The “Reading Smoke” topic has been a game changer since its introduction at FDIC 2002. In anticipation of FDIC International 2019, a project team was formed to update the curriculum and learning experience. In addition to some new video clip examples, the project team has taken lessons learned from live incidents, recent scientific data, as well as “best practices” and packaged them in this new program. Highlights include a new look at the combinations of VVDC (volume, velocity, density, and color), street-read clarifications/additions, and the solving of the “Volume Paradox.” There is also a new section on equating smoke VVDC changes with tactical effectiveness evaluations. Whether you are new to the Reading Smoke topic or a long-time practitioner, you are sure to find valuable takeaways that will improve your structural fire size-ups and situational awareness.
