Sarah Li
Sarah is a wildfire behavior analyst with deep knowledge of hazmat operations and large-scale incident management.
Articles by Sarah Li
Fire Flow Calculation – What It Means, Quick Estimation Methods, and Training Scenarios
A practical guide to fire flow: what “needed fire flow” means, how to estimate demand quickly, and how to turn a number into realistic decisions (attack package, water supply, and pump ops). Includes training scenarios and links to the Fire Flow Calculator and friction-loss tools.
Hazmat Operations vs Technician: What Firefighters Really Do During Hazardous Materials Incidents
Not all hazardous materials responses are the same. This in-depth guide explains the difference between Hazmat Operations and Technician levels, what firefighters actually do on hazmat scenes, and how departments manage chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies.
Hydrant Finder Guide – Build a First-Due Hydrant Plan (Primary/Secondary) + Field Verification Checklist
A practical guide to using Hydrant Finder for preplans and first-due water supply decisions: how to scan an area, choose realistic hydrant options, plan primary/secondary supply, and verify hydrants in the field. Includes common pitfalls and links to related water-supply tools.
SCBA Air Time Calculator – Air Management, RMV, Reserve Pressure + Brand Pages (MSA, Dräger, Scott, Honeywell, Interspiro, Spasciani, Ocenco)
A practical SCBA air management guide: how air time estimates work, why RMV and reserve pressure matter, and how to use the SCBA Air Time Calculator for training and crew briefings. Includes quick links to major SCBA brands for faster, consistent planning.
