Fire Industry News for December 2021

Jacksonville, FL Local 122 has been helping local law enforcement close out mission persons’ cases at an impressive rate, thanks to an emerging system that can accurately predict likely locations. Virtual Search Planning (VSP) The system, called Virtual Search Planning (VSP) combines case studies, multiple data points on individuals, geography and weather, and then uses mapping software to predict directional patterns and possible locations of missing persons not believed to have been ab...

Arlington County, VA Local 2800 is formally requesting that Arlington County Manager, Mark Schwartz allow Local 2800 to be recognized as the exclusive bargaining unit for the county’s fire and EMS personnel. “This is an historic time for Arlington,” said Arlington County, VA Local 2800 President, Brian Lynch, adding “Until the new collective bargaining law was passed, Virginia firefighters were denied a seat at the table, on critical safety issues for firefighters and th...

Houston, TX Local 341 (Houston Fire Department) President, Marty Lancton is back on the job, after an independent arbitrator ruled the city had violated his rights and had no cause or authority to indefinitely suspend him in January. Houston Fire's President re-instated The independent arbitrator went even further and ordered the immediate reinstatement to his special assignment, working full time as the Local 341 President and ruled he must be welcomed back with full back pay and benefits. &...

Seek Thermal, the foremost supplier of thermal sensors for the public safety market, announced the Reveal FirePRO X, the latest version of its high-resolution personal thermal imaging camera (TIC) for firefighters. The upgraded, handheld thermal imaging camera features a new charging port, which makes it even more durable and easier to access when needed. Additionally, a new four-bay multi-charger is available, allowing for compact housing and versatile mounting options for placement in the fir...

Nicki Vaca has been promoted to the position of Business Optimization Manager for HURST Jaws of Life, a unit of IDEX Fire & Safety, drawing on her two decades of experience and senior leadership roles with the industry’s major global manufacturer of rescue tools. Most recently, she held the position of Manager of Operations at HURST Jaws of Life’s Shelby, North Carolina headquarters. Nicki Vaca has also held key roles in operations, IT, facilities and planning, and customer care...

Continuing its transition from component supplier to provider of integrated solutions, focused on solving complex problems, IDEX Fire & Safety is tapping into its vast cadre of talent, to name new roles and responsibilities that will guide the company in its strategic growth. The new promotions and role expansions recognize 11 company leaders and industry experts. Integrated solutions provider “We continually strive to provide end users and our channel partners with integrated solut...

On the heels of expanding its industry-renowned eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool (EWXT) line and attaining NFPA 1936 2020 certification for it, HURST Jaws of Life announced that it has earned NFPA 1936 2020 compliant status for all of its current low-pressure and high-pressure tools, as well as its StrongArm multi-tool, completing the company’s certification for all pressure rescue products available today. HURST Jaws of Life attains NFPA 1936 2020 compliance “HURST Jaws of Lif...

Following the guidance released in April 2020 from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and further updated documentation released on May 13, Seek Scan™ is now one of the most affordable thermal scanning solutions that meets FDA guidelines for initial body temperature assessment during the COVID-19 public health emergency. As U.S. businesses reopen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has formally released its recommendations to create safe and healthy workplaces to prot...

The industry’s first watertight battery-powered extrication tool line is expanding, as HURST Jaws of Life introduces nine new tools that will give first responders a full selection of extrication solutions that are completely operational underwater. HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line The company that has revolutionized the rescue industry time and again, HURST Jaws of Life, introduced its innovative eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool (EWXT) line, with water-resistant casing, in 2019....

HURST Jaws of Life, an industry renowned global manufacturer of rescue tools, has earned the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1936 2020 compliant status for HURST’s two highest-performing product lines, eDRAULIC watertight extrication tools (EWXT) and eDRAULIC 2.0 (E2) battery-powered tools. The third-party test results also include HURST Jaws of Life earning high ratings in the NFPA’s new F Bar Cut testing for cutter performance, against the design and metal type...

