Fire Protection news

The NVFC spring board meeting was held in Alexandria, VA, with 38 fire associations in attendance The Board members heard from speakers on a variety of topics from grant programmes to partnerships, to recruitment ideas. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Board of Directors heard from a wide array of distinguished speakers during its annual NVFC Spring Board Meeting in Alexandria, VA, April 27-May 1. Thirty-nine state fire associations were represented at the meeting....

London Fire Brigade stressed  the importance of fire safety measures in pubs London Fire Brigade has warned that pub owners won’t be cashing in during the world cup, if they have a fire on their premises. With thousands of people watching the world cup in pubs this summer the London Fire Brigade is urging bar owners and managers to make sure their premises are safe from fire. According to the British Beer and Pub Association the UK pub industry could be boosted by...

Fire detection and prevention is obviously paramount in buildings which are historical. Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII infamous second wife, is kept safe from the threat of fire thanks to an alarm servicing contract with Chubb Fire. Chubb Fire is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.  The oldest part of Hever Castle dates back to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. This was converted into a manor in 1462 by G...

Draeger's X-Zone ushers in a new era in gas detection technology Transportable gas detection has entered a new era with the launch of the Draeger X-zone 5000 wireless monitoring unit. Easily positioned and providing clear alarms, these robust, waterproof units ensure increased levels of safety by detecting and communicating the presence of a wide range of toxic, combustible and explosive gases over longer distances. Bringing Zone 0 ATEX performance, longer sensor life, en...

Nuclear facilities require special security measures, as they are prone to hazards and fatal accidents ASL Safety & Security have supplied a high-integrity building evacuation system (BES) to Sellafield Ltd at the company's nuclear processing facility in Cumbria. Sellafield currently performs multiple tasks geared towards decommissioning the UK's nuclear legacy as well as fuel recycling, manufacture and waste management. As a key safety system at this nuclear-licensed sit...

Everyone should take steps now to help keep themselves and their family safe during a hurricane Staying informed about ever-changing conditions and instructions is critically important in any emergency. The 2010 hurricane season begins on June 1, and experts predict it will be more active than usual. With hurricane season upon us, officials from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management urge residents to ensure that their famili...

John McAuliffe truly exemplifies outstanding lifetime achievement in the fire and emergency services Chief John McAuliffe was awarded the NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award during the NVFC Spring Board Meeting on April 30 in Alexandria, VA. With over fifty years in the fire service and an abundance of leadership roles and accomplishments to his credit, McAuliffe truly exemplifies outstanding lifetime achievement in the fire and emergency services. McAuliffe joined the Wethersfiel...

Fires caused by barbecues can be avoided by following a few simple fire safety rules National Barbecue Week fast approaching, London's firefighters are advising people to take care with barbecues. Every year the Brigade is called to fires caused by barbecues, but by following a few simple fire safety rules, this situation can be avoided. Andy Hickmott, London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety, said: "We want people to enjoy the warm weather but a...

Senator Dodd has been honoured for the support he provided to volunteer emergency responders Dodd was the Senate sponsor of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), which was enacted in 2007. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) named Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) the 2010 Legislator of the Year at the Spring Board Meeting. The NVFC Legislator of the Year award is given annually to a member of the U.S. House or Senate for their support...

Jeff Cash was honoured for setting high standards and values at NVFC The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Board of Directors honored Chief Jeff Cash with the E. James Monihan Director’s Award. Cash, who is the Second Vice Chairman of the NVFC and the Director from North Carolina, was recognized for his extraordinary involvement in the NVFC and for going above and beyond in his service and commitment to the Council. The award was presented during the N...

The junior firefighter program was founded in the year 2004 The Westhampton Beach Junior Fire Company is an outstanding example of what a junior firefighter program can achieve. The Westhampton Beach (NY) Fire Department’s Junior Fire Company has received the 2010 NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award. The award, which is sponsored by Tyco International, was presented on April 30 during the NVFC Spring Board Meeting in Alexandria, VA. Paul Hoyle, junior fir...

Smoke alarm donation programme can help Fire Corps to prevent fires Fire Corps teams can help by utilising the Fire Corps smoke alarm donation programme sponsored by First Alert. If smoke alarms are needed in your community, Fire Corps teams can help by utilizing the Fire Corps smoke alarm donation program sponsored by First Alert. Your registered Fire Corps program may apply for these free smoke alarms by simply filling out the Smoke Alarm Request Form. Please keep in mind t...

The leadership award is named after Paul S. Sarbanes, a retired senator who stood for US firefighters CFSI and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation selected NVFC for its work on the national level to establish and promote the Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) received the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Safety Leadership Award on April 29 during the Congressional Fire Services Institute's (CFSI) annual National F...

NFA is going to modernise some of its popular courses to meet emerging issues in fire and EMS Located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the NFA has trained more than 120,000 students in 2009. The United States Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA) has completed a top-to-bottom review and update of its Management Science curriculum. This comprehensive review includes new course content, addressing emerging issue...

EMS would concentrate its resouces on improving emergency medical service at a national level The new EMS section of the NVFC will more effectively address the needs of the volunteer emergency medical services. The Board of Directors for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has voted to create a new EMS section of the Council. This new section would consist of members of the NVFC but would be its own separate group dedicated to representing the interests of the vol...

