SummaryIn this episode, Tim Spears welcomes back Ray O'Brocki, the Director of Fire Service Relations from the American Wood Council. They discuss the tragic South Park fire incident in Charlotte, which highlighted significant failures in construction fire safety protocols. Ray shares insights on the importance of having a construction fire safety plan, the need for better communication between builders and fire departments, and the role of emerging technologies in enhancing fire safety on const...
Jun 23, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Chief Reynolds07:55 Community Risk Reduction and Fire Prevention Initiatives14:49 Firefighter Safety and Health Programs23:06 Advocacy for Home Oxygen Safety26:56 Advocating for Thermal Fuses in Home Oxygen Therapy33:41 Integrating Safety Measures with Community Programs40:49 Historic Fire Prevention Strategies47:49 Engagement and Advocacy in Fire SafetySummaryIn this conversation, Chief Ray Reynolds shares his extensive experience in the fire service...
Feb 12, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fire Safety and Emerging Topics 03:29 The Evolution of Fire Codes and Standards 06:12 Challenges with Lithium-Ion Batteries 09:10 Understanding Thermal Runaway in Batteries 11:58 Building Codes and Battery Safety 14:27 Preparing Firefighters for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires 27:18 Understanding Battery Hazards in Firefighting 29:27 Standard Actions for Electric Vehicle Incidents 32:32 Community Risk Reduction and Fire Safety 36:40 The Importance of Community Risk Reduc...
Jan 08, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fire Safety and Data Analytics 03:09 The Role of Data in Fire Administration 05:49 Community Risk Reduction and Data Utilization 09:07 Leveraging AI in Fire Data Analysis 12:06 Addressing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks 15:11 Wildfire Challenges and Technological Innovations 27:00 Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell discusses her extensive experience in fire safety and the importance of data analytics in enhanc...
Dec 09, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Summary In this conversation, Tim Spears and Sean DeCrane discuss fire safety, emerging technologies, and the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Sean shares his background in the fire service and how he got involved in the code development process. They also talk about the importance of partnerships and relationships in improving fire safety. They discuss the risks firefighters face when responding to fires involving lithium-ion batteries and the need for more research and data to addr...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Summary In this conversation, Tim Spears interviews Stuart Tom, President of the Board of Directors for the International Code Council, about the evolving landscape of building and fire safety. They discuss Stuart's background in engineering and his roles as a chief building official and fire marshal. They also explore the integration of modern technologies into building codes, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in addressing fire risks and emerging trends. Stuart emphasiz...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Chief Coco discusses his background in the fire service and his journey to community risk reduction. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches and results-based accountability in delivering effective fire prevention services. He also highlights the significance of training and continuous improvement in the inspection and enforcement process. Chief Coco shares insights into the use of data and metrics to measure performance and drive decision-making. He discusses the challenges an...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 2
Join us on ICC Region 1 Radio as we sit down with FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, diving deep into the critical issues surrounding fire safety, lithium-ion battery technology, and the rise of micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. In this discussion, Commissioner Kavanagh shares her journey from political campaigns to leading the nation's largest fire department, revealing a commitment to public service and safety. This episode sheds light on the unique challenges and strategi...
Feb 26, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Summary Jennifer Hamilton from the California Hydrogen Business Council discusses the recent allocation of funding for hydrogen hubs and the opportunities it presents for the hydrogen fuel industry. She emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a complementary technology to electric vehicles and its role in decarbonizing various sectors. Hamilton highlights the challenges of hydrogen infrastructure and the need for both battery and fuel cell technologies. She also discusses the misconceptions and...
Dec 20, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Introduction: In this episode of ICC Region 1 Radio episode, I hosted Chief Stephen Hrustich, Project Manager, Vision 20/20. We examined community risk reduction (CRR), emphasizing its expansive nature beyond just fire prevention. Chief Hrustich shared insights on the power of data in risk mitigation. We also highlighted Vision 2020, an initiative pushing for CRR integration in the U.S. Fire Service, and its key resources like the Material Generator. Concluding the episode we review the 2024 Com...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Abi Aghayere from Drexel University, an esteemed professor with a rich background in civil engineering. From gaining his foundational knowledge at the University of Lagos and MIT to transitioning into academia and shaping the next generation of engineers at Drexel, Dr. Aghayere shares his passionate journey. Dive into the tangible impact of structural engineers as they shape the very skylines we admire. Moreover, Dr. Aghayere delves deep into th...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode, Tim Spears and Ray O'Brocki delve into the critical topic of fire safety in construction. They discuss the challenges in fire safety education and enforcement, the importance of comprehensive fire safety plans, and the role of fire prevention program managers. The conversation also covers the perception of fire safety and the risk of complacency, the use of temporary alarm systems on construction sites, and the management of temporary systems. The episode concludes with a discus...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ibrahim Jilani, Global Director & Industry Leader at UL Solutions, joining us to shed light on important issues related to fire prevention and product safety. Ibrahim has extensive experience in the field, and we are thrilled to have him here with us today. Ibrahim Jilani shares his background and UL's role in ensuring product safety. We discuss the importance of independent evaluation and certification to ensure that products meet safety standard...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of ICC Region I Radio, host Tim Spears sits down with Susan Dowty, Government Relations Manager with the International Code Council (ICC), to discuss the upcoming Building Safety Month and the resources offered by the ICC for local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Susan shares her background in the building codes industry, including her experience with the San Diego County Building Department and her involvement in code development, including being the structural secretari...
