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.

      We respond to so many varied emergencies. It is really a challenge to insure our teams are up to speed with all the hazards as well as responsibilities in meeting industry standards.

     Being a firefighter in Iowa is great! We get to meet interesting people, serve our communities and we get to help folks when they need it most. It can be very satisfying and rewarding.

The Beemer Fire Department took part in a controlled burn on Dec. 10. A firefighter works to keep the flames under control. Photo by Mike Lorenz. 

     Now that the busy 2017 and the holiday season is in our past I look forward to another great year.

     Most community members count themselves lucky to have a dedicated group of firefighters in Jerauld and Buffalo Counties to not only respond to fires but also accidents and a host of other emer

Did you realize there are approximately 1.1 million firefighters in the United States? And almost 800,000 of them are volunteers.

     Minnesota Firefighters, It’s really hard to believe it’s 2018. As we move into the first part of this new year, there are many things on the fire front that will quickly be upon us.