In the Books: Episode 20 - The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, 2E

In the Books: Episode 20 - The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, 2E

July 15, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 2321

About this episode

This episode discusses the updates in the second edition of The Evolving Fireground, focusing on research-based tactics in modern firefighting.

In this episode of In the Books, host David Rhodes sits down with respected fire service leaders and co-authors Sean Gray and PJ Norwood to discuss the newly released second edition of The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics. From the groundbreaking UL FSRI fire research studies to modern fireground decision-making, this conversation explores how evidence-based tactics continue to shape the fire service. Gray and Norwood break down the major updates in the new edition, including expanded content on search operations, water mapping, air entrainment, coordinated ventilation, basement fires, emerging technologies, and the practical application of fire dynamics research. The discussion takes a deep dive into: ✅ Coordinated ventilation and modern fire dynamics✅ Search tactics backed by research and real-world experience✅ Water application, transitional attack, and getting water on the fire quickly✅ Staffing considerations and tactical prioritization✅ Legacy vs. modern fire environments✅ Basement fire operations and decision-making✅ How departments can turn research into actionable training and operational doctrine Whether you're a firefighter, company officer, instructor…

People in this episode

Host: David Rhodes

Guests: Sean Gray, PJ Norwood

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UL FSRI

Books & works: The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics (2nd Edition)

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