Active Fire Protection (AFP) - News
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report into the fatal explosion and fire at the KMCO production facility in Crosby, Texas, USA. On April 2, 2019, KMCO was producing sulfurized isobutylene as a lubrication additive. The explosion and fire occurred after isobutylene leaked from a fracture in a segment of piping and formed a flammable vapor cloud, which ignited. Fatal injury One KMCO employee was fatally injured, and two others were seriously inju...
The final three recipients of MSA and DuPont’s 2023 Globe Gear Giveaway, conducted in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), have been selected. The Bell County Volunteer Fire Department (Pineville, KY), Broadway (VA) Volunteer Fire Department Inc., and Scotts Hill (TN) Fire Department will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four helmets to help keep their crew safe. These donations wrap up the 2023 giveaway, in which a total of 52 sets of turnout gear an...
Fire detection and warning systems should be used correctly and effectively. In order to achieve this, it will be helpful to know how the system works. What triggers the fire alarm? How does the fire alarm work? They recommend that they read the blog post, which is a brief guide for correct use. Fire alarm systems have a fire detection panel and different means of detection; consisting of elements, such as buttons, detectors, siren-blinker, etc. Fire detection and warning systems Fire detecti...
European manufacturer of complete fire safety systems, Global Fire Equipment (GFE), will showcase the latest additions to its product portfolio on Stand F10 in Hall 3 at Intersec 2024, which takes place in Dubai from 16 – 18 January, 2024. GFE’s experts will be on hand to showcase the company’s range of advanced addressable fire alarm control panels and detectors. Visitors to the stand will also hear about the benefits of working with a complete systems provider that has the l...
A group of Fenland youngsters have been benefitting from fire service training to help develop teamwork skills, increase self-esteem and confidence, and understand the consequences of risk-taking decision-making. Learnings Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has been hosting students from Thomas Clarkson Academy at Wisbech Fire Station. Led by the Service’s Community Development Instructors, the groups have been learning how to use hose reels, ladders, and breathing apparatus, and le...
Gain an understanding of the potential dangers associated with lithium battery fires, safeguards for avoiding a fire, and strategies for extinguishing lithium battery fires. Given the ubiquity of lithium-ion batteries in many modern electronics, knowledge of the proper steps to take in the event of a fire is essential. Lithium Batteries ignition cause Thermal instability known as thermal runaway can occur if a lithium battery overheats. This occurs when gaseous material is released from the l...
The SafeInno Foundation, set up by the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb), will also be presenting the Excellence Awards. They are among the highest awards for special work in the area of security. The prizes are awarded in three categories “special scientific achievements”, “research and development” and “special organizational achievements”. Digital application submission A total of up to 7,500 euros in prize mone...
Over 4,400 trade visitors from a total of 20 countries came to the Koelnmesse on 6 and 7 December 2023 to take part in the VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2023 event. This was a new visitor record. After the opening by the Mayor of Cologne, Dr. Ralf Heinen, things got underway on St Nicholas' Day: 150 exhibitors presented innovative solutions and brought the latest fire protection technology to life with live demonstrations. This included, for example, a demonstration of a high-pressure sprinkler syst...
One of the key reasons fireproofing in high-rise buildings is essential is because of the time it provides for evacuation and rescue operations. In the event of a fire, occupants on higher floors may have limited means of escape. Fireproofing in high-rise buildings that use fireproofing materials and techniques can delay the spread of flames, allowing more time for people to evacuate safely and for emergency responders to reach the affected areas. Fireproofing in high-rise buildings High-rise...
LifeSafe, a fire safety technology business with innovative fire extinguishing fluids and fire safety products, announces the launch of its new Pre-Trauma Fluid, a unique, non-conductive coolant fluid designed specifically to prevent thermal runaway in battery packs that can be caused by overheating, overcharging, or damage. The PTF is an innovative, patent-pending solution that prevents the threat of thermal runaway by significantly reducing the transfer of heat within a battery pack. Th...
Fire detection and warning systems are necessary for all kinds of industrial facilities such as businesses, factories, warehouses, and all kinds of buildings to minimize the loss of life and property and to take precautions against fire hazards. To protect the lives of the employees, or building occupants during danger and to prevent damage to the materials and machinery in the building, routine checks of fire alarm systems should be made, and all components must work flawlessly and in sync. We...
Carrollton Fire Rescue (CFR) was recognized as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider of the Year by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, in Plano, Texas, USA, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the hospital’s Quarterly EMS Luncheon. Each year, administrators, physicians, and nurses at Texas Health select a Provider of the Year after reviewing EMS calls and determining which had the most significant impact on a patient. CFR’s rigorous training In September, Carrollton...
Concerned Fire Chiefs are calling on the public’s support, as they re-launch a lifesaving campaign to protect Tyne and Wear’s most vulnerable. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) Lifesaver campaign is aimed at encouraging the public to reach out and help save someone’s life. A simple telephone call, email or social media message could be the deciding factor that helps to change a friend or family member’s life forever. As part of National Safeguarding A...
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is accepting nominations for its annual fire service achievement awards. Recognize the contributions of a lifetime volunteer firefighter, a pioneer in health and wellness, an outstanding junior firefighter, or a successful junior firefighter program. Nominations are due by 5 pm EST on January 19 for the following awards. Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognizes a volunteer firefighter who has served at least 20 years and has made a major...
Chief Scott Fournier and the Berkley Fire and Rescue Department wish to share safety tips with community members as they plan to cook, bake, and enjoy holiday meals over the coming days and weeks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve are peak days for home cooking fires. During 2017–2021, unattended cooking was the pioneering factor contributing to cooking fires and casualties. Following tips from the NFPA To help...
