HC0035 - The Life of A Buff Featuring: Shane Neckel

Jake sits down with fire photographer and social media sensation Shane Neckel to explore the raw and riveting world of fire buffing. Based just outside Detroit, Shane shares how he turned a childhood fascination into a booming online presence—all while capturing live fire scenes using just an iPhone. From his roots in Monroe County to traveling across the country chasing flames, Shane offers a rare glimpse into what fuels his passion and the culture of fire buffs.
Segment Breakdown & Timestamps(0:00 - 2:30) | Intro & IcebreakerJake introduces Shane Neckel.They spin the “wheel of stupid questions” and bond over classic action stars like Burt Reynolds.(2:31 - 4:57) | Shane’s Origin StoryFrom visiting firehouses as a kid to launching a hyper-local news page in high school.(4:58 - 6:53) | Early Fires & Family InfluenceDescribes his first fire experiences and how his dad’s job towing wrecks brought him close to emergency scenes.(6:54 - 9:12) | Instagram & iPhone: The RiseHow his content blew up after switching to mobile-only photography and embracing short-form video.(9:13 - 11:46) | Gear & On-the-Street LogisticsRelies on pagers, scanners, and deep Detroit street knowledge to catch fires in real time.(11:47 - 13:28) | Firehouse Relationships & Solo BuffingDescribes staying mobile and avoiding station ride-alongs to cover more ground.(13:29 - 15:30) | Detroit Then vs. NowReflects on the city’s efforts to address abandoned housing and reduce fire volume.(15:31 - 17:44) | Most Memorable NightsRemembers action-packed nights with 15+ fires, shootings, and wrecks—sometimes all in one shift.(17:45 - 20:35) | Buff Culture & Nationwide TravelTalks about traveling to places like Baltimore and California, and the network of buffs he’s met.(20:36 - 22:10) | Why People Are Drawn to BuffingCompares the experience to watching real-life action movies and describes the pull for younger generations.(22:11 - 25:41) | Vision & What’s NextNo rigid roadmap—just plans to keep growing his platform and enjoying the ride.(25:42 - 27:09) | Wrap-Up & Where to Find ShaneShares his social handles and thanks Jake for the convo. A warm invite to link up in the Twin Cities.Key Moments & Quotes"I think every night is a crazy night up there." – Shane on the ongoing unpredictability in Detroit."It's like watching real-life action movies." – On the appeal of fire buffing."I don’t edit anything—I just post it." – His raw, no-frills approach to sharing content.
Resources & MentionsInstagram: @shaneneckelTikTok: @shaneneckel33Burn (Documentary) – A gritty look at Detroit’s fire department that inspired many buffs.
Guest BioShane Neckel is a fire photographer and videographer from Monroe County, Michigan. Known for his high-adrenaline fireground footage in Detroit, Shane uses just an iPhone to document some of the most compelling emergency scenes in the U.S., earning millions of views online.
“The Life of a Buff” is a wild ride through the world of firefighting, viewed through the lens of a passionate observer. Shane Neckel brings a raw, unfiltered perspective to life on the streets, fire after fire. Subscribe to the Hazard Class Podcast for more incredible interviews with the people who live and breathe emergency services.
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