South Africa Fire Industry News

As a company officer, the day will come where you and your crew are first to arrive at what looks like the beginning of a major incident. Your Battalion Chief (BC) is delayed or diverted to other incidents, so YOU are the Incident Commander (IC). How you set the table for this incident with regard to quickly setting up the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. And how you use your channels of communication, including the ways you communicate, will be crucial to your success. Before we jump...

A leading UK politician has praised staff at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), after visiting their headquarters to learn how they are keeping children safe. On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, the UK Shadow Education Minister, Bridget Phillipson MP, visited the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to discover more about their educational input into their community. The Chief Fire Officer at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Chris Lowther spent time with Ms. Phillipson...

Fearless firefighters have been praised for saving lives by preventing fire at a disused building from spreading to a residential street. Shortly after 6.30 pm on 17 august 2022, emergency services were called to a fire at a disused care home on Hollywood Avenue in Gosforth, Newcastle. Fire Control staff at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) immediately deployed crews to the scene. They arrived within just five minutes and quickly began to battle the flames tearing through...

Every business aspires to grow and stay relevant in this competitive world, but it can be challenging to keep up with multiple contract entitlements and SLAs (Service Level Agreements) without a contract management system. Businesses need a holistic contract management system (CMS), which can automate the complete contract lifecycle right from initiation to renewal. This blog will discuss the key benefits of adopting a contract management system and software with powerful capabilities, SLA KPI...

BS7858 is a British Standard instituted by the BSI for the screening of individuals wanting to be employed in the security sector, or in roles where screenings are necessary for the safety and reassurance of the public, such as IT or banking. The screening provides employers with peace of mind that their hires are suitable and possess the integrity required to carry out such important roles. This in turn ensures trust between employer and employee and prevents any humiliating incidents that mig...

The cause of the fire between London Bridge and Waterloo East stations has been identified as a pedicab. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a commercial property under railway arches on Union Street in Southwark, which crews described as ‘completely alight.’ Smoke could reportedly be seen for miles around. Affected train services A railway arch in Southwark used as a garage, and another nearby unit storing vehicles, including electric scooters and bikes,...

Integrations will enable alerting authorities to disseminate wireless emergency alerts to the public in near real-time through vehicle navigation and entertainment systems. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate concluded a proof-of-concept demonstration of the wildland urban interface (WUI) integration model that integrates next-generation technologies with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and GPS navigation applications and cutting-ed...

FASQUAL is a fire and security Contractor registration scheme developed by the BSIA and the FIA. The scheme aims to provide reassurance to employers, offering the peace of mind necessary when hiring contractors who prove they are qualified, suitable, and low-risk.  Although often an arduous and time-consuming task, vetting candidates and making sure the right one is hired is paramount in this industry. national database FASQUAL is a national database that stores all the information emplo...

If the user is a holiday let owner, they should know that fire risk assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement in ensuring the safety of the occupants. So, as the holiday season approaches, it’s important to get it done and signed off soon. Discover the importance of fire risk assessments for holiday lets and what they entail. Holiday Let Fire Risk Assessment As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 FSO, performing a fire risk assessment on a holiday let property is a legal...

Infographics are excited to announce Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) as its latest FireWatch client in a deal that includes the delivery of the FireWatch platform via Microsoft Azure Cloud with SaaS (Software as a Service) and Mobile App access for FRS users. Project details The ‘win’ was secured following a competitive tender award worth around £1m over the term of the contract. The project covers the replacement of Kent’s existing rostering and availability system...

DMP would like to extend a warm welcome to Pheng Vang as he joins the West Sales team as Dealer Development Manager for Northern California. Dealers across this region can look to Pheng for continued service and support. “We believe Pheng will be a great representative of DMP” said Jeff Spatz, Director of Sales, West at DMP, adding “His background experience gives him a unique perspective both our dealers and sales team will appreciate. In the short time in his new position, P...

Camden Door Controls is pleased to bring to market its 1500 line of Fire Rated electric strikes for mortise and cylindrical lockets. The line includes a CX-ED1500LP low profile strike with one latch monitor, as well as a CX-ED1500L2 strike with two latch monitors. They’re available in a range of faceplate packs for both deadbolts and latch bolts. UL1034 and UL 294 listed strikes Camden’s CX-ED1500 strikes for mortise and cylindrical locksets combine the high quality of European br...

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) was called upon to respond to a large blaze at Balmoral Drive, Borehamwood on Friday 12 August, where a shed fire had spread to the nearby block of flats. The three-storey block, owned by Clarion Housing Association, was evacuated of all residents as the fire impacted 21 flats, with 15 of them being destroyed. An emergency reception center was set up at a nearby leisure center where displaced residents received support with their accommodation needs,...

The new Fire Safety Act 2021 came into force on 16th May 2022, and with it came a clearer direction about compliance. This article outlines the updates to the legislation and explain what this means for FMs. The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 and the subsequent enquiry highlighted the need for changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Sadly, it is only when events like this happen that legislation changes. New Fire Safety Act 2021 The new Fire Safety Act 2021, which came into...

As educational facilities revel in a summertime of empty hallways and classrooms, Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explains why it’s the perfect time to assess fire door hardware. The great British summertime has arrived, known for its quintessential rainy days, packed out beach fronts and extended educational term breaks. By the time its August, students of all ages - from primary schools to universities – would have dashed out the doors, in preparation for a summer of fun, leaving behin...

