five years by keeping it simple: show up when you say you will, turn reports and deficiency quotes around within 48 hours, and get out of the way so customers never have to think about their fire protection. In this episode, Levi joins Drew Slocum to talk about building a service-first fire protection business. They cover the recurring-revenue membership model behind it, why he says no to most new-installation work, how Red Seal uses social media to educate property managers and recruit fitters, and how Inspect Point replaced their PDF forms with consistent, faster reporting. They also get into the gap between NFPA 25 and the Ontario Fire Code, why contractors and AHJs need to communicate more, and why human expertise still beats generic AI on fire code. Episode #95. The Fire Protection Podcast, powered by Inspect Point. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Welcome and why Levi's on the show 02:56 From sprinkler fitter to founder during COVID 07:50 The edge: speed, communication, 48-hour turnarounds 11:30 Moving off PDF forms to Inspect Point 13:35 Capturing asset data to power AI tools 15:42 The membership model and predictable budgets 20:02 Marketing fire protection and recruiting techs 23:32 The AI content problem and fire code accuracy 25:54 The fire protection education gap and training AHJs 28:34 NFPA 25 vs the Ontario Fire Code (and ULC 536/537) 33:11 Training the next generation 34:13 What's next for Red Seal 37:19 Wrap-up
Ray Fremont Jr., president of General Air Products, joins Drew to talk about the air supply side of dry pipe sprinkler systems. General Air Products has been building air compressors for fire sprinkler systems since the 1960s, and the Fremont family has been in the compressed air business since the 1930s. Ray covers how dry system air supply has changed over the last century: plant air compressors and schedule 40 pipe, the shift to thin-wall steel, nitrogen generators, and a newer vapor corrosion inhibitor technology called Vapor Pipe Shield that creates a molecular barrier on the inside of the pipe. They also dig into some real problems: most dry systems leak well beyond what NFPA 25 allows, jurisdictions are a decade behind on code adoption, and air compressor maintenance still gets skipped. Ray previews a new digital monitoring device that tracks compressor cycling and flags system issues before they turn into failures. It's the kind of predictive data the sprinkler side has never had.
The University of Arizona recognized Friday roughly 70 Native American graduates with a special celebration. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, an Indigenous actor was the event's keynote speaker. Dallas Goldtooth (Diné and Mdewakanton Dakota) is arguably best known for his role in the Peabody Award-winning FX series, “Reservation Dogs”. Goldtooth plays a comedic spiritual guide to a teen living in an Oklahoma rez town. He co-founded the 1491s, an all-Native sketch comedy group that uses humor as a way to tackle stereotypes of Indigenous people and complex social issues. Native Americans make up about 4% of the university's student body. Ice is seen held in place on the Kuskokwim River downriver from Aniak on May 8, 2026. (Photo: Samantha Watson / KYUK) The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs says it is distributing $20 million in emergency funding to more than a dozen Alaska Native communities in response to shortages of essential supplies and urgent infrastructure needs. As KYUK's Evan Erickson reports, the lion's share of the funding, $16 million, is going to the Kuskokwim Delta coastal village of Chefornak to address the impacts of severe erosion, permafrost thaw, and failing infrastructure. According to a press release, the funds are intended to restore damaged wetlands, address unsafe structures, relocate at-risk homes, and reconstruct the community's barge landing. Chefornak and 15 other communities spread across a vast swath of the state will also receive a portion of an additional $4 million that the federal government is using to purchase thousands of gallons of heating fuel, along with potable water supplies, and firewood. The press release says delayed spring barge deliveries, restricted water systems, and extreme winter conditions led to supply shortages in the communities receiving assistance. The announcement comes after Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland was in Alaska to meet with tribal leaders. Kirkland appeared alongside U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in Anchorage and Bethel as part of hearings of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on federal disaster support and the question of climate-driven village relocation. Students learn about Mark 3 pumps as part of their field day during spring training. (Courtesy Alaska DNR Division of Forestry and Fire Protection / Facebook) Alaska Native organizations and wildfire officials are preparing for another challenging fire season as communities face growing climate-related threats. Officials say dry spring conditions and warming temperatures are increasing wildfire risks in rural communities across the state. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection says many Alaska wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped burn piles, campfires, and sparks from equipment or vehicles. Officials are urging residents to prepare emergency kits, create evacuation plans, and clear brush and other flammable materials away from homes and buildings. Alaska Native organizations are also working with communities on climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and public health planning efforts tied to wildfire smoke and extreme weather. Meanwhile, tribal leaders in western Alaska are calling for stronger tribally led disaster response systems as communities face increasing wildfire and environmental threats. Some rural communities are also concerned about how major wildfires could impact subsistence activities, travel routes, and deliveries of food, fuel, and other critical supplies during the summer months. Fire officials say even a single spark can quickly ignite dry grass during spring conditions. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, May 11, 2026 – What's in the near future for urban elder health care?
