Electrical Fire Safety

CED Fire Protection was engaged to carry out the dry fire protection for large modular projects for multiple modular builders. As part of the work, they installed cabling, thermal, and heat detection, including integration to access control and mechanical systems.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced Reliant Fire Apparatus, Inc. has expanded its exclusive Pierce dealership territory to include all of Wisconsin in addition to its current coverage of southern Wisconsin and Iowa. This expansion exemplifies Reliant Fire Apparatus’ position as a major provider of fire apparatus sales and service across the region. guidance and support Reliant Fire Apparatus has been a trusted Pierce dealer since its founding in 1994, delivering exceptional customer service, expert guidance, and reliable support to fire departments. Headquartered in Slinger, Wisconsin, with a second facility in Des Moines, Iowa, the company’s dedicated team is well-versed in fire department operations and is committed to meeting the unique needs of its customers. reliable service and customer care “For the past thirty years, Reliant Fire Apparatus has set the standard for reliable service and customer care,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Their team embodies the values Pierce is known for integrity, innovation, and a commitment to empowering fire departments to serve their communities. We are excited to see Reliant bring their expertise to all of Wisconsin.” state-of-the-art service center The company’s expansion is expected to enhance its ability to serve fire departments with faster response times Reliant Fire Apparatus’ dedication to customer service is emphasized by its state-of-the-art service center in Slinger, Wisconsin, and its extensive mobile service capabilities, including preventive maintenance and routine repairs, pump testing, and emergency repairs. The company’s expansion is expected to enhance its ability to serve fire departments with faster response times, expanded resources, and unparalleled expertise and communication. customer-first approach “Reliant Fire Apparatus has always focused on building trust and providing the highest level of support to our customers,” said Brett Krueger, CEO of Reliant Fire Apparatus. “This opportunity to serve fire departments across all of Wisconsin aligns with our mission to support our customers so they can focus on their mission. Reliant embodies a customer-first approach by delivering prompt, responsive, and dependable sales and service support through our dedicated team."  exceptional sales and service standards "We are excited to strengthen this commitment across Wisconsin as we continue to grow our partnership with Pierce Manufacturing.”Reliant Fire Apparatus is committed to maintaining its exceptional standards as it integrates its new territory. Plans include increasing sales and service support, recruiting additional team members, and deploying Pierce-certified technicians to ensure every department’s needs are met.

When it comes to fires, the wrong split-second decision can get users in a life-threatening situation. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make in the event of a fire and tips on how to avoid them. Remembering and applying these tips could help users escape from a potential life-threatening situation. These basic home fire safety tips are not exhaustive but give users a good foundation for fire safety for their family. Life-threatening situation Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 1: Don't Try Salvaging Precious Items A common trap people fall into when a fire starts in their home is to try to grab items they are emotionally connected to. It is, of course, difficult leaving things we hold dear behind, especially if they are irreplaceable (such as an heirloom). However, users must remember that their life is more important than these items. The time it takes users to gather these items could be the difference between getting out and getting trapped. Toxic gas inhalation Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 2: Don't Underestimate the Danger of Smoke People are often so focused on escaping the flames of a fire that they don't think of smoke as being a threat to their life. Most victims of fires have died as a result of smoke and toxic gas inhalation. If users cannot avoid smoke when exiting a building, stay low, cover their mouth and nose and crawl to the nearest exit. Causing confusion and panic Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 3: Don't Panic - Panicking can lead to bad mistakes. If users are sleeping and an alarm goes off this can cause confusion and panic. If this happens to them, remain as calm as possible and check doors before moving out of the room users are in. Feel the door with the back of their hand. If the door is hot, look for an alternate route users may have to make their way to a window. Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 4: Ensure Smoke Alarms Are Maintained - Users should at least have one smoke alarms outside of each sleeping area in their home. Users should also ensure that all smoke detectors are tested monthly and the batteries changed twice a year. Well versed in the evacuation plan Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 5: Priorities Life - It is easy to panic and does things in the wrong order. Remember the priority during a fire is to get out of the building as quickly as possible. Once users are safely away from the house, then users should call the fire brigade, do not try to make any calls before they leave the house. Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 6: Have An Evacuation Plan - Have an evacuation plan and review this plan a couple of times a year. The more users know the plan the better. Make sure the whole family knows the plan and if they are an employer, make sure the employees are well versed in the evacuation plan.

