Jumpseat Radio 046 Interview with the Swedish Fire Nerd Lars Ågerstrand

In this weeks episode host Ryan Pennington sits down with Lars Ågerstrand from the Varnamo Fire and Rescue Service Sweden.  Lars travels the globe training firefighters on fire dynamics.  His science based approach to fire is a must see in the fire service!  

 

Topics Covered

 

• History of fire training in Sweden
• Swedish Container Fire Training
• Surface Cooling
• Gas Cooling
• Beards in the Fire Service?

 

About Lars from SwedishFireNerd.com

 

 

THE IRONY OF LIFE

 

Born and raised in northern Sweden I had no ambition to join the fire service. As youth passed by, a career behind a desk started to look more and more like prison. I ended up in Firefighting School and later in a fire service working as a firefighter. Today I serve as a Battalion Chief. Now I sit behind a desk most of my time. The irony of life. However, I keep my feet on the ground, training firefighters is still my main focus. In this new day of the technology age I realize that I can inspire and educate more firefighters through the computer. That idea keeps me motivated behind my desk.

 

I am standing on the shoulders of giants. Where would I be if I had not started asking questions to Stefan Svensson? Where would I be if I had not read Eurofirefighter by Paul Grimwood? Where would I be if I had not traveled to Croatia to meet Shan Raffel and John McDonough? The list of people that has greatly contributed to where I am today is far too long to mention here. But know that I am grateful.

 

FAILURE IS THE FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS

 

The harder things I try to accomplish, the greater the risk of failing. I have tried many things where I have succeeded. But I have also failed many times. Being a Firenerd means learning from all experiences, and sharing them with others. That is why I call myself the Swedish Firenerd. With pride.

 

 

LARS ÅGERSTRAND, THE SWEDISH FIRENERD