People, protection and prevention: IFSJ looks at the US fire sector

Ahead of FDIC 2025, IFSJ examines the States and the current climate of fire protection, prevention and the people who are making sure their voices heard.

Wildfire fundraisers  

Amidst the devastating wildfires that erupted across Los Angeles earlier this year, there has been many notable moments of unity as the wider community came together to support those affected. The Eaton and Palisades Fires, which ignited on January 7, killed at least 29 people and destroyed almost 17,000 structures, including homes, schools, places of worship and businesses.  

Members of the Los Angeles community helped in several ways, such as by offering fresh meals to local firefighters or announcing plans to develop ultra-low-cost housing centres for victims. Two notable events created to respond to the wildfires involved notable Los Angeles residents coming together to utilise their fame for fundraising.  

Celebrities like Justin Bieber and Steve Carrell took to the ice in a hockey benefit, alongside Hockey Hall of Famers like Jeremy Roenick, Mark Messier and Rob Blake.

Pop star Bieber said of the benefit: “We’re looking to have a good time and show when we come together, good things happen.” Alongside the variety of players, the match was coached by an unlikely group, with notable Los Angeles residents including Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell, offering guidance during the exhibition tournament.  

The Los Angeles Kings and National Hockey League held the “Skate for LA Strong” event at the Crypto.com arena, with the audience consisting of first responders and those who have been displaced as a result of the fires.

Hockey Hall of Famer and President of the Los Angeles Kings, Luc Robitaille was the driving force behind the four-team exhibition tournament. He shared that everyone involved with the event had been affected by the wildfires, saying: “We all have friends, families or different (people) that have been impacted, so for us to be able to make a difference and to do something, we’re gonna raise as much as possible and make a difference.”  

Whilst some celebrities took to the ice to raise necessary funds to support the tragic Los Angeles fires, others took to the stage. FireAid, a benefit concert raised an estimated $100 million and has subsequently announced $50 million in grants to dozens of community-based organizations assisting in disaster recovery.

Performers at FireAid included big names like Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. Those organizing the concert expanded the show to two venues across Los Angeles to accommodate the thirty bands and musicians who wanted to perform at the benefit.  

Prescribed burns 

Not only has the community wide response to the Los Angeles wildfires been staggering but so has the industries’ reaction. To combat the growing risk of wildfires, the U.S Forest Serviced announced plans to increase its use of prescribed fires. One of these planned burns has been organized in the Red Mountain, near the Sunnyside Trail in Aspen, Colorado. The Forest Service began preparations at the end of last year for the burn, cutting around 24 acres of brush and other vegetation to create control lines near the hiking trail.  

When the ideal conditions arise, as stipulated by a pre-organized burn plan, the Forest Service will ignite the fire. In Aspen, the burn is designed to act as a piece of valley-wide wildfire mitigation, a tool in improving habitats for wildlife and reducing the dry vegetation which acts as fuel.  

Aspen Fire Chief, Rick Ballantine commented on the prescribed burn saying: “Wildfire is an undeniable reality in the West, and we have two choices: Sit back and wait for a disaster or take decisive action to manage risk.”  

Similarly, funding for prescribed fires has been given to the Texas A&M Forest Service, designed to help landowners. The allocated $951,000 will be divided between 168 landowners, providing them with the necessary funding to carry out prescribed fires across 35,138 acres. Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Resiliency Coordinator said: “Our prescribed fire grants prioritize wildfire mitigation and emphasize protecting homes, communities and natural ecosystems.”. Emphasizing how preventative methods not only impact homeowners, but also the wildlife that inhabit the affected areas.  

Los Angeles amidst the wildfires  

After the wildfires sparked in Los Angeles, the local fire industry immediately jumped into action, implementing response strategies as they aimed to dull the smoulder of a burning city. One of these responses was a call to action from a broader coalition of housing, fire science, insurance and policy experts who urged that rebuilding occurred with the Chapter 7A building code.  

