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Fire-Dex, the country’s fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, is excited to announce the renewal of its exclusive partnership with the Fire Dept. Coffee, the beloved veteran-owned coffee brand founded and run by firefighters. This new agreement solidifies Fire-Dex's position as the official head-to-toe protective gear sponsor of the Fire Dept. Coffee for the next three years. TECGEN51 and TECGEN71 apparel As part of the extended collaboration, the team at Fire Dept. Coffee will don Fire-Dex gear, including hot-selling TECGEN51 and TECGEN71 apparel, along with Fire-Dex helmets, gloves, hoods and boots, when filming entertaining videos for its popular channels, including the Fire Department Chronicles YouTube channel that is approaching two million subscribers. We’re thrilled to continue to help the team pursue its mission of celebrating first responders" “These top-of-the-line garments and accessories not only endorse safety but also promote the professional image of the Fire Dept. Coffee team as they share their passion for coffee and firefighting,” said Jenny Surovey, Vice President of Marketing for Fire-Dex. Jenny Surovey adds, “We’re thrilled to continue to help the team pursue its mission of celebrating first responders, while inviting fans to laugh at the lighter side of station life." Latest developments in PPE The spirited crew behind Fire Dept. Coffee, known for making an incredible selection of coffee roasts and for generating tens of millions of social media views with their cheerful approach to the industry, will also assist Fire-Dex in enhancing its safety message to departments that want to stay updated on the latest developments in PPE. “We greatly value our relationship with Fire-Dex," said Luke Schneider, Founder of Fire Dept. Coffee, adding "Just as Fire-Dex equips firefighters with top-notch gear to protect and serve their communities, we aim to fuel their strength and resilience with the finest coffee." Luke Schneider continues, "This partnership allows us to stand together in providing them with the support and resources they need to keep us all safe, and we're excited to brew up even more ways to show our gratitude going forward.” Firefighting community Since its inception in 1983, Fire-Dex has consistently pioneered innovative and dependable gear, enhancing the safety and performance of those who courageously battle all types of hazardous challenges from fires to flood waters to being first-on-scene in a motor vehicle accident. In 2022, the company embraced the role of official gear sponsor to the Fire Dept. Coffee In 2022, the company embraced the role of official gear sponsor to the Fire Dept. Coffee, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.  Over the past year, the two organizations have blended their strengths and resources to lift up the firefighting community through various initiatives including generous gear donations, insightful articles addressing mental health in the industry, as well as active participation in industry events. Strengthening the partnership Together, Fire-Dex and Fire Dept. Coffee hope to not only educate first responders but also spark essential conversations, foster unity and amplify the support network for those who serve and protect.  “As we look ahead to the next few years, we’re enthusiastic about strengthening our partnership and making an even greater impact," said Jenny Surovey, adding “From expanded product giveaways to showcasing their team in yet-to-be-revealed gear that will undoubtedly generate buzz within the industry, we are absolutely thrilled to unite our efforts.” Watch Fire Dept. Coffee social feeds (YouTube, Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram) and Fire-Dex channels (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) for fresh content and opportunities to win gear as well as “pick-me-ups” for coffee drinkers in the line of duty.

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, has written to the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK ISAR) to thank them for the assistance they provided in the country, following the devastating earthquake that took place earlier this month. The message was shared with Russell Gauden, National Coordinator of UK ISAR, who was asked to convey his gratitude and thanks to the team, as their deployment drew to a close last week. UK ISAR team of 62 firefighters mobilized UK ISAR worked relentlessly to access remote areas cut off by road in difficult circumstances A UK ISAR team of 62 firefighters were mobilized on Sunday, 10 September, after an offer of assistance from the British Government was accepted by the Moroccan Government. They were deployed to Amizmiz at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, in order to provide search and rescue for many mountain villages and small towns. UK ISAR worked relentlessly to access remote areas cut off by road in difficult circumstances, working closely with colleagues from Spain and Qatar, as well as Moroccan Civil Protection and Military. King of Morocco thanks UK ISAR team The letter said, “The affected families and, in fact, the entire Moroccan people are deeply grateful for your teams’ dedicated work and for giving concrete substance to the lofty values underpinning humanitarian action. The Moroccan people will always remember the dedication, keen sense of duty and mobilization of your search and rescue team in these difficult circumstances.” The Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Mark Hardingham, said “It’s a real honor for the UK ISAR team to be recognized for their efforts by the King of Morocco. It’s testament to the fantastic work they do in the hardest of times and conditions. We are proud of each member of the team for their commitment to helping communities in the UK and overseas at times of crisis.” Delivered essential lifesaving interventions Russell Gauden commented, “Each individual shows their dedication and humanity as volunteers putting themselves in harm’s way to deliver essential lifesaving interventions when called upon.” He adds, “My personal thanks go out to each deployed team member and support team and strategic support here in the UK, as well as the families of the team. The resilience and the gratitude of the Moroccan people and authorities is something that will stay with me and colleagues for a lifetime.” UK ISAR is part of NFCC’s National Resilience Work UK ISAR is part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National Resilience Work UK ISAR is part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National Resilience Work and is on permanent standby to mobilize and assist when requested by disaster-affected countries. The UK ISAR team responds primarily to overseas urban search and rescue emergencies on behalf of the UK. Any UK ISAR team deployed is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations for up to 14 days. This is to ensure no additional burden is placed upon a country already suffering demands on its resources following a sudden onset disaster. All UK ISAR staff trained to use specialist kit All UK ISAR staff is trained to use specialist kit and the equipment being taken will ensure the team has the ability and capacity to lift, cut and remove concrete and rubble from collapsed structures. Previous deployments include in the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Algeria, Pakistan, India, Iran, Mozambique, Indonesia, Haiti, New Zealand, Japan, Bosnia, Nepal - and most recently, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February.

