Few skills are as crucial in firefighting as the ability to "read" the profile of a fire. Lives can be saved or lost on a firefighter’s situational awareness and decision-making on the fireground. For that reason, the NYSAFC Fall 2010 Seminar Series focuses on "Fire Dynamics, Smoke & the Ventilation Profile" featuring Safety Officer Peter McBride of the Ottawa (Canada) Fire Services. The series runs from October through December in 10 locations across New York state.

A mix of media will be used to involve participants in the seminar, including practice reading various incidents. McBride is known as an innovator and researcher within the Canadian fire service. In addition, he recently sat on the Project Technical Panel evaluating tactics for wind driven fires and on the NFPA 1521 Task Group.

The series, sponsored by VFIS and Sprint, will be held in Broome, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Oneida, Rockland, Schenectady, and Yates Counties. Programs have already been held in Dutchess and Westchester Counties. Registration is $15 for NYSAFC members and $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is encouraged. On-site registration will also be available at all locations. All programs begin at 7:00 p.m. Visit the NYSAFC website for a complete schedule, seminar sites, and a pre-registration form.