Cambridgeshire fire crews have continued to face challenging conditions and increased demand as the summer heatwave persists. Having already seen unprecedented temperatures and calls to incidents in July 2022, which include the two busiest days ever for the fire service, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service staff have continued to face record levels of calls and incidents. Busy July month for Cambridgeshire fire crews Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Commander, Stuart Smi...

Amthal has worked in partnership with Abels Moving Services Ltd to deliver an all-encompassing takeover and upgrade of the fire safety and security solution at its central site. Based in London, Abels Moving Services is one of the UK’s pioneer specialist international moving companies.  Recognized for its high commitment to quality, since 1988 and renewed in 2016, it has held a royal warrant to Her Majesty the Queen for removals and storage services. With specialist teams also renow...

911inform, the only notification and security management platform that bridges the gap between first responders and organizations, announced the expansion of its Location Discovery Solution (LDS) for legacy enterprise telephone systems across the U.S. The 911inform LDS solution provides RAY BAUM’s Act §506 compliant functionality in existing telephone systems while protecting their investment. The 911inform Legacy solution was originally released for Panasonic but is available on U.S...

Chubb, the UK’s provider of fire safety and security solutions, has launched an employer-volunteer program to encourage employees to give their time, skills, and energy to help improve and strengthen the communities in which it operates. Under the fitting name – charitAble – the community engagement program has been designed to promote leadership development and environmental stewardship through employee volunteerism and contributions to worthy community organizations and scho...

Construction product regulations in the United Kingdom include equipment for fire prevention and repression. The emphasis is on fire testing of wall coverings and other products. Testing requirements complement the UK’s new Building Safety Act, covering wiring, ducting, pipes, etc.  British Standards Institute (BSI) is involved in writing standards covering how things are made and tested to ensure compliance with UK requirements. Among the products tested are control and indicating e...

In the UK, ensuring fire safety is not just a moral responsibility; it’s a legal obligation for businesses that own or lease commercial buildings. Complying with tight fire safety governance and policies is crucial for safeguarding business and the people within premises. In this piece, KBO Fire and Security will discuss the rules and regulations that business owners must adhere to and the risks associated with non-compliance. Fire Safety Regulations for Commercial Buildings UK fire saf...

Geofire is celebrating 50 years in business, a milestone that shows its commitment to innovation in the fire safety industry. Established in 1972, Geofire continues to expand its work force, design innovative products and diversify into new sectors. Originally established as an electromagnetic brake and clutch manufacturer in the north east of England, near Bishop Auckland, the company has grown significantly into a major specialist in electromagnetic fire door safety solutions and its products...

Firefighters have been praised for saving dozens of homes after a huge grassland fire in Newcastle threatened to spread into a village. Just after 3 pm on Thursday, 11th August, 2022, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received a call about a grass fire in Walbottle. Deploy resources fast TWFRS Fire Control staff was quick to deploy resources and within minutes the first appliances had arrived on scene. It was evident the fire was growing and spreading rapidly, with more than 30 fi...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of Nevada in combatting the Joy Lake Fire burning in Washoe County. On Aug. 14, 2022, the state of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,000 homes in and around Galena Creek. The fire also threatened a high school, elementary school, geothermal plant, power...

The Home Office has released statistics that provide a new analysis of automatic fire alarms by confirmed type. The figures include a count of the number of incidents classified as Automatic Fire Alarms at the time of call, by Fire and Rescue Service, by confirmed incident type at scene attendance, and by Financial Year, covering 2016/17 to 2021/22. Automatic Fire Alarms incidents  The work shows that in the year 2021/22, there were nearly 130,000 incidents classified as Automatic Fire A...

Rosenbauer America announces new executive leadership. Mark Fusco is appointed as President, and Randy Brummel as Executive Vice President Operations. The company’s purpose remains unchanged, Rosenbauer exists to support the mission of saving lives and protecting property. This new structure allows the American custom fire truck builder to expand its growth plans and further focus on operational excellence, dealer development, financial discipline, customer satisfaction, and serving firs...

The agenda for this year’s AFAC22 Conference and Exhibition (AFAC22) is loaded with big topics, such as reducing risk in the changing climate, the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System, women in emergency management, lithium battery fires and so much more. It is the first time since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic that the Australian and APAC emergency management industry is coming together in person. AFAC22 Conference and Exhibition will be held in 2022 at the Adelaide Conve...

As the hot weather looks set to continue over the weekend and into next week, firefighters want to help ensure residents enjoy the summer safely.  After a house fire in Peterborough on Wednesday, crews are urging people to stay fire safe and follow some simple tips, so they can avoid a fire that could cause significant damage.  Fire under control Fire crews from Dogsthorpe, Stanground and Whittlesey, along with the north roaming fire engine, were called to a fire on Lincoln Road at...

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue staff members are celebrating a double award win at the Cutlers’ Company Police and Fire Service annual awards in recognition of their exemplary service. The Service’s Sprinkler Advocate, Roger Branson, received the Individual Award in recognition for his expertise, dedication and relentless championing of sprinklers which has had a monumental impact in his service, community and sector.  His pioneering role in the retrofitting of sprinklers i...

Firefighters across South Yorkshire are urging members of the public to be extra careful over the coming days, following a new extreme heat warning from the Met Office. The national weather forecaster has also raised the fire severity risk level to ‘exceptional’ for some parts of the country–in addition to its four-day Amber weather warning. SYFR’s fire officers This has prompted South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s fire officers to issue another plea to the publi...