WFCA Quarterly Newsletter 2025 | Q1
Published:February 24, 2025
Edited:February 24, 2025
Learn more about what the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) worked on during Q4 2024 and plans for Q1 2025 in this edition of the WFCA Quarterly Newsletter.
President’s Message
Dear WFCA Members,
As we kick off a new year of challenges and opportunities, I’m excited to share some of the key initiatives the Western Fire Chiefs Association has been working on. Our collective mission to protect communities and support fire service professionals continues to drive our efforts, particularly in areas that directly impact the safety and resilience of the Western United States.
Wildfire Mitigation and Insurance Advocacy
Wildfires remain one of the most significant threats to our communities. The WFCA is actively working with policymakers, industry experts, and community leaders to advance wildfire mitigation strategies. Equally important, we are addressing the growing challenges around insurance availability and affordability for those living in wildfire-prone areas. By collaborating with stakeholders, we aim to develop solutions that balance risk, resilience, and accessibility, ensuring our communities are better prepared and protected.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
The fire service landscape is constantly evolving, and technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing our capabilities. We are thrilled to promote our partnership with Emergent Technologies, a leader in innovative solutions for first responders. This relationship is set to bring cutting-edge tools and insights to fire departments across the region, helping us improve firefighter safety, improved records management data, and operational efficiency.
Inaugural IGNITE Symposium
Finally, I’m excited for those of you attending the inaugural IGNITE Symposium hosted by the WFCA in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event, designed to bring together thought leaders, industry professionals, and fire service experts, will be a platform for sharing best practices, exploring emerging trends, and fostering collaboration. IGNITE promises to be a dynamic and forward-thinking gathering, and I encourage everyone coming to participate and contribute to shaping the future of our profession.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Together, we are building stronger, safer communities and setting the standard for excellence in the fire service. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we advance these critical initiatives.
Fraternally,
Chief Mark Niemeyer, City of Boise
WFCA President
Buying Technology in the Fire Service
Fire departments often fall into the trap of chasing the latest technology trend without fully understanding if the particular software or hardware package they choose is truly the right fit for their needs. This can lead to gaps in meeting the fire department technology needs as well as inefficiencies.
The below recommendations from Sourcewell offer strategies to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your technology investments:
- Identify organizational needs before exploring available solutions and align your technology purchases with strategic plans.
- Ask questions to better understand what’s needed in your procurement process to ensure you are able to secure the technology tools you need in a cost effective and timely manner.
- Collaborate with suppliers, peers, and other stakeholders, and remember to engage your community to help meet procurement challenges, particularly for volunteer departments.
- Conduct due diligence – research solutions, technology lifecycles, assess their applicability to your fire department, and be specific in outlining contract requirements.
- Build a disciplined procurement preparation and execution process, highlighting lessons learned from both successes and failures.
- Learn about your dealers and distributors and understand the differences among those who don’t want your business, those who expect your business, and those who want your business.
- Leverage the outside expertise of personnel in your organization – find out what their other skills are outside of the fire department and use them!
Once you have decided what to buy, explore the vast array of Sourcewell contracts to use for your purchases. Get started with Sourcewell by contacting our dedicated team online or calling 877-413-5360.
Newsletter Update
In the last newsletter, we reported that the Daily Dispatch was experiencing a service disruption which we soon learned was the result of a cyber-ransomware attack on the subcontractor that supports production of the Daily Dispatch newsletter and hosts the Daily Dispatch website. The Oct. 21, 2024, attack impacted every server the subcontractor hosts for all of its clients and forced the stoppage of the Daily Dispatch and several other non-profit services that the subcontractor performs.
With no exact go date for the newsletter and website from our subcontractor, WFCA proceeded with developing its own newsletter platform and website. Built with WordPress, WFCA delivered the new Daily Dispatch newsletter to subscribers on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. This was the Phase I version of the newsletter featuring 3-5 national news stories daily, job listings, a cooperative purchasing section and advertising banners to fulfill our contractual obligations with advertisers. The team is currently working on Phase II of the newsletter which will provide additional functionality for subscribers including state-specific news, wildland news, event listings, equipment ads and more. We expect to roll out the additional functionality by the end of Q1 2025.
Top 3 Clicked Stories from Q4 2024
#3
Massive 9-alarm warehouse fire breaks out in Massachusetts, flames seen shooting into sky
WBTS-CD NBC 10 Nashua
WFCA Wildfire Content
In response to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, a selection of carefully curated articles has been made available to help individuals understand the broader impact of these devastating events. These resources cover essential topics, from the immediate steps to take after a wildfire to managing the complex process of insurance claims and recovery. While wildfires are a pressing concern for many regions, access to well-researched and reliable information is crucial for anyone affected by such disasters. The following articles provide practical advice for navigating the aftermath and moving toward recovery.
- What To Do After a Wildfire
- What Happens if Your House Burns Down in a Wildfire?
- Tips for Managing Insurance and Recovery After a Wildfire
Beyond immediate recovery, there’s also value in gaining a deeper understanding of the history and ongoing risk of wildfires. The following articles explore some of the most destructive and deadliest wildfires on record, offering valuable context for current and future fire seasons. These resources also provide practical strategies for wildfire prevention and risk reduction, making them beneficial for anyone seeking to stay informed and better prepared in the face of future wildfire threats.
- Most Destructive Wildfires in California History
- Deadliest Wildfire in California History
- History of California Wildfires
- California Fire Season: In-Depth Guide
- 5 Strategies on How to Prevent Wildfires in California
Upcoming Events in Q1 & Q2 2025
Special Districts Association of Oregon – Annual Conference
Bend, OR – February 6-9
WFCA IGNITE Symposium (Registration is full)
Las Vegas, NV – February 11-12
CFSI Annual National Fire & Emergency Services Symposium & Dinner
Washington DC – February 12-13
Northwest Leadership Seminar
Portland, OR – March 5-7
IAFC’s Wildland Urban Interface
Kansas City, MO – March 27-29
Washington Fire Chiefs Association – Officer Education Conference
Wenatchee, WA – March 31 – April 3
IDGA Wildfire Technology Management Summit
Long Beach, CA – April 15-16
Metro Fire Chiefs Conference
Horry County, SC – April 27 – May 1
Metro Fire Chiefs Conference
Horry County, SC – April 27 – May 1
Idaho Fire Chief’s Association – Annual Conference
Sun Valley, ID – May 15-18
5×5 The Public Safety Innovation Summit
Seattle, WA – June 3-5