The Latest

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC 2025 Conference Lineup – An Event for Every Leader

Here’s a quick look at IAFC's 2025 conference lineup

Jan 01, 0001

Register Today for IAFC Propane-Response Education Classes!

Enroll in our new Propane Emergencies Training for Responders!

Jan 01, 0001

Crash Responder Safety Week 2024: Responders Ahead! Reduce Your Speed as You Proceed

Help raise awareness for the motoring public and implement strategies to promote a culture of safety

Jan 01, 0001

Ensuring Safety in the Age of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Resources to assist fire departments during Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems response

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee Releases 2024-2026 Strategic Plan

IAFC members are encouraged to review the strategic plan and download the annexes for their use

Jan 01, 0001

The Fire & Life Safety Section (FLSS) has launched a Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

FLSS recently launches an essential tool for Fire Chiefs and departments to address the hazards associated with Home Oxygen Therapy

Jan 01, 0001

Come participate in the conversation about Fire Service Hazards and Building and Fire Code Prevention Measures related to Lithium-ion Batteries and Energy Storage Systems!

Join the IAFC and FLSS session on lithium-Ion Batteries during FRI.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Families Visit Washington DC to Advocate for PSOB Benefits

Ask Congress to Pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1719/S. 930)

Jan 01, 0001

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Adopts Final Rule to Amend Real-Time Train Consist Information Requirements

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule altering the Hazardous Materials Regulations found in 49 C.F.R. §§171—180

Jan 01, 0001

New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

NFPA is seeking comments regarding New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Critical Fire Safety Legislation

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act has passed its first hurdle. This important safety bill and its companion legislation will now face a Senate vote.

Jan 01, 0001

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

Jan 01, 0001

Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers

Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Training: Batteries in the Fire Service, Tall Mass-Timber Buildings & Fire Department Concerns, and Codes that Safeguard Construction

Training on operational response and code requirements for batteries in buildings and energy storage systems

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents on EV Battery Safety at the EV Charging Symposium

EV Charging Symposium brought together stakeholders to collaborate on EV battery safety

Jan 01, 0001

Spanish-Language Hazmat Instructor - Independent Contractor Opportunity

Seeking a minimum of two (2) independent contractors to serve as Spanish-speaking Hazmat Safety Instructors

Jan 01, 0001

The 2023 Safety Stand Down Quiz is Now Live – Test Your Knowledge on Lithium-ion Battery Response

In support of this year’s Safety Stand Down, emergency services personnel are encouraged to take and promote the quiz.

Jan 01, 0001

“Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is Announced as Theme for Safety Stand Down, June 18-24, 2023

The 2023 Safety Stand Down will be June 18 - 24. The week of the Safety Stand Down will cover topics relating to lithium-ion battery response and safety, which will be broken down into five daily focus areas: recognition of hazards, firefighting operations, firefighter safety, post-incident considerations, and public education.

Jan 01, 0001

Propane Emergencies: Basic Certifications with Propane Emergency

It is essential that all responders to understand the changes that have occurred that pertain to NFPA 470 and be well versed in the OSHA requirements.

Jan 01, 0001

Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Roundtable

Reports capture the findings from these assessments and the discussion from the recent Roundtable meeting.

Jan 01, 0001

Responding to Propane Incidents

While performing air monitoring of the structure for flammable gas there are a few items you need to remember to operate in a safe and efficient manner.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Whole Community Planning for Disaster Online Training

This course will provide information on why/how community organizations and others can participate in inclusive emergency planning processes to improve resiliency.

Jan 01, 0001

New Ethanol Emergency Response Training Now Available

RFA and TRANSCAER announces new ethanol emergency response training.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation to Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

This year’s NDAA contains several provisions that address problems relating to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Jan 01, 0001

Save the Date: 3rd International Fire Operations Conference & Exhibition

A platform for academicians, researchers, managers, subject matter experts & students to share their research findings/best practices with the global audience.

Jan 01, 0001

Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TC Energy Mexico Pipeline Training

Training in 2020 was completed in the State of Veracruz and the State of Sinaloa and is presently underway in the State of Hidalgo October 28-29, 2021, and Guanajuato November 4-5, 2021.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Response to Electric Vehicle Fires

This one-page bulletin is intended to guide our pre-response, response and post-event responses to electrical vehicle fires.

Jan 01, 0001

White House and EPA Release Three Year Strategy for PFAS ​

PFAS are often dubbed “forever chemicals” because some of the chemicals linger for decades in people’s bodies and seemingly forever in the environment.

Jan 01, 0001

CSB Releases New Safety Video on Aghorn Operating Investigation Entitled "Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas"

The CSB also made two recommendations to federal and state regulators, OSHA and the Railroad Commission of Texas, addressing the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.

Jan 01, 0001

CSB U.S. Chemical Safety Board

Tracking, monitoring, investigating the causes of, and preventing accidental chemical releases remains a top priority for the CSB

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Refers Carriers to Enforcement for Failing to Meet Key 911 Location Accuracy Deadline

Vertical location is critical to helping first responders quickly locate 911 wireless callers, particularly in buildings taller than three stories.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Lessons Learned from Fukushima

This presentation will share experiences and lessons that will greatly benefit decision makers and responders who have to prepare for wide area environmental remediation to respond to and recover from radiological contamination events.

