In this episode, we sit down with two seasoned fire professionals — Deputy Chief Stuart Esh of Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Dept. and Firefighter/Paramedic Marcus Haynes of Phoenix Fire—to unpack a pivotal fireground event that shaped their careers.
Back in 2009, a structure fire in a Buckeye trailer park led to Marcus suffering significant burns and forced both men to reevaluate how they approached tactics, leadership, communication, and fire dynamics. Stu, a relatively new captain at the time, reflects on how experience gaps and unclear pre-fire communication contributed to the chaotic moments on scene. Marcus candidly opens up about the moment his confidence and ego led him into a hostile environment alone, ultimately resulting in serious injury.
The conversation is raw and honest.
- Marcus shares the physical and emotional aftermath of his injuries—including painful hospital recovery, strained family relationships, and the long road back to duty.
- Stu speaks openly about the weight of responsibility he carried as a company officer and how the incident redefined his approach to command presence, crew communication, and tactical patience.
Both men offer hard-earned insights:
- Risk must be matched with purpose. If you wouldn’t take your crew into a fire, why are you going in alone?
- Communication matters. Tactical plans, expectations, and crew roles must be clearly defined before boots hit the ground.
- Training saves lives. From understanding modern fire behavior to wearing the right PPE, small details make all the difference.
- Ego kills. Staying humble and asking questions—especially about tactics, gear, and risk—is what keeps us learning and alive.
This episode isn’t just about one fire; it’s about how we grow as firefighters and leaders. It’s a reminder that every incident, even the ones we think are routine, deserves our full attention and respect.
Stu and Marcus both came out of that experience with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, follow, and survive in the fire service.
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Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
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Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
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