Red River FOOLS

05/30/2026

We had another successful day of learning at Day 2 of The Art of Reading Smoke lecture. More than 80 attendees from departments across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma joined us to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skills.

We were proud to host this outstanding training opportunity and greatly appreciate everyone's support in making it a success.

A special thank you to Chief Rob Backer First Due Intelligence for bringing such a valuable and impactful class to our area!

Once again, we’d like to thank the following agencies for sponsoring this lecture, giving all of their members the opportunity to attend:
Sherman Fire - Rescue
Denison Fire Rescue
Whitesboro Fire Department
Allen Fire Department
Aubrey Fire Department
Bonham Fire Department

05/29/2026

The first offering of The Art of Reading Smoke Lecture is in the books! It was a successful day with nearly 70 like-minded individuals coming together to get better. Thank you Chief Rob Backer First Due Intelligence for bringing such a beneficial class to North Texas/Southern Oklahoma.

Many North Texas & Southern Oklahoma Fire departments were well represented today

We look forward to the second offering of the lecture tomorrow!

Special thanks to the following agencies that sponsored this class, giving all of their members the opportunity to attend:
Allen Fire Department
Sherman Fire - Rescue
Denison Fire Rescue
Whitesboro Fire Department
Bonham Fire Department
Aubrey Fire Department

05/26/2026

Reminder/Update for The Art of Reading Smoke Class on the 28th and 29th!

This is a great opportunity to learn from one of the best! The class will be held in the Center for Workplace Learning (CWL) classroom. Parking will be located on the west side of the building in the west parking lot. A map with the parking area highlighted in yellow will be posted below. Class will begin at 8am so arrive earlier to allow for parking and checking in.

We look forward to seeing everyone soon! Please reach out if you have any questions.

04/29/2026

To area firefighters: VENT/ENTER/SEARCH training class June 13 for career or volunteer firefighters. Sign up here.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFKAGCYOSO1SA3u7kKvsIan89d3cz5kwtU8wYSKWflES2PMw/viewform

04/20/2026

Awesome job by our brothers in Sherman! Way to go boys Sherman Fire - Rescue

🚨 STRUCTURE FIRE 🚨

This afternoon your Professional Firefighters of Sherman were dispatched to a two story house fire with multiple victims trapped. First arriving units arrived to reports of two victims in an upstairs bedroom with heavy fire on first floor. Truck 81 was able to rescue both victims from the window and they were transported to the hospital where they are currently critical but stable. Engine 84 was able to rapidly knock down the fire, greatly assisting in rescue efforts.

The success of this operation was only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our members and the support we continually receive from our city staff and our great citizens.

02/13/2026

Reminder!! Huge opportunity to learn from one of the best minds in the fire service! This is a class that can teach all levels, and will help your decision making skills on the fire ground!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-reading-smoke-tickets-1980680160679?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/08/2026

Topic of the day!!!

In the previous video, there was talk about fly in or fly out, and I am now sharing the actual documentation that outlines accepted practices under Duo-Safety ladders.

Identification is key.
Knowing where the ladder is going drives everything. With the halyard on the outside, you can read the building as you approach checking height, smoke conditions (volume, velocity, density, pressure), window type, and most importantly, victim locations. This positioning also allows you to identify victims who may be preparing to jump while you’re throwing the ladder.

🔥We don’t just throw ladders to any window.
We throw them to purposeful windows. Reading the window can tell you whether you’re dealing with a bedroom, kitchen, hallway, or bathroom — and that matters.

🚨Another major consideration is victim removal.
A smooth beam all the way down reduces the chance of a patient hanging up on the bed section, allowing for faster, cleaner removals with fewer complications.

🔥Finally, fly-out allows me to throw the ladder exactly where I want it, without having to flip it saving time and improving tip placement accuracy.

There are a million ways to do a lot of things in the fire service. What matters is purpose. If the method matches the task and is well thought out, it’s the right choice.

Ladders aren’t just ladders they’re tools.
Use the tool in the way that best accomplishes the overall goal.

Hope this helps continue the conversation around fly-in vs. fly-out ladder placement.

02/04/2026

01/20/2026

We are excited to announce that the Red River F.O.O.L.S. will be hosting Battalion Chief Rob Backer and the Art of Reading Smoke. Chief Backer has helped revolutionize the fire ground through his class where he will teach you how to read the smoke and be able to quickly breakdown the fire dynamics and make safe and smart decisions. Whether you have been on the job for 3 days or 30 years this class will fundamentally improve your ability on the fire ground!

01/18/2026

Happy birthday to our fearless leader President Kendall Shaw! Hope it’s a good one brother!