KZN Fire Protection Association General Manager Simon Thomas by Radio Islam
In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Rob Baughman of Ironsmith Fire to break down one of the most overlooked — yet critical — aspects of running a business: fire protection and safety compliance. From sprinkler systems and fire pumps to inspections and NFPA regulations, fire protection is more complex than many business owners realize — and missing key requirements can lead to costly surprises, failed inspections, or even serious safety risks. In this conversation, we cover: • What fire protection really includes beyond alarms and sprinklers • Key requirements for commercial buildings and business owners • What to look for before buying or leasing a property • How building use changes can impact fire code compliance • What annual inspections actually involve — and why they matter • Common mistakes business owners make when it comes to fire safety Rob also shares insights on building trust in a relationship-driven industry, growing a service-based business, and balancing the technical side of work with creativity and personal passions. Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you protect your building, your team, and your investment. To learn more, visit ironsmithfire.com or connect with Rob Baughman online.
Erik heads to the Wildland Fire Office to speak with Hugh Fairfield-Smith, Division Chief of Wildland Fire Operations about what's in front of all of us this summer with the severe drought conditions we will most certainly be facing. This is a message of hope - Hugh and his team have been preparing for a summer like this and are ready - but also one of preparedness with some great tips as to what you can do to create fire safe areas for both home and business. As Hugh says in the podcast, "Wildfire is a unique natural disaster in the way that you can mitigate and prepare to lessen the severity."Learn more about how you can be prepared HEREFor Eagle County Preparedness resources visit HEREHugh also mentions for an inspection email home@eagleriverfire.org
Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, joins Drew Slocum on Episode 92 to discuss Ting, the IoT sensor that monitors home electrical systems for arcing hazards before they become fires. In this episode: How Ting takes 30 million electrical measurements per second from a single outlet The on-device and cloud AI that detects electrical arcing using image recognition 26,000+ hazards identified (and growing at 30 per day) Real data from Hurricane Helene, the LA wildfires, and Winter Storm Fern Why outlets, extension cords, and holiday lights are the most common hazards How 35+ insurance partners provide Ting to homeowners for free The 1.3 million sensor network monitoring the entire U.S. utility grid What this means for the fire protection industry and commercial applications Bob also shares the personal story behind founding Whisker Labs and how their fire safety team works directly with homeowners and electricians to find and fix problems before they cause fires.
The Government is defending its new rent reforms, insisting they'll bring greater security for tenants and boost housing supply. But Ireland's largest residential landlord, Ires Reit, has told investors the changes could deliver a potential 25% increase in rental income — prompting fierce criticism from the Opposition and housing advocates. So, what will this mean in reality for renters, landlords and the wider housing market? Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and President of Ennis Chamber, and Shane Doody, Shannon Sinn Féin representative and homeless family support worker. Image © Thitiphat Khuankaew from Getty Images via Canva
The race to cash in on artificial intelligence has triggered a data center building boom that is quickly becoming the largest infrastructure effort of our time. With these enormous facilities being built all over the world, an army of safety professionals is now racing to understand the complex systems in data centers and mitigate their hazards, even as the technology inside continues to rapidly evolve. Today on the podcast, we welcome Michael Brune, one of those safety experts on the frontlines of overseeing safety during the data center buildout. As the fire marshal of Goodyear, Arizona, a suburb of Pheonix, Brune and his office review designs and issue permits for data centers, and oversee construction and inspections. He's had a lot to do. The city now has at least 30 data centers in various stages of completion, most of which have gone up in just the last few years. Brune shares his experiences and lessons learned as an AHJ overseeing several enormous data center projects, and what it's like playing a high-stakes safety tug-of-war with some of the richest corporations on earth. LINKS: Read the cover story of the NFPA Journal, "Fast, Furious, Immense." Learn more about NFPA 75, Standard for Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment
Ziad Hameed is a dedicated firefighter and NFPA certified instructor with six years of frontline and instructional experience in the fire service. He began his career as a volunteer with Tiny Fire and Emergency Services after responding to a local recruitment call an opportunity that quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to community protection and professional excellence. Ziad has earned multiple NFPA certifications and maintains a strong commitment to operational readiness, physical fitness, and technical proficiency. He is recognized for fostering team cohesion and camaraderie, contributing to a culture of preparedness and mutual trust within the fire service. His foundational training at Southwest Fire Academy solidified his passion for the profession and inspired his continued pursuit of mentorship and volunteerism. Committed to lifelong learning, Ziad is currently enrolled in the Fire Protection and Prevention Engineering program at Seneca College, expanding his expertise in fire science, prevention strategies, and system design. In addition to active service, Ziad serves as an NFPA certified instructor with Waswanay Consulting, delivering fire service education and training to Indigenous communities across Canada. His instructional work focuses on building local capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness, and supporting the development of sustainable, community-led emergency services. Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Ziad brings resilience, perspective, and a deep sense of purpose to his profession, which is all part of his personal story. Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy Editing: @bradshea Marketing: @m.pletz Administration: @haileygreenfitness Partnership: @firefighternationhq @rescue_squad_ironworks @truenorthfools @ffrescueontario
On February 26th, parcel owners and registered voters from both Fire Protection Districts will have a chance to formally protest the consolidation. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the Rough & Ready Fire Station at 14506 Rough and Ready Highway in Rough and Ready.
