FDIC 2019

The significant changes in the new edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1403, Standard on Live-Fire Training Evolutions (2018), are reviewed and discussed. Much of the new prerequisite training is not in the current NFPA 1001,  Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, but it is also required for current firefighters, officers, and instructors before participating in live fire training. Several of the new training requirements (job performance requirements) necessitate different techniques and instruction tools to improve understanding of the new information. Additional information and techniques relating to fire dynamics/behavior include flow path, key door entry, size-up, and risk assessment factors, neutral plane, fire development in a compartment, transitional attack, nozzle techniques and door control, vent-limited fire, and more. New are the following: instructor requirements, specific operational procedures, instructor rotation,  rest and rehabilitation, and the inclusion of mobile enclosed live fire training props. NFPA 1403 is a manageable standard to meet. At the same time, training has to be realistic. The instructor is the lead author of the NFPA/IAFC/ISFSI textbook Live Fire Training Principles and Practice to NFPA 1403.