The Worcester Cold Storage Fire: The Night the Fire Service Learned When to Stop Every firefighter carries a few fires they never rode to. Fires that happened to someone else, in another city, maybe before they were born — but that live in the back of the rig anyway, in […]
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The Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire: The Night That Rewrote How We Fight Fire
The Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire: The Night That Rewrote How We Fight Fire On the evening of June 18, 2007, nine firefighters walked into a burning furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina, and never walked out. It was the deadliest single loss of American firefighters since September 11, 2001. […]
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CPAT 2026 Changes: What’s New and How to Train for It
CPAT 2026 Changes: What’s New and How to Train for It If you’re testing this year, listen up. The IAFF rolled out a set of CPAT addendums that took effect January 1, 2026. None of them change the eight events or the clock. But a few of them change how […]
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The 24/48 Side Hustle: 5 Businesses Built for Shift Work
The 24/48 schedule is one of the most underrated parts of this job. Work a day, get two off. Over a month, that’s roughly 20 days you’re not at the station. Plenty of firefighters spend that time fishing or catching up on sleep. Plenty of others spend it building a […]
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Firefighter Hiring in 2026: What’s Changed & How to Stay Competitive
The Grind If you’re applying right now, you’ve probably felt it: the process can be confusing, slow, and emotionally draining. People grind for months (sometimes years), stack certifications, apply everywhere… and still get silence. Others feel one small mistake on a background packet could sink them for years. And plenty […]
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Firefighter Testing & Hiring in 2026: Why Preparation Is No Longer Optional
The Fire Service Is Changing — Are You Ready for 2026? Every year, thousands of motivated candidates apply to become firefighters. Many believe hard work alone will be enough to get hired. But after more than 20 years involved in firefighter hiring, testing, and training, one truth stands out: Preparation—not […]
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