This episode of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast is my Conversation with William Clayton from Ember Software. We discuss jumping into the fire protection industry as a software company and the positive feedback they've gained on a short period of time. Enjoy!
In this first episode of Season Five of Tuned in to the Land, host Michael Delbar sits down with rancher Katie Delbar, a former USDA Farm Service Agency County Executive Director and current member of the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Katie is also Michael's wife and partner in ranching, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore how life on the ranch informs leadership at every level, from federal agencies to statewide policy tables.Katie shares insights from her career working alongside ranchers across Northern California, her firsthand experience navigating wildfire on working lands, and her role representing livestock and rangelands in California's forestry and fire conversations. Together, Michael and Katie unpack how managed grazing, stewardship, and long-term land planning play critical roles in resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the future of working landscapes.The episode also takes a look at what it means to be a woman in agriculture—balancing family, leadership, and service while helping shape the next generation of agriculturalists. Grounded, practical, and hopeful, this conversation highlights the people and partnerships needed to keep California's working lands healthy, productive, and thriving.Want to learn more? Chat with us!Support the showLearn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!
House Bill 2224 cleared the House Local Government Committee after supporters said the proposal would give cities another optional tool to fund fire and emergency medical services without cutting other core services, while maintaining voter approval and local decision-making. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-david-stuebes-bill-to-give-small-cities-additional-options-to-strengthen-fire-protection-receives-committee-support/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonLegislature #FireProtection #LocalGovernment #PublicSafety #HB2224
0:00 - Paper documents, hydrant flow testing, and lost inspection data04:59 - Deficiencies are not a gotcha game8:47 - Ontario Fire Code limits and NFPA 25 enforcement gaps15:23 - Strategic planning and involving Al20:20 - 2025 highlights, consistency, and "what I'd do differently"24:05 - Current state of the fire protection industry40:27 - Notable fire incidents & what we learned from real sprinkler activations46:20 - Closing thoughts and Chris's podcast
This episode of the fire sprinkler podcast is my conversation with William Chaney from Service Trade. We discuss the movement from paper to software, the challenges companies have with moving, as well as the challenges they face by not! Enjoy!
Listen to this interview with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on the flood control scam and the massive corruption at the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Funding for disaster response is much needed in the American West where vast rangeland ignites quickly under dry conditions. In Eastern Oregon, innovative Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) bring together local ranchers and state resources to work collaboratively when fires break out. Derek Burkhardt is a 4th generation rancher and farmer from Vale, Oregon who is in a leadership role with his two local RFPAs, and Allison Rayburn is the Oregon Dept of Forestry's Rangeland Fire Program Coordinator. They share their motivations, recent firefighting experiences, and wish lists.
This episode of the fire sprinkler podcast is my conversation with James Goliveaux, recently appointed chairmen of the board at Viking Group. We discuss fire protection innovations, his career path in the industry and how to get involved, and stay involved in the fire sprinkler industry. Its always a pleasure to sit down and chat with an absolute legend in the industry like James.
This episode of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast is my conversation with Greg Ohnemus and Phil Schechinger from Viking! We discuss the new Viking VGS and review the fittings, discuss the development process, and the impact that being a complete manufacturer makes on the industry. Enjoy!
In Episode 89, Drew Slocum welcomes Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, for a deep dive into the future of building codes, AI-driven code research, and the growing need for accessible, reliable, and continually updated code information across the built environment. Scott shares the origin story of UpCodes, starting with his early career in architecture—working internationally in Hong Kong and later in New York City—where he experienced firsthand how difficult it is to navigate complex, fragmented, and frequently changing building and fire codes. That frustration eventually led Scott and his brother (a software engineer) to create UpCodes—a platform designed to unify, structure, and simplify access to codes and amendments across all 50 states and hundreds of local jurisdictions. Episode 89 provides an insightful look at how technology, transparency, and collaboration can reshape fire protection, design, and construction for the better.