Teledyne FLIR, a world pioneer in thermal imaging cameras, is set to exhibit its latest products and groundbreaking solutions for the oil & gas industry at ADIPEC 2023. Live demonstrations The event, one of the largest of its kind, will take place from October 2nd to 5th in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, attracting over 160,000 energy professionals and visitors worldwide. Visit Teledyne FLIR Booth 1005 and experience “live” demonstrations of the company’s new range of product solutions for the oil and gas Industry. Products on display G Series range (Gx320 & G306) & GF77 The new G Series range (Gx320 & G306) & GF77 are a family of high-tech, cooled-core optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras that can help leak detection and repair (LDAR) professionals seamlessly locate and document harmful gas emissions. These cameras detect and accurately quantify hydrocarbon, fugitive gas, and other VOC emissions The G-Series is designed to empower everyday users in the oil and gas, manufacturing, steel, and utility industries to spend more time prioritizing leak repairs, and less time documenting them while gaining better insight into the severity of the emission. These cameras detect and accurately quantify hydrocarbon, fugitive gas, and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions in the oil and gas industry. T8xx, T5xx, Exx, and Cx5 series Handheld professional thermal imaging range of cameras T8xx, T5xx, Exx, and Cx5 series are designed to make condition monitoring more efficient and effective. These versatile cameras help identify problems before failures occur, prevent costly shutdowns, and help improve overall safety in the workplace. Industrial Acoustic Imaging Camera – Si124 Industrial Acoustic Imaging Camera – Si124 detects pressurized leaks and partial discharge, perfect for industrial environments. This lightweight, one-handed solution can be used to identify issues up to 10 times faster than with traditional methods. Firefighting K Series thermal imaging cameras Firefighting K Series thermal imaging cameras help see through smoke and monitor the fire's spread, so users can quickly visualize their plan of attack, locate hot spots, and save lives. FLIR’s expanded lineup of TICs gives the most comprehensive view of the scene from inside, outside, and above the fire. Test & Measurement Range Test & Measurement Range is designed to meet the challenges of industrial application. With advanced options such as Infrared Guided Measurement (IGMTM), high protection ratings, data logging, and the ability to send data over METERLiNK®, FLIR Test & Measurement products are packed with the tools needed to accurately diagnose issues, take reliable measurements, and repair systems efficiently. Teledyne FLIR welcomes visitors to its stand at booth 1005 at Adipec Abu Dhabi from the 2nd to the 5th of October 2023.

Angloco, the manufacturer of fire fighting and rescue vehicles and equipment, is using a cloud-based job management system and mobile app to support growth. Since implementing the 6-in-1 BigChange system, Angloco has doubled its production capacity and increased turnover by nearly 100 percent. Based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Angloco supplies all UK Fire Services, has a multi-million-pound contract with the Ministry of Defence, and has exported vehicles and equipment to over 70 overseas countries.  Angloco deploys BigChange system Using BigChange to support our service team has meant that we can achieve sustainable growth" “Using BigChange to support our service team has meant that we can achieve sustainable growth, while maintaining the highest standards of service,” commented Ian Coyle, Service Operations Manager at Angloco. He adds, “We have all but eliminated paper from our mobile operation and this has improved the speed with which we can react to changing schedules, the quality of the service we provide to our customers, and the efficiency of engineers working on the ground.” Using intelligent algorithms Using the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management and business intelligence tools, routine service schedules can be produced using intelligent algorithms, up to a year in advance, taking into account staff availability, skills and client location.  Real-time tracking of engineer’s vehicles ensures ad-hoc requests and emergency call-outs can be accommodated efficiently and in a timely fashion and automatically generated alerts and notifications ensure the customer is kept informed at all times. By replacing paper worksheets and job cards with end-to-end digital workflows, Angloco has greatly reduced the time and resources taken to manage its rapidly expanding service team. Engineers are guided through daily vehicle checks, ensuring early warning of potential defects or forthcoming deadlines such as insurance or MOT. Capturing customer signatures Schedules are sent directly to the engineer’s tablet, complete with all necessary paperwork Schedules are sent directly to the engineer’s tablet, complete with all necessary paperwork, and whilst onsite staff can access an extensive library of reference information including manuals and wiring diagrams.  During the course of a job engineers can share photographs with back-office staff if additional support is required before digitally capturing customer signatures once the job is completed.   “Before BigChange the role of the service team was very different,” commented Claire Smith, Service Coordinator at Angloco, adding “We were continually churning out paper that needed to be in the right place at the right time for the engineers to complete their jobs. We produced it, we filled it in, we copied it, we filed it, we scanned it and we emailed it. Now everything is digital. Its accessible 24/7 from any internet connected device, its easily consumable on-site and its shareable with customers. This means we can focus on our role of ensuring we provide the best possible service at all times.” Special purpose fire fighting Angloco has been designing and building special purpose fire fighting and rescue vehicles for over 45 years, and has a wealth of experience and capabilities. The majority of vehicles are specially designed and custom built for each customer, according to their individual requirements. Angloco also supplies fire fighting and rescue equipment and accessories, including: hydraulic rescue and extrication equipment, portable fire extinguishers, fire hose, branch pipes and nozzles, foam equipment, waterway couplings fittings and adaptors, electrical equipment and accessories, and pumps.  In support of its products and vehicles, Angloco has a dedicated after-sales service and spare parts department which, in addition to carrying out on-location commissioning and training, provides servicing and major refurbishment projects overseas at customers’ premises, as well as throughout the UK.

