Fire Safety Research Institute

06/01/2026

When fighting a vehicle fire, no matter whether it is gas-powered or electric, your gear will pick up harmful contaminants. However, when an EV is involved, your exposure risk increases, by being exposed to heavy metals (and not the fun kind).

We recently studied how both electric and gas vehicle fires can contaminate firefighter turnout gear and what that means for your exposure.

By exposing swatches of turnout gear to full-scale EV and gas vehicle fires (with samples near the vehicle and in the smoke plume to represent different fireground positions), we found what remained in each of the three PPE layers:

•EV fires left higher levels of battery-related metals, like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, on turnout gear.

•The highest metal contamination was found in the smoke plume, which was up to 10× higher than positions closer to the ground.

•Both EV and gas vehicle fires left PAHs (a common group of harmful combustion chemicals) on gear at similar levels.

•Most contamination stayed on the outer shell, but some made it into the inner layers of the gear.

Our advice? Stay aware of your position on scene, especially around the smoke plume. Prioritize gross decon, proper handling, and thorough cleaning of your gear after the call to reduce ongoing exposure.

▶️ Read the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037971122600233X

05/30/2026

Today, we remember DC Fire And EMS firefighter Anthony S. Phillips, Sr. and firefighter Louis J. Matthews, who lost their lives, and retired Lieutenant Joseph Morgan, who sustained career-ending injuries during the Cherry Road townhouse fire on May 30, 1999.

That fire became a catalyst for decades of basement fire research focused on improving firefighter safety and understanding fire dynamics in below-grade fires. Over the past 27 years, the lessons learned have reinforced several critical takeaways for the fire service:

☑ Size-up is critical to identify key details about the structure and the fire itself.

☑ During size-up, recognize both the pre-existing flow path and those that might be created by responding firefighters in order to take action to prevent rapid flame spread through the structure.

☑ Control flow paths, especially those with an air intake on or below the fire floor and a high exhaust on the floor(s) above. This will enable you to limit the speed and growth of the fire throughout the structure.

☑ Fight the fire on its own level. Get the primary line to a position where it can be the most effective.

☑ In the case of a wind-impacted fire, fight the fire with the wind at your back.

We encourage crews to continue the conversation by watching the video and reviewing the updated basement fires training https://s.ul.org/4dRndPO and instructor resources: https://s.ul.org/3Q3Fdi6.

05/29/2026

As wildfire danger continues to grow across the U.S., we need better ways to predict which areas and neighborhoods will face the greatest threat.

Join our Principal Research Scientist Rebecca Harned on Monday, June 1 from 2-5 p.m. EDT to learn how new advancements in fire risk modeling will give fire service leaders the data-driven information they need to better understand wildfire risks in their communities and take preventative action to save lives and properties.

This presentation is part of the Webinar Series on Wildfire Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and is being hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Don’t miss this free training opportunity!

Register now at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/CHPP-BHS-26-P-736/event/46819

05/27/2026

"Stop, drop, and roll are good to remember if you're on fire, but firefighters want you to remember one other phrase to prevent flames from getting to you at all." Another real-life incident proving the dramatic difference that a closed door can make during a fire.

Watch the video to learn why you should . Check the comments for a link to learn more and access resources to share this life-saving message.

Stop, drop, and roll are good to remember if you're on fire, but firefighters want you to remember one other phrase to prevent flames from getting to you at all.

05/27/2026

The updated Search & Rescue course includes Continuing the Conversation Guides to help you keep learning after you finish the course.

These guides give you simple, structured ways to revisit key tactical considerations, using research findings, videos, and reflection questions to talk through decisions together with your crew. These conversations help turn course concepts into operational decisions grounded in your own department’s staffing, resources, and SOPs.

If you want training to carry through to the fireground, take the course and explore the guides: https://s.ul.org/49JbotH

05/27/2026

Don't miss today's Congressional Fire Services Institute health and wellness webinar! See below for details.

❗ Less than 24 hours until CFSI’s upcoming virtual mini symposium on firefighter health, safety, and wellness!

👉 Hear from leading experts as they discuss statewide mental wellness programs, occupational cancer screening research, behavioral health leadership strategies, and the health hazards associated with electric vehicle firefighting and PPE contamination.

🗓️ Date: May 27, 2026
⌚ Time: 10:00 AM–12:30 PM ET
🔗 Add to your calendar: https://bit.ly/CFSIHealthSymposium2026

Thank you to our presenters:
Dena Ali, First Responder Center for Excellence
Dr. Bryan Bassig, Inova
Dr. Deborah Beidel, UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program
Dr. Rebecca Kaltman, Inova
Dr. Jennifer Lund, Inova
Ryan McGill, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Dr. Chandler Probert, Fire Safety Research Institute

05/21/2026

As e-mobility devices have become a staple of urban commuting, high-profile fire incidents in residential and commercial buildings have raised a new question: what do those same risks look like on rail transit?

We conducted experiments aboard a passenger railcar to examine how e-mobility fires may affect passenger safety and the ability to evacuate. The resulting report outlines what the data showed and offers considerations for improving railcar design, device policies, transit staff training, and passenger safety education.

Read the Recommendations to Improve Passenger Railcar Safety During Electric Micromobility Device Fires report to learn more: https://s.ul.org/4dllqUp

05/20/2026

From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than one minute to escape a fire involving a large lithium-ion battery-powered device. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Jaycoset shares key tips on how you can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety in your home.
For more tips on , visit https://batteryfiresafety.org

05/19/2026

The updated Search & Rescue course includes Time‑to‑Task sheets that help you understand how long it takes to complete key fireground tasks: forcing entry, completing a single‑room search, and performing a drag‑and‑carry. Knowing these timelines supports more realistic decision‑making, better coordination, and safer application of tactics when seconds matter.

These sheets came straight from the research behind the study. During the experiments, fire service technical panel members ran these drills with their crews to capture how long critical actions actually took under realistic conditions. That information helped shape the experiments, and now you can use the same approach to understand what’s realistic for your crew when applying the tactical considerations.

If you want a clearer picture of how timing affects fireground decisions, take the course and download the Time‑to‑Task sheets on the Fire Safety Academy: https://s.ul.org/4dCfDd0

05/18/2026

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting firefighters have unique occupational exposures, including the potential for contact with PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam used for suppression, making it especially important to understand their PFAS levels.

We are proud to be co-authors on NIOSH’s new manuscript from the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study that reports PFAS levels in blood samples from ARFF firefighters at six U.S. airports and compares the results to the general population.

The findings include:

• ARFF firefighters had higher levels of some PFAS than non‑firefighters.

• Departments that changed workplace AFFF policies or practices showed lower levels of some PFAS.

• Drinking water with detected PFAS may have contributed to exposure in some departments.

• Firefighters with prior ARFF jobs or longer time on the job showed higher levels of some PFAS, suggesting cumulative exposure over time.

While this research focused on ARFF firefighters, it will help inform prevention and risk reduction efforts across the fire service.

▶️ Read the paper: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.70084