Fire precautions during commercial and residential constructions are compulsory for any Class 2-9 building, with requirements which are different based on the size and/or stage of the development or the type of performance solutions adopted. When designing and planning a property development project fire prevention must be a priority. Following the correct framework of regulations is crucial in fire prevention and protecting future tenants or occupiers and neighboring properties from fire risks. Out of the original construction blueprints for the last fittings and fixtures, the following are the points property developers should remember throughout the course of a development project. Suitable fire suppression systems Inspections must be conducted on property development projects to ensure firefighting equipment is installed as designated in the approved plans. Pieces of equipment are then tested for fire safety compliance and building fire compliance in accordance with Australian Standards to ensure it will meet the needs of the fire service. Site supervisors and builders have to confirm suitable fire suppression systems Site supervisors and builders have to confirm suitable fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers are installed on each storey of the building, regardless of what size and/or stage of the construction work. Fire extinguishers must be located adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit. If the building has reached a height of 12 metres or more, fully compliant and functional fire hose reels and fire hydrants must be installed on every storey, except for the top two. If the fire hydrant design incorporates a booster connection, this must also be installed and comply with the relevant Australian Standards. What Materials Should Users Work With? It's crucial to evaluate the internal and external structure of a property, to be able to evaluate the ability to resist and control the rapid spread of fire and smoke. The option of certain materials for lining partitions, walls, ceilings along with other internal parts of a property's structure can substantially impact the spread and development of a fire. Choosing unsuitable materials may prevent occupants from escaping from the property in the case of a fire; thus, property developers must use materials that are actually proven to: Efficiently resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; If ignited, have a rate of heat release or rate of fire growth that is adequately low within the circumstances. How Do Users Protect Property's Structure? The overall structure must be protected as well as preserving the internal structure of a property The overall structure must be protected as well as preserving the internal structure of a property, The method of compartmentation is designed to divide the property into separate 'cells' using advisable construction materials that will help avert the passage of fire through the walls and the roof. This guarantees that the property's structure does not easily crash during a fire and that any apartments, neighboring buildings, or shops are not damaged by the fire. Fire-doors and walls are the most typical forms of compartmentation, which are actually important in commercial buildings and apartment blocks, to keep the passage of fire into a stairwell. Occupiers need to be able to easily exit a property in the case of a fire, so mapping out and protecting the exit route during the development of a building is pivotal. What Can Users Do As A Practitioner? Designers or architects arrange approved plans to include enough information to enable the builder to adhere to the requirements. Fire service designers warrant that fire services can be constructed, accredited, and are fully operational in stages, in step with construction. Builders, site supervisors, and project managers ensure that the required fire precautions are installed in the building while under construction. Building surveyors, building inspectors, and engineers when evaluating an application for a building permit, building surveyors need to scrutinize compliance with EP1.5 and E1.9 of the BCA. Before inspecting any site, building surveyors, building inspectors and engineers should inspect the fire services and not approve any inspection stage where they are non-existent or non-compliant. What Fire Safety Equipment Should Users Install? Once a property has been built, there is numerous fire safety equipment users can install, depending on the nature of the property. Fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and automatic fire-suppression systems are an important addition to commercial and residential developments. These can help extinguish a fire in the early stages, not only increasing the safety of occupiers but also aiming to protect the structure of the building itself so that it can continue to function under minimal repairs after a fire. As a property developer, users have many duties with regard to implementing fire precautions. From selecting ideal internal linings for a property to building a good framework that prevents fire spread, and finally installing the necessary fire safety equipment.

Little Lane’s Eaglemont Early Learning Center is based on recent research that highlights the benefits of outdoor play for young children’s intellectual, creative, physical, and problem-solving development. The building’s design places a premium on outside, open areas and produces a top-notch, vertically integrated daycare complex that can accommodate up to 202 kids. Eaglemont Early Learning Center An outdoor room can be as simple as a child’s drawing, with the sky serving as the ceiling The building is the next step in Milton Architect’s exploration of the role that outdoor rooms play in a child’s understanding of the built environment. An outdoor room can be as simple as a child’s drawing, with the sky serving as the ceiling, walls enclosing the space, and trees and plants serving as the main focal points. Facilitate smooth vertical integration In order to facilitate smooth vertical integration and advance the notion of the built environment as a cohesive play area, the design also produces a number of voids, terraced play, and connected levels. This is made even more intense by elevated portions of the outdoor space that provide sloping surfaces and inclines to assist kids in developing essential motor skills and to offer easy challenges that support cognitive growth.

Every hotel is at risk of fire, which may present a serious risk to guests, property, and also the business's reputation. Fire safety in hotels must be a number one priority, busy kitchens, careless guests and malfunctioning tools can contribute to the risk of fire. Thus, hotels must sufficiently be prepared by having the correct fire protection systems in place in addition to ensuring that the staff is trained in fire safety Standards and fire safety training. fire safety standards Hotel owners are required to go along with the same fire safety standards as all businesses. These establishments need to issue a fire safety policy for their staff and maintain compliance. While having proper fire safety equipment in place, hotel owners must also invest in appropriate fire safety training for the staff to make sure that useful plans and methods are actually prepared to be carried out in the occasion of a fire. fire prevention plan A fire safety program should be devised, and sufficient training for all hotel staff A good fire prevention plan should primarily be created in accordance with the Australian Standard, AS 3745 2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, a standard concerning fire prevention that outlines the minimum requirements for the improvement of the emergency program and also offers assistance for the planning, as well as the implementation of effective emergency response procedures. The initial step in achieving the objective is usually to determine all products that are needed and install them. Then, a fire safety program should be devised, and sufficient training for all hotel staff. Sprinkler Systems And Alarm Requirements Sprinkler systems are installed in the ceilings of all rooms, corridors, and interior spaces. The systems distribute water once a fire is detected in a given space. The systems are connected to an alarm system that generates an alert to notify all occupants of the presence of a fire. The alarm systems and smoke detectors are situated throughout the building. Once a fire or smoke is detected, these systems alert fire rescue authorities. All fire safety devices that are connected to these alarm systems perform the task for which they are designed immediately. They reduce the impact of the fire by decreasing the severity of property damage and protecting the occupants against injuries. Fire Extinguishers And Placement According to Australian Regulations, fire extinguishers must be placed around the common areas outside the SOUs According to Australian Regulations, fire extinguishers must be placed around the common areas outside the Sole Occupancy Units (SOUs). The extinguishers must be appropriate for paper-related fires. They must possess tags that identify all the steps for using the extinguishers. They must be placed in areas where they are always visible to occupants. 6-monthly basis Additionally, fire extinguishers must be present in all kitchen areas under Section 6 of AS 2444, corridors, and any areas in or near occupied spaces. The hotel owner must acquire the appropriate fire extinguisher types appropriate for these areas. They must be based on the type of fire that is most probable for these areas. For example, if the hotel has an on-site kitchen for breakfast preparation, they need an extinguisher that puts out grease or oil-based fires. All extinguishers must be tested on a 6-monthly basis according to Fire Safety for the hotel's regulations. Designated Escape Routes The hotel owner is required to post maps for all designated fire escape routes. These maps must appear in all guest rooms, corridors, and exit or entranceways. The hotel staff must know these routes to aid occupants in the event of a fire. Installing Fire Exits And Emergency Doors The hotel must have emergency doors near these signs to aid guests when escaping a fire The owner must install lighted fire exit signs throughout the hotel. They must be positioned in all corridors to guide guests to safety. Additionally, the hotel must have emergency doors near these signs to aid guests when escaping a fire. Employee Fire Safety Training All employees must attend fire safety training to be informed of Fire Safety Standards. The training course teaches them all fire safety regulations and compliance requirements. It presents them with the motel's fire safety policy and plans. They learn about fire safety devices and escape plans that they will need in the event of a fire. In conclusion, having all the fire safety equipment and accessories in place for a fire occurrence is important, but it is also vital to have staff that knows the Fire Safety Standards and how to use these safety devices during emergency situations.