A fire can strike at any time—even when least expecting it. But is there a time of day when fires are the most likely to start? Examined official government data from 2010 to 2023 which recorded the number of fires by hour of the day in England to find the following: Fires are most common between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm in the evening. Fires are least common between 6:00 am and 7:00 am in the morning. Visualize the data in the charts below. On the x-axis, can find a year-on-y...
If users are well accustomed to the firefighting industry, then the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is nothing new. For decades, the NFPA has set codes and standards for all aspects of safety regarding the firefighting community. No matter what line of fire duty users are in, these guidelines have impacted users in some way. Oshkosh Airport Products explains why these NFPA guidelines matter and how users can contribute to improving the safety of the fire industry. NFPA Standar...
According to official government guidance, minor penalties for businesses that fail to follow fire safety regulations can cost up to £5,000. If the fire safety measures are deemed inadequate, fire safety officers can take action. ‘Inadequacy’ can look like plenty of things; however, the presence and condition of fire safety equipment is one of the most important factors in this assessment. Passive fire protection products With that said, compare the cost of a fire regulation...
RESCUE Intellitech, a globally renowned provider of innovative solutions for the firefighting and rescue services industry, is excited to announce the launch of the single-phase version of their highly acclaimed Solo Rescue® decon washer. The introduction of this new variant is set to revolutionize the industry by offering enhanced accessibility and expanded opportunities for fire departments in the Americas. Solo Rescue decon washer The Solo Rescue decon washer, originally available excl...
Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and boots, all designed to protect them from the intense heat, smoke, and hazardous materials they encounter on the job. Properly maintained PPE is essential not only for the safety of the firefighter but also for the success of firefighting operations. Reduced Thermal Protection Firefighters depend on the insulating properties of their PPE to withstand extreme temperatures. Improper washing can co...
A wildfire that ignited more than a week ago has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge in Western North Carolina. The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have provided an update on the Collett Ridge fire, four miles south of Andrews in the Nantahala National Forest. The Citizen-Times reported that the fire was caused by a lightning strike on Oct. 23, 2023. Personnel at scene As of Nov. 4, 2023, the fire had consumed 677 acres and there was 0% containment. A total...
Crews have been bombarded with fireworks, bricks and bottles after being mobilized to tackle a series of outdoor fires. This included twice on Monday night at Ardrossan in North Ayrshire followed by two further attacks in the Southhouse and Sighthill areas of Edinburgh on Halloween. Crews had to request the assistance of Police Scotland to provide an escort to enable them to attend and extinguish the fires. There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a number of fire appliance...
FieldEquip, a powerful and customizable Field Service Management Software platform, takes immense pride and satisfaction in announcing that following the successful completion of the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 1 audit in August 2023, it has now successfully completed its Service Organization Control (SOC) 2® Type II certification. This recent accomplishment illustrates FieldEquip’s continuous commitment to creating and maintaining a secure operating environment for its...
When a fire starts in the kitchen, users need to act fast to keep the fire from getting out of control. But how they act depends on what kind of fire is and where it is. Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fires: If the user has a fire in the oven or the microwave, close the door or keep it closed, and turn off the oven. Don’t open the door! The lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames. If the oven continues to smoke like a fire is still going on in there, call the fire...
Fire poses a significant risk to the hospitality sector. Apart from causing costly damage and bringing operations to a halt, it can seriously undermine the organization’s brand. The evidence suggests fire is fairly commonplace in the industry; according to the government’s latest figures, hotels are one of the most vulnerable types of buildings, with 263 out of every 1,000 experiencing a fire in the period September 2012–September 2019. Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways fared s...
Gilbert Fire & Rescue in Arizona and Pierce Manufacturing will welcome Gilbert’s new Pierce Volterra electric pumper into service with a local media open house and traditional push-in ceremony on Friday, October 27 at Gilbert Fire Station No. 2. The media event begins at 3 PM (MST) with the push-in ceremony to directly follow at 4 PM (MST). Attendees will have the opportunity to get an up-close view of the revolutionary electric fire apparatus, learn about its technology elements...
Heavy downpours on Friday (20) caused by Storm Babet saw Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (CFRS) Combined Fire Control to see their busiest 24 hours on record. The Service’s Combined Fire Control Room is a joint control room with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service–responding to 999 calls from both counties. Over 1500 calls were received in a 24-hour period-exceeding that of the summer heatwave fires of July 2022. Flood alerts issued While Cambridgeshire saw flood alerts...
With the upcoming bonfire season, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) wants to ensure celebrations are both fun and safe. In 2019, WYFRS responded to 427 bonfire-related incidents, and they are committed to reducing that number. safety is key While WYFRS encourages celebration, safety is key. Whether users are attending an organized event or having their cozy bonfire at home, listed below are WYFRS' top tips for having a safe bonfire season: Whenever possible, consider attending or...
Firefighters gave a new electronic battery wrap the highest safety rating after a true trial-by-fire. Specifically, testers at the Polk County Fire Central Station in Oregon, drove a nail through a lithium-ion battery cell wrapped in PACT® Thermo ShieldTM TR SleeveTM to blow it up to prove the paper wrap would contain the fire. Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®) created the specially-coated, fire-suppressant paper to prevent thermal runaway, a dangerous and difficult b...
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is recruiting for the next generation of 999 call handlers at its Operations Control site in Edinburgh. The role of Firefighter Control is the first point of contact for members of the public who dial 999 to report an emergency. It plays a vital role in keeping Scotland’s communities safe and ensuring that emergency incidents are dealt with effectively and efficiently. Firefighter Control staff Group Commander - Marie C...
