Max Fire Training Programs are built around one principle:
Don’t tell me—show me.
FIRE BEHAVIOR & THERMAL IMAGING COURSES
Max Fire Box Burn & Learn
Foundations: Fire Behavior & Thermal Imaging (Phase I)
4 Hours | Cap: 20
Firefighters Build a strong foundation in fire behavior and thermal imaging through classroom instruction and controlled live-fire demonstration. Firefighters observe fire growth, heat movement, and ventilation impact while learning how to interpret thermal data.
- Fire growth and heat release rate
- Flashover and rollover indicators
- Heat layering and ventilation impact
- Thermal imaging fundamentals
- Tactical awareness and decision-making
Max Fire Box Burn & Learn
Advanced: Fire Behavior & Thermal Imaging (Phase I & Phase II)
4 Hours | Cap: 20
This session delivers a structured progression from foundational fire behavior principles to advanced fire dynamics application using the Max Fire Box Phase I and Phase II systems. The program is delivered by a single instructor in a focused, discussion-driven format.
The session begins with a concise classroom review of fire behavior fundamentals and core thermal imaging principles. Topics include heat transfer, fire development, heat release rate, ventilation impact, overhead conditions, flow path, and the operational strengths and limitations of thermal imaging technology.
Participants will then observe the first live-fire evolution utilizing the Max Fire Box Phase I. This burn reinforces foundational fire behavior concepts while introducing practical thermal imaging application. During the Phase I evolution, firefighters evaluate overhead development, heat layering, ventilation impact, and begin applying tactical thermal size-up concepts. Emphasis is placed on identifying changing conditions, interpreting thermal data accurately, and recognizing indicators that influence operational decision-making.
Following the Phase I evolution, the instructor conducts a brief classroom transition expanding on tactical thermal application and advanced fire behavior considerations.
The session concludes with a second live-fire evolution utilizing the Max Fire Box Phase II. This advanced configuration introduces more complex fire behavior scenarios and expands tactical application of thermal imaging cameras. During the Phase II burn, participants will evaluate:
The session begins with a concise classroom review of fire behavior fundamentals and core thermal imaging principles. Topics include heat transfer, fire development, heat release rate, ventilation impact, overhead conditions, flow path, and the operational strengths and limitations of thermal imaging technology.
Participants will then observe the first live-fire evolution utilizing the Max Fire Box Phase I. This burn reinforces foundational fire behavior concepts while introducing practical thermal imaging application. During the Phase I evolution, firefighters evaluate overhead development, heat layering, ventilation impact, and begin applying tactical thermal size-up concepts. Emphasis is placed on identifying changing conditions, interpreting thermal data accurately, and recognizing indicators that influence operational decision-making.
Following the Phase I evolution, the instructor conducts a brief classroom transition expanding on tactical thermal application and advanced fire behavior considerations.
The session concludes with a second live-fire evolution utilizing the Max Fire Box Phase II. This advanced configuration introduces more complex fire behavior scenarios and expands tactical application of thermal imaging cameras. During the Phase II burn, participants will evaluate:
- Tactical thermal size-up
- Go / no-go decision-making based on overhead and heat conditions
- Tactical 360 thermal size-up concepts
- Ventilation profiling and its impact on fire development
- Detecting and interpreting changing thermal data in real time
THERMAL IMAGING COURSES
Max Fire Box Burn & Learn
Thermal Imaging In-Service (Phase I & Phase II)
4 Hours | Cap: 20
This session is designed to provide hands-on thermal imaging training focused specifically on the hosting department’s thermal imaging cameras currently in service.
Prior to delivery, the instructor will coordinate with the hosting fire department to review the make and model of thermal imaging cameras used by their personnel. The session will be customized to address the features, operating modes, strengths, and limitations of those specific devices.
This session emphasizes repetition, decision-making, and disciplined interpretation. Firefighters will put in controlled reps using the same thermal imaging cameras they utilize on the fireground, reinforcing proper use and improving operational confidence.
Prior to delivery, the instructor will coordinate with the hosting fire department to review the make and model of thermal imaging cameras used by their personnel. The session will be customized to address the features, operating modes, strengths, and limitations of those specific devices.
This session emphasizes repetition, decision-making, and disciplined interpretation. Firefighters will put in controlled reps using the same thermal imaging cameras they utilize on the fireground, reinforcing proper use and improving operational confidence.
- Review operational principles and limitations of their department-issued thermal imaging cameras.
- Improve interpretation of heat signatures and temperature differentials.
- Recognize and avoid common thermal imaging misreads.
- Apply thermal imaging during Phase I and Phase II live-fire evolutions.
- Conduct tactical thermal size-up and ventilation profiling.
- Strengthen go/no-go decision-making using real-time thermal data.
- Enhance situational awareness during interior and exterior operations.
Max Fire Box Burn & Learn
Thermal Imaging Evaluation & Comparison Session
4 Hours | Cap: 20
This session is designed for fire departments researching thermal imaging cameras and seeking hands-on experience with multiple models in a controlled, interactive learning environment.
Participants will actively evaluate fire development, heat movement, and ventilation impact while comparing how different thermal imaging cameras interpret changing conditions. This allows firefighters to experience real differences in performance, image processing, and usability through direct interaction and observation.
Participants will actively evaluate fire development, heat movement, and ventilation impact while comparing how different thermal imaging cameras interpret changing conditions. This allows firefighters to experience real differences in performance, image processing, and usability through direct interaction and observation.
