WARE’s High Fire Podcast

A rental boiler is not always as simple as “drop it, hook it up, and fire it.” In this episode of the High Fire Podcast, the WARE team breaks down the support systems that often determine whether a rental boiler job succeeds or turns into a costly delay. Ritchie Ware is joined by Stephen Taylor, Charlie Waddell, and Alex Taylor to talk through real-world rental boiler stories where the boiler itse...

In this episode of the High Fire Podcast, we talk about real career paths in the boiler world — from entry-level trainee to service technician, operator, chief engineer, project manager, sales, training, and beyond. The steam industry is facing a major knowledge gap as experienced operators and technicians retire. That means the next generation has a serious opportunity to step into stable, high-s...

The official theme song of the High Fire Podcast — a gritty anthem about steam, pressure, and the hidden force that keeps the world moving. From trains and factory whistles to roads, engines, and midnight dreams, this whole world runs on steam!

This episode explores the growing shortage of skilled boiler technicians and how structured, hands-on training—from online fundamentals to a 2,000-hour practical program and mentorship—is closing the gap. Hosts and training leaders discuss Boiler University, career pathways, industry benefits, and why trade careers are becoming an attractive, well-paid alternative to traditional college routes.  ...

In this episode the High Fire podcast walks through how to modernize aging boiler systems with cost-effective upgrades: burner and control retrofits, economizers, safety features like gas-proving, and common parts that keep plants running. Hosts share real-world examples, ROI considerations, stocking tips for contractors, and practical maintenance advice to improve efficiency, reliability, and saf...

When a boiler goes down, it never waits for a “convenient” time. It’s always nights, weekends, holidays, freezing weather—right when the pressure is highest. In this High Fire Podcast episode, Ritchie Ware sits down with WARE’s Rentals team to talk real outage stories, the rental boiler contingency plan every facility should have, and the practical details most people miss until it’s too late. If...

You’re now running at high fire — full steam, no limits. ⚙️🔥 In this episode of WARE’s High Fire Podcast, Ritchie Ware sits down with Nathan, Logan, and Brian to talk about the boiler room parts you cannot afford to be without. From $3 gaskets that shut down an entire plant to long lead-time OEM controls, they break down what needs to live in your spare parts cabinet before 3:30 p.m. on a Friday....

The High Fire Podcast explores unexpected places steam powers modern life — from craft breweries and food plants to prisons, commercial laundries, hospitals, and research labs. Hosts discuss steam’s role in consistent heating, sanitation, redundancy, and safety, sharing real-world stories about frozen lines, backup boilers, and why uptime matters. Tune in for practical insights and industry lesson...

The High Fire Podcast is your go-to for straight talk on the steam and boiler industry. Get knowledge you can use, stuff that matters, like tech, safety, industry trends, and more. Whether you're an engineer, a tech, or a plant manager, we've got the info that matters to you from steam industry experts. Tune in and stay fired up. This episode dives into the critical aspects of boiler maintenance,...

In this episode of the High Fire Podcast, we dive into the tragic incident in St. Louis where a catastrophic boiler explosion claimed four lives and injured three others. This heartbreaking event unfolded due to overlooked safety measures and inadequate maintenance at the Loy Lang Box Company, leading to a powerful explosion that devastated the surrounding area. Our expert panel discusses the crit...

Welcome to the latest episode of the High Fire podcast, where we delve into the vital role of continuous education for boiler professionals. Whether you're a service technician, engineer, or facility operator, staying up-to-date with industry innovations is crucial to your career success. In this episode, our hosts discuss the importance of lifelong learning, sharing how consistent training helps...

Dive into the High Fire Podcast as we explore safety & maintenance lessons in the steam and boiler industry. Our expert panel discusses common issues, like water softener maintenance, that can lead to extensive and costly repairs. Learn about the history of boiler safety and the vital role of preventive measures in avoiding incidents. From the pressure of maintaining operational boilers to gri...

Welcome to the latest episode of the High Fire Podcast, where we delve into the world of boiler technicians. Join us as industry experts discuss the essential traits and skills required for success in this demanding yet rewarding field. Our guests share their experiences and insights about maintaining humility while confidently tackling the challenges of the steam and boiler industry. Throughout t...

Welcome to the High Fire Podcast, your source for essential insights into the steam and boiler industry. In this episode, we delve into the vital role experienced technicians play in mentoring the next generation, ensuring a culture of safety and awareness in boiler operations. Tune in to discover best practices for preventing accidents and costly mistakes while navigating the challenges of the fi...

In this episode of the High Fire Podcast, industry experts discuss the evolving landscape of the steam industry and its critical role in global energy systems. As electrification and renewable energy initiatives progress, the panel highlights the infrastructural challenges and the need for efficient steam solutions. Join Steve Taylor, Gerald Blain, Brent Falcone, and Ritchie Ware as they explore a...

In this captivating episode of the High Fire Podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked role of steam in powering America's industrial growth and its significant impact on the global economy. Join us as we explore the historical and modern-day importance of steam technology, its influence on industrialization, and the misconceptions surrounding its use in electricity generation. Our discussion fe...

In this Preview episode of The Boiling Point, we sit down with Steve Kemp, the director of AUTOFLAME, a leading company in burner and boiler control systems. With over 38 years at AUTOFLAME, Steve shares insights into the family-run business and its journey from its inception to becoming a global leader in innovative burner control solutions. Join us as we delve into the history of AUTOFLAME, expl...

Welcome to another preview of the High Fire Podcast, recorded live from the bustling Boiler 2024 Expo. Join us as we sit down with Scott Lynch, President of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), to explore the thrilling developments and achievements of this year's event. Scott shares the remarkable growth in attendance and exhibitors, with numbers up by 30% from the inaugural show....

PREVIEW EPISODE 01 On this preview episode of the High Fire Podcast, delve into the significance of well-structured rental contracts. Discover how these contracts serve as guardrails to protect both companies and customers, ensuring clear responsibilities and avoiding potential pitfalls. Join us as we welcome industry experts from three leading rental companies: Ware, Wabash Power, and Nationwide...