Fire Industry News for May 2021

Airbus has launched ‘Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertraiN Demonstrator’ (ASCEND), in order to explore the impact of superconducting materials and cryogenic temperatures on the performance of an aircraft’s electrical propulsion systems. The introduction of superconducting materials can lower electrical resistance, meaning that electrical current can supply power without energy loss. When coupled with liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures (-253 degr...

Fire danger ratings are a shorthand way of describing the potential level of danger from bushfires. Ratings are used in many parts of the world and are especially important in the Australian context due to the prevalence of flammable vegetation and hot and dry conditions. The Australian landscape has evolved with fire, which is a natural part of many ecosystems. However, under certain conditions these environments are dangerous to communities, infrastructure, property, ecosystems and population...

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) is providing the opportunity to Canadian fire departments to apply for $500 stipend, in order to help educate their communities about the benefits of residential fire sprinklers. Fire departments are welcome to combine projects, for example, use the $500 to buy a TV monitor, produce an educational pull-up banner, or boost Facebook posts. Other examples include: Build or refurbish a fire and sprinkler side-by-side burn demonstration. This may includ...

The use of suppressants and retardants for bushfire fighting can give firefighters tactical advantages by slowing down the spread of the fire. National Technology and Development Program offers descriptions of the differences between the chemicals used and how they are assessed as fit for purpose. Retardant is usually lain by aerial firefighting assets, whereas water enhancers (gels) and foams can be used by both aerial and ground fighting resources. During the 2019/20 bushfire season pressure...

In 2018 Standards Australia initiated the development of Standard AS 2419.4 (Fire hydrant installations - Part 4: Storz fittings for firefighting purposes) under Australian Standards committee FP-009, Fire Hydrant Installations. AFAC has two representatives on this committee, Mark Porter (Fire and Rescue NSW) and David Kearsley (Fire Rescue Victoria). Storz fittings The new standard intends to specify minimum requirements for the design, manufacture, performance, and testing of Storz fittings...

Australia will develop a nationally consistent bushfire modeling and prediction capability under an agreement announced between CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and AFAC, the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services. The partnership involves the development of Spark Operational, a cutting-edge bushfire simulation tool based on CSIRO’s ‘Spark’ fire prediction platform. Bushfire prediction opportunities Fire and emergency services agencies across Austr...

On February 17th, E811 was dispatched as 4th due engine for a reported apartment fire in the 14800 block of Fourth Street in Laurel. E811 arrived as the 3rd engine, and requested through command to operate as such. E811 operated on the floor above the fire checking individual apartments for extension, while also supplying additional water to the standpipe system. VC811 was on the fire floor, managing fire suppression. Both units operated for approximately 2 hours before returning to service.

Branchville and Bladensburg went to MFRI for a two-day long, companywide training event. On the first day, Co. 11 rotated through training evolutions for ladders, forcible entry, RIT, and engine company operations. Branchville’s EMS members dedicated time to firefighter CPR and MCI training. On the second day, the two 100% volunteer fire companies trained together during numerous live-burn evolutions. Acting OICs from both Co. 11 and Co. 9 got the chance to lead crews through different tr...

E811 was alerted to respond to a commercial structure fire in Company 12’s area on the 4400 block of Lehigh Road in College Park, right next to the University of Maryland campus. E811 turned out with 4 and arrived as the first due engine. The working fire dispatch was called for shortly after first arriving units found fire showing from the ductwork on the roof of the structure. E811 went in line over a ladder to extinguish an HVAC unit on the roof and extension in the surrounding commerc...

On Feb 1, 2021, a new mass vaccination center opened its doors in Bedford Heights, Bedford. This is one of six centers opening over the next month. Over 200 members of the public received their vaccination on the first day. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Station Commander, Robert Hulatt has been working with local partners, including the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commission Groups to ensure the smooth set up and running of the centers. New vaccination cen...

In the wake of some prominent multi-fatality fires, organizations have spent considerable sums of money on fire safety but have not necessarily achieved an improved level of fire safety assurance. Having spent several years undertaking fire risk assessments on the same portfolio of buildings, it is noticeable that some organizations are beginning to wonder if the current practice is sustainable. It’s been almost eight years since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 prompted man...

HMICFRS has outlined its key findings in a report which covers how the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Staff stepped up to support the communities and partners during the pandemic. As a service Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Staff welcomes the opportunity to consider any lessons learned from the inspection. They will review the areas for consideration identified by HMICFRS as they continue to support the staff and partners, whilst trying to ensure the communities safety during these challenging time...

At 18:26 hours on January 18th, 2021, E811 was dispatched as part of the fire task force for a working fire in the 14000 blocks of Cherry Lane Ct. First arriving units found heavy smoke conditions on arrival, with fire originating from a potential HazMat trailer inside the structure. Upon arrival, E811 assisted in extinguishing the surrounding fire and containing the fire to the trailer until it was able to be safely removed. E811 operated for approximately an hour before returning to service.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has released a range of updated risk assessments which will allow fire-fighters and other staff to continue work on COVID-related activities – while taking on more. To support this, 10,000 lateral flow tests a week will be provided by the government to fire services, meaning up to 5,000 fire-fighters could soon be supporting the UK-wide vaccination program underway. These tests will help keep firefighters who are undertaking vital COVID work safer –...

Just past midnight on January 12th, 2021, E811 was alerted to respond as the working fire dispatch engine to the 11300 block of Laurelwalk Drive. Units on scene found smoke showing from a 3-story townhome. E811 extinguished fire in the basement and assisted with overhaul, operating for approximately 2 hours on scene. No injuries were reported.

