Librarian
IFSI Library Information
Library Hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday
Special operating hours may be held during events.
IFSI Library Staff:
Lian Ruan, Head Librarian: lruan@illinois.edu
Diane Richardson, Reference & User Training Librarian: dlrichar@illinois.edu
David Ehrenhart, Assistant Director for Library Operations: ehrenha1@illinois.edu
IFSI Library Facebook:
Selected Readings
Because the fire service is deeply rooted in tradition, it can be hard for fire departments to adopt new technologies. The articles below go into detail about the tension between new technology and firefighting traditions.
- Tradition and Technology: Achieving BalanceThis article from Fire Engineering includes informational videos about how to balance old and new firefighting technology. The author notes that, while there are many obstacles in implementing new technology, the most influential barrier in adopting new tech is fire departments' loyalty to old technology.
- Technology to Reduce the Impacts of Wildfires from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology2024 article summarizing wildfire sensors to detect ignition location and after-fire flood inundation, the new Wildland Fire Respirator, Datacasting to extend the reach of Alerts, Warnings, and Notifications (AWN), and an Advanced Personal Protection System
- Lattimer, B.Y., Huang, X., Delichatsios, M.A. et al. Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Outdoor Firefighting. Fire Technology 59, 2961–2988 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-023-01437-0 (Full text of this Fire Technology paper is available from the UIUC Main Library collection for UIUC students and staff. Others may be able to interlibrary loan the paper through their local public library.)
Theses/Dissertations
The following resources are available for free online! They are all part of the Fire Service Dissertations and Theses Collection, which means that they were submitted by a candidate for an advanced academic degree. Theses and dissertations typically present an author's original research and findings, which make them great resources for research projects.
Articles
Best Bets
These magazines will be your best bets when looking for up to date information about firefighting technology. All of these titles can be found at the IFSI Library. You can also reach out to IFSI Librarians and we would be happy to help you find the articles you need!
Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment MagazineFire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine is the only magazine writing exclusively for Fire Chiefs, Purchasing Committee Members, Trustees, Commissioners, Finance Committees and those whose job it is to buy Trucks, Tools, Turnout Gear and Firefighting Equipment. They read Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine for news and insight to make well-informed buying decisions.
Firehouse MagazineFirehouse's mission is to provide fire/rescue professionals with information, news, training, and community to help them do their jobs safer and more efficiently.
Government TechnologyGovernment Technology and its sister publications are an award-winning family of magazines covering information technology's role in state and local governments. Through in-depth coverage of IT case studies, emerging technologies and the implications of digital technology on the policies and management of public sector organizations, Government Technology chronicles the dynamics of governing in the information age.
Articles
Linked below are examples of research papers and magazine articles related to fire technology. Some Open Access papers and digital articles are linked below. More articles can also be found by reaching out to IFSI Librarians. We are happy to help you find the information you need!
- Calculating Heat Release Rates from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: A Methodology Using Digital ImagingPublication Date: Fire Technology, 59, 3565–3587, 2023
- Safety technology: are we abusing it? byCall Number: Periodicals CollectionFire Command, Vol. 54, Issue 9, p. 60
This article considers the impact of safety technology in modern firefighting. It weighs the pros and cons of modern safety technology, debating the practicality of newer practices. - Before acquiring new technology...consider your crew's needs, potential deployment issues & its limitations byCall Number: Periodicals CollectionFire Rescue Magazine, Vol. 28, Issue 11, p. 62
This article emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the impact of adopting new firefighting technology. It explores the reasons why new technology can be challenging for fire departments to adapt to, specifically noting that this technology can sometimes do more harm than good.
Locate the article you would like to read in the library catalog.
1. Click "Place Hold" on the right-hand side of the page. You will be prompted to log in to your IFSI Library account (learn how to create a library account here).
2. Click "Show More Options"
3. Under "Hold Notes" include the name of the magazine, volume number, issue, and page number. These can all be found in the item's description. Please also include the best email to reach you at so we can send the document to you!
