Industry News

BAFSA is disappointed to report that, along with Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service & BAFSA, the organizations have made the difficult decision to postpone their joint sprinkler seminars on 18th and 24th March respectively due to the current Covid-19 fears. While disappointing for everyone involved, they have taken this step in line with NFCC guidance as far as reducing the chance of spreading the virus as much as is reasonably practic...

Burnt cooking in the kitchen of a residential block of flats of three floors in Waddon Court Road, was the cause of a fire which, from the limited information provided, was controlled by a Personal Protection system. The fire was all out on arrival with no firefighting action completed by crews. Local enquiries are currently being completed by the local fire safety team. One sprinkler head actuated in the kitchen of a five roomed flat on the 11th floor of a twenty-one story block of flats in Lan...

Automatic fire sprinklers systems are a reliable and effective means of saving lives, protecting firefighters, reducing fire damage and mitigating fire risk, provided the systems are properly designed, installed and maintained. Those responsible for buildings are reminded that even within this challenging situation of COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. Critical Fire Suppression Systems/Life Safety Protection Systems must be tested and maintained. Postponing these checks, maintenance and servicing m...

The Government announced the implementation date for a number of changes to Approved Document B (ADB), including the requirement for automatic fire sprinklers in all flats above 11 meters, these changes will be required as from 26th November 2020. The change requiring automatic fire sprinklers in all new built flats over 11 meters will significantly increase the use of domestic and residential sprinklers in this sector which has already seen a large increase since the disastrous Grenfell Tower f...

It’s a fact that a fire sprinkler system can help control fires and reduce injury, deaths, and damages, often by 80% or more. But it’s never just as simple as a quick design and implementation. The quality of the fire sprinkler installation will affect its ability to keep oneself and tenants safe. To such an extent that one might even be better having no system in place than holding onto a false sense of security with a faulty one. Fire Protection Strategy Creating a reliable bui...

Knowing the different types of fire extinguishers available and what they are used for can ensure one is better prepared to have the right one nearby when one needs it. Fire safety is important and many people with homes or businesses already acknowledge that keeping an extinguisher close is at hand is a vital step in making sure their properties are prepared for the worst. But not many people know that there are 5 different versions of extinguishers, each one for a different class of fire. C...

Ampac has introduced a new range of Electro-Magnetic Door Holders to our ancillaries’ range of products. From surface to floor mount, Ampac’s extensive selection is applicable for a range of applications. The surface mount door holders combine good looks, high performance, and economy in a low-profile package. Easy To Install And Commission Designed to allow doors to be held open under normal conditions and released during a fire alarm condition, the surface mount door holders are...

Apsana Begum, Labor MP for Poplar and Limehouse, has asked the UK Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government that “Whether he plans to provide funding for remedial work to buildings which do not comply with fire safety regulations but do not have problems relating to cladding.” Fire safety legislation The Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) Christopher Pincher, Conservative MP for Tamworth, reminded building owners and premises manage...

The International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Association of State Fire Marshals, and National Volunteer Fire Council urge governors and state health officials to make career and volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics a top priority level for COVID-19 vaccines. They are vital parts of the national public health system and should be treated at the same priority as other frontline healthcare workers and hospital staff. The nation’s...

FIA announced a new course in Evacuation Alert Systems (BS 8629), this training is the first of its kind and emanates from the work that has been done since the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The training course can be taken online and, in the future, it will be able to be taken in class to enable learners to choose a teaching style that suits their needs. Evacuation Of Residents Ian Moore CEO of the FIA added, “The FIA has been involved from day one with the Evacuation Alert System concept."...

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the re-opening of the City of Orlando’s rental assistance program, a partnership with Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), which provides support to City of Orlando residents impacted by COVID-19 by providing funding to cover rent payments that have not been made since March 1, 2020. The pre-screening and application process has re-opened.  To date, the program, which originally opened for ten days in September 2020, has provided nearly $700,000 in f...

Regular building maintenance has and always will be a fundamental part of a facilities manager role. Work can sometimes feel continuous, ensuring everything from ventilation to water systems is in good working order and all while making sure health and safety standards are maintained along the way. Each building has a set of unique needs that must be addressed, and, for that, maintenance is key. Yet, facility managers must also recognize the importance of ‘essential maintenance.’ Fo...

BAFE and BSI are pleased to announce that the first registration and Third Party Certification has been achieved for the new wet and dry riser service and maintenance scheme. A crucial service for high-rise buildings and the tall building environment to ensure these remain effective in the event of an emergency. Evidence Of Competency The Scheme, known as BAFE SP105 Service & Maintenance of Dry and Wet Riser/Falling Installations, offers evidence of competency for organizations who delive...

It will all be over by Christmas, at least that’s what everyone thought (and hoped) when COVID-19 first hit back in the spring season. However, adapting to life and work in a COVID-19 world has proved a longer and harder road than many ever anticipated. For many unlucky COVID-19 sufferers too, the effects of the virus have been long-term. Whether symptoms are very mild, or more problematic, for most people, COVID-19 infection is a brief, acute illness. However, it is now medically recogni...

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office partnered with Harris County Precinct 4 Office of Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, H-E-B, and H-E-B Tomball Market #574 to encourage turkey frying safety. "HCFMO encourages everyone to keep an eye on what you fry," said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. "Frying a turkey might be a family tradition, but it can be very dangerous. One misstep can cause a dangerous fire to occur." “Thanksgiving is a day for counting our blessings and apprecia...