- Side-by-side thermal imaging camera comparison
- Image processing and sensitivity differences
- Performance during changing fire conditions
- Heat layering and ventilation interpretation
- Strengths and limitations of various TIC models
HANDS-ON COURSES
Hose Draggers
Engine Company Hands-On Training
Full Day | Cap: 30
This full-day, hands-on training session is designed to improve engine company performance through repetition, measurable standards, and real-world application in a controlled training environment.
Participants actively train on hoseline deployment, advancement, water application, and coordinated entry. The program integrates the Firehouse Innovations Forcible Entry Door, reinforcing both inward and outward forcible entry while emphasizing door control and coordination with fire attack.
Participants actively train on hoseline deployment, advancement, water application, and coordinated entry. The program integrates the Firehouse Innovations Forcible Entry Door, reinforcing both inward and outward forcible entry while emphasizing door control and coordination with fire attack.
- Rapid hoseline deployment
- Advancing and flowing with limited staffing
- Targeted water application
- Inward and outward forcible entry
- Door control and flow path management
Tactical Engine Company Performance, Fire Behavior & Thermal Imaging Hose Draggers + Max Fire Box Burn & Learn (Phase I & II) Full Day | Cap: 40
(20 per rotation)
This full-day combination session integrates engine company performance with fire behavior and thermal imaging application in a structured, rotating format.
Participants are divided into two groups and rotate between Hose Draggers and Max Fire Box sessions. Firefighters actively apply hoseline operations, forcible entry, and water application while reinforcing fire behavior, thermal imaging interpretation, and decision-making under changing conditions.
Participants are divided into two groups and rotate between Hose Draggers and Max Fire Box sessions. Firefighters actively apply hoseline operations, forcible entry, and water application while reinforcing fire behavior, thermal imaging interpretation, and decision-making under changing conditions.
- Engine company efficiency and performance
- Coordinated forcible entry and fire attack
- Fire behavior and thermal imaging integration
- Tactical decision-making under pressure
- Coordination between suppression and fire dynamics
Fire Apparatus Engineer
In-House Pump Operations Workshop
Full Day | Cap: 20
This hands-on workshop is customized to the hosting department’s apparatus and focuses on real-world pump operations in a controlled, interactive learning environment.
Participants work directly on their assigned apparatus, reinforcing safe and efficient pump operations under varying conditions. The program emphasizes water supply, hydraulics, and troubleshooting to improve reliability and performance on the fireground.
Participants work directly on their assigned apparatus, reinforcing safe and efficient pump operations under varying conditions. The program emphasizes water supply, hydraulics, and troubleshooting to improve reliability and performance on the fireground.
- Pump panel operations and control
- Hydraulics and pressure calculations
- Water supply from hydrants and static sources
- Relay and sustained flow operations
- Troubleshooting common pump issues
First-In Company Decision Making
Max Fire Box Burn and Learn
4 Hours I Cap: 20
Sharpen your command presence when it matters most. First‑In Company Decision Making prepares officers to make fast, confident, and effective choices in the critical first minutes of an incident. Through realistic scenarios and focused tactical drills, participants learn to size up conditions, set priorities, communicate clearly, and lead their crews with clarity under pressure.
Training Topics:
Training Topics:
- Initial Size‑Up & 360° Assessmen
- Establishing Command & Setting Strategy
- Tactical Decision Making Under Pressure
- Resource Deployment & Crew Management
- Communication & Command Presence
- Situational Awareness & Ongoing Evaluation
- Scenario‑Based Tactical Decision with the Max Fire Box
Water Shuttle and Drafting Operations
Full Day I Cap: 10
Move more water, more efficiently, with total confidence. This hands‑on course builds the skills needed to establish, operate, and manage effective water shuttle and drafting operations in rural or non‑hydranted areas. Participants learn how to set up dump sites, maximize tender turnaround, maintain continuous water flow, and draft safely and efficiently from static sources. Through practical drills and real‑world scenarios, crews sharpen their ability to deliver sustained fireground water supply when it matters most.
Training Topics:
Training Topics:
- Establishing and managing dump sites for continuous water supply
- Setting up and operating portable tanks efficiently
- Drafting from static water sources safely and effectively
- Maximizing tender turnaround and shuttle flow rates
- Coordinating apparatus placement and traffic flow at fill and dump sites
- Troubleshooting common drafting and shuttle operation issues
- Maintaining pump performance and preventing cavitation
- Conducting full‑scale shuttle evolutions to build confidence and proficiency
Air Packs and Hand Tools
Hands-On Training
4 Hours I Cap: 20
Build confidence with the tools that keep firefighters alive and effective. This hands‑on course introduces firefighters to the essential air pack skills and hand‑tool techniques needed for safe, efficient interior operations. Participants learn how to don, doff, troubleshoot, and operate SCBA under stress, while also mastering practical tool use for forcible entry, ventilation, search, and fire attack. Through realistic drills and scenario‑based practice, students strengthen their proficiency, safety awareness, and readiness for the fireground.
Training Topics
Training Topics
- SCBA donning, doffing, and emergency procedures
- Air management and low‑air decision making
- Identifying and troubleshooting common SCBA issues
- Proper selection and use of essential hand tools
- Forcible entry fundamentals and tool coordination
- Tool techniques for search, ventilation, and fire attack
- Working efficiently in zero‑visibility and high‑stress conditions
- Hands‑on skill stations and realistic interior scenarios