Trump Administration highlights wildfire policy in Fire Prevention Week message

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

President Trump declares Fire Prevention Week 2025

President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed 5–11 October as Fire Prevention Week 2025, calling on Americans to strengthen household and community fire safety.

The White House announced the proclamation on 7 October, urging every household and community to take “steps that reduce risks and strengthen safety.”

Trump said the week honours the “steadfast courage and dedication of firefighters and first responders” and renews the country’s commitment to awareness and preparedness.

President Trump stated: “During Fire Prevention Week, we call on every household and community to prioritise fire prevention by taking steps that reduce risks and strengthen safety.”

“It is also a time for Americans to honour the steadfast courage and dedication of firefighters and first responders who protect lives, property and natural resources from the devastation of fire.”

White House outlines wildfire response actions

The proclamation also referred to recent wildfires in California and the need for stronger state and local preparedness.

Trump said that “in recent years, our Nation has seen the staggering costs of poor fire prevention and disaster preparedness.”

He criticised “incompetent leadership” for leaving communities unprepared and referenced loss of life and extensive property damage following wildfires earlier in the year.

According to the White House, Trump signed an Executive Order in June to “return common sense to wildfire prevention and response.”

The order directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to consolidate wildland fire programmes, strengthen local response, and use artificial intelligence and data sharing to improve detection.

Trump continued: “I also established a Task Force to assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ability to address disasters.

“I also signed an Executive Order to expedite response and recovery efforts for the people of California, including the largest wildfire hazardous waste cleanup in the history of the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Support for firefighters and first responders

In the proclamation, Trump thanked emergency personnel for their work during crises.

He said: “Without regard for their own safety, they plunge into roaring flames to bring hope to the desperate and comfort to the afflicted.”

He added that a bill signed earlier in 2025 provides permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters.

Trump stated that their “courage and service, along with our local first responders, help protect our Nation’s bountiful resources and keep our communities strong in times of hardship.”

The proclamation also recognised critical infrastructure staff and disaster volunteers for their contributions during fire incidents.

Household prevention measures highlighted

Alongside national initiatives, Trump urged families to take simple preventive steps at home.

He said: “We encourage every family to take measures to avert the risks and damages caused by household fire — including by having a fire escape plan, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a monthly basis, and identifying potential hazards like unattended cooking, faulty wiring, or overheated appliances.”

The President added that his Administration “pledges to provide all resources necessary to keep our communities safe when fire blazes.”

He concluded: “We express our unending thanks to every heroic first responder who embodies the strength and determination of the American spirit.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The proclamation links federal wildfire management policies with local and household prevention strategies.

Wildland fire officers and state emergency managers may focus on the directive for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to combine their programmes and use artificial intelligence for wildfire identification.

Fire chiefs and incident commanders could note the emphasis on interagency coordination and the federal review of disaster response capacity under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Public education officers and community safety coordinators may also align outreach campaigns with the call to improve household readiness through smoke alarm testing and escape planning.

Classic Fire + Life Safety’s plan to rebuild from within

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Classic Fire + Life Safety prioritises people in next phase of growth

Classic Fire + Life Safety has announced a renewed focus on integration, culture and long-term planning under new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Farren.

The company, which began in 1985, has become one of Canada’s largest fire protection providers through multiple acquisitions and a national rebrand.

Farren joined the organisation in early 2025 and has since visited nearly all locations, meeting about 900 of its 1,000 employees.

He said the company’s rapid expansion had created strong engagement but also revealed the need for deeper cultural alignment.

Mike Farren, CEO at Classic Fire + Life Safety, said: “We’ve put people together but haven’t fully brought people together.

“It tells me we still have some important work to do.”

Five-year plan aims to strengthen alignment

According to the company, a new five-year strategic plan will focus on clearer communication, leadership accountability and alignment across business units.

Farren said his priorities shifted after meeting staff nationwide.

Mike Farren said: “Through my travels, I saw the potential of uniting our offices, departments and teams – truly aligning our people.

