Public Education - News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have come together to produce a new Code of Practice to bring clarity to the use of premises information boxes for residential buildings. The Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings is in response to recommendations about fire safety information made by the Grenfell Inquiry. One of the recommendations focused on the provision of premises information boxes and this new Co...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is partnering with technology firm - NBS to help architects and designers specify passive fire protection products and systems when looking at building safety design. In a win-win approach, those using the NBS cloud-based platform can now have access to appropriate high-quality guidance and technical content, helping them to produce accurate and structured specifications.  Providing product information It will also assist ASFP member...

Working with industry experts, the FPA has published a concise guide for sprinkler owners and specialist sprinkler maintenance contractors to inspect, test and maintain sprinkler systems to meet the required standards. Sprinkler system service and maintenance: guidance, records and checklists is supported and funded by RISCAuthority and is endorsed by the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA). Maintaining sprinkler systems The guide is freely available to download here and cont...

As health restrictions continue to ease across the country, Americans are looking forward to summer barbecues and evenings around the fire pit. However, these celebrations bring an increased need for safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is peak time for grill fires, with gas grills being involved in an average of almost 9,000 home fires per year. In the event of a fire, proper use of fire safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, is critical. To kee...

Dustin Porter has joined the Hannay Reels team as a CAD Drafter/Designer. Dustin is a recent graduate of SUNY Morrisville and SUNY Polytechnic Institute with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Technology. He is a volunteer firefighter with the Huntersland Fire Department, and one of his hobbies is vinyl graphics – signs, lettering, and decals. Dustin will make a great addition to the innovative engineering team, he is eager to learn and excited to start his career at Hannay Reels.

BAFE statement on the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire. BAFE would like to recognize the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire and pay respects to all the people who lost loved ones and their homes because of this event.   Regrettably, the fire highlighted multiple areas where substantial change is required to maintain a safe environment for people in their homes. BAFE has strong objectives to be part of this positive change to improve the fire safety arena and will c...

Osage Beach Fire District hired 3 new firefighters. Probationary firefighters once hired are required to work a 40-hour week of training preparing them for their first 48-hour shift with their assigned shifts. Learning the basics  During this 40-hour week, the newly hired firefighters learn the basics, including but not limited to, hose deployment, rope rescue, and auto extrication.    This 40-hour week also gives the new firefighters a chance to meet everyone they may not wor...

Envirograf has announced testing its latest solution, Envirowall, a fire-resistant eco panel that offers effective passive fire protection, thermal performance, as well as sound absorption. Envirowall eco panels Over 50 experimental tests have been carried out for Envirowall eco panels, achieving 133 minutes of fire integrity, insulation, and load-bearing. Acoustic performance has been tested, in accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2:2010:45 (-2;-7) dB, achieving a thermal U-value of 0.40 W/sq. m...

The point detector is the most common of all fire detection devices. Sometimes taken for granted, it is the first line of defense for fire protection. Many elements are taken into consideration when it comes to fire protection. However, the most critical decision is not the chosen brand or its open or closed protocol, but the type of point detector selected. This verdict determines the safety of staff, customers, and the property. 6000PLUS addressable point sensors The 6000PLUS range is Prote...

The Home Office on Monday (07/06/2021) has published an update regarding guidance covering fire safety in purpose-build blocks of flats. The Home Office states that “This document is a guide to ensuring adequate fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats, regardless of age. Practical advice is offered on how to assess the risk from fire and how to manage fire safety in such buildings. The document also includes case studies based on the commonly found issues in blocks of flats, with sug...

The UK Government has launched on 8 June 2021 a new consultation on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (‘PEEPs’) in high-rise residential buildings, which seeks views on implementing the relevant Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations. The consultation will be open for a period of six weeks, from 8th June to 19th July 2021. Raise awareness of the new consultation Alongside the consultation, the Home Office are also holding workshops They would like to encourage everyone to res...

Following the success of FireQual in gaining regulated status from both CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland and SQA Accreditation in Scotland, are not standing still. Attention is now turning to the subject matter of Fire Detection and Alarms. FireQual is developing a series of qualifications that will look to provide the underpinning knowledge required by those who work within the area of fire detection and alarms. industry-led qualifications In addition, reflecting on the core messages of t...

The UK Home Office on Monday (07/06/2021) published an update regarding guidance covering fire safety in purpose-build blocks of flats. The UK Home Office states that ‘this document is a guide to ensuring adequate fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats, regardless of age’. how to assess fire risk Practical advice is offered on how to assess the risk from fire and how to manage fire safety in such buildings. The document also includes case studies based on the commonly found i...

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 95 years, has announced “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2021, October 3-9. From beeps to chirps, this year’s campaign works to better educate the public about the sounds smoke alarms make, what those sounds mean, and how to respond to them. “Smoke alarms have played a leading...

Entries are now open for the new Fire and Security Matters Awards organized by Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters magazines – both of which are published by Western Business Media – and are supported by BAFE.   The Fire and Security Matters Awards are free to enter and recognize excellence and innovation in the fire and security sectors. The winners of the Fire and Security Matters Awards will be revealed at a gala dinner and ceremony to be held at the Ricoh Arena in Cov...

A London Fire Brigade investigation into a residential high-rise fire in Poplar revealed that the building’s ventilation systems failed to clear toxic smoke from escape routes putting the lives of residents at risk. In a report published on 1 June, fire investigators found that smoke detectors on the floor of the fire failed to operate the Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) and the cross-corridor fire doors. This meant that the smoke collected in the hallways and prevented the safe escape...

