Podcast
Smart Firefighting
Hosted by Smart Firefighting · EN
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.
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.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 318: Training Is Lived, Not Lectured - VR Training for Firefighters with Evan Sitler-Bates and Drew MacNeil from XpertVR
1w ago00:34:43Tap to summarizeFirefighters train all year, but most of it is death by PowerPoint. Evan Sitler-Bates and Drew MacNeil, co-founders of XpertVR, are building a different answer: immersive virtual reality simulations where firefighters actually do the work instead of watching someone describe it. 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, Kevin sits down with the XpertVR founders to dig into how their platform works, what fire departments are actually using it for, and why lived experience sticks when lectures don't. Topics covered: - Why XpertVR chose first responders over corporate training - The "training is lived, not lectured" philosophy and what it means in practice - How sandbox environments let departments customize scenarios to their specific community risks - The San Diego Fire Department case study: 350+ firefighters through VR training in 21 days - The Ontario College result: best-prepared pre-service students in 13 years - Memory retention research: 20% from a PowerPoint vs. 80% from VR after a year - Lithium ion fire scenarios and what they reveal about modern fire training gaps - Hardware, software, and data: what XpertVR captures while firefighters train - How to actually implement VR in a department, not just buy it and shelve it - Where VR fits in the training ecosystem: and, not or So take a listen to hear what they have 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
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Episode 317: Bridging Firefighters and Engineers Through Leadership and Trust with Mark Reilly
2w ago00:12:37Tap to summarizeWhat does leadership really look like when lives are on the line? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Mark Reilly shares perspective shaped by 38 years of service across the military and fire service, along with his new role as International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers. Speaking from the global stage at AFAC 2025, he reflects on the responsibility of guiding both firefighters and fire engineers toward a shared mission of safety. Mark explains how the Institution of Fire Engineers has spent more than a century setting standards that build trust across the profession, from recruit training through executive leadership. He also highlights a critical connection that often goes overlooked, the relationship between those who design buildings and those who enter them during emergencies. The conversation explores the real world consequences when that connection breaks down, and how stronger collaboration can lead to safer outcomes for both responders and the public. Mark also shares how international collaboration, education, and mentorship are helping bring new ideas and global perspectives to fire services across Australia and beyond. At the center of it all is a simple but powerful idea, leadership is not a title, it is something you do every day. 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
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Episode 316: Why Mental Health Conversations Matter in the Fire Service with Max Cottingham
3w ago00:21:56Tap to summarizeIt’s okay to not be okay. The question is, who notices? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Maxwell Cottingham of Fire and Rescue New South Wales shares how his department is building a culture where firefighters feel supported, seen, and safe to speak up. From peer support programs to chaplaincy and professional services, the structure is there, but the real shift is happening at the human level. Max explains why most firefighters do not turn to formal resources first. They turn to each other. That reality is reshaping how departments think about mental health support, placing new focus on the people who receive those first conversations. This discussion explores the continuum of mental health, the weight of self stigma, and the importance of early care before challenges grow into something more serious. Max also breaks down a simple but powerful framework for checking in, listening without judgment, and staying connected over time. In sum, this episode is about culture, trust, and the responsibility firefighters carry not just for their communities, but for each other. 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
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Episode 315: When Fire Protection Has No Rulebook with Alex Starkey
Apr 1600:12:11Tap to summarizeWhat happens when fire protection standards do not apply? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Alex Starkey shares what it takes to protect environments that fall outside traditional fire codes. From tunnels to aircraft hangars, these are the risks where standard solutions do not apply and every design requires careful engineering. Alex explains how water mist is gaining ground as a practical option in spaces with limited resources or environmental constraints. He also highlights emerging technologies like fiber optic heat detection and autonomous suppression systems that are changing how teams prevent and control fires. Overall, this conversation is about stepping into complex challenges, continuing to learn, and sharing knowledge to move the industry forward. 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
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Episode 314: Reducing Risk Before It Becomes Disaster with Emma Whale & Amanda Leck
Apr 900:18:11Tap to summarizeWhat does risk really mean when the stakes are rising for entire communities? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Emma Whale & Amanda Leck from the New South Wales Reconstruction Authority share how they are rethinking disaster preparedness through data, community insight, and practical action. As floods, fires, and storms grow in scale and impact, the focus is shifting from reacting after the fact to making smarter decisions before disaster strikes. From home buyback programs in high risk flood zones to long term planning that considers future population growth and climate impact, this conversation highlights what it looks like to turn data into real world outcomes. It also reinforces a hard truth, recovery is costly, and without stronger investment in mitigation, those costs will continue to climb. At its core, this episode is about shared responsibility, leadership at every level, and ensuring that no community is left out of the conversation. So take a listen to hear what they have 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