Long Island, NY MacArthur Airport Fire-Rescue uses a variety of GearGrid storage systems, in order to keep their turnout gear and equipment organized. The fire rescue service stores their turnout gear with the standard free standing lockers, with bolt-down floor supports, which ensures the lockers stay in place at all times. GearGrid's Storage Solutions  The addition of stainless steel hang bars and hangers allows Long Island, NY MacArthur Airport Fire-Rescue to properly dry and store the...

New York City, NY EMS Station #35, part of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), store their gear and equipment with GearGrid’s innovative Seattle Systems. GearGrid’s Seattle System Each system includes three openings with flat shelves, in order to create small storage spaces for duty bags and equipment. Since the depth of GearGrid’s Seattle System in 32”, it provides enough storage space for all the bags. The additional top-side shelf allows the station...

Seek Thermal, the company behind some of the most groundbreaking thermal imaging technology and products, announced the introduction of its Micro Core and Mosaic Core series – a new range of OEM thermal cameras that can be integrated into products and services across several industries, delivering optimal performance in applications such as Test & Measurement, Security Surveillance, Public Safety, Outdoor Recreation, IoT and beyond. The Micro Core, an unmatched price-per-pixel the...

HURST Jaws of Life is raising the bar in industry performance for battery-powered combination tools, by introducing the SC 758E2 Combi tool, with improved ratings, wider spreads and larger cutter openings. High performance rescue tools “We’re continually improving the power and performance of HURST Jaws of Life rescue tools to help first responders, as they encounter increasingly demanding scenarios during extrications,” said Bruce Johnston, the Director of Marketing and Prod...

GearGrid is excited to announce that they will be attending the 2019 Fire Chiefs Summit for the first time in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The two-day fire safety event will take place from July 15 - July 17, 2019, at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, in Lincolnshire, Illinois. 2019 Fire Chiefs Summit The 2019 Fire Chiefs Summit will include meaningful discussions among fire safety equipment suppliers and fire chiefs, about the latest products and services in the marketplace. In addition, the Fire...

FDIC International 2019 was one of the most exciting shows in recent years, thanks to the debut of the HURST Jaws of Life’s eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool (EWXT) line, the industry’s first battery-powered watertight rescue tool. HURST Jaws of Life had a great time demonstrating the S 788EWXT and SP 555EWXT, with the tools submerged in 75-gallon water tanks, at the company’s booth at FDIC International 2019 exhibition. Fast-forward just a few weeks and the tools were stil...

GearGrid’s products are being used by all of the student-athletes at Hutchinson High School, located in Hutchinson, Minnesota, daily in practice. “Each sport has its own storage cage. They have padlocks that only the coaches can access,” said Thayne Johnson, Hutchinson’s Activities Director. GearGrid’s storage solutions These storage cages replaced Hutchinson High School’s old flimsy cabinets that weren’t holding up to the various requirements of the s...

GearGrid is excited to announce that the company will be attending the 2019 Lancaster County Fire Expo, taking place at the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA. 2019 Lancaster County Fire Expo GearGrid will be exhibiting at booth #345 (Hall E), at the 2019 Lancaster County Fire Expo, from May 17 - May 19, 2019. They are looking forward to connecting with attendees at the show and discussing their storage challenges, and providing them with innovative solutions...

The GearCart with Hose Dryer Attachment is GearGrid’s newest addition to their line of hose drying solutions. Built to stand up to the robust demands of firefighters, the GearCart unit makes the perfect fire equipment addition to any fire station. The innovative GearCart solution allows hose to be looped through the attachments, which provides for a quick and convenient drying process. At 75” wide, the system allows fire departments to dry hose within a limited amount of space. Gea...

GearGrid is pleased to announce their continued support and attendance of the 2019 Station Design Conference, at its new location in Rosemont, Illinois, at the Crowne Plaze Chicago – O’Hare Hotel. As a Founding Partner of the conference, since it started in 2014, GearGrid believes the information provided during the conference is incredibly valuable to those in the fire industry, who are involved in the station design process. 2019 Station Design Conference GearGrid looks forward...