The 2022 Building Safety Act, instituted in direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, UK, has outlined a raft of new responsibilities that building owners and managers must adhere to, in line with many of the deficiencies identified post-2017.  With the UK’s building stock notoriously aging, many of us live and work in buildings that were built under outdated regulations and have not been updated for decades in some cases. As such there is an enormous amount of remedial safety work to be done that covers essential fire protection features such as fire doors, alarms, sprinklers, and cladding materials. High-rise buildings Despite £5bn being allocated by the government to replace dangerous cladding, progress is slow, and it has been estimated that the amount needed to fully address the issue is closer to £50bn. In London, more than £1bn has been spent, and 700 buildings over 18m in height have applied for government support. However, almost half of those buildings currently in that process have not seen any remedial work begin.  This means in the capital alone there are more than a thousand high-rise buildings that are currently in need of urgent work. The need for retrofitting is particularly notable in high-rise buildings where fire spread can be rapid, and evacuation can be challenging. Across the country, there are over 11,000 high-risk buildings over 18 meters tall. In total, there could be two decades worth of remediation work. Building regulations Perfectly illustrates the delays people are facing when making their home or place of work safe from fire We had a stark, while thankfully non-tragic, reminder in August, that showed the danger of leaving these buildings in their current state when an apartment block in Dagenham caught fire. In this particular case, an external wall survey, commissioned four years before the fire, found that the block did not fully meet building regulations at the time of construction. Despite permission being granted in May 2023 and work being scheduled for June 2023, it was still ongoing almost 9 months after the target end date of December 2023. This perfectly illustrates the delays people are facing when making their home or place of work safe from fire. Traditional fire stopping The option that is often left to building owners is to completely remove the façade and install traditional fire stopping and, in many cases, requires residents to be relocated, requires large amounts of time, is severely disruptive, and carries a large price tag. This is why I have been vocal in my support of remedial work that doesn’t carry the enormous burden and cost of completely removing a facade to complete the work.  By inserting a protective sock filled with an acrylic-based fire-resistant sealant, the fire can be contained within a small section of the cavity for longer, significantly reducing the speed at which fire and smoke can spread, and I’m a huge proponent of it. Fire-resistant performance The system is devised to reinstate the fire-resistant routine of rigid and flexible wall and floor structures The system is designed to reinstate the fire-resistant performance of rigid and flexible wall and floor constructions where a retrospective cavity barrier is required. I think it’s the best solution for a huge number of cases where remedial work is required. It can be installed in residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings and the work can be carried out in-situ. Without the need to remove the whole building façade, projects can take weeks rather than months and cut out significant costs. When we look at why delays are happening, and the number of buildings where action is yet to be taken, it’s obvious that these are key stumbling blocks. Recent fire in Dagenham We’ve gained experience up and down the country, from London to Manchester, working in fire safety and have identified a number of areas which we hope that we can further improve on. Early reports from the recent fire in Dagenham suggest that the fire alarms sounded too late or were not activated at all. The cause of this has not been formerly identified, however, I envisage, and we are actively developing an ‘early warning system’, that could be installed within any wall, floor or ceiling cavity. The system could then be linked to a current fire alarm system, and/or App on your mobile phone. Expertise in sensor technology Fire can spread quickly before penetrating rooms where it would activate conventional fire alarms The benefit of this system, which would leverage our existing expertise in sensor technology, would be the ability to detect fire and smoke where conventional systems wouldn’t be able to. Where a fire is outside of the core of the building, our system would sit within cavities where fire can spread quickly before penetrating rooms where it would activate conventional fire alarms. In the event of a fire, response time is crucial. This would enable occupants to be able to leave the building or call Fire Brigade at an earlier opportunity, giving vital and potentially lifesaving time. Fire safety retrofitting The failure to address these issues could lead to further loss of life, economic costs, and legal liabilities. Fire safety retrofitting is not just about compliance but ensuring the long-term safety of residents and building occupants, particularly in densely populated areas where the risk of fire can have devastating consequences. We can make this happen far more quickly and ensure far more effective action is taken if we begin to think more imaginatively about the, giving people crucial time to act when disaster hits.

