Hooks and Hoses: FSRI’s Keith Stakes on Fire Dynamics, Suppression, and Ventilation Research

In this revealing July episode of the Hooks & Hoses podcast, host Eric Dreiman sits down with Keith Stakes, principal research engineer at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, and deputy chief with Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD) Rescue Squad. Stakes shares his unique perspective, which bridges rigorous fire science with frontline firefighting experience. They discuss the origins and evolution of critical fire behavior concepts like flow path and thermal layers, and why clear terminology matters. The conversation cuts through misconceptions about ventilation, emphasizing timing and coordination with suppression to avoid worsening conditions. They also touch on ongoing research tackling the challenges of water application in multistory structures and offer ways for firefighters to access training and research updates.