Show Notes
The Pipemen sit down with Chief (Ret.) Dave McGrail from the Denver Fire Department.
In this podcast we take a look at engine and truck operations and how they continue to be shaped by the work of Chief McGrail, including The Great Debate. We discuss the impact Andy Fredericks had on the American fire service. We also discuss Andy’s writings such as Return of the Solid Stream and Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later and his FDIC speech, “Don’t Worry About that Nozzle, Kid” that emphasized fundamentals, water application, and a disciplined strategy.
Chief McGrail discusses a few significant high-rise incidents in the American fire service - including One Meridian Plaza, Memphis and Houston NIOSH reports. Additionally, we talk about the Los Angeles First Interstate and San Francisco’s Butler wind-driven fire, all which continue to reinforce the need for strong standpipe, suppression, and high-rise tactics.
The Pipemen go deep with a discussion on standards like NFPA 13E (fire department operations in sprinklered buildings), NFPA 13R (residential sprinkler systems), and NFPA 14 (standpipes). All of these frame today’s best practices and help connect the lessons of the past to the operational readiness demanded today.
More from The Pipeman
The Pipeman Podcast sits down with Capt. (Ret.) Jay Comella, with the Oakland Fire Department (CA), for a wide-ranging conversation about the fire service, engine company operations, and the people and experiences that helped shape his career. Jay reflects on the 1999 LODD of Tracy Toomy, the profound impact it had on him, and how it shaped the direction of the Oakland Fire Department. He also shares stories from the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, including working alongside salty Vietnam veterans whose wartime experience translated to the fireground, allowing them to call in precision air tanker drops during the firefight.
The Pipemen sit down with Mike Smith from FDNY Engine 48 to talk engine company culture, mentorship, and the traditions that shape good firemen. Mike shares what it’s like working in a house with such a strong history—including being part of the same company where the late Andy Fredericks once worked and left a lasting legacy on engine company operations.
The Pipemen sit down with Mike Smith from FDNY Engine 48 to talk engine company culture, mentorship, and the traditions that shape good firemen. Mike shares what it’s like working in a house with such a strong history—including being part of the same company where the late Andy Fredericks once worked and left a lasting legacy on engine company operations.
The Pipemen sit down with Mark Carcamo, Colin Kelley, Cameron Monahan from the West Coast Offense.
The Pipemen sit down with Mark Carcamo, Colin Kelley, Cameron Monahan from the West Coast Offense.