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‘I don’t like close games; I like blowouts’: Nicol Juratovac talks aggressive fire attack

The San Francisco assistant chief shares tactical tips for dominating the fire so it has no chance of victory

The best words San Francisco Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac heard when she got on the job 27 years ago were “interior offensive aggressive attack” – and she’s still advancing that mindset to her crews and students today. As she explains on this week’s podcast, when it comes to fireground tactics, Juratovac wants to dominate and smash the enemy (aka fire) with so much force that it has no chance of victory – and she does that by being a student of the game day in and day out, honing her skills on everything from incident command and apparatus positioning to forcible entry and roof operations. Juratovac shares tactical tips on all of the above, plus we dig into all this:

  • Three fires that produced important lessons learned
  • How she’s become the “master of her own destiny” at scenes
  • Generational differences in learning the craft
  • Why she advises firefighters and officers to not get “too cute” on the fireground

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
How emergency responders overcome communication challenges and secure reliable networks
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor offer potential solutions that would accommodate both training and program reviews
The longtime volunteer, safety and health advocate underscores the power of showing your members you care
San Francisco’s new chief is a longtime SFFD veteran and constant cheerleader for the city
With most lawsuits stemming from within the FD, officers must learn to identify and manage the conflict-seeking members most likely to turn problems into litigation
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
After Kentucky Assistant Chief Chip Terry died by suicide, his widow made it her mission to help first responders get the help they need for PTSD
The IAFC’s technology advisor encourages fire service leaders to apply this simple mantra to embracing new tools
The USFA’s new branch chief for wildfire policy urges listeners who consider themselves to be “structure fire only” to adjust their mindset – and their tactics