Smart Firefighting
Smart Firefighting Podcast covers real-world deployments of smart technologies through conversations with technologists, innovators, companies, and forward-thinking public safety and government agencies. Learn from interviews with leaders as they share their insights and offer their expertise every week! Host Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who loves to explore change management and technology in public safety.
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Let’s talk about practical, hands-on firefighter training:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
What is durable learning, and why is it essential for firefighters?
How to create a culture of psychological safety?
Which data-driven tools can supplement training and help tackle evolving fireground hazards?
Hear from Erin McGruder - the Instructional Program Manager at Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute.
Erin shares her extensive experience as a firefighter, instructor, and National Fallen Firefighter Foundation advocate. She dives into transforming fire service training from outdated approaches to durable learning focused on real-world readiness.
Erin emphasizes how culture and technology must work together to drive meaningful change. Her insights offer a call to action for leaders and learners committed to firefighter safety and growth.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
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Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
What kind of fires burn hotter and faster than anything firefighters have faced before?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why battery fires require new tactics and tools
Why departments need ongoing training and industry insights to stay ready
The tactics that can improve safety and response
Hear from Ryan Darley - Fire Sales Leader at W.S. Darley and Company and firefighter for Plymouth Fire Department.
Ryan shares his unique journey from working in the family business to hands-on firefighting. He highlights the growing challenges posed by battery fires from EVs, scooters, and household devices.
Ryan breaks down the tools, tactics, and ongoing training that firefighters need to stay ahead of evolving threats. This conversation gives frontline responders the insights to be prepared for what is fast becoming one of the toughest challenges in the fire service.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
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Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Is technology a part of the job now?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How drones are a low-cost, high-impact alternative to traditional air support
The real-time collaboration tools that are changing how agencies work together
Why resistance to change can cost your department more than you think
Hear from Sergeant Zach Finfrock from the Clarendon Hills Police Department.
Zach shares how drones are becoming essential tools for modern policing. He walks through the evolution of their drone program, the creation of a dual-purpose patrol vehicle, and how agencies can start small and scale thoughtfully.
The conversation covers the practical impact of drones in missing person searches, scene overwatch, and multi-agency coordination. Zach also dives into real-time crime centers, AI’s growing role in law enforcement, and why embracing new tech is about being ready for what comes next.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Tech isn’t just a toy. Tech helps save lives. Here’s how:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why drones and ROVs are critical tools that provide real-time eyes in otherwise inaccessible places
How wearables are a safety net for firefighters
Insights on department-wide technology adoption
Hear from Lieutenant Kevin Swat from Mount Prospect Fire Department and the Team Manager for Medical Division, Illinois Water Rescue One.
Kevin shares his perspective as an end user on how emerging technologies like underwater ROVs, drones, and wearables are reshaping real-world fire and rescue operations. His insights shed light on bridging the gap between tech innovation and field realities, while exploring how drones can save critical time and reduce responder risk.
The conversation touches on how SARCOP and satellite connectivity are vital in maintaining command and communication in chaotic environments. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these tools, backed by solid buy-in from leadership to the field, are revolutionizing rescue work.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
How is forest fire monitoring changing for the better?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How space-based technology is changing forest fire monitoring
How OroraTech's shoebox-sized satellites provide real-time insights for better decision-making in wildfire response
How wildfire analytics, like fire-weighted power, help incident commanders understand fire behavior
Hear from Thomas Grübler, Co-founder, previous Chief Strategy Officer, and current CEO of OroraTech.
Thomas introduces their innovative space-based technology for forest fire monitoring. OroraTech uses a combination of data from public satellite sources and their own shoebox-sized satellites to provide continuous fire observations with high image quality. This data enables incident commanders to make better decisions by offering insights into fire perimeters, growth patterns, and fire types, whether canopy or ground fires.
Thomas emphasizes the importance of wildfire analytics and the need for ongoing innovation in the field of firefighting. He also credits XPRIZE for helping raise awareness and supporting demonstrations of OroraTech's capabilities. Looking ahead, Thomas is excited about the launch of a new fleet of satellites and sees promising opportunities for profitability in the space industry. He invites fire chiefs, fire communities, and corporations to explore partnerships with OroraTech.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Here’s why you gotta be more curious:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
The value of training in the fire service
How technology like virtual reality and gas props is transforming fire service training
How the Institution of Fire Engineers bridges the gap between industry professionals and firefighters
Hear from Steve Kaiser from Fire and Rescue Victoria.