A firefighter needs to evaporate about 1 liter of sweat per hour to be able to regulate the body temperature when exposed to extreme heat. The human body is designed to function within a very specific temperature range between 36.5 and 37.5 Celsius. However, fighting fires test these limits and can increase a firefighter’s body temperature to over 38 degrees. Selection Of PPE While there are many factors to consider to reduce the impact of heat stress on firefighters – such...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors have introduced the latest video interview in their six-part campaign series, Faces of Fire/Electrical hazard awareness campaign, which features personal stories of people impacted by electrical incidents, demonstrating the need for continued education and awareness about electrical hazards in the workplace and at home. Firefighter safety Awareness Luis Nevarez, Fire Chief in the City of Tulare Fire Depa...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is seeking U.S.-based fire departments for the second phase of their Community Risk Assessment (CRA) dashboard project. Much like Phase I, participating departments in Phase II will receive free access to a personalized NFPA CRA Digital Dashboard for three months, in addition to professional networking and development opportunities surrounding Community Risk Reduction (CRR), in return for feedback about the tool. NFPA CRA Digital Dashboard With...

Peterbilt is leading the charge in alternative powertrain offerings and is pleased to announce the Model 520EV is now available for customer orders. The Model 520EV can be configured through the SmartSpec® sales tool and ordered at one of Peterbilt’s dealer locations with production expected to start by Q2 2021. Model Comparison The Model 520EV combines the standout features the Peterbilt Model 520 is known for with the advanced technology of a zero-emission electric powertrain, pro...

The latest two winners have been announced in MSA Safety Incorporated’s and DuPont’s 2020 Globe Gear Giveaway. Douglas City (CA) Volunteer Fire Department and Cooper Landing (AK) Emergency Services will each receive four sets of state-of-the-art turnout gear and four helmets to increase the safety of their members. Providing turnout gear MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) team up each year to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear. With the...

The launch of Smarter Homes, Safer Communities powered by Aico. This virtual conference marks the beginning of Aico’s advance into facilitating and holding events within the housing sector. Smarter Homes, Safer Communities powered by Aico is a two-part virtual conference covering the current challenges the housing sector is facing, the advancements in technology, and the future of the Internet of Things (IoT) in housing. Spanning over two days, part one will take place on Thursday, Novem...

Carbon monoxide (CO), also known as the ‘silent killer’, is especially dangerous because it is not visible and cannot be smelt or tasted. The only way to protect against this potentially deadly threat is with a CO alarm. In honor of CO Awareness Month in November, First Alert and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to create an online CO awareness and CO alarm training course for volunteer fire departments nationwide, supplemented by an alarm donation program f...

In relation to the Government’s latest announcement regarding coronavirus, Envirograf will be continuing business as usual. Any customer inquiries or orders by phone or online will be processed accordingly with delivery times scheduled as normal. Envirograf has taken appropriate measures on-site to ensure the safety of the staff and visitors. Sanitizer is available throughout the building, with a temperature checker in reception, including guide markings on the grounds to allow for a...

Peterbilt is excited to announce the Model 579EV is now available for customer orders. Customers can spec a 579EV using Peterbilt’s SmartSpec® sales tool at any Peterbilt dealer location across North America, with production expected to start by Q2 2021. Designed for optimal weight distribution and performance, the fully integrated, all-electric powertrain in the Model 579EV uses thermally-controlled Lithium Iron Phosphate battery packs to provide a range up to 150 miles. Battery Pac...

More and more fire departments rely on foam in extinguishing operations. And rightly so, because if foam compound is added to the firefighting water, it ensures more effective firefighting and brings a number of other advantages. In many cases, it is possible to fight fires with a less extinguishing agent and thus save precious resource water. Range Of Applications Faster extinguishing successes can be achieved, the flammable material can be better suffocated by the withdrawal of oxygen, flue...

While there’s still a lot up in the air at the moment with regards to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, some offices have returned to business. But was fire safety forgotten during the COVID-19 induced lockdown? Changed retail landscape The UK’s high street is making a slow return to business, thanks in part to the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme and somewhat relaxed social distancing measures. With fewer customers in stores, the retail landscape looks very different n...

MSA Safety, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are helping volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. In 2020, 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA. The latest recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway are th...

Howe & Howe Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, announced the first domestic sale and delivery of its robotic firefighter, the Thermite RS3, to the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) through authorized sales distributor Municipal Emergency Services (MES) Fire. This acquisition by the LAFD marks the first commercial sale of a robotic firefighting vehicle in the country. Firefighters Life-Saving Capability “This is our first step in bringing...

Passive fire protection systems are built into all construction parts of a building such as the walls, floors, ceilings, and doors, etc. The purpose of passive fire protection systems is not to extinguish a fire but instead to help contain a fire to its origin. The way this is done is by compartmentalizing the building, so if a fire starts in one room or section of the building it doesn’t spread to other parts of the building. If the fire wasn’t compartmentalized then the structure...

The UK Home Office released a detailed analysis on the latest UK Fire Statistics. The documents call attention to the numerous dangers of fires within dwellings and other properties. These dangers included misuse of appliances, cooking appliances, accidental and malicious fires, and smokers’ materials. The document also covered fire-rescue response times and fire fatalities recorded during the course of April 2018 to March 2019. The documents serve as a reminder to property owners, occupi...