The topic of 'Fire Protection 4.0' is the focus of the 65th annual conference of the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb) from May 28th to 30th in Duisburg. Under the motto “How sustainable is German fire protection?”
Experts from home and abroad will provide information about the current state of science and technology in more than 50 lectures. Around 700 participants are expected. The conference is accompanied by a large specialist exhibition. It demonstrates how the latest developments can be implemented in practice.
Headlines and discussions
The disaster, which killed more than 70 people in June 2017, attracted headlines and discussions
One of the highlights of the event will also be the appearance of the two directors Tom George and Steve Apter from the London Fire Brigade, who will give a first-hand account of the Grenfell Tower fire. The disaster, which killed more than 70 people in June 2017, attracted headlines and discussions around the world.
“More than ever, the topic of digitalization and networking will be the focus of this 65th annual conference,” announces vfdb President - Dirk Aschenbrenner.
The success of the 2017 conference
Dirk Aschenbrenner adds: “Innovation and digitalization are directly linked. Without further development and use of the most modern means, fire protection, disaster control and rescue services cannot function efficiently - whether in the control centers or at the scene."
He continues, "We are, therefore, pleased to support the dialogue between research and development, manufacturers and users with the event. We expect important impulses for future developments this time too.”
Based on the experiences of the past few years and the great success of the 2017 conference in Bremen, vfdb General Secretary Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann also had a large turnout this year and asks that you use the forms on the website.
Focus on digitalization
Importance of 'Digitalization and Fire Protection 4.0' is highlighted right at the start of the program
The importance of 'Digitalization and Fire Protection 4.0' is highlighted right at the start of the program. Last year in Bremen, one of the messages at the conference was: "Digitalization is the fuel that can significantly improve civil security."
The presentation of the vfdb fire damage statistics is also awaited with great interest in a "fact check". During the remainder of the conference, the use of geodata will be discussed as well as security and fire protection research.
The range of topics also includes the challenges posed by new vehicle technologies. One section deals with firefighting in electric and hybrid vehicles. Other areas: the fire protection assessment of personal safety and flows of people in buildings, current aspects in preventive fire protection, “leasing of fire brigade technology and vehicles – emergency solution or innovation?”, the future of fire departments and current news from the rescue service.
Experiences from current major disaster situations
In addition to the report on the Grenfell Tower fire in London, two other major events from the past are discussed: the explosion at BASF in Ludwigshafen in 1966, which claimed five lives, and the G20 summit in Hamburg last year.
Presentations on 'Fire protection in the past and present'
Presentations on the topic of 'Fire protection in the past and present' round off the annual conference and provide an overview of the German fire departments, which have developed into modern service providers over the course of more than 150 years.
The Duisburg Fire Department is hosting the 65th vfdb conference. In a welcoming speech, its director Oliver Tittmann praised the event as a good platform for specialist contributions and discussions on the future-oriented orientation of the fire brigades.