Steve shares his experiences at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in the United States, along with insights into the training facilities in Chicago and Melbourne. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of training in the fire service, helping firefighters refine their skills and improve decision-making under pressure.
Steve highlights the use of innovative technologies like gas props and virtual reality to enhance training, making it safer and more effective. The discussion also touches on the Institution of Fire Engineers' role in connecting industry professionals, engineers, and firefighters, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Steve concludes by emphasizing the importance of curiosity in continuous learning and growth within the fire service.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Let’s talk about the importance of measuring what matters in the fight against climate change…
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Leveraging IoT, computer vision, and AI for wildfire detection
How data aggregation helps first responders with real-time detection and triage
Discover the goals of the XPRIZE wildfire competition and how it aims to revolutionize fire response
Hear from Rob Vernon - the CEO of Indicium Dynamics.
Rob shares insights into their participation in the XPRIZE wildfire competition, focusing on innovative approaches to fire detection and response. Working alongside a team of partners, Indicinium uses IoT, computer vision, and AI to aggregate and analyze data, providing high-quality detection and triage services to first responders. Rob discusses their plans to have operational services using drones for situational awareness by Christmas, with a key milestone set for March.
The XPRIZE competition emphasizes both rapid detection and automated response to fires, aiming to transform how wildfire incidents are managed. Throughout the conversation, Rob stresses the importance of "measuring what matters" in tackling climate change and using data effectively.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
A new firefighter’s journey into the fire service:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why diversity and inclusivity matter in serving diverse communities effectively
How AI and drones are shaping the future of firefighting
Why you should strive to be 1% better every day
Hear from Sirena Allen-de Guzman, a firefighter in Sydney.
Sirena shares her inspiring journey into the fire service. She reflects on the multifaceted nature of the role, from supporting the local community to adapting to diverse challenges on the job. Sirena emphasizes the importance of teamwork, adhering to protocols, and the potential of emerging technologies like AI and drones to make firefighting safer and more efficient.
She talks about the need for greater diversity and inclusivity within the fire service to better understand and serve diverse communities. Sirena also appreciates the role of organizations like the Institution of Fire Engineers in fostering global connections and learning opportunities for firefighters. Guided by her personal motto of striving to be 1% better every day, Sirena’s perspective highlights the value of continuous growth and improvement in the fire service.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
How are intelligent satellites revolutionizing wildfire response?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How Akula Tech’s use of 3D printing makes satellites faster, lighter, and more affordable
How Akula Tech integrates AI processing and hyperspectral imaging for advanced data analysis
How Akula Tech’s satellites help firefighters make critical decisions
Hear from Preetham Akula - Founder and CEO of Akula Tech.
Preetham shares Akula Tech’s work on developing intelligent satellites that transform emergency management. Participating in XPRIZE, Akula Tech focuses on creating satellites that offer real-time awareness and analysis of wildfires, empowering firefighters to make informed decisions during critical moments.
Preetham explains how Akula Tech's full system-level approach covers everything from satellite development to software and operations. By leveraging 3D printing, they produce satellites that are faster, lighter, and more cost-effective. Equipped with a system on chip for AI processing and a hyperspectral camera, these satellites provide vital data to emergency operations centers.
Akula Tech also emphasizes the importance of collaborating with industry partners to enhance data sharing and impact.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
How can we increase diversity in the fire service?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why equal opportunities and gender balance are key to fostering diversity of thought
How Women & Firefighting Australasia is working to create safer and more inclusive fire service organizations
Why collaboration between fire engineers and firefighters is essential for building safety
Hear from Quinn Cramer - the President of Women & Firefighting Australasia.
Quinn shares her insights on the progress and challenges of increasing diversity and representation in the fire service. She reflects on the history of women in firefighting in Australia and the efforts to build safer and more inclusive organizations. Quinn emphasizes the importance of creating equal opportunities for everyone, fostering diversity of thought, and ensuring a gender balance in recruitment and leadership roles.
She discusses the need for better collaboration between fire engineers and firefighters to enhance building safety and understanding. Quinn also offers valuable advice on the power of courage—encouraging others to pursue their work and life with wholehearted dedication.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn