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.

   You know what this month’s “thoughts” are when you see they are from the treasurer. Yep, your right.

   In my time on the fire department, we have always had some form of hydraulic rescue equipment. The first for me were the original Hurst “Jaws of Life”.

   Greetings firefighters. Convention is in the books and by the time you read this fall is not far off. Congratulations to Iowa Falls Fire Department on hosting a great convention.

Beresford Fire fought multiple fires at mile marker 50 on I-29 on Thursday, Sept.

   It’s that month when we all start thinking about what happened to summer. We say things like holy cow, I didn’t get anything done. Or oh crud, guess I’ll have to wait until next year.

   I am so ready for fall and winter. Out here in Northwest Kansas our pastures never did green up, many have sold off their cows and the farmers are now cutting the corn for silage.

   October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” as the theme for this year.