HURST Jaws of Life® has expanded its battery-powered eDRAULIC® rescue tool line with the addition of the R 422E2 Ram, whose 59.1-inch extended length gives first responders the longest extension in the industry. The R 422E2 Ram debuts at 2019 FDIC International in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 11–13, where first responders will have a chance to see the rescue tool’s full reach and innovative details such as the sharp claws at both ends. Most complicated rescues The claws, a...

HURST Jaws of Life® has added two new manufacturing machines to its Shelby plant, adding efficiency and quality control to the company’s manufacturing operations for HURST Jaws of Life rescue tools. The facility enhancements include a DMG MORI multi-axis machining center and a DMG MORI horizontal machining center. Both machines operate overnight unattended, increasing overall tool production while enhancing the facility’s ability to control the quality of tool components. Innov...

Continuing in its tradition of firsts, HURST Jaws of Life® launches the industry’s first watertight battery-powered extrication tool line, the HURST Jaws of Life eDRAULIC® EWXT. The company’s EWXT water-resistant casing debuts in three tools, which also feature a new brushless motor for greater efficiency and a longer run time. “The launch of the HURST Jaws of Life eDRAULIC EWXT battery-powered watertight tool line provides the industry with another first from HURST, a...

Fike Corporation recently earned the right to protect a large and unique library complex located in Mexico. The library is a four-story structure built to house millions of literary volumes, and also includes an auditorium, administrative offices, library stacks, and reading rooms. The library also boasts large centralized computer services designed to bring greater computer access to library visitors. The unique library architecture, high-tech equipment, and massive literature collection prese...

Anaheim Hills, CA, devoted to preserving the natural beauty of their community, has built the nation’s first underground electrical switching station. With only a three-tiered retaining wall and metal door showing, above the substation lies a gorgeous park, complete with running paths and quaint park benches. The Park Substation is an innovation of the city’s public utility department in cooperation with the local neighborhoods, resulting in a new recreation area, rather than an uns...

Explosion vents and explosion doors are often the most cost-effective solutions to mitigate combustible dust propagation. Both types of solutions are designed to effectively open at predetermined pressures, relieving pressure and deflagration. The primary difference between the two is their reusability: explosion doors can be used indefinitely while explosion vents are one-time use. Both come with their advantages and disadvantages. Which solution is better for the application? Explosion Door...

Because of the numerous fire suppression options on the market, it’s often a challenge to determine which type of fire suppression system is ideal for a facility, its critical assets, and most importantly, its occupants. The following provides insight into today’s special hazard fire suppression systems, their benefits, and their recommended applications. Various types of fire suppression systems Today’s fire suppression systems offer various levels of protection not found w...

Imagine a high-tech data center, equipped with a server after server full of sensitive information and bank account numbers. Imagine a museum housing priceless artwork and artifacts. Now, imagine a small fire igniting in either location–or hundreds of gallons of fire sprinkler water raining down upon these critical assets. These assets are too important to be protected by yesterday’s fire sprinkler systems. They deserve special hazard fire protection solutions. Special hazard...

Water has always been the natural enemy of fire. But in today’s technological world, traditional water sprinklers can also do more harm than good. Explore how modern technology has enhanced the benefits of water-based suppressing solutions, offering more reliable protection for both people and critical assets. Water Mist v/s Traditional Sprinkler Systems Special hazard fire protection systems are designed to quickly and automatically detect and suppress incipient fires or high heat condi...

The ability of dust explosions to propagate is widely recognized but not fully understood, and this can lead to some myths or misconceptions. Fike touches on these myths, however, it does not provide complete technical information. do not propagate against process flow When a dust deflagration takes place in a vented vessel, the resulting reduced explosion pressure reaches and temporarily exceeds the static opening pressure of the explosion vent panel. Because the pressure differential from t...