Are people too passive when it comes to fire door safety? Research conducted by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) in 2022 would suggest so, with a third of the British public stating they would not report a problem with a fire door, despite three-quarters of respondents believing a propped open fire door would not perform its role in the event of a fire. From schools and shops to shared areas of employment and accommodation, people are habitually - and sometimes unknowingly - kept safe by passive fire protection systems such as fire doors and their hardware. Yet, in the same breath, occupants and visitors of busy public-facing buildings can be placed in danger by neglected or inappropriately used products. Highlighting these dangers, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme found 75% of inspected fire doors in the UK failed to meet required safety standards in 2021, for example. Importance of fire extinguishers Fast forward to the present day and perceptions are being challenged. Following a period of regulatory updates, greater focus is being placed on the responsibilities associated with both active and passive fire protection, and with a 79% rise in prosecutions related to fire safety violations between April 2023 and March 2024, it certainly pays to pay more attention. Where most recognize the importance of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, what more can be done to ensure fire doors and their hardware are held in the same regard? Occupants and visitors of busy public-facing buildings can be placed in danger. Regulated and relied upon Passive fire protection is identified as the group of structural measures designed to inhibit the spread of smoke and fire. Frequently hidden in plain sight and sometimes taken for granted, fire doors are a key element of any building’s passive fire safety system and should never fall under neglect. In fact, fire doors are often the first line of defence against fire and smoke, and when closed, will compartmentalize spaces to protect property and provide occupants with an opportunity to escape. Fire doors are a key element of any building’s passive fire safety system. Such is their importance to public safety; fire doors are acknowledged by several professional bodies and are listed as a legal requirement in all non-domestic premises and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs). Under the recently updated Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a building’s designated Responsible Person (RP) must perform regular duties to review the condition of fire door systems, while providing residents with access to comprehensive fire safety information in the process. Fire door hardware Functional fire doors and clear exit routes are critical in ensuring appropriate precautions and preventative measures are in place and as such, responsible persons must recognize that a building’s fire doors will not perform as intended unless essential hardware has been correctly specified, installed, and maintained. As correctly acknowledged by most of the British public, an open fire door is rendered useless in the event of a fire and to form an effective barrier against fire and smoke, fire doors must be capable of closing fully from an open position. When performing a closing action, a fire door will call upon its hinges, locks, latches and door-closing devices, and in the event of a fire, not one of these elements can fail. In view of this, fire door hardware is methodically designed and tested to support the integrity of fire doors. To meet necessary standards, a fire doorset must pass one or more of a series of standardized tests, confirming its UKCA and CE certifications and FD ratings. Users can identify a certified fire door by its label, usually found on the top edge of the door. Functional fire doors and clear exit routes are critical in ensuring appropriate precautions. Shared responsibilities and results As part of their research in 2022, the BWF found that almost half of those who neglect to report a problem with fire doors would not take action because they were unsure who to report it to, or cited it was simply not their place or role to report it. Seemingly then, in many cases, improved communication and education towards fire door safety can help mitigate risk and further raise standards across the built environment. In any circumstance, people must continue being urged to keep buildings safe by reporting damaged or propped open fire doors to designated responsible persons. In higher-risk buildings where many rely on the same fire safety systems for example, it’s imperative that people know who they can turn to when a fire door safety issue arises, and often, this will be the landlord, owner, manager, or occupier of the premises. Equally, responsible persons must also adopt a hands-on approach by ensuring fire doors and their hardware are ‘subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair’, as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Higher-risk buildings where many rely on the same fire safety systems. True purpose of fire doors Where a fire alarm will inform you when something is wrong, fire doors require more proactive methods. As part of their ongoing maintenance duties, responsible persons should perform quarterly checks on fire doors, assessing the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements. Even durable door hardware can become worn and tired in high-footfall environments and may need repairing or replacing over time. An incorrectly installed or damaged self-closing device, for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame. Upon inspection, if a fire door isn’t operating as intended, it’s imperative to seek out professional advice and ensure maintenance or replacement is carried out quickly and professionally. Whilst many of us use them day to day without thought, the true purpose of fire doors must remain clear at all times. Collectively, we must continue to change the perceptions associated with passive fire protection methods and fire door safety, and only when we improve collaboration and communication will we truly limit the devastation of fire. Simply put, there is a chain of responsible parties, and everyone must recognize what their role is - we all must do better. Fire doors require more proactive methods. How Allegion UK can help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources designed to help responsible persons, duty holders and professionals undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For accessible fire door hardware support, Allegion’s new ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide is available for download and combines expert guidance with helpful terminology and useful fire door safety checklists.