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Episode 313: Why First Responders Need One Global Language for Safety with Kurt Vollmacher
Apr 200:11:44Tap to summarizeHow do you prepare firefighters for risks that did not exist 10 years ago? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. After 4 decades in the fire service, Kurt Vollmacher has seen firsthand how quickly the job is changing. What used to be a world of diesel and gasoline has evolved into one filled with lithium ion batteries, hydrogen, ammonia, and a growing list of complex energy sources. For first responders, that shift brings new risks and a critical need for clear, reliable information. In this episode, Kurt shares how his experience led him to focus on one simple but powerful idea: giving responders the right information at the right time. His work on ISO 17840 is helping create a standardized system of symbols, rescue sheets, and guidance that can be understood across countries, languages, and incident types. This conversation explores the growing complexity facing firefighters, the challenge of aligning manufacturers and responders, and the importance of training around consistent, recognizable information. Kurt also reflects on the long road of building global standards, the partnerships driving the effort forward, and the mindset required to keep pushing progress. At its core, this episode is about making emergency response safer through clarity, collaboration, and persistence. 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
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Episode 312: From Close Call to Safer Fireground Operations with Matt Simmonds
Mar 2600:10:29Tap to summarizeWhat starts as a routine task on the fireground can quickly turn into a life threatening moment. For Matt Simmonds, that moment came while rolling hose after a fire, when a passing vehicle nearly struck his crew. That close call sparked a question that many firefighters have quietly accepted for years. Is this really the safest way to do this job, or is there a better way? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Matt Simmonds, co-founder of Operational Fire and a full time firefighter, shares the story behind building a tool designed to improve safety, reduce physical strain, and protect long term health. What began as a makeshift setup using a child’s bike evolved into a purpose built solution shaped by real operational experience. In this conversation, Matt breaks down the risks firefighters face during post incident cleanup, including back injuries and hidden exposure to harmful contaminants. He also explains how thoughtful design can reduce those risks while improving efficiency on scene. It is a grounded look at how small changes on the fireground can have lasting impact on safety, longevity, and the ability to keep serving the community. 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
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Episode 311: Moving Communities Out of Harm’s Way with Gavin Smith
Mar 2000:14:07Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a community faces the reality that staying in place is no longer safe? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Gavin Smith shares what it takes to guide communities through one of the most difficult decisions they will ever face, leaving their homes behind. Drawing from decades of experience in emergency management and disaster recovery, he walks through the emotional weight, technical complexity, and long timelines required to relocate entire communities with care and dignity. Gavin reflects on leading efforts to relocate more than 5,000 families after major hurricanes, and explains why planning before disaster strikes is critical. He shares lessons from Princeville, North Carolina, a historic community that has faced repeated flooding, and highlights how trust, engagement, and local choice shape successful outcomes. The conversation also explores international collaboration with Australia and New Zealand, where different approaches to funding and planning offer valuable insights. At the center of it all is a simple truth, this work is about people, place, and the long road toward resilience. 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
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Episode 310: Bridging the Gap Between Fire Engineering and the Fire Service with Fiona Perrin
Mar 1200:21:25Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the people who design buildings and the firefighters who respond to emergencies inside them stop talking to each other? 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Fiona Perrin - Principal Risk Engineer for Zurich Insurance - shares her perspective on the critical relationship between fire engineers and the fire service. Drawing on experience in both the United Kingdom and Australia, she explains how the Institution of Fire Engineers brings together professionals across the fire ecosystem to strengthen collaboration and professional learning. The conversation explores how building design decisions affect emergency response, from complex facilities like airports to emerging risks such as EV charging infrastructure. Fiona also speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, visibility, and workplace support for women in fire engineering. Her message is simple but powerful. Do not doubt yourself. Step up to the next challenge and keep moving forward. 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. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
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Episode 309: What Aviation Emergencies Teach Us About Coordination and Preparedness with Greg Pobar
Mar 500:17:27Tap to summarizeAviation is one of the safest forms of transportation in the world, but that safety depends on careful preparation for events everyone hopes will never happen. 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. Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia. In this episode, Greg Pobar of Regional Airport Management Services shares lessons from a career in emergency services and aviation planning. He explains the concept of the crash community, the wide network of agencies that must coordinate during an aviation emergency, including airports, airlines, police, fire, medical teams, and government partners. Greg also describes a real incident in remote Western Australia that revealed how quickly passenger care, injuries, and limited resources can create complex challenges. The conversation also explores emerging concerns for responders, including new aircraft materials, evolving firefighting approaches, and the growing partnership between engineers and firefighters working to improve safety before emergencies occur. 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
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