As communities grow and housing density increases, volunteer fire departments are increasingly responding to contemporary mid-rise and multi-dwelling buildings that present unique operational challenges. Modern construction methods, lightweight materials, complex layouts, and mixed occupancies can significantly impact fire behavior, access, and firefighter safety. This Roundtable Talk will explore how today’s mid-rise and multi-dwelling structures differ from legacy buildings and what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, air management, search, and extended operations. Panelists will discuss practical considerations departments can address now to prepare for incidents in these evolving structures.

Decades ago, it was not uncommon for emergency responders to be killed or injured during hazmat incidents. Born from analysis of these tragic incidents was the concept of risk-based response, which uses facts, science, and circumstances of an incident to determine the best course of action and to increase the safety of the responders and public. In this webinar, learn the history of risk-based response and how to apply it to hazmat incidents and other significant events.

Join New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Wallace and former North Charleston Fire Chief Greg Bulanow for a compelling virtual conversation on how mattering can be a valuable force to combat burnout in the fire and emergency services, inspired by Jennifer’s forthcoming book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. Drawing on Jennifer’s research and her time embedded with Greg’s department – where small, intentional practices to affirm value transformed morale, retention, and well-being – this 60-minute session blends story and science to illuminate why mattering – feeling valued and having the opportunity to add value to the world around us – is not a luxury, but a core human need that protects mental health, strengthens purpose, and sustains resilience. Together, Jennifer and Greg will explore how reconnecting to our impact can counter burnout, alongside practical, actionable tools leaders and firefighters can use to foster trust, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose across their departments.

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly linked to fires across communities nationwide, especially in the waste and recycling system. To address the risk of improperly discarded batteries, the National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF), in partnership with industry leaders and with the USDA Forest Service’s Woodsy Owl, launched the “Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!” public service announcement (PSA) campaign. This webinar highlights early results from the campaign, community engagement efforts, and how education and prevention can help reduce battery-related fire risks nationwide. Learn how to leverage consistent messaging, trusted messengers, and local partnerships to help reduce battery-related fires before they start – and how the campaign is scaling nationally in 2026.

Fire departments often rely on modern fire dynamics research to guide training and operations, yet this same information is often underused in community education. This webinar will help volunteers translate research-based fireground knowledge into clear, actionable public safety messages. Participants will learn how to update outdated outreach, explain modern fire behavior in simple terms, and teach residents practical steps that reduce risk, slow fire growth, and support firefighter safety. This session is ideal for firefighters, officers, instructors, and anyone involved in public education. This webinar is sponsored by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute.

Firefighters face a heightened risk of occupational cancer due to repeated exposure to carcinogens on the fireground, in apparatus, and within the station. This roundtable talk will raise awareness of these risks and provide practical strategies to reduce exposure through effective decontamination practices. The discussion will cover how carcinogens enter the body, where contamination commonly occurs, and what immediate and long-term steps departments can take to protect their members. Designed for firefighters, officers, safety personnel, and department leaders, this session will offer clear, actionable guidance to help reduce cancer risks and support a healthier fire service.

Public trust is the foundation of every successful volunteer fire department. While the Maltese Cross firefighters wear symbolizes courage, service, and sacrifice, it also carries responsibility. Every action, every word, and every choice a firefighter makes reflects not only on the individual, but on the entire fire service family. Join presenter Tom Merrill for this webinar on how professionalism is critical in building and shaping trust, and how every member plays a vital role protecting the department’s reputation and upholding a tradition of excellence.

Grants can provide vital support for volunteer fire and EMS departments, helping to fund everything from training and equipment to community programs. However, finding the right opportunity and submitting a competitive application takes planning. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, a panel of experts will share practical strategies, personal experiences, and lessons learned to help departments locate funding sources, understand requirements, and strengthen their overall grant approach. This roundtable talk is sponsored by Snap-tite Hose.

The holidays can be a difficult time for first responders, bringing added stress, loneliness, and emotional strain. Join the NVFC for a panel discussion on behavioral health during the holiday season, including myths about suicide rates, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical coping strategies to stay healthy and resilient.

When a mayday is declared, every second counts. This webinar bridges the gap between cultivating a strong mayday culture in training and executing effective incident command strategies on the fireground. Participants will learn strategies to build a proactive culture that emphasizes prevention, readiness, and effective mayday response at both the individual and organizational level.