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Former FDNY commissioner Sal Cassano explains why blazes are getting worse: ‘Fires have changed’

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Safety tips from the top floor

Talking to Sal Cassano, former FDNY commissioner. 2010 until 2014. So tell me what is on a fire truck?

“A pumper pumps from hydrant to pumper to the hose to the fire. There’s first aid equipment. Firefighters train at probate school 18 weeks. Drilled forever how to repack trucks, where you put equipment, how you clean tools.

“Fires have changed. Now plastics burn hotter, faster, more toxic. Once we had wood-burning stuff. Now even bedding has changed.

“If you’re not scared, something’s wrong with you. The Red Devil we called it.

“Things happen. Once there was a steam explosion, something gave, and we got hit with this burst of steam. If you ever burnt your finger on a little hot water — imagine getting hit with a burst of steam. A scary situation.

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