May 05, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Are you interested in learning about energy sustainability and building code regulations? Then you won't want to miss this episode of ICC Region One Radio featuring Chris Olvera, the supervisor of the Outreach and Education Unit in the Building Standards Office of the California Energy Commission. Host Tim Spears delves into a range of topics with Chris, including his background, the educational opportunities and resources provided by the California Energy Commission, emergency preparedness rela...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 3
Welcome to our podcast episode featuring Chief Daniel Berlant, Acting State Fire Marshal and Deputy Director for Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation with Cal Fire. Join us as we discuss his career, experiences, and insights on building resilience, promoting life safety, and disaster preparedness in California. Learn how he balances work and personal life, builds networks with stakeholders, and connects communities to promote fire and life safety. Tune in for valuable insights and stra...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode I spoke with Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions. In this episode we discussed her role with the International Code Council, ICC’s global efforts and the implementation of the Family of Solutions, the many partnerships and development of a global network to promote building safety and many more topics. Below are links to the items we discussed: ICC Pulse Podcast (episode 48): https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/icc-pulse-podc...
Feb 13, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode I spoke with Matt Wheeler, Executive Director with the California Building Officials (CALBO). In this episode we discussed his role as executive director, how he works sot engage code professionals and the private sector across California, resources CALBO provides code professionals, efforts to recruit new members into the profession, and many more topics. To find more information about CALBO, please visit their website at https://www.calbo.org/.
Nov 30, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode I spoke with Ron Piester, Vice President of Membership and Strategic Engagement with the International Code Council. In this episode we discussed how he stays informed on building safety issues, finds balance, the many member benefits ICC provides, ICC global initiatives, thoughts on those seeking a career in building safety and several other topics. https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/about-membership/
Nov 07, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode I spoke with Mia Marvelli, Executive Director with the California Building Standards Commission. In this episode we discussed her background, the many functions of the Building Standards Commission, how response to the pandemic affected their work, resources they provide to professionals and several other topics. Links to items discussed in this episode: The CBSC home page can be found here: dgs.ca.gov/BSC Click here for the CBSC YouTube Channel CBSC guides and videos: dgs.ca.gov...
Oct 05, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode I spoke with Cindy Davis, Deputy Director, Division of Building and Fire Regulations with the State of Virginia and the President of the Board of Directors of the International Code Council. We discussed her background, building relationships, ICC Global Initiatives, and the many programs that International Code Council offers code professionals. JACK A. PROCTOR VIRGINIA BUILDING CODE ACADEMY (VBCA) https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/vbca Technical Training Program https://www.iccsafe...
Aug 08, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode Madison Dominescy the Director of Safety 2.0 with the International Code Council joined me for discussion. In this episode we talked about Building Safety month and the many programs that International Code Council offers. Included are links to the items we discussed. Safety 2.0 https://www.iccsafe.org/safety2/ Technical Training Program https://www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/safety2/technical-training-program/ Mentorship Program https://www.iccsafe.org/safety2/#mentor ...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode we spoke with retired battalion chiefs Gary Lum and Wayne Masuda. They both help to support the Hawaii State Fire Council. We discussed their backgrounds, experiences that helped shape their careers and their work with the State Fire Council. A topic we discussed was the efforts by the Honolulu Fire Department to implement its High-Rise Condominium Life Safety Evaluation program. Here is a link to the program details: https://fire.honolulu.gov/fire-and-life-safety/homeowners/spri...
Apr 29, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode we spoke with Chief Tonya Hoover, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator with the United States Fire Administration. We discussed Chief Hoover's background, what drew her to a fire service career, mentors and people that have shaped her career, adoption of requirements for residential fire sprinklers in California, the National Fire Academy and the curriculum, community risk reduction, and the future. National Fire Academy: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/ USFA Social Media Tool K...
Apr 06, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode we spoke with Truong Huynh, General Superintendent with the Long Beach Building and Safety Bureau. We discussed his background, code development and his efforts with the L.A. Basin ICC Chapter. Here is the link to the Los Angeles Basin Chapter of the ICC's Code Coordination Committee and the shared spreadsheet we discussed in our conversation. https://icclabc.org/code-coordination
Mar 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode we spoke with Janice Van Mullem, Fire Marshal with the Huntington Beach Fire Department. In this episode we discussed her background, mentors she has had during her career, Huntington Beach programs to help new businesses, community reduction efforts in Huntington Beach, and leadership. Also here are the links to many of the items we discussed during the episode. Safe Beach Day… https://safebeachday.com/huntington-city-beach for sting ray risk (and other cool things) 2021 Open Ho...
Feb 21, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode we spoke with Greg Rogers, Deputy Fire Chief with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. In this episode we discussed his background and jurisdiction he serves, their efforts during Community Risk Reduction Week, importance of building a coalition and developing partnerships for the success of Community Risk Reduction (CRR), the Spokane Valley Fire Department's Apartment Safety Program, emergency preparedness, how the pandemic has influenced CRR, and virtual reality in safety educat...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode we spoke with Valerie Evans, Building Official with the City of North Las Vegas. She was recognized as the 2020 International Code Council Code Official of the Year. In this episode we discussed her background, jurisdiction she covers, perspectives on recruiting and code enforcement, building relationships and networking, response to the pandemic, and goals for this upcoming year.
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode we spoke with Sara Yerkes, ICC Senior VP of Government Relations. In this episode we discussed many topics to include: her background and how she got her start in government relations, her involvement in the development the Congressional Fire Service Institute, mentors she has had throughout her career, the successes and difficulties in building a consensus, how the pandemic has reshaped service delivery, notable experiences and leadership.
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode we spoke with Michael O'Brian, Fire Chief of the Brighton Area Fire Authority in Brighton, MI. Chief O'Brian is also the Chair of the ICC Fire Code Action Committee and the International Director of the Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Fire Chiefs Association. He was awarded the Robert W. Gain Fire Prevention Leadership Award at the 2021 Annual International Code Council Conference. In this episode we discussed many topics to include: Demographics of the area he ...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 13