“This has become a top priority and one that will affect everything we do.”

To support this goal, Classic Fire + Life Safety has established a cross-functional Integration Committee.

The company said the committee will guide the unification of acquired firms, focusing on employee well-being and inclusive planning.

Farren said this approach would help build trust and a stronger sense of belonging across the organisation.

Mike Farren added: “We’re taking a closer look at what it takes to build something people want to be part of.”

Growth continues with cultural focus

Farren confirmed that Classic Fire + Life Safety will continue acquiring companies but within new cultural and geographic guidelines.

Mike Farren said: “We’re still looking at successful fire alarm and sprinkler companies – but now we’re going even deeper than that.

“If a company doesn’t align with our five-year plan, it just won’t make the cut.”

He explained that recurring revenue streams such as inspections, service calls and maintenance contracts will be central to future growth.

Farren said: “In today’s world, we need to double down on what’s recurring.

“It’s how we maintain the business through good times and bad.”

The company’s installation division will remain active, particularly for industrial projects, but Farren stressed the importance of selective bidding.

Mike Farren said: “We need to stay focused on the work we’re good at.

“We have an excellent installation group, but we don’t need to take on every opportunity.”

Building shared standards and culture

Farren said he aims to raise internal standards and reinforce a shared company identity.

He described a scenario he uses to communicate this idea to staff.

Mike Farren said: “I tell staff to imagine you’re walking through a hotel with your family.

“You see a fire extinguisher with a Classic inspection tag.

“You should feel proud of that.

“And when our technician comes around the corner to inspect it, their uniform and the way they conduct themselves should reflect who we are and what we stand for.”

He said the company’s goal is to create a sense of ownership and pride across all levels of the organisation.

Mike Farren added: “It lifts the low watermark.

“It sets the tone for what we expect internally from each other and what our clients can expect from us.”

Preparing for long-term maturity

Farren credited the former leadership team for positioning Classic Fire + Life Safety for this stage of development.

He said his role now is to help the organisation mature into a people-first business.

Mike Farren said: “If we think like a 300-million-dollar company, that’s where we’ll stay.

“But if we start thinking like a billion-dollar company, we begin making the bold decisions that get us there.”

He added that the company’s next steps involve building structure around its existing strengths rather than changing direction.

Mike Farren concluded: “The team’s done a lot, and Classic has come a long way.

“Now we need to start thinking and operating like the company we want to become.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Classic Fire + Life Safety’s updated integration strategy highlights how organisational culture and workforce engagement influence performance in the fire protection industry.

For fire-protection contractors, installers and service providers, the company’s emphasis on recurring revenue streams underlines the growing importance of inspections, maintenance and long-term service agreements.

For fire engineers, facility managers and system designers, Classic’s alignment and quality focus may affect how multi-site clients are served and how acquisition-driven firms sustain standards across regions.

Leadership approaches like Farren’s people-first model could shape how large fire-protection companies integrate operations and maintain consistency after mergers.

National essay contest highlights mental health insights across the fire service

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Darley and NFFF announce 2025 essay contest winners

Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), has announced the winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest.

The contest, titled Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health Challenges in the Fire Service, is now in its fourth year.

According to Darley, the competition invited firefighters nationwide to examine the underlying causes of mental health challenges within the profession.

The company said this year’s contest received 85 entries.

Paul Darley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Darley, said: “Understanding the ‘why’ behind these challenges is crucial if we want to create meaningful, lasting solutions.”

“This competition gives firefighters and thought leaders a unique platform to share insights that can drive real change.”

“With 85 entries submitted, it’s clear the fire service is ready to engage in this critical conversation and lead the way forward.”

Focus on understanding root causes of mental health

The contest aimed to identify the factors that shape firefighter mental health challenges beyond the immediate demands of the role.

Darley said the essays were evaluated across four weighted criteria.

These included the specificity and viability of proposed solutions, the potential impact on the fire service, the quality of writing and a category for “intangibles” such as courage and originality.