In the challenging world of fire safety and security services, organizations are constantly juggling the need to maintain high efficiency with the relentless push for technological advancement. This industry, marked by a high volume of daily tasks and the necessity for rapid, sometimes unplanned responses, calls for robust and adaptive solutions. Yet, surprisingly, many fire safety and security engineers still rely on outdated tools like text messaging and spreadsheets. So, we must ask: is outdated technology crippling the fire safety and security sector?  security engineer's day Consider the typical day of a fire safety or security engineer. They manage a multitude of vital tasks, often with schedules that can change at a moment’s notice. This fluidity, combined with the need for both planned and reactive work, demands swift and efficient action to meet the tight demands of competitive contracts. However, reliance on old systems disrupts workflows, causes inefficiencies, hampers productivity, and could lead to safety risks.  disadvantages of basic communication tools The manual effort required to organize and adjust these schedules is immense, consuming valuable time Many of these engineers still depend on basic communication tools and manual scheduling methods. These methods, though familiar, are far from adequate for the modern world we operate in. New job assignments often throw long and meticulously planned schedules into disarray, leading to delays and increased stress. The manual effort required to organize and adjust these schedules is immense, consuming valuable time and being prone to human error. Furthermore, the use of spreadsheets and messaging apps for coordination isn’t just inefficient—it’s risky and unsustainable.  Automated scheduling and intelligent management systems Automated scheduling and intelligent management systems could transform this sector. True, dynamic software solutions can streamline operations, ensuring that work quotas are met ahead of schedule. By automating the scheduling process, companies can significantly cut down on the time and effort involved in manual planning. This improvement not only boosts efficiency but also reduces the risk of errors and ensures a fairer distribution of tasks. Technology, unlike human planners, does not have biases, promoting a more fair work environment for all.  sustainable and scalable Moreover, advanced technology can aid sustainability and support scalable growth. Automated systems can optimize engineers' travel routes, cutting fuel consumption and contributing to environmental goals. Efficient job management software helps organisations handle more tasks without compromising quality enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth.   prevention of knowledge loss Dynamic software stores all necessary information and makes it accessible at the click of a button One significant advantage of using technology in scheduling and task management is the prevention of knowledge loss. In a workforce that operates around the clock, with regular shift changes and employees leaving to competitors or retiring, valuable knowledge can easily be lost. Dynamic software stores all necessary information and makes it accessible at the click of a button, ensuring operational continuity and stability. challenges to intelligent system adoption Despite these clear benefits, many organizations hesitate to adopt intelligent management systems. This hesitation stems from uncertainty about what makes up good field service management software, resistance to operational change, and the high stakes involved in operating in the sector. Organizations need systems that are not just isolated and unconnected but truly dynamic and integrated.   comprehensive support Operational change can be daunting, especially in a high-stakes sector like fire safety and security, where there's no room for error. Organizations must seek software providers with deep industry expertise who understand their unique challenges. The right technology partner will offer comprehensive support throughout the software lifecycle, from pre-purchase consultation to post-sale assistance, mitigating risks and ensuring seamless implementation is crucial.  Many software providers cannot meet these needs, either because of slow enablement processes or outsourced support services. faster deployment with cost savings Leveraging the right technology has saved customers countless hours and a significant amount of money Organizations should look for in-house developers who offer customized support and faster deployment. From my experience, leveraging the right technology has saved customers countless hours and a significant amount of money. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has published several articles and reports on the importance of adopting new technologies in various engineering fields, including fire safety and security, often highlighting the benefits of automation and integrated systems in reducing operational inefficiencies.  common misconception There's a common misconception that integrating advanced technology leads to job losses. On the contrary, it facilitates sustainable growth and allows the workforce to focus on core responsibilities. By automating routine tasks and optimizing schedules, engineers can complete more jobs efficiently. This not only supports performance-related bonuses (that are common in the industry) and fairer work distribution but also enhances job satisfaction and the overall customer experience. However, the benefits don’t just stop at an operational level, as adopting job management software has a green element. reduces carbon footprint Efficient travel management reduces the carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals. Technology plays a crucial role in making the fire safety and security sector more efficient Technology plays a crucial role in making the fire safety and security sector more efficient, fair, and environmentally friendly. According to the latest stats from gov. uk on fire statistics, 2023 saw the largest rolling year figure of false alarms raised since 2011 – 250,000 or nearly 700 a day. The primary culprit? The failure of apparatus.  conclusion In conclusion, the fire safety and security sector stands at a pivotal moment. The decision to either cling to outdated technology or embrace truly dynamic, intelligent management systems will shape the industry’s future. By overcoming resistance to change and investing in robust technological solutions, companies can unlock unprecedented efficiency, sustainability, and growth, but it’s up to the sector to seize this transformative opportunity.

