Fire Headlines

Navigating Challenges and Analytics

On this week’s episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and special guest Darrell Reid, Vice President of Strategy at Darkhorse Emergency. With over 30 years of experience in the fire service, including serving as a Fire Chief in multiple Canadian cities, Darrell now shares his expertise to help fire departments leverage analytics and data for smarter decision-making.

Emergency Evacuation

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna sit down with Genasys Senior Vice President Michael Smith and Vice President of Field Operations Steve Sickler at WFCA’s IGNITE Symposium. In the midst of devastating wildfires and other natural disasters, the ability to communicate effectively and coordinate resources is crucial for saving lives and ensuring the safety of communities. This episode delves into how technological innovations in crisis communication, particularly around evacuation management, are revolutionizing the way emergency services respond to incidents.

Empowering Fire Service Leadership Through Data, AI, and Collaboration

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna are at WFCA’s first ever IGNITE Symposium. They sit down with Emergent Tech President David Blankinship and Microsoft's Director of Technology Strategy for State and Local Government, Sai Narain, to discuss the changing landscape of fire service leadership, focusing on the profound impact of data, AI, and technology on decision-making and operations. The conversation explores how fire departments are increasingly adopting new tools and systems to streamline operations, improve community safety, and allow leaders to focus on what truly matters: effective leadership.

Beyond the Fire: The Hidden Risks Firefighters Face

This week on Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and panelist, Chief Ken Kehmna, discuss an often-overlooked danger firefighters face while on duty—freak accidents that can lead to severe injuries. Inspired by an article featured in the Daily Dispatch about a Kansas City firefighter who was injured when a fire hose coupling struck his leg, the discussion highlights both the random nature of such accidents and the importance of safety measures to prevent them. From discussing real-world examples to offering key safety reminders, this episode shines a light on how preparedness, public awareness, and training are vital for minimizing risks.

Teen-Made Fire Retardant Protects Homes in LA Wildfires

In today’s episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss an exciting innovation in wildfire fighting technology—a non-toxic fire retardant developed by two teenagers from Silicon Valley. Inspired by their firsthand experience with wildfire smoke, these young innovators have created a groundbreaking product called Clore, designed to protect properties from the devastating impact of wildfires, particularly in areas like Los Angeles.
Chief Kehmna shares his insights on the importance of non-toxic fire retardants, the evolving role of technology in firefighting, and how public-private collaborations are shaping the future of fire service.

Fire Pole vs. Fire Slide

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna dive into the topic of the classic fire pole versus the modern-day fire slide. As shared in an article from the Daily Dispatch, the Bartlesville Fire Department recently replaced their traditional fire poles with slides to improve efficiency, prompting a deeper discussion on the pros, cons, and safety aspects of both methods.

Unauthorized Drone Impacts Palisades Fire

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the significant and dangerous impact of unauthorized drones on firefighting efforts. A story featured in the Daily Dispatch highlights a recent incident at the Palisades Fire on January 9, 2025, where a drone collided with a firefighting aircraft. The collision forced all aircraft to land, temporarily halting aerial operations. The panel explores how these rogue drone activities pose serious risks to both the crews operating aircraft and those working on the ground. They also address the legal consequences for drone operators in active firefighting zones, emphasizing the importance of public awareness to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Revamping the Fire Fleet with Leasing

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the challenges many fire departments face with fleet management, particularly the rising costs of purchasing and maintaining fire apparatus. With financial pressures mounting, some departments, like Amarillo Fire Department, are considering leasing fire trucks as an alternative to traditional purchasing. Chief Kehmna shares insights into how leasing can offer financial flexibility, improve fleet reliability, and help departments manage the increasing costs of fire equipment.

Fostering Empathy in First Responders

In this episode of Fire Headlines, we delve into the crucial role that empathy plays in first responder training. Our guest, Chief Ken Kehmna, shares insights on how empathy can be integrated into training programs to improve both technical skills and compassionate care. We also discuss how innovative tools like Lifecast Body Simulation Manikins are helping first responders better prepare for real-life scenarios.

Camaraderie in the Fire Service

To kick off the New Year, organizational psychologist and longtime friend of the show, Dr. Andrew Holter joins Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna to dive into the crucial concepts of psychological safety, leadership, and team dynamics within the fire service. Dr. Holter shares his experiences both from the academic and practical sides, offering valuable insights into how fire service organizations can improve their culture, performance, and retention. Drawing on real-world examples, he highlights the challenges faced by fire departments in fostering an environment of trust and communication, particularly in high-stress situations like emergency responses.