According to the company, these measures ensured that entries were assessed for both their practical and reflective contributions.

The initiative builds on Darley’s continued collaboration with NFFF to encourage open discussion and evidence-based approaches to firefighter wellbeing.

Contest winners recognised for leadership and insight

Darley and NFFF have named five winners in this year’s competition.

First place went to Captain Marc Wysocki of Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department in Massachusetts.

Second place was awarded to retired Fire Chief Marc Revere of Mountain View and Monterey Park Fire Departments in California.

Third place went to retired Deputy Fire Chief and current Fire Commissioner John Murphy of Eastside Fire and Rescue in Washington.

The first runner up was Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Lindsey of Palo Alto Fire Department in California.

The second runner up was Shawn McKerry, Dean of the Lakeland College Emergency Training Center in Alberta, Canada.

Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of NFFF, said: “Our strength as a fire service has always been in how we show up for each other.”

“This competition is about more than awareness — it’s about creating solutions together.”

“By sharing ideas and experiences, we can move upstream, address the root causes of mental health challenges, and build a culture where well-being is part of who we are in the fire service.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest demonstrates how structured reflection within the sector can inform strategies for improving mental health support.

For fire and rescue chiefs, training officers and department leaders, the contest’s focus on identifying root causes of psychological stress offers practical insight for developing prevention and wellness programmes.

For policymakers and mental health professionals working with emergency services, the initiative provides evidence of growing engagement with the systemic and cultural factors affecting firefighter wellbeing.

By linking first-hand experiences with solution-oriented analysis, the competition adds to the ongoing conversation about operational resilience and the conditions that support long-term mental health in high-pressure environments.

What the federal shutdown means for fire prevention and response

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U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit postponed amid federal shutdown

National Fire Academy closure halts annual gathering

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) have postponed the fourth annual U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control because of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The one-day summit was scheduled to take place on Monday 7 October at the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The organisers confirmed that the campus has been closed as part of the wider government shutdown, leaving them no option but to postpone the event.

The summit, launched in 2022, brings together senior fire and emergency service leaders from across the United States to discuss national fire prevention strategies, data-driven fire safety initiatives and the state of the country’s emergency response systems.

The USFA and NFFF said they are working to identify possible new dates later in the year, dependent on when the government resumes normal operations.

They have encouraged prospective attendees to check the USFA’s official website for updates once the shutdown ends.

Federal shutdown affects agency operations and safety programmes

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) reported that as of midnight on Tuesday 1 October, federal funding lapsed for most U.S. agencies after Congress failed to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

While some agencies deemed essential – including the U.S. military and Transportation Security Administration – continue operating without pay, others have partially or fully ceased activity.

The IAFC said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has closed the National Fire Academy until further notice.

FEMA confirmed that approximately 21,000 of its nearly 25,000 employees are classed as exempt or excepted and will remain on duty, allowing disaster response operations and payments to continue.

However, FEMA’s grant processing and approval functions are paused for the duration of the shutdown.

Awardees of fully funded grants can continue their work but will not be reimbursed until operations resume.

Projects that require prior federal approval must pause entirely until furloughed employees are reinstated.

Public health and emergency support agencies face disruption

According to the IAFC, multiple federal departments responsible for public safety, health and environmental management are affected by the funding lapse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has furloughed most of its staff, with only 35% continuing to work on limited emergency prevention and response functions.

The WTC Health Program remains operational through mandatory spending, but fire service priority offices within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are closed.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has placed most of its staff on furlough, with only commissioned Public Health Service officers maintaining existing grant disbursements.

New grants, responses to funding requests and programme guidance will be delayed until normal operations resume.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will continue to run its Secretary’s Operations Center and deploy Disaster Medical Assistance Teams where required, but routine planning and training activities are suspended.

Wildfire and hazardous materials work also impacted

The shutdown has also affected several agencies central to wildfire and hazardous materials management.