Wildfires swept through the Panhandle region of Texas earlier in 2024. The Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire, both starting on Feb. 26, were the most significant outbreaks. The Smokehouse Creek Fire went on to become the second largest in U.S. history, burning over a million acres across Texas and Oklahoma before it was contained in mid-March. worst-ever wildfire As Texas battled its worst-ever wildfire, firefighters worked to mitigate fire and smoke damage. Among the challenges were staffing shortages. The United States is facing a serious firefighter shortage that makes fighting wildfires, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, even more difficult. Not unrelatedly, over half of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers.  training in structural fires Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team “We just know how demanding the wildfire season is and how fast these fires can grow,” says Robbi King, Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “We want our people to be current on the expectations of what we are training, preventing our chance of getting hurt,” he says. As fires increasingly occur at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), departments with training in structural fires should expand their training knowledge to prepare. Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team. online firefighting training In addition to the availability of more than 450 hours of online firefighting training, the company also provides software platforms to ensure requisite knowledge and the ability to perform various skills.  Ensuring preparation for wildfire season, Vector Solutions has courses that meet the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements to renew certification. shortage of volunteer firefighters The shortage of volunteer firefighters is in part a reflection of the need for volunteers to hold full-time jobs to support their families, which limits their time for volunteering. Coverage of wildfire events, for example, is difficult during the day when more volunteers are at their paid jobs and unavailable.  “It takes the sacrifice of vacation and other things you earn to be a volunteer,” says King. Firefighter staffing is short throughout the U.S., and agencies facing fire emergencies often call on the larger surrounding area for help. Lack of resources in emergencies Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters Resources are needed to perform search-and-rescue duties after the fire. “The problem is, when you call on all your assets, are there enough people to take care of medical needs and other emergencies?” says King. Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters. Volunteers cannot commit two weeks of unpaid time even in a fire emergency.  Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) can help to identify areas to search, but it takes human intervention to perform rescues and to facilitate recovery. A decayed power pole sparking dry grass was determined as the cause of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, and several other fires were also traced back to faulty power equipment. The fires caused significant damage, including hundreds of homes destroyed, livestock deaths, and widespread destruction of crops and ranch infrastructure.  Wildfire impact and concerns  A huge concern during wildfire season is that individuals heed evacuation orders when they come in. “We don’t want people to be left behind,” says King. “There’s nothing there that is worth your life. Minding the evacuation orders gets you out of harm’s way.” Residents in areas impacted by wildfire should also do their part to protect their homes; sometimes it’s as simple as mowing the grass. role of the weather Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually The weather plays a significant role in determining the course of the wildfire season. Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually to a cycle of drying out and opening the door to wildfires.  The location of residences near areas prone to wildfires can contribute to risks, especially along the wildland-urban interface. “Communities want to live near nature, so they work with builders, who are trying to appease what they want,” says King. Vector Solutions Cloud “We need to look at where we are placing these homes to make sure we are pushing the vegetation back far enough to prevent the spread of fires.” Keeping firefighter skills current also makes a big difference. The Vector Solutions Cloud stores video of first responders performing skills and the video can be observed and critiqued later for better training.  Scheduling and Check It Vector also provides Vector Scheduling, a time-and-attendance tool. Vector Check It streamlines routine truck and equipment tracking and centralizes asset and inventory management. Vector’s Guardian Tracking is a performance management and early intervention solution that equips first responders with a process for consistent feedback and positive recognition while identifying those in need of intervention before an adverse event takes place.  Guardian Tracking Software The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards Vector Solutions can contribute to firefighter retention. The Guardian Tracking software can identify career milestone events and trace the negative impacts of a major fire event, including emotional stress. The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards. “Most agencies have de-brief sessions after milestone events, but sometimes we need additional care,” says King. impact due to COVID  “We want to take care of people, but sometimes we need a reminder.” If departments can retain people, it becomes less of a recruitment effort. Four years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the fire service is still being felt. “We are still identifying the long-lasting COVID effects, and there are small segments of communities that have not fully recovered,” says King. ”When you expose them to wildland fire and smoke, it compounds the issues.”  risk assessment It will be some time before the full impact of COVID is understood, including the need for first responders to go inside residences at the height of the pandemic.  “My work with the fire service and the military prepared me to always think about possibilities,” says King. “We do a risk assessment, which has allowed me to understand what the fire service needs and how we can apply our solutions to streamline and improve agencies’ processes. Having that knowledge has helped me find the right solution for firefighter needs.” 

Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical fires cause scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Some of the electrical components that present fire hazards in the home include faulty electrical outlets and switches, worn or damaged components, overloaded circuits, damaged or frayed cords, and misused extension cords and power strips. Improper use of light fixtures can also be a danger, and space heaters can be a fire hazard, if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Loose plugs can lead to overheating Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using wing cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit As outlets and switches age, the wiring behind them can loosen and break, causing sparks and fire. Loose plugs can also overheat and ignite surrounding materials. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or using extension cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit, thus causing overheating and fires.  Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials. Cords that are kinked, pinched, or have exposed wires should be avoided and replaced immediately. Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Fires Here are some steps a homeowner can take to minimize the risk of fire from electrical systems: Upgrade the electrical system, especially if the home is older. If the electrical system has not been updated in a while, a qualified electrician can advise if it needs modernization. This could involve upgrading to breakers with better safety features such as Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology. Schedule an electrical safety inspection. Having a qualified electrician periodically inspect a home's electrical system can identify potential problems before they escalate into fire hazards. Keep flammable materials away from electrical components, including curtains, furniture, and piles of paper. Sparks and overheating can easily ignite nearby flammables. Special Risks to Firefighters Firefighters face a unique set of electrical risks due to the nature of the situations they respond to. Here are some of the biggest electrical dangers that firefighters encounter: Live wires. Firefighters navigate burning buildings with compromised electrical systems. Exposed, downed, or malfunctioning wires pose a serious electrocution threat. Water can conduct electricity, so firefighters need to be especially careful when directing water streams near electrical sources. Hidden dangers. Fires can cause extensive damage, obscuring electrical hazards like damaged outlets, hidden energized wires, or electrical panels that may be malfunctioning. Firefighters need to be aware that not all electrical dangers are readily apparent. Using the wrong tools. Firefighters should know which type of extinguisher to use (like dry chemical powder or CO2) to smother the flames without risk of shock. High voltage situations. In some fire scenarios, like downed power lines or transformer fires, high-voltage electricity is a significant risk. Firefighters may need to call for utility companies to shut off power before fully engaging in firefighting efforts. Limited visibility. Smoke and darkness can significantly reduce visibility, making it even harder to spot electrical hazards during a fire. Firefighters rely on proper training and specialized equipment to navigate these situations safely. Improper grounding. Damaged or faulty grounding systems can create a situation where metal objects become electrified. Firefighters should be aware of this risk and take precautions. Electrical arcing. Electrical arcing is the creation of sparks or flashes of light when electricity jumps a gap between conductors. This can ignite nearby flammable materials and pose a risk to firefighters. Lack of ventilation. Electrical fires often produce toxic fumes. Firefighters should know how to properly ventilate the area to clear smoke and protect occupants from breathing in harmful substances. Addressing Multiple Threats Electrical fires present a double threat – fire and electrical shock. Firefighters must be trained and equipped to safely deal with both hazards. They should know how to shut off power to the affected area, minimizing the risk of electrocution for themselves and any occupants.

