Dan Madrzykowski And Fire Dynamics On The Exterior

We talk with UL FSRI’s Dr. Dan Madrzykowski about how fire dynamics drives outcomes at outside fires, vehicle fires, and “container” incidents just as much as it does in homes. This episode connects real case studies to practical command decisions so crews stop feeding the fire with ventilation and start controlling conditions with effective water application and better size-up.

In this episode:
• AFG grant window timing and why command training remains a high priority
• Fire dynamics basics that still get missed in structures
• Why ventilation can increase smoke production and fire growth
• Exterior fire spread that re-enters and traps interior crews
• Lagrange incident lessons and the need to flow and move
• Critical factors for IC1 and IC2 — because the fire gets a vote
• EV fire response priorities: life hazard, approach angle, water supply, and exposures
• When letting EV batteries burn out may reduce overall risk
• Trailer and container fires as ventilation-limited pressure vessel problems
• The “two-question pause” before giving orders and avoiding autopilot decision-making
• Stored energy hazards including large tire explosion blast radius and positioning
• CNG vehicle differences and why preplans matter
• Using monitors and stream reach to gain standoff and improve visibility
• Warehouse fire ventilation errors when water is not yet effective

Resources Mentioned:

Chula Vista Fire Report: Analysis of a Near Miss in a Warehouse Fire – California
https://doi.org/10.60752/102376.30402382

Lagrange Fire Report: Four Firefighters Burned in Residential House Fire – Georgia
https://dx.doi.org/10.54206/102376/GEKK4148

Lagrange Incident Video
https://training.fsri.org/resources/409/residential-fire-near-miss-in-lagrange-ga-incident-video

LaGrange Discussion Tool
https://training.fsri.org/resources/53/026-near-miss-lagrange-continuing-the-conversation

Online Course
https://training.fsri.org/course/105/residential-fire-near-miss-incident-in-lagrange-ga

Blue Card Lithium Ion Battery Fire SOG: https://bshifter.com/download/lithium-ion-battery-incident-sample-sog/

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https://bshifter.myshopify.com/products/new-fire-command-3rd-edition

For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts:
https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/

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https://bshifter.com

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About Dan:

Dr. Daniel Madrzykowski is a Senior Research Engineer with the UL Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and one of the leading fire dynamics researchers in the world. His work has helped shape the modern fire service’s understanding of fire behavior, ventilation, wind-driven fires, exterior fire attack, and tactical decision-making on the fireground.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Madrzykowski has led and contributed to groundbreaking research focused on firefighter safety, fire spread, and modern building performance under fire conditions. His work has directly influenced operational tactics, training programs, and national conversations surrounding modern fire attack and command operations.

Dan has worked extensively with fire departments across the United States, translating complex fire science into practical, street-level applications firefighters and incident commanders can use every day. His research continues to play a major role in improving firefighter safety and customer outcomes in both residential and commercial fire incidents.