New Playbook Helps Fire Departments Integrate Evidence-Based Structural Firefighting Practices

June 24, 2025

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, has released the Evidence-Based Considerations for Your Fireground Playbook. This new resource is designed to help fire departments integrate proven, science-based strategies into their structural firefighting practices. The playbook represents FSRI’s commitment to bridging the gap between the latest research and real-world application, ensuring that lifesaving findings reach the firefighters who need them most.

This new playbook is part of FSRI’s Spotlight Series on Research in Action, a program that showcases how different fire departments have successfully integrated evidence-based practices into their training and operations.

The playbook offers various benefits for fire departments:

  • Strategic foundation for standard operating guidelines development: Provides clear, proven strategies built for fireground operations, enabling firefighters to do the right thing at the right time.
  • Scalable and customizable solutions: Evidence-based strategies that flex to fit any department size or resource level, with a framework that helps leadership create tailored SOGs aligned with industry best practices such as NFPA 1700.
  • Comprehensive support: Delivers a framework for topics ranging from incident command to decontamination for consistent, safe operations on every shift and scene.

“What’s most rewarding is watching departments take our research and make it their own,” said Angela Bennett, director of research amplification, education, training, and digital media production at FSRI. “When science-backed strategies become standard practice, we know we’re moving the needle on firefighter safety and operational effectiveness where it matters most.”

The Evidence-Based Considerations for Your Fireground Playbook is free and available to download as part of FSRI’s ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety through research-driven solutions. Fire departments can access the playbook and begin implementing evidence-based strategies immediately.

Download the playbook here.