When I first started this blog my intent was to offer fire law news and information with a perspective that went beyond just the superficial headlines that other web sites provide. In particular I wanted to give firefighters the rest ...

Read More »

At a time when local officials have made, and continue to make, drastic cuts in fire departments in an effort to deal with the financial crisis, Palo Alto Firefighters Local 1319 found a novel way to ensure that the public ...

Read More »

We have covered some pretty bizarre cases here at Fire Law Blog – but certainly none come close to being as disturbing as this one. An Alabama fire chief has been accused of improperly disposing of two premature (approximately 20 ...

Read More »

In these difficult economic times, the average taxpayer does not appear to be inclined to tolerate too much in the way of misconduct from public employees. So firefighters in Key Peninsula, Washington were bracing for the worst last week when ...

Read More »

A Tennessee volunteer firefighter who was served alcohol at a fire department reception has filed a multi-million dollar negligence lawsuit against the fire department, the fire chief, a police detective, and three other individuals. Nathan Mumpower was severely injured on ...

Read More »

An Ohio fire captain is facing a number of criminal charges after he installed a hidden video recorder in bathroom at the Munson Township YMCA.

Read More »

Fire fighters are exposed to various hazards during the course of our work – but a claim filed last month by Everett, Washington firefighters reminds us that all hazards must be considered and mitigated during training activities. In July 2007, ...

Read More »

Nearly nine months ago, I stumbled upon the idea of creating a database to look at the legal issues confronting the fire service. No one really had the information I was looking for – and the idea fascinated me. The ...

Read More »

The hard financial times of the past few years have led many jurisdictions to consider restructuring,  consolidating, and merging their fire departments. Nationwide, parts of the country that never considered regionalization before have taken bold steps in an effort to provide a ...

Read More »

In my line of work, I see a lot of fire chiefs who are under attack. The attacks come in a variety of forms (grievances, law suits, ethics complaints, no-confidence votes) and for a variety of reasons (including some self-inflicted ...

Read More »

Economically depressed Lawrence, Massachusetts has seen its share of fires – and controversies – over the years, but a recent public statement by Mayor William Lantigua has angered the few remaining firefighters that Lawrence still has, igniting another controversy. A ...

Read More »

Last Friday, a South San Francisco Battalion Chief was charged with running a gambling operation while on duty. Chief James Selvitella is alleged to have used city phones, computers and work time to further the enterprise, and came to light ...

Read More »

Florida officials have decided not to file criminal charges against a Tampa morning radio host who was responsible for a live stunt involving a fire in a van last December. Todd Schnitt, the host of the M.J. Morning Show on ...

Read More »

A Seattle firefighter’s $12.8 million judgment against the city as well as his pension may be in jeopardy as the result of an investigation into just how serious his job-related injuries actually are. In 2003, Firefighter Mark Jones fell down a ...

Read More »