Fire Industry News for May 2024

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, announced ADM Aéroports de Montréal has taken delivery of five Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® 6x6 ARFF vehicles. The vehicles will support emergency operations at two of the province’s largest airfields, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport – which now serves over 21 million travelers annually – and YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel....

Wildfires swept through the Panhandle region of Texas earlier in 2024. The Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire, both starting on Feb. 26, were the most significant outbreaks. The Smokehouse Creek Fire went on to become the second largest in U.S. history, burning over a million acres across Texas and Oklahoma before it was contained in mid-March. worst-ever wildfire As Texas battled its worst-ever wildfire, firefighters worked to mitigate fire and smoke damage. Among the challenges...

Dräger, an international major in the fields of medical and safety technology, has been shortlisted for the FSM Fire Safety Innovation of the Year award, in recognition of the company’s commitment to enhancing firefighter safety through technological development and improvement.  The Fire Safety Innovation of the Year Award is open to any fire safety manufacturer or service provider and recognizes the products or solutions that have been developed for either active or passive fi...

The City of Roseville, Minnesota is taking a significant step forward in firefighter safety by investing in the cutting-edge RTX electric fire engine from Rosenbauer, a global pioneer in firefighting technology. “Innovation has always been part of the City of Roseville’s culture,” said Roseville Fire Chief - David Brosnahan, adding “The acquisition of the RTX underscores Roseville's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its firefighters, while also advancing Rosev...

In the domain of hospital safety, few elements are as critical as fire alarm hospital systems. These systems act as vigilant guardians, standing ready to detect and alert users to potential fire hazards. They serve as the first line of defense against the devastating consequences of fire incidents. fire alarm systems in hospitals From the bustling emergency department to the quiet corridors of patient wards, fire alarm systems in hospitals are indispensable protectors of life and property. I...

When users think about electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, the user might be wondering, “Do vapes set off smoke alarms?” It’s an understandable concern, especially if users vape indoors or in places where smoking is prohibited. This article will dive into the topic and provide insights into whether vaping can indeed set off smoke alarms. Knowing the dynamics between vaping and smoke detectors will help users vape safely and avoid unnecessary disruptions to others....

Fire safety training for all staff is essential to ensure the utmost safety of the business. There are countless reasons why integrating fire safety training into business practice is essential.  Such training is typically required by law and can help to reduce the company’s liability in the event of a fire incident. Additionally, fire safety training constitutes a crucial component of the overall safety protocols, effectively reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries or fataliti...

The professional team of Euralarm has been strengthened with Carlos Perez as the new Technical Manager for the Fire and Extinguishing sections. Carlos succeeds Michael Scharnowsky who is retiring. Carlos Perez is well-known within Euralarm. In recent years, he was a member of the Extinguishing section and represented the Spanish trade association and Euralarm member - Tecnifuego.  Extensive industry experience Carlos held several control and engineering roles within Tyco Fire & Build...

Fires are frequent when cooking - and, due to increased fire loads, are particularly destructive in commercial kitchens. So very special requirements are placed on protective equipment for the catering industry.  With new Guidelines, VdS now offers decision-makers, as well as insurers and authorities, precise technical assistance for reliable protection.  precise test specifications Hendrik Rudolph, Head of the VdS laboratory for gas and special extinguishing systems, emphasizes, &l...

Honeywell security, fire, and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event 2024, on April 30 – May 2, 2024, in Birmingham, UK, at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision-makers and operators manage threats, while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies, all delivered within an optimal occupant experience. Security technologies on display In line with Honeywell’s focus on delivering robus...

Cables pioneer - AEI Cables is warning the supply chain not to forget the important implications in the guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables among the range of new legislation being introduced in the interests of safety. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Guidance for the selection These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases a...

For those who are among the few people who have recovered from a fire on their property should consider themselves lucky. Fire is one of the deadliest risks that all businesses and homeowners experience. A lack of safety measures might result in material and financial losses and the loss of life. Having a fire alarm system in the home or business premise is an excellent idea to keep the occupants and premises safe. The Function of a Fire Alarm System Fire alarm systems function similarly to a...

Most areas across Scotland have experienced heavy rainfall during the weekend, and with more rain predicted from the Met Office in the coming week, they are urging people to be mindful of the conditions.  The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) strongly advises against entering into flooded areas or playing in floodwater. Floodwater can be dangerous. They want to ensure the safety and the safety of their loved ones. Significant risks of Floodwater Floodwater poses significant risks:...

Striking artwork showing Charles Rennie Mackintosh wearing firefighter gear has been donated to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Drew Carr, a Glasgow-based architect, has created a series of six paintings inspired by renowned street artist - Banksy, firefighters and the iconic architect - Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Assistant Chief Officer, David Lockhart thanked Drew for his donation at a presentation on Friday, 29 September, 2023, at Cowcaddens Fire Station. incredible efforts of firefig...

Firefighters remain at the scene of a major fire that broke out at the Station Hotel in Ayr on Monday evening. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was called to a fire at the Station Hotel at 5.37 pm on Monday, 25 September, 2023. At its height, SFRS mobilized fifteen appliances to the scene, where crews were met with a well-developed fire in a large derelict building. One fire appliance remains at the scene on Wednesday, 27 September, 2023. Trained Operations Control staff Area Comma...

Two firefighters and a search and rescue dog from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have joined an international team, as part of the UK Government's response to the Morocco earthquake. K9 handler Crew Commander - Gary Carroll and Coorie, based at Portlethen, have departed along with Watch Commander - Gavin Brown, based in Dundee, as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) deployed to Morocco through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The UK...

Firefighters in Glasgow are the toast of Craiglang after rescuing a pair of stranded dogs from a deep-seated foxhole. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from Castlemilk Community Fire Station were called on Monday afternoon to help free two small dogs who had become trapped after entering the large hole at the city’s Kings Park. Upon arriving, the firefighters, from Castlemilk's Red Watch, instantly recognized the animals' concerned owners as actors Jane McCarry and Mark Cox – w...

A team of youth volunteers from Dumbarton representing the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has taken part in the Fire Cadet Games. The national event which included youth volunteers from Fire and Rescue Services all around the country, was hosted by Merseyside Fire and Rescue. The team from Dumbarton was commended for their performance, especially in the First Aid section of the competition. training college They spent a weekend in Liverpool where they se...

The Fire Safety and Organisational Statistics report shows 3,490 wholetime operational firefighters in 2022-23, compared with 3,530 the year before, around a one percent reduction. SFRS Interim Deputy Chief Officer and Director of People, Liz Barnes, said, “We are fortunate to have a wealth of experience in our workforce with over half of wholetime operational staff serving 15 years or longer." decrease in wholetime firefighters Liz Barnes adds, “The longer-term picture shows an o...

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 1.40 pm on Monday, 28 August, 2023, to reports of a fire at a commercial landfill site in Dunbar. East Operations Control mobilized resources to the scene and on arrival firefighters found a significant area of landfill domestic waste well alight. Until Tuesday, 29 August, 2023, at 5 pm, SFRS crews supported Valencia Waste Management staff who were using heavy plant machinery and on-site water pumps to extinguish the fire. Following a detailed...

The Scottish Government has provided funding of £56,000 to enable firefighters based in Scotland to participate in a UK-wide health screening program, which is being facilitated by the Fire Brigades Union and the University of Central Lancashire. Around 1,000 UK firefighters will take part in trials, which will include blood tests to look for early signs of illness and cancer and these trials will help to inform the evidence around potential future annual health screening arrangements. S...

25 August 2023 commemorates the 51st anniversary of the Kilbirnie Street fire, a tragic incident in Glasgow that claimed the lives of seven firefighters. On Friday, 25 August 1972, at 11.20 am, the Glasgow Fire Service dispatched crews to the Sher Brothers warehouse on Kilbirnie Street in response to an ongoing fire. Upon arrival, the firefighters were confronted with a vicious blaze that had engulfed the building. loss of all seven firefighters Tragically, Firefighter James Rook became trapp...

One of Scotland’s newest firefighters has told how he was inspired by the bravery of rescue teams after witnessing devastating earthquakes in South America. Cesar Colorado successfully completed his firefighter training with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), following a grueling 13-week training course. He graduated at a ceremony in Motherwell Civic Center on Friday, 18 August, alongside 44 new Wholetime Firefighters and three Operations Control Firefighters. Early fascination...

Watch Commander - Dave Farries QFSM, 70, first joined the South Eastern Fire Brigade in Edinburgh as a Junior Fireman on 19 August 1968. It was the start of an incredible career that has seen him dedicate his life to helping to keep local communities safe in the capital and throughout the east of Scotland. half-century of public service Dave’s over half-century of public service has included lengthy spells as a firefighter, instructor, and investigator and he was awarded the Queen&rsquo...

Crew Commander - Kevin Macrae, based at Port of Ness Community Fire Station, has been an on-call firefighter for nearly 25 years. He also runs his own business, Kevin Macrae Electrical where he employs three people. One of his employees, Alasdair MacLeod – is also an on-call firefighter - he’s a Crew Commander at South Lochs Community Fire Station. On-call firefighter role Kevin, who started his business 23 years ago, is always looking to promote the on-call firefighter role and w...

The crew at Dunvegan Community Fire Station on the Isle of Skye have recorded - 'Things Are Hotting Up', as part of a community album raising funds for the charity - Alzheimer Scotland. The song and accompanying music video offer a humorous look at their day-to-day lives. It was the idea of John Shurmer-Smith, a former international touring musician, who balances life as an on-call firefighter with supporting local community arts projects. on-call crew shortages John, better known by his stag...

Cameron Carmichael became the milestone number when he donated his stem cells to help save someone’s life. The volunteer on-call firefighter is based at Kilmelford Community Fire Station near Oban, where he’s served for around 11 months. blood cancer charity Cameron Carmichael, 20, who signed up to the blood cancer charity’s stem cell register when he was 16, was surprised to discover he was a match for someone in need, and the 100th donor. He said, “It took a few days...

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proud to announce that they have received the prestigious Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for their unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. This recognition is a testament to the dedication to ensuring those who have served, who continue to serve, and their families, are not disadvantaged in the workplace. Iain Morris is the SFRS Acting Director of Asset Management. SFRS Honored For Supportin...

The UK government is committed to achieving its legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. As net-zero policies are designed and implemented, and collaborative initiatives to achieve ambitious carbon emission targets are developed, credible standards and accredited conformity assessment will be key enablers of their robustness, effectiveness, and sustained impact. UN Sustainable Development Goals UKAS has an established track record in deploying accreditation t...

A Commemoration Service has been held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square in Edinburgh to pay tribute to fallen Firefighter - Ewan Williamson who lost his life in 2009. A minute’s silence was observed, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony involving members of Ewan's family alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer - Ross Haggart. event attendees SFRS colleagues, representatives from the public sector, and charity organizations from across the cit...