BAFE is sad to hear of the passing of Paul Fuller CBE, former Fire Sector Federation Chairman. Paul Fuller died on Monday 7th June 2021. Paul’s contribution Dennis Davis, Executive Officer of the Fire Sector Federation, states “Paul, who was serving as Chief Fire Officer Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Chief Executive Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority, died early this morning in hospital whilst receiving treatment for a recently diagnosed illness.” BAF...

Glob­al research com­pa­ny, JCMR con­firmed that the VPS Site Security Ltd. (VPS) was one of a select group of companies that leads the mar­ket world­wide in pro­vid­ing con­struc­tion site secu­ri­ty systems.  VPS is the only UK site secu­ri­ty com­pa­ny to have been short­list­ed every year since 2014 for the peer reviewed IFSEC Secu­ri­ty and Fire Excel­lence Awards, win­ning a ra...

Four C-130 aircraft from the California and Nevada Air National Guard, worked alongside the U.S. Forest Service, during annual refresher and certification training with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), from May 4 – May 7, 2021. During the training, these aircraft, equipped with MAFFS units, practiced dispersing water in rugged, mountainous terrain, as they are guided by lead planes flown by members of the U.S. Forest Service. Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System MAFFS...

On Saturday, June 5, North Carolina-based Kidde – a foremost manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and safety accessories – and The Home Depot will join North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey in celebrating “Smoke Alarm Saturday.” The annual event, held each year on the first Saturday in June, unites fire departments and fire safety partners across North Carolina in raising awareness of t...

A court has quashed an appeal brought by a restaurant owner against a hefty fine after a fire revealed major fire safety breaches in the premises. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service originally brought a prosecution against Beta UK Ltd who owns Malik’s Restaurant in Cookham, Berkshire. The case was heard by Reading Magistrate’s Court in October 2020. Fire at Malik’s Restaurant in Cookham, Berkshire Police have said they think the attack was an attempt to endanger lives"...

The Big Bear Fire Department has a new way to report illegal fireworks. The new Illegal Firework Reporting System offers an easy and anonymous way to report the use and sale of personal fireworks. Anyone can now go on to the Department’s website or simply scan a QR Code and anonymously report the use or sales of illegal fireworks by completing a simple online reporting form. Fire Department Investigators will respond promptly to the reported location where fireworks are currently in use,...

VdS (VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH) has announced the release of Compact Guidelines VdS 2100 for dependable pipe connection elements and fittings renewed, comprehensively supplemented with findings for reliable production, with regard to leak tightness and stress crack resistance, as well as other aspects. Automatic sprinkler systems The decisive instant protection in case of fire (more often than every 5 minutes in a company in Germany) is automatic sprinkler systems. An important part of th...

Lingjack Digital Pte Ltd has entered a new partnership with Temasek Polytechnic School of Engineering at its newly retrofitted Integrative Built Environment Centre (IBEC). IBEC provides future-ready and industry-relevant training and solutions for the built environment sector. Involving smart technologies It focuses on industry regulatory, uplift, and transformational training for both Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET), while engaging in research &...

Hempel has acquired a unique technology developed by Das Lack Enertherm (DLE), a German-English company. Combined with internal expertise, the technology will enable Hempel to develop and launch coating products with insulating properties within the next year. The acquisition is part of Hempel’s new double impact strategy that will see the company double its revenue to EUR 3 billion by 2025 and create leadership positions in the energy segment.  The strategy will be realized through...

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) is delighted to announce its sponsorship, participation and support for FIREX International Connect 2021, Europe’s renowned fire safety event, which is taking place virtually from June 1 - 30, 2021. FIREX International Connect 2021 Attracting a high profile of speakers from across the industry, FIREX International Connect 2021 connects the global fire and security markets, while providing fire and security professionals access to the very latest adva...

Rosenbauer has announced the roll out of their RDL - Rapid Deploy Light tower, an auto-deploying pneumatic LED scene light tower, at its annual dealer meeting, held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Upon activation, the RDL - Rapid Deploy Light tower deploys to a height of eight feet, with the capability of extending up to 20 feet, under manual control. Two versions of the RDL - Rapid Deploy Light tower will be available from Rosenbauer: RDL-S Rapid Deploy Light tower model: The RDL-S model fea...

Osage Beach Fire Protection District recently took delivery of two new Rosenbauer Rescue Engines. These new apparatuses are now the frontline apparatus that respond to calls for service allowing older apparatus to be placed into reserve status. Rosenbauer Rescue Engines Engine 11 and Engine 12 are stationed out of fire stations 1 and 2, and respond to all calls for service. These apparatuses are outfitted with a 700-gallon water tank, 30 Gallon Class A Foam Tank, with a 1500 gallons per minut...

The Department for Education has published a revised version of Building Bulletin 100 and is now consulting on updated and expanded guidance that sees school boarding accommodation included for the first time. BB 100 is non-statutory guidance that advises how to minimize the spread of fire within a school and how to ensure the building structure is adequately resistant to the effects of fire. It also sets out the requirements for fire and rescue services to access schools in the event of a fire...

According to AAA, more than 9 in 10 Memorial Day travelers will drive to their destinations this year. The advocate for safe mobility predicts a 52 percent increase in vehicle travel this Memorial Day weekend over last year and reports that 34 million Americans are planning to take road trips now that COVID-19 restrictions are loosening up. In the interest of public and responder safety, leading fire service organizations are reminding firefighters, EMS providers, and roadside service provide...