The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, will retain about 15,600 staff to continue responding to wildfires and protecting life and property.

However, around 12,700 employees have been furloughed, and work on hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed burns will be reduced.

State-level grants for wildfire preparedness and equipment acquisition are expected to be delayed, potentially affecting local and volunteer fire departments dependent on reimbursement for ongoing work.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said 3,300 fire management staff remain on duty under the Wildland Fire Management account, while another 1,000 will continue performing essential suppression and emergency services work if funding balances are exhausted.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will continue emergency investigations and enforcement of safety regulations.

However, its outreach, training, standards development and grant-funded emergency responder support programmes are paused until appropriations are restored.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The postponement of the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit and the closure of the National Fire Academy suspend a major annual platform for collaboration among national, state and local fire leaders.

The shutdown also affects ongoing training, coordination and funding across the fire and emergency services network, with FEMA grants, NIOSH research and Forest Service reimbursements delayed.

Fire chiefs, emergency managers, training coordinators and wildfire response officers may face short-term constraints in planning, funding or preparedness activities.

Those managing grant-funded initiatives or multi-agency collaborations may experience administrative delays and reduced federal engagement until operations fully resume.

This article was informed by information from the following sources: the U.S. Fire Administration; the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

Mr Beast explains fire precautions following controversy over burning building stunt

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Mr Beast faces backlash over $500,000 fire stunt video

YouTube creator Mr Beast has faced criticism following the release of a video featuring a stuntman escaping from a burning building for a $500,000 prize.

The 25-minute video, titled Would You Risk Dying For $500,000?, was published on Saturday 27 September. As of October 1st it has reached over 50 million views.

It shows a professional stunt performer completing a sequence of fire-based challenges, including jumping through flames, escaping explosive traps and freeing himself from a burning room.

The video opens with the participant tied to a chair inside a smoke-filled space surrounded by fire, from which he must escape to win the prize.

Mr Beast outlines safety measures after video release

Mr Beast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, said the production team took extensive precautions before and during filming.

He stated that each challenge was tested by several professionals, with firefighters, paramedics and divers present on set.

The creator explained that emergency vehicles, including a fire truck and ambulance, were on standby throughout filming.

He also confirmed that a professional pyrotechnics crew managed the controlled fires and that multiple suppression systems were available in case of an emergency.

Donaldson wrote online: “We had professionals test this extensively and the guy in the video as stated is a professional stunt man. I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

He added that ventilation systems removed smoke from the set and that a kill switch could immediately cut off the flames.

Online criticism follows viral fire escape video

Despite the safety explanations, many social media users criticised the video.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “I don’t care if the fire is controlled or how many safety crew members he has ready, this is just dangerous and seems psychopathic.”

Another user, identifying as a firefighter, said: “As a firefighter, I can feel the heat just looking at this video. MrBeast, that was the dumbest idea you and your crew ever had.”

The post quickly gained widespread attention online, with readers on X adding context clarifying that the participant was a trained professional and that the fire was controlled through safety systems.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The incident highlights how controlled fire environments are increasingly used in large-scale entertainment productions.

Fire safety professionals, fire engineers and pyrotechnic specialists may view this case as a reminder of the technical and procedural demands of conducting controlled burns safely.

Ensuring the presence of qualified firefighters, medical personnel and suppression systems aligns with established industry practice for high-risk filming scenarios.

Such productions rely heavily on fire-protection system design, emergency planning and ventilation control to minimise risk during fire simulations.

As the use of fire effects expands across film and digital media, the event reinforces the importance of oversight and professional involvement in managing life-safety hazards in controlled conditions.

Why one firefighter called the FDNY “a perfect fit”

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Join FDNY Podcast explores career paths and personal stories in firefighting

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast titled “It’s a great platform for me in my life.”

The episode, released on Monday 29 September 2025, continues the series’ focus on career paths within the Department.

The Join FDNY Podcast was established in 2023 to highlight the diverse experiences of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets and civilian employees.

