In December 2024 and January 2025, we examined the four attributes of smoke: velocity, volume, density, and color. Understanding each attribute is important, but firefighters must also know how to combine those observations into a quick, repeatable size-up.

   I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to spend time with family and friends. The new year is upon us! 

   The Silver City Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in a commercial structure in the 2200 block of US Highway 385, Unincorporated, Pennin

   It’s that time of year when we all make resolutions to be a better person. Not me, I try to make a resolution to simply remember to make a resolution.

   Ground ladders play a critical role on the fireground; from rapid access for rescue operations to ventilation and at times, even fire suppression.

Protivin Fire Department was paged out for a truck on fire next to a corn field on 170th Street and Willow Avenue just four miles north of Protivin on October 20 at 3:50 p.m.

   And yet another NSVFA conference is in the books! I want to thank the Dakota City Fire Department for a great conference.

Yankton firefighters responded to a 1996 Gleaner combine fire northwest of Yankton on Sunday, Oct. 22. The operator reported a fire near the location of a hydraulic bank under the cab.