An ISO rating is a score between one and ten that indicates how well a fire department serves its local community. Determined by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, the rating is based on a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The lower the score, the better the rating, with a score of one being the best possible rating.   Evaluation criteria For communities, the ISO rating is a reference to an agency’s capabilities to extinguish a structure fire based on this national standard. ISO evaluates three main factors: the department itself (50% of the total score), the available water supply (40% of the total), and the communications center (10% of the total).   detailed and lengthy process However, there is much more that goes into a department's ability to protect a community In terms of the ability to protect the community, ISO only looks at a few critical details thus only reflecting how well departments are doing in those three categories. However, there is much more that goes into a department's ability to protect a community. Achieving an ISO score is a detailed and lengthy process that requires coordination among fire, water, and 911 center departments to work together to ensure the best possible result for the best resources available to a community.   Challenges to make fire, water, and 911 center work together “It can be a challenge to coordinate so many moving parts, but each of the three must work together and make improvements for the overall score to improve,” says Robbi King, Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions, a provider of compliance-based software solutions. “With most departments being all-hazards departments, ensuring any budgeted dollars are maximized for the positive effect of the ISO ratings should remain top of mind. Matching those dollars to the rating is critical for the citizens of the community.”  training and workforce management Fire departments are deeply familiar with the ISO rating process as they are all held to this standard Vector Solutions is a pioneer in training and workforce management technology that enables Fire and Rescue Departments to meet their demanding training, compliance, and preparedness objectives including ISO.   Fire departments are deeply familiar with the ISO rating process as they are all held to this standard. When it comes to the general public, more education is needed. ISO rating process The average person often does not know that these ratings exist or how they affect the community, says King. Additionally, ISO rating is only one facet of today's fire department. It requires a single person or group of people to gain the necessary knowledge and time to create changes and improvements to make a lasting impact on their community.  community evaluations The evaluation is a large project that takes many staffing hours to prepare annually The general public tends to have an oversimplified view of ISO ratings: A fire hydrant in the front yard equates to cheaper insurance. However, the community evaluations actually look at many factors of the fire, water, and communications departments to set this rating from equipment and daily staffing levels to how long it takes for a 911 call to be answered. The evaluation is a large project that takes many staffing hours to prepare annually.   public safety suite of products Through Vector Solutions’ public safety suite of products, including software for training management, policy distribution, personnel scheduling, critical incident, and exposure tracking, agencies are better prepared with documentation that authenticates details required under ISO ratings, says King. With an online course library including more than 450 hours of fire department training with 250+ hours of CAPCE-approved EMS recertification courses, Vector Solutions prioritizes worker safety alongside robust documentation to achieve a positive score.  Vector Solutions’ Scheduling and Vector Check Vector Check, a mobile equipment repair and maintenance app, ensures agencies have better documentation Both Vector Solutions’ Scheduling work management software and Vector Check, a mobile equipment repair and maintenance app, ensure agencies have better documentation to support individual preparedness for success. These tools can be used to report daily staffing levels and pull reports from all necessary tests completed on the department's equipment.  TargetSolutions Additionally, tools like the TargetSolutions online training management system can aid in reporting required training hours upon completion. These examples of preparedness documentation are essential for ISO ratings as they look to ensure individuals and agencies as a whole are up to date on training and other preparedness initiatives.   Improvement in hydrant flow It can also note the best place to loop in another water main to improve the flow as well But how can technology identify places for improvement of elements like hydrant water flow? Hydrants are placed within a subdivision before roads are even made. If the water flow at the hydrants in a subdivision is not enough, the agency can use technology to find the best place to improve the water system and increase the water flow available. Technology can help by identifying the sizes of water mains to see if improving the volume or increasing the pressure would improve the flow in that area. It can also note the best place to loop in another water main to improve the flow as well.  an all-hazards agency The “fire department” title is likely an outdated name for most agencies today, says King. Today, they are an all-hazards agency, and structural firefighting is only one facet of what makes the agency special. ISO only looks at this one facet. Many agencies have a hard time achieving or maintaining a high ISO rating because structural firefighting isn’t the only work that they are required to do day in and day out.  Fire Suppression Rating Schedule Then work to identify what would be needed to gain those additional points to improve the rating" “Fire, water, and 911 center departments must coordinate to ensure the best possible ISO ratings,” says King. “This begins with reviewing the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule as a group and discussing each area to see where the community stands. Then work to identify what would be needed to gain those additional points to improve the rating.”  AgencyConnect Along with contacting and attending sessions with Verisk/ISO, gaining insight from a department’s individual questions and their training is essential to maximize a community’s effort. Recently, Vector Solutions announced a new tool called AgencyConnect, a data-sharing solution connecting local departments' training management systems to those used by state-certifying authorities and training academies.  simplifying training reporting Previously, training and certification records were distributed across agencies and academies, often locked away as a paper copy. By simplifying training reporting and reducing time-intensive, manual processes, more time can be spent ensuring first responders have the proper training that is essential when it comes time for ISO ratings.