The podcast aims to inspire potential recruits by showcasing the personal stories and professional journeys of those serving in the largest fire department in the United States.

Episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who served with the FDNY for nearly 30 years.

During the interview, Torres discussed his career progression from Engine 302 in Queens to Rescue 4, where he worked for 16 years before retiring in 2021.

He spoke about the support he received early in his career from the FDNY Hispanic Society, an organisation that he continues to serve as historian.

Luis Torres, retired FDNY Lieutenant, said: “Getting on right away, I joined the Hispanic Society, which gave me a trampoline more or less of help, mentorship within the fire department.”

“It helped me to learn from others who had been through the process and gave me a sense of belonging in the department.”

Torres explained that the Hispanic Society continues to preserve its history dating back to 1962, supporting members and sharing lessons with new recruits.

Luis Torres added: “We put together paperwork, information and photos from back then and organise it for the next generation to understand what we’ve been through and how we unite with the department.”

Sharing lessons across generations

Torres reflected on the experience of serving in his local community and seeing his son now working in the same firehouse.

He described this as a personal highlight of his career and a continuation of his family’s connection with FDNY.

Luis Torres said: “It was an honour to be in Rescue 4, seven blocks from where I grew up most of my life.”

“My son now works there too, which means a lot to me because he was born and raised in that same area.”

Torres encouraged all new recruits to find mentorship through the Department’s affinity groups.

He said: “I would recommend any individual, no matter if they’re Hispanic or not, to reach out to the fraternal organisation that represents them and join.”

Focus on mentorship and giving back

The episode also highlighted the Hispanic Society’s ongoing role in supporting mentorship and community engagement.

Torres explained that its work includes charitable initiatives such as toy and turkey drives, as well as events that bring together members from across different FDNY organisations.

He said: “You want to feel like you can give back after joining a great organisation like the fire department.”

“That’s where the organisations come in, because they support the community and each other through events and drives throughout the year.”

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown praised Torres for his commitment to mentoring new firefighters and preserving the Department’s cultural history.

Captain Lee said: “Lieutenant Torres is very impressive, even after retirement, still wanting to give back just like he did on the job.”

Captain Brown added: “Every conversation he has is teaching, and it’s important for everyone to pick up on the lessons he shares.”

Additional feature on Chief Mike Meyers

The episode also revisited a previous conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers.

Meyers discussed his 34-year career and his advice for new recruits entering the FDNY Academy.

Chief Mike Meyers said: “Enjoy every day that you’re here and enjoy all the people around you.”

“I’ve never had a bad day on this job, not one day, not going through academy, not going through flips. I enjoyed every single one.”

Meyers reflected on the variety of experiences he has had during his career, from deployments to major incidents to leading training for thousands of firefighters and EMTs across New York City.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Join FDNY Podcast offers a detailed insight into the structure and culture of one of the world’s largest fire departments.

Its focus on recruitment, diversity and career progression may be of interest to fire service leaders responsible for workforce planning and training.

Senior officers and training coordinators can observe how FDNY uses public-facing communication to attract and support candidates from varied backgrounds.

The discussions about mentorship, affinity groups and intergenerational service highlight approaches that contribute to firefighter retention and engagement.

Fire training institutions may also find value in the perspectives shared by Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who described the importance of consistent learning and maintaining physical fitness through all stages of a firefighting career.

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths: Summary

The Fire Department of New York released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast on Monday 29 September 2025.

The podcast, established in 2023, highlights the experiences and career paths of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, inspectors and civilian employees.

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who discussed his 29-year career, mentorship through the FDNY Hispanic Society and his continued role as its historian.

Torres reflected on serving in Queens and the pride of seeing his son now working in the same firehouse at Rescue 4.

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown commended Torres for his ongoing mentorship and dedication to preserving FDNY’s history.

The episode also included a conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who reflected on his 34-year career and offered advice to new recruits entering the academy.

This article contains information from the following source: Join FDNY Podcast