To group made the call in a letter addressed to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate and Assembly leaders, Los Angeles Mayor Bass, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Roy Wright, President and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a member of the coalition, explained: “We must rebuild survivable homes and communities that can withstand the wildfires we know they will again face so homeowners have a home to return to.” 

Another response was the mobilization of the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which provided immediate support to families of first responders working in the Los Angeles wildfires. The First Responders Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization, designed to support the children of U.S first responders both financially and personally.

By mobilizing their Disaster Relief Fund, the Foundation has been able to provide more than $200,000 in direct financial assistance to families facing loss and hardship. Additionally, over $1.75 million in new essential household supplies, clothing, footwear and toys were provided at the Los Angeles First Responder Family Appreciation Day on February 25 at the Dodger Stadium.  

Diversity and recruitment 

Not only has there been a response in supporting the families of those working to combat the life changing fires, but the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has also uplifted the achievements and contributions of African American/Black individuals in their ranks. Team members attended events in the community in honor of Black History Month such as the Black College Expo and Blazing Trails – Celebrating the Legacy of African American Firefighters.  

Black History Month was celebrated in February across the U.S, with not only the County of Los Angeles Fire Department commenting on the importance of representation in the fire service, but the International Association of Fire Fighters too.   

Two IAFF members, Leroy Heyward, Vice President of Boston, MA Local 718 and Bo Chaney of Rockford, IL Local 413 spoke out in honor of Black History Month, intending to raise awareness, whilst increasing recruitment and retention in the fire service.  Heyward and Chaney, both members of the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee represent African Americans in the fire service, acting as key advocates for underrepresented groups in the fire service. 

Bo Chaney spoke of the importance of diversity and inclusivity, saying: “I never really saw myself reflected in the fire service before I joined. I was never exposed to the fire service at a young age and I never knew it was a possibility. But now, I write books and coloring books to try to get people motivated to become fire fighters.”  

Partnerships and collaboration  

The climate in the fire industry across the States has been one of collaboration and unity. During the wildfires, struggles with PPE and a need for increased recruitment across fire services, the fire industry has grown to meet the challenges.  

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Nebraska Safety and Fire Equipment, another key company in building their portfolio across the U.S. Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety spoke of the acquisition, saying: “We are drawn to companies that strive to truly make a difference in their community, and Nebraska Safety and Fire Equipment does that every day. This acquisition allows us to expand our reach, offer a broader range of fire protection services and ultimately better serve individuals and businesses across America’s Heartland.”  

The acquisition is another step in providing comprehensive fire protection equipment services across the U.S. Another step in fire protection was announced in Lee County, Florida, when the County announced that SWCA Environmental Consultants had been selected to help with the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This would be the first CWPP in Lee County, marking an important first step in better preparing for and reducing the risk of wildfire in the area. 

Fire departments across the States  

With the increased need for fire protection and prevention, fire departments across the country have begun growing from the inside; upping resources and rebuilding. The City of Madison Fire Department in Wisconsin, is one of the areas looking to make a direct change. Madison became the first in North America to test and use the Pierce Volterra electric pumper production unit, now they have the first production custom unit in their fleet.  

Rachel Darken, Assistant Fleet Superintendent for the City of Madison spoke of the delivery, saying: “Fire trucks are among the most challenging vehicles to electrify and seeing the first production unit delivered to Madison is a remarkable achievement. Adding this electric pumper to our fleet showcases Madison’s commitment to being at the forefront of clean energy innovation while supporting our first responders in their critical mission.”  

The Cañon City Area Fire Protection District in Colorado has announced that they are in the process of renovating the district’s oldest firehouse, a decision intended to improve the lives of their firefighters. The remodel will serve a larger crew, introduce new training props and revamp the sleeping area to allow for privacy and rest amidst the chaos of a busy firehouse. By renovating the firehouse, Cañon City are establishing a desire to continue to supply the community with stronger fire protection. The investment will not only have a positive impact on those who work in the firehouse, but also the wider community. Upping their resources, mean the district are in a better position at not only dealing with fires, but also preventing them.  

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.