Disasters officials often stress on the need to prevent rumors and false information among disaster hit people During the first few weeks following a disaster, survivors, still dazed by the trauma, may be easily misled by half-truths and rumors. Common misconceptions can lead to slow recovery and possibly prevent some eligible survivors from getting help. Stresses and uncertainties caused by the tornadoes that stormed across Mississippi in April and May make it easy for rumor...

IRIS will meet customer demands for proof of maintenance and FIA initiatives to raise safety standards Drax has launched IRIS, a new web-based service management system that delivers industry-leading level of maintenance support for fire detection and alarm installations. "Enabling users to demonstrate that every possible step has been taken to protect both life and property has become much more important as a result of enforcement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)...

Boyce is an experienced emergency manager both at state and local level Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate has applauded President Obama's appointment of Don R. Boyce as FEMA Regional Administrator for Region I, which encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  "Regional Administrators are crucial to our ability to respond effectively to emergencies based on the needs of the communities we s...

New schools in Kent will be fitted with fire sprinklers Kent Fire and Rescue Service is working with council planners and architects to promote installation of sprinklers. New schools in Kent are to be fitted with sprinkler systems, following a decision by Kent County Council to improve fire safety. The move will see officials from Kent Fire and Rescue service working with council planners and architects to encourage the installation of systems in all new or large renova...

Shopping centres present a unique set of challenges in fire safety Chubb Fire won the contract, on competitive tender, to replace both the existing fire alarm and Public Address/Voice Alarm (PAVA) system at the Howard Shopping Centre. Chubb Fire's flexible working practices have been highlighted and praised by managers of the Howard Shopping Centre in Welwyn Garden City, following completion of a successful project to upgrade an existing fire safety installation. Chubb Fire i...

Planning and practising an escape route can vastly increase chances of surviving a fire Planning an escape route could be the difference between life and death if there's a fire in your home, according to London Fire Brigade. Andy Hickmott, London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety, said: "Firefighters attend around 110 accidental home fires in London each week, some of which are serious and sadly sometimes even fatal. Fire can strike wh...

Video smoke detection is gaining popularity in the fire detection field Video smoke detection is still in the process of research and development. A VSD guidance has been published by the FIA. Although it has been in use for a number of years, until recently VSD was still seen as an emerging technology. Research into this area continues and few commercial systems are available, but it is increasingly becoming a recognised solution for both interior and exterior appl...

The annual preparedness grants will go towards preparation for meeting disasters and emergencies The critical infrastructure and preparedness grants announced include specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of grant applicants to maximize funding and also incorporate inputs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the fiscal year 2010 Preparedness Grants for nine federal programs including critical infrastructure-related gran...

New fleet of trucks from Crimson Fire will boost fire fighting capability of Buffalo city The city of Buffalo has signed a multi-year contract to purchase as four new fire trucks from Crimson Fire, Inc. The Brandon, S.D based manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles said that it has already begun work to build two new custom pumpers and one aerial for Buffalo, which is the second largest city in New York state. One aerial demonstrator was purchased to...

UK is a world leader in fire safety industry Now in its third year, the apprenticeship scheme is designed to bring young people into fire protection in a bid to ensure that the UK retains its reputation as one of the world's leading lights in fire safety. Graham Ellicott, CEA of the FIA, comments: "In the UK we are justifiably proud of our fire safety record and the expertise that we have here.  But we know the vital importance of attracting new blood to ensure that this...

The annual conference is a meeting ground for volnteer and non-profit organizations The annual conference brings volunteer organizations together to share knowledge and coordinate to help disaster survivors and their communities. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on Thursday addressed the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) conference in Orlando. FEMA and National VOAD also signed a Memorandum of Understandin...

Graham Franklin, Director Global Sales, Crowcon, will now oversee all of Crowcon's global sales and service Graham will bring to the new role his extensive product and market knowledge acquired at Crowcon.   Gas detection specialist Crowcon Detection Instruments has appointed Graham Franklin as Director of Global Sales. Graham already has a wealth of experience with Crowcon, having held various senior positions within the company, including Service Manager...

Fifty-six firefighters form London Fire Brigade took a 26.2 mile course of Marathon 2010 Fifty-six firefighters and non-uniformed staff of London Fire Brigade took the challenge to run the 26.2-mile course to raise cash for thirty-nine charities and good causes. Over fifty members of London Fire Brigade's staff took part in this year's London Marathon, raising around £50,000 for various charities. Fifty-six firefighters and non-uniformed staff took the challenge to...

Steve Hamm and Jim Knighton have newly been appointed assistant commissioners of London Fire Brigade The new Assistant Commissioners will be major players in the day-to-day running of London Fire Brigade.  The London Fire Brigade has appointed two new Assistant Commissioners, with both staff in post from 4 May. Jim Knighton has taken up the post of Assistant Commissioner for Operational Policy. Jim, who has served in the capital since 1984, has been promot...

AFG funds boost up equipments, facilities, training materials and resources AFG would provide a huge sum of $390 million to fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations. The Department of Homeland Security opened the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period on Monday April 26, 2010. Nationally AFG awards will provide fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations with approximately $390 million...