In the Books: Episode 22 - Learning to Burn: Live Fire Training for the Modern Fire Environment

David Rhodes sits down with Battalion Chief Ian Bennett of the Seattle Fire Department, founder of West Coast Fire Training and author of Learning to Burn: Live Fire Training for the Modern Fire Environment, published by Fire Engineering Books.

With 20 years in the fire service and 14 in live fire instruction, Bennett explains why much of today’s live fire training doesn’t reflect the modern fire environment, and how instructors can fix it. He makes the case for quality over quantity: fewer, more realistic burns with larger fuel loads and limited ventilation, rather than high-rep evolutions that build retained heat and teach little.

Topics include:

• Using live fire to teach when and how to apply skills, not just to repeat them.
• Fuel loads, ventilation control, and fixed-facility design.
• Common instructor mistakes and why instructor education matters most.
• The OSB debate, exposure reduction, and decon.
• Why realistic training makes modern fires more predictable.
• Advice for aspiring live fire instructors.

Get your copy of Learning to Burn: Live Fire Training for the Modern Fire Environment at https://fireengineeringbooks.com/new-products/learning-to-burn-live-fire-training-for-the-modern-fire-environment/?utm_medium=podcast_episode&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=learning_to_burn and catch Ian’s live fire class at FDIC 2027.