Jan 01, 0001

NHTSA Encourages First Responders to Review its Guidelines for Incidents Involving Electric of Hybrid Vehicles Following NTSB Study on Risks Posed by These Vehicles

Guidance for responders when responding to incidents including electric vehicles.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Three Year Reauthorization of PHMSA

The PIPES Act reauthorizes the PHMSA through FY 2023 and contains a number of provisions that improve pipeline safety.

Jan 01, 0001

Keep Your Community Safe

The goal of this survey is to identify the strengths of fire departments that can be helpful to other LEPCs.

Jan 01, 0001

USDOT Announces Updated Hazmat Emergency Guidebook

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced the publication of the 2020 edition of its Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).

Jan 01, 0001

PFAS incineration in New York spurs legislation, loss of federal contracts

PFAS incineration has been a source of interest for some companies, with U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracts offering an access point.

Jan 01, 0001

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Coronavirus Task Force

The Task Force will be monitoring COVID-19 and developing recommendations for ways that fire departments can protect their members while continuing to serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

LEPC 101: Las Vegas Prepares for Earthquake Response

The members of the North Las Vegas Fire industrial and first responder communities participated in an earthquake tabletop exercise.

Jan 01, 0001

LEPC 101: What is an LEPC and Why is it Important

This program is designed to create community training in preparing for over the road, rail and pipeline Hazardous Materials and other emergency incidents, especially in rural areas.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes PFAS Legislation

There is a concern that firefighters’ exposure to PFAS may lead to cancer and problems with the thyroid and immune systems.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. DOT Proposes Major Rule for the Safe Transportation of LNG by Rail Tank Car

Currently, LNG may only be transported via rail in a portable tank with an approval from FRA. However, the HMR does authorize the DOT 113 specification tank car for other flammable cryogenic liquids

Jan 01, 0001

Phase Two of the IAFC Community Safety Grant Launched

Defining the LEPC. Do you understand the functions of the local emergency planning committee?

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Rader: Change Begins With Leaders

Chief Jan Rader walks through ground zero of the opioid epidemic in her state by exploring how the community and first responders are making a difference - especially through community partnerships.

Jan 01, 0001

T-Band Voter Voice Campaign Launched

The IAFC has launched a Voter Voice campaign to support preserving public safety’s access to the T-Band.

Jan 01, 0001

Final Rule from PHMSA and FRA seeks to make preparedness and mitigation easier

New rule regarding High Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFTs) went into effect earlier this year (April 1).

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Hazmat Center Brings in Experts from Across the US to Help Develop Community Safety Tool-Kit

First responders and safety experts meet in Baltimore to discuss issues facing LEPCs across the nation.

Jan 01, 0001

Preventing Occupational Exposure to Illicit Drugs

Reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure while handling or testing fentanyl or other illicit drugs by following these steps.

Jan 01, 0001

Pipeline Incident Response Requires Coordination, Training and Federal Support

IAFC President Dan Eggleston today told a House of Representatives panel that an effective response to a pipeline/hazmat incident requires pipeline operators, local fire departments and other state and local officials to work together.

Jan 01, 0001

Community Safety Planning and Training 

​The IAFC Hazmat Center is proud to announce that they received the Community Safety–Emergency Planning Response and Outreach (CS–EPRO) Grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in November 2018.

Jan 01, 0001

Rural EMS and Wildland Fire Funding Survive Final Farm Bill

Final version of the Farm Bill contains Rural EMS funding, cross-boundary fuel removal grants, and preserves current fire-safe cigarette laws.

Jan 01, 0001

PHMSA Sends Out a Request for Comments for the 2020 ERG

PHMSA has requested comments and input for the 2020 ERG to improve the guidebook as it develops the 2020 edition.

Jan 01, 0001

ALERT Grant Enables IAFC to Continue Rail Safety Program

Thousands of responders trained both online and in person.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TransCanada Extend Partnership

Agreement Supports Pipeline Emergency Response Training across North America

Upcoming Events

Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference 2025

May 13 - 15, 2025 | Glendale, AZ
The CRR Leadership Conference is all new. Sponsored by the IAFC's Fire and Life Safety Section, the CRR Leadership Conference tackles CRR from the leadership perspective, highlighting best practices from concept to implementation to outcomes. Presentations will highlight the latest and greatest in CRR research.
International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference

International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference 2025

June 12 - 15, 2025 | Baltimore, MD
The training offered at the Hazmat Conference provides immediate, practical and valuable information designed to ensure you successfully meet the demands of hazmat response in today's challenging environment.
Learn More   

Online Training

Regional Rail Response Online

Rural Response to Rail Incidents

Self paced | Online
This training is designed to help you better understand the rail industry, response efforts and agency-specific roles should a train derailment or similar incident occur in your area.
Propane Emergencies Training

Propane Emergencies Training for Awareness Mission-Specific Responders

Self paced | Online
Learn foundational knowledge to recognize fundamental propane characteristics, risks, regulations, safety, and indications of potential propane-related emergencies

Mission: Enhance hazmat responder safety and improve decision-making for responding to hazmat incidents.

Resources

Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

Tool kit for Fire Chiefs to address the hazards of Home Oxygen Fire Hazards
Batteries in Trailer Explode

Batteries in Trailer Explode! Battalion Chief's Perspective

How a routine truck fire quickly escalated into a large-scale incident
Responding to Propane / Flammable Gas Incidents Bulletin

Responding to Propane / Flammable Gas Incidents Bulletin

This resource is to help the fire service respond to flammable gas leaks in structures in a safe, efficient, and coordinated manner