Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
A basic task that is easily overlooked at incidents is adequate scene lighting. All personnel should evaluate the placement and use of lighting at all incidents. At fireground incidents, all sides of the incident need to be illuminated so that exterior conditions can be monitored, smoke conditions can be read and means of egress identified. This also helps members operating within the structure to identify windows, doors, or other openings through smoke filled rooms. Rescue operations also benefit from proper lighting through the evaluation of scene hazards, entrapment identification and proper tool placement and use. Use apparatus mounted lights and portable lights to accomplish this task. Review procedures for applying portable lighting to the incident area.
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Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as fire chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety, and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices, now in its 3rd edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety, and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.