CED Fire Protection was engaged to carry out the dry fire protection to a state-of-the-art education facility for the Southern Cross Grammar Centauri Building for the senior students, including a large creative art hall built cost a 12.3 million dollar building located in Caroline Springs, designed by Watson’s Young Architects. As part of the work, they installed a Pertronic’s sub fire indicator panel FIP with BOWS building occupancy system, smoke and heat detection was installed, as well as integrating control to security and mechanical services.

Oshkosh Airport Products, an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced the delivery of two Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) of Chile. The new vehicles will enhance emergency response capabilities at the Chacalluta de Arica Airport and Araucanía de Temuco Airport, maintaining the customer’s full Oshkosh ARFF fleet at both locations. reliability, trust, and security “We identify with Oshkosh Airport Products because, like our department, their team provides reliability, trust, and security,” said Manuel E. Retamales Lolas, S.S.E.I Director, DGAC. “The excellence that identifies us as a team, we also find in the Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles.” DGAC Chile has a long-standing relationship with Oshkosh Airport Products, dating back to 1978. For decades, DGAC has relied on Oshkosh’s robust and reliable vehicles to support its firefighters, who consistently praise the fleet’s performance and longevity. ARFF vehicles “This delivery is a testament to the trust and confidence DGAC places in Oshkosh’s high-quality, innovative ARFF vehicles,” said Robert Colon, associate manager of international sales – Latin America for Oshkosh Airport Products. “DGAC is a forward-thinking team, and we are honored to continue supporting their modernization efforts with our latest technologies.” fleet upgrade New Striker will enhance response efficiency through its innovative TAK-4® Independent Suspension system DGAC’s acquisition of two Oshkosh Airport Products Striker 6x6 ARFF vehicles is part of an ongoing initiative to upgrade its fleet with state-of-the-art equipment that meets the complex demands of unique operating environments. The Chacalluta de Arica Airport, located in one of the driest cities in South America, benefits greatly from the Striker’s high water capacity and advanced fire suppression systems, which are designed to meet these unique challenges. Similarly, Araucanía de Temuco Airport’s new Striker will enhance response efficiency through its innovative TAK-4® Independent Suspension system and firefighter-friendly cab design. Striker model "DGAC has chosen Oshkosh’s latest generation Striker model because of its unmatched performance, reliability, and operator ease-of-use," said Colon. “The vehicles are equipped with technology that will help streamline firefighting operations and deliver exceptional performance in the field. Our team looks forward to being a key partner in supporting Chile’s aviation emergency response teams for many years to come.” vehicle features The newly delivered Striker 6x6 vehicles feature: Scania DC16, 16.0 L V8 four-cycle turbocharged diesel Tier 4F engine. TAK-4 Independent Suspension. Rear steer capabilities for enhanced maneuverability. Primary roof turret with a high flow rate of 4,732 LPM (1,250 GPM) and a low flow rate of 2,365 LPM (625 GPM). Bumper turret with a flow rate of 1,135 LPM (300 GPM). Water capacity: 12,500 L. Foam capacity: 1,600 L. Dry chemical capacity: 227 kg. Training program A robust training program is being conducted for DGAC operators and technicians to ensure a smooth transition to their new Striker ARFF vehicles. Regional Oshkosh Airport Products dealer IMPOMAK S.A. has provided strong support in Chile since 2006. Based in Santiago, Chile, Impomak also provides extensive service support to all  Oshkosh ARFF trucks across the nation of Chile.

Central Shopping Center in Caroline Springs is a vibrant retail hub located in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. It serves as a central destination for the local community, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The center houses major supermarkets, fashion retailers, specialty stores, and services like health and beauty salons. Highest standards of fire safety In addition to its retail outlets, the shopping center features a food court with various cuisines, outdoor seating areas, and ample parking. The modern architecture and layout make it a comfortable and convenient space for visitors. Passionate Fire is proud to have contributed to both fire engineering and fire protection services design, ensuring the continuity of this business, while maintaining the highest standards of fire safety.

CED Fire Protection was engaged to carry out the dry fire protection at the Doncaster 5-level apartment building designed by Clare Hopkins Clarke. As part of the work, they installed an Ampac fire indicator panel FIP with BOWS building occupancy system, smoke and heat detection was installed, as well as integrating control to security and mechanical services.

CED Fire Protection were engaged to carry out the dry fire protection to the Glen Iris 4-level apartment building consisting of 16 high-end apartments with one large basement designed by Ewert Leaf. As part of the work, they installed a Pertronic fire indicator panel FIP with BOWS building occupancy system, smoke and heat detection was installed, as well as integrating control to security and mechanical services.

CED Fire Protection was engaged to carry out the dry fire protection to this 16-level social housing apartment building, consisting of 151 one and two-bedroom apartments, ground floor and communal space, and basement carpark at a build cost of 61 million. As part of the work, they installed an Ampac FIP fire indicator panel with an emergency warning intercommunication system EWIS, WIP phones, smoke, and heat detection, as well as integrating control to sprinklers, security, and mechanical services.

Fostering fire safety is a basic principle, but one that suggests many different approaches and technologies. Best practices and greater innovation can play a role to ensure various aspects of fire safety (and health), but the first step is awareness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is a fire safety trend that isn't widely adopted but should be?

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?  

Wildfire season presents special challenges to firefighters, and environmental trends point to even more frequent wildfires in the future, due to factors such as global warming. Technology, in all its variety, provides new tools to aid departments tasked with fighting wildfires. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the emerging technologies in wildfire prevention and protection?