In 2025, firefighters are focused on balancing aggressive fire attack with heightened safety protocols, as a survey by FireRescue1 found that most firefighters believe these two concepts can and should coexist. Key areas of interest include enhancing safety briefing integration into tactical planning, improving search and rescue techniques, refining fireground operations, and adapting to new wearable technologies for communication and data. Funding new stations and ensuring adequate leadership development are also important priorities.
Key Firefighter Priorities for 2025
Aggressive Tactics with Enhanced Safety:
Firefighters aim to maintain aggressive tactics to save lives and property but are also committed to strong safety cultures. They believe aggressive firefighting and safety protocols are not mutually exclusive and can be integrated into fireground operations.
Advanced Technology:
The integration of new wearable technologies is a significant trend. These tools can improve communication, provide real-time location data, offer augmented reality overlays, and monitor physiological changes in firefighters.
Leadership and Training:
Firefighters are interested in developing bench strength and preparing leaders at all levels to step up when necessary.
Funding and Station Infrastructure:
Securing funding for new fire stations and understanding what essential features are needed is a concern.
Enhanced Safety Practices:
Firefighters want to see safety culture elevated and safety briefings transformed into a proactive tactical advantage.
Modernizing Fireground Operations:
Improving coordination, communication, and control on the fireground remains a fundamental goal, ensuring more effective and safer operations.
How Firefighters Express Their Wants
Surveys and Feedback:
Organizations like FireRescue1 conduct large-scale surveys, such as the "What Firefighters Want" series, to gather perspectives on these important issues from firefighters across North America.
Specialized Coverage:
FireRescue1 also produces eBooks and webinars that delve deeper into specific topics like funding, leadership, and the interplay between aggressive tactics and safety culture, based on the survey data.
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