NFPA 420 – A new standard addressing the unique hazards and environment associated with cannabis growing and processing is anticipated to be published in 2027. Joining me today with a preview of what that standard may be covering is Johnathan Carl, Senior Application Specialist for Fire Protection with Victaulic. Johnathan's fire service background and passion for fire safety led him to be involved in the standards development process, and shares some of his personal insights about this new standard on the horizon. Get in touch with Johnathan by email at Johnathan.Carl@victaulic.com To see the first draft of the NFPA 420 document go to www.nfpa.org/420 Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org
Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing today's guest01:57 - Launching the first Al agent04:19 - How AI adoption changes business processes06:58 - Code complexity in fire protection09:30 - Generative Al vs agentic Al explained12:10 - How data supports better decisions14:39 - FireCAD design assistant and design workflow gains18:56 - Passion, innovation, and industry growth19:49 - OEMs, contractors, and AI-enabled data flow25:24 - Using AI for simple tasks and avoiding hallucinations29:45 - The rapid shift toward AI in fire protection32:02- Favorite Al-themed films34:35 - Closing thoughts and future direction
The fire protection engineering profession is in a strange place right now. For one thing, there's a growing global shortage of FPEs just as demand for their services is surging. Factors such as accelerating technology, global building booms, and intensifying natural disasters are making their work more challenging than ever. And on top of that, some predict that artificial intelligence will completely alter how FPEs do their jobs over the next decade. Today on the podcast, I talk about all of this with Bill Koffel, a veteran fire protection engineer and director of the new online fire protection engineering program at the University of Maryland. We discuss Maryland's effort to expand access to FPE training, how the FPE profession is evolving, the challenges of attracting and educating the next generation, and what role AI might play in all of this for good and for bad. LINKS: A new NFPA Journal cover story on this topic will be out soon! Look for it online and in the upcoming Winter 2025 issue. Learn more about the University of Maryland's online degree program in fire protection engineering
In this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum sits down with Grant Lobdell, President of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the fire protection industry today—sprinkler testing and system maintenance.Grant shares insights on Dyne's acquisition by NFPA Global Solutions and how this new initiative supports NFPA's life safety mission. The conversation takes a serious turn as Drew and Grant unpack the tragic Fall River, Massachusetts fire, where recalled O-ring sprinkler heads failed to activate—an incident underscoring the critical importance of regular inspection, testing, and maintenance under NFPA 25.They also dive into the new partnership between Inspect Point and Dyne, designed to streamline how contractors and building owners identify, test, and replace aging or defective sprinklers. The episode closes with updates from Dyne's lab on the transition from fluorinated foams to fluorine-free alternatives, and what that means for contractors navigating environmental regulations and system performance. Timestamps00:00 Intro and Episode Overview02:21 Meet Grant Lobdell and Dyne Labs07:32 O-Ring Recalls and Failure Rates11:15 NFPA 25 Testing Requirements18:00 Simplifying Inspections Through Partnerships21:07 Testing Cycles and Code Changes23:42 Interpreting Results and Owner Duties27:21 Foam Systems and Regulatory Updates34:48 Closing Remarks
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:15 Jason's Background and GEM Systems03:40 Integrating Design, Engineering, and Distribution07:47 Navigating COVID-19 and Supply Chain Shifts12:06 Expanding into Sprinkler Design15:20 AI, Data Centers & Code Shifts17:44 Connectivity, Safety & Working Together22:17 Codes, Compliance, and Public Safety23:58 Efficiency, Software, and Real-Time Solutions26:22 From Soccer Fields to Fire Systems28:05 Business Growth, ERP, and Integration Challenges32:10 Training, Partnerships, and Future Initiatives34:25 Where to Find GEM Systems and Closing Remarks
As the earth continues to heat up unsustainably due to society's love of fossil fuels, scientists say natural disasters are only going to become more frequent and more destructive. That's something California knows all too well. Wildfires burned more than 58,000 acres this year and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.For many towns, a disaster like a wildfire or hurricane can completely destroy the town and its history, leaving its residents wondering if it can ever be what it once was. The Altadena community is seeing that process play out. The Eaton fire killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes when it burned through the neighborhood outside of Los Angeles earlier this year. We discuss what choices families are left to face in the aftermath of a disaster that destroys their home, and what the process looks like if you do try to rebuild.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy