Fire Industry News for November 2024

The Historical Novel Society Australasia, in collaboration with the ARA Group, proudly announced the winners of the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize at a celebratory event, held at NSW Parliament House, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize This prestigious award, boasting the largest individual literary prize in Australasia with a total prize pool of $150,000, honors the exceptional talents of novelists who bring historical narratives to life, offering insights into t...

The ARA Group is pleased to have held the inaugural Wiimali Awards, where they recognized and celebrated Indigenous excellence across the ARA Group. The Wiimali Awards, held on the 17th of October 2024, was designed to highlight the hard work and commitment of the Wiimali Program employees, graduates, mentors and the clients they work with. The event began with an acknowledgment to country and the Gamay Dancers performance of traditional Indigenous dances. The awards for the Unsung Hero’s...

Investigators reviewing the emergency response to last year's wildfire that killed 102 people on Maui said in a report released Friday they found “no evidence” Hawaii officials made preparations for it, despite days of warnings that critical fire weather was coming. That lack of planning hindered efforts to evacuate the historic town of Lahaina before it burned, the report said. unprecedented warning A forecaster with the National Weather Service emailed fire m...

ARA made two strategic acquisitions to increase its presence in the insurance building repair and restoration industry during the financial year 2024 and one major acquisition in early July 2024, immediately after the conclusion of the financial year. With increased climate events such as floods and fires, it was determined that this aspect of the building industry is an appropriate space to invest and grow ARA’s capabilities. Vendor's commitment to ARA Vendors took approximately half t...

ARA has bucked the trend of a declining manufacturing industry in Australia and New Zealand since the start of the ARA business in 2001. Manufacturing was once a major economic contributor in Australia from a peak of 25% of the gross domestic product in the 1960’s to under 6%. Manufacturing employment as a percent of total Australian employment has declined from 25% in the 1960s to approximately 6%. manufacturing sector A similar, but not quite as pronounced trend during the past 60 yea...

ARA Electrical has been engaged by South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal to design, supply, and install a 66kV/11kV electrical supply and distribution network. The main purpose of this project is to provide additional ventilation capacity and communication infrastructure to support the development of the mining operation. package and deliverables The contract is scheduled to be completed by December 2024. The project site is approximately 35km North-West of Wollongong, 8km North-West of Appin,...

Each year, firefighters across the US respond to millions of emergencies. They navigate busy roads and congested neighborhoods, facing unknown obstacles when they arrive on the scene. Effective lighting technology is a powerful ally in helping firefighters and other first responders maximize their visibility as they approach every mission, allowing them to save precious time when every second counts. White illumination is especially important in these critical moments as it not only aids in tra...

There’s a chance users will have come across these at least once in their life, at the bakery, butchery, or perhaps local supermarket, but never given it much thought until now. PVC curtains are versatile and durable, typically used to separate different areas. These can be used anywhere users see fit. Let’s look at the top 7 benefits of using PVC Strip Curtains: Energy Efficiency and Temperature Control These curtains work as a barrier to help maintain a consistent, desired...

In the world of firefighting, knowledge and tactics are always evolving, and the importance of staying informed cannot be overstated. The task of ventilation (horizontal and vertical) in residential structures has seen significant advancements through extensive research conducted by the UL Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). This research has shed light on the intricacies of ventilation and its profound impact on fire dynamics. While the core task of ventilation remains largely unchanged, th...

In the ever-changing landscape of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) signify a shift toward innovative progress. However, this innovation brings its own set of challenges, especially concerning EV fires. Firefighters confront a unique and multifaceted challenge when dealing with EV incidents. The Rules of Engagement for Electric Vehicle Battery Fires Training Minutes: Electric Vehicle Hazards EV Size-Up and Thermal Runaway: Lucid Air Firefighting efforts This article explores the c...

Trade shows offer a unique opportunity for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to enjoy an immersive experience that contributes to training and development while also providing a firsthand perspective on the tools and technologies that teams rely on to perform with excellence. FDIC International 2024 But with tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of educational sessions, it can sometimes be difficult to prioritize trade show experiences and maximiz...

Establishing a strong foundation from the start is crucial to ensure the project runs smoothly throughout the entire project. Planning and addressing these key stages early on means users can set clear objectives, allocate resources efficiently, and foresee any potential challenges along the way. navigating stages Below are the crucial stages and how Metalbilt can help users navigate them: Planning and Design Phase: Engaging a Metalbilt Sales and Project Manager in the early stages of the...

Preventative maintenance is the routine inspection and servicing of equipment to prevent unexpected failures and costly downtime for businesses. Unlike reactive maintenance, which addresses issues after they occur, preventative maintenance is proactive, focusing on preventing problems before they arise. Maintaining the Metalbilt door is crucial to ensuring its reliable operation and keeping its warranty valid. Benefits of preventative maintenance Cost Savings: Completing regular mainte...

One of the best things about going to a trade show as an exhibitor is the feeling users get when all the planning and hard work user’ve put into making it an informative and engaging event comes together. FDIC International And when it turns out better than the user could have imagined, well that’s just the kind of motivation that drives the user to work even harder to ensure every experience and interaction with the company is equally memorable. That’s the experience Whelen...

TRU-DOCK™️ Automated Loading Pods are a pioneering-edge solution to increase productivity, enhance safety, and streamline dock loading processes. Incorporating a wide range of Metalbilt’s door products. These pods are designed for ease of access, high turnaround, and complete environmental control for high-volume container loading and unloading. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Metalbilt’s TRU-DOCK™️ Automated Loading Pod (ALP) stand out and how they are chan...

Whelen Engineering is proud to announce a new partnership with Applied Information® that will expand the traffic pre-emption capabilities of its innovative software, the Whelen Cloud Platform® (WCP®). The Whelen Cloud Platform is a cloud-based vehicle communication platform that sends and receives data through cellular networks. Prominent features of the WCP include the ability to manage vehicle configurations and firmware updates remotely, create faster response times with real-tim...

The Cessnock Wastewater Treatment Works was originally built in 1932 and was typical of facilities of the time, with a nominal capacity of 23,000 Equivalent Persons (EP) as a trickling filter plant. The plant has had several minor upgrades between 1978 and 1995 to include other infrastructure, such as sludge lagoons, maturation ponds, wetlands, and chemical phosphorus removal to achieve the ultimate capacity of the existing plant to service approximately 32,000 people in the areas of Cessnock,...

The Wiimali program is an employee recruitment, mentoring and community engagement program for all internal staff who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The word Wiimali originates from the native Gamilaraay language of Australia. It means ‘To light a fire’. The Wiimali program is designed to light the fire for ARA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and provide them with the support they need in both their work and home lives. High-performance en...

This acquisition will help establish a national footprint within New Zealand and is a significant leap forward in ARA’s strategic positioning and service offering. The acquisition complements the capabilities and products that ARA Shelters & Structures has to offer. Sign On has established itself as an award-winning signage specialist, delivering innovative and customized solutions for a range of brands across New Zealand. Their comprehensive end-to-end service, supported by quality m...

In the coastal city of Hervey Bay, Queensland, fire safety isn't just a legal obligation - it's a vital component of community well-being. For over 15 years, FCF Hervey Bay has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and compliance of businesses and residences across the region. Founded with a mission to provide superior service and exceed industry standards, FCF has grown from a local operation to a trusted name in fire protection services, serving not only Hervey Bay but also surroun...

When it comes to fire safety on the business premises, ensuring compliance with Australian standards is the most important. Hervey Bay Evacuation diagrams, a major component of any fire safety plan, need to be strategically installed and maintained to meet regulatory requirements. Here's what users need to know, specifically tailored to Australian standards.  Evacuation diagram The inside of an evacuation diagram usually includes a pictorial representation of the floor or area of a b...

ARA Fire’s expertise extends to a wide range of fire safety equipment, including fire hose reels, fire extinguishers, and pump rooms, ensuring that they are fully operational, compliant with regulations, and ready to respond in the event of a fire emergency. The maintenance and servicing of these critical assets are crucial for providing immediate firefighting capabilities and safeguarding lives and property.  Fire Hose Reels Fire hose reels are essential for the initial fighting o...

The FCF Fire & Electrical Sunshine Coast a licensed QBCC Exit and Emergency Lighting Certifier and licensed Electrical Contractors. FCF stands as a beacon for the meticulous implementation of Exit and Emergency Lighting standards. The significance of these lighting systems in ensuring the safe evacuation of buildings cannot be overstated.  Need for a tailored approach As buildings evolve in class, type, and layout, the need for a tailored approach to Exit and Emergency Lighting...

When soaking up the glorious sunshine on the laid-back shores of the Sunshine Coast, it's easy to get swept away by the beauty around. But in this coastal paradise, safety takes center stage. FCF is diving into the world of fire safety, specifically honing in on the vital aspect of Fire Extinguisher Testing and Maintenance.  When people are surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Sunny Coast, they want to make sure they have a solid plan to keep both the scenery and the community...

One aspect stands tall as the guardian of safety - the Business Fire Detection System. When going into the intricacies of safeguarding their enterprises, it becomes imperative to understand the standards, professionals, and systems that form the backbone of commercial fire protection.  This guide takes users on a journey through the robust measures outlined by AS1670 Standards, the critical role of Certified Fire Professionals, and the synergy of elements like Smoke Alarms and Commerci...

Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs respond to active scenes where they are expected to think and act without hesitation knowing that every split-second decision they make could determine their success or failure, and ultimately decide the fate of those they seek to serve and protect. In these critical situations where every second counts and lives are on the line, first responders must be able to trust that the tools and technology they are provided with will assist the...

Fire Doors or Fire resistance doors are used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a building; they are given with fire-resistance rating. Fire doors may be made of a combination of materials such as glass, gypsum, steel, timber, vermiculite boards, aluminum, or galvanized iron. They are designed to be kept closed; any gaps between the wall and the door must be filled with a fire-resistant sealant. guidelines of a te...

FCF is diving into something crucial that everyone needs but might not think about every day: fire extinguisher testing. Yep, those trusty devices hanging around quietly, ready to leap into action if things get heated. Let's start with the rulebook - and in Australia, that's the Australian Standard AS 1851. It's like the Jedi code for fire safety, laying down the law on how often they should be giving the fire extinguishers a little TLC. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's demystify the safe...

ARA Fire is proud to be celebrating 14 years since the establishment of the ARA Endowment Fund. The ARA Endowment Gala Event was held on the 20th of October at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney. The Gala Event generated donations of approximately $450,000. The principal balance in the ARA Endowment Fund is almost $3.5 million.  principal balance The principal balance in the ARA Endowment Fund remains in the Fund in perpetuity, while the income earned by the Fund is donated to the Partner Founda...

ARA Indigenous Services, in conjunction with ARA Electrical, is nearing completion of the regional rail project at the Mindyarra Maintenance Center. Many of ARA’s customers are looking for meaningful Indigenous engagement in Australia. ARA works to integrate the various services and installation capabilities with ARA Indigenous Services, which has delivered many major contracts in conjunction with ARA Divisions. Mindyarra Maintenance Center The Mindyarra Maintenance Center is being buil...