Around noon on January 7th, 2021, E811 was dispatched for a reported fire to the rear of a home in the Hollywood neighborhood of College Park. E811 arrived on scene and found a well-developed fire on the patio with spread to the deck and exterior of the house. Crews quickly filled the box alarm, stretched an attack line, and extinguished the fire before it could extend into the home. C811 arrived shortly after and assumed command of the incident. Thanks to functioning smoke alarms in the home,...

On January 4th, 2021 around 0800 hours, E811B was alerted for a structure fire in the 4700 block of Navahoe Street. First arriving companies found smoke coming from the rear of the home and started the working fire dispatch. E811B stretched a backup line to the structure and checked exposures. The fire was quickly contained and no injuries were reported.

On January 1st, 2021 at 1200, E811B, A811C, VC811, and VC811A responded to a house fire in the 11300 BLK of Montgomery Rd with a report of people trapped. While en route a column of smoke could be seen, prompting the working fire dispatch. Crews arrived on the scene to find heavy fire showing from the basement of a single-family dwelling and a report of people trapped in the basement. E811B arrived and operated as the second due engine, stretching a backup line into the basement and assisting w...

E811 was alerted to respond as part of the fire task force to the 13100 block of Larchdale Rd. VC811A and VC811B responded as well. First arriving units on scene found a 3-story garden-style apartment with fire through the roof. The incident was soon upgraded to a second alarm. E811 turned out with 6 and operated in the delta exposure knocking fire, which had spread to the common cockloft and multiple units. VC811A had Division 3; VC811B had Division 2. 28 apartment units were affected. Co. 11...

E811B and VC811 responded to a working fire in the 16000 block of Bond Mill Rd as part of the Fire Task Force. Initial units reported heavy fire showing significant storage conditions. Shortly after arrival, the first floor collapsed into the basement and an order was given to evacuate the structure. VC811 supervised the Side Bravo division, overseeing E811B and other units. The crew worked to overhaul the basement and extinguish any remaining fire. One adult male was found deceased inside the...

E811 responded as the fourth due engine alongside VC811B to a box alarm in the 5800 block of Queens Chapel Rd. First arriving crews advised a burnt-up fan motor on division 1. While checking for extension, the fire was found in the walls on division 2. VC811B was designated the division 2 supervisor and the working fire dispatch was sounded. E811 established RIT on side alpha while Chief 11B supervised the crews extinguishing the fire on the second floor and attic. Units from company 11 operat...

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) have attended a number of incidents of fire at The Academy in Holly Street, Luton over the past two weeks. These are serious incidents so BFRS asks that people who live in these premises are vigilant. Each of these incidents are believed to have been deliberate arson attempts within the corridors and staircases of the five-storey residential building. Each of these attempts have been dealt with swiftly by the fire service and the fire precautions with...

In the afternoon of Nov 3, 2020, Branchville Volunteer Fire Company’s E811B pumper vehicle was alerted for a structure fire in company 31’s area. Upon arrival, companies found a shed on a vacant property fully covered in smoke. E811B’s fire rescue crew operated as rapid intervention and assisted with water supply operations. The crew operated for approximately an hour, before returning to service.

Branchville Volunteer Fire Company (Company 11) would like to thank PGFD’s Volunteer ALS Coordinator, Paramedic Jonathan Hoerner from Company 1, for holding an excellent ALS Assist class at Branchville, on October 18, 2020. The Branchville Volunteer Fire Company members learned how to better support Branchville’s two county-approved medics, putting the paramedic ambulance in service, as well as all of the ALS resources that the company frequently run with.

On Oct 14, 2020, the women of Branchville serve the community with a full engine and two ambulances. This is the first time in over 10 years that Branchville Volunteer Fire Company (Company 11) has placed in service a wagon that is fully staffed by women. The Officers and members of the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company would like to congratulate the women staff on this massive accomplishment.

E811B was dispatched as the 5th due engine to a reported apartment fire in the 5800 Block of 42nd Avenue. Units on scene found fire in the HVAC system and in the attic space above Division 7. VC811A had the roof division. E811B crew secured power to Division 7 and brought a handline from PE844 up TK812’s aerial to the roof. Multiple occupants were evacuated throughout the incident. E811B operated on scene for approximately 2 hours before returning to service.

Branchville Volunteer Fire Company has announced sending their Engine 111 (E811) pumper engine to Patriot Fire for rehab modifications work. Engine 111 is a Pierce Arrow XT engine with a 1,500 GPM Hale 2-stage pump and 500 gal booster tank. The Engine 111 (E811) was built and delivered in 2010, and has served the company well, since then. Engine 111 will be returning in a couple of months with a pull-out 400’ tray, new drafting hard sleeves, new interior hooks, and integrated A/C, among o...

Members of Company 11 attended the Annual Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association meeting. Company 11 received the Firemen’s Training Robert ‘Bruce’ Criswell Single Station Memorial Trophy for completing 6,194 hours of training throughout the year. Additionally, Company 11 received two awards in recognition of the crew’s efforts at the house fire in the 6400 Block of Inlet St. Met with heavy fire on arrival, E811B’s crew stretched a han...

On September 10th, E811B was transferred to Hyattsville Co. 1 to provide coverage to the area while other units responded to a car fire in a parking garage. While E811B was in Hyattsville, a flash flood occurred, trapping over 40 vehicles in the flooded roadways along the East-West Highway corridor. The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department had over 100 pending calls for service, involving flooding conditions and water rescues. E811B conducted multiple water rescues and non-emergency...

Since July 11th, the department has been training every day with one goal in mind. Whether it was in rain or 95-degree heat, Company 11’s officers, “probies”, and firefighters were out stretching hose-lines, throwing ladders, and practicing rescues for multiple hours a day, every day. The prospective firefighter’s hard work paid off this past weekend on August 29th and 30th at the company-wide live-burns. Each prospective firefighter worked to showcase their skills and p...