Bull Products will be exhibiting its range of temporary fire protection solutions at Safety, Health & Wellbeing (SHW) Live 2023, from 27th – 28th September 2023, at Farnborough International, on Stand 214. On display will be Bull Product’s cutting-edge 100% wireless, EN 54 certified SiteNet solution, alongside its SiteProtect range of wireless fire detection and alarm systems. Also on show will be its range of First Responder Stations, designed specifically for construction sites, which are equipped with essential emergency response equipment and are fully customizable. Safer work environment “We are looking forward to returning to SHW for its South edition,” says Matthew Trigwell, Sales Director at Bull Products, adding “The team are excited to engage with industry professionals, safety experts, and construction site managers at the show to discuss how these innovations can benefit projects and contribute to a safer work environment.” The SiteNet range, is a 100% wireless system, which is an EN 54 certified, robust, reliable and scalable solution. It comprises of a control panel and six different fire call point, detection and alarm devices with multiple configurations and settings, including first aid alert functionality. Featuring patented, self-forming and self-healing wireless mesh protocol technology, SiteNet provides a cause-and-effect programming capability for timed and zone-controlled evacuations making it the perfect fire-safety solution for any temporary project. Wireless mesh protocol technology SiteProtect is a 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system, designed for performance  SiteProtect is a 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system, designed for performance and reliability and utilizing patented Cygnus technology. SiteProtect can link up to 480 individual devices in 15 different zones, including fire alarm call points, first aid alert points, smoke detectors, heat detectors, combined fire call point/first aid alert alarm and interface units. Also highlighted at the show will be Bull Product’s comprehensive Fire 360° service. “Thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience, this strategy has been developed to handle the intricacies of fire safety and ensure the team is on-hand to oversee and advise customers throughout their journey, guaranteeing a friction-free experience at every stage of the process, from initial enquiry through to final installation,” explains Matthew Trigwell. Fire alarm call points Bull Product’s range of First Responder Stations has been designed to suit safety requirements on construction sites. Available in five standard options, Fire Safety, First Aid, Spill Control, Rail and Work At Height, the First Responder Stations are available with a variety of Bull Products alarms. Each station comes in a standard configuration; however, they can be completely customized to suit all customer requirements.

Is the fire department looking for a way to increase non-operational support, enhance community relations, and create a pipeline for recruitment? Then they should start a junior firefighter program. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released an updated Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit to help departments build the framework for a successful youth program. This update was made possible with support from California Casualty. NVFC’s Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit Junior firefighter programs have enormous benefits for youth participants and the fire department Junior firefighter programs have enormous benefits for both - youth participants and the fire department. Youth get the chance to learn about the fire and emergency services in a safe and educational way, while building life skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and community service. Departments get needed non-operational support, as well as an excellent recruitment mechanism. These programs also strengthen the bonds between the department and the community it serves. Starter Kit designed to be a turn-key tool This Starter Kit is designed to be a turn-key tool to help departments develop a junior firefighter program with a solid foundation. It provides step-by-step guidance on providing help in securing department support to welcoming new juniors through the bay doors. Information on liability, setting requirements, finding funding, onboarding advisors, recruiting members, and tools for maintaining the program are included in the Starter Kit.

As a company officer, the day will come where you and your crew are first to arrive at what looks like the beginning of a major incident. Your Battalion Chief (BC) is delayed or diverted to other incidents, so YOU are the Incident Commander (IC). How you set the table for this incident with regard to quickly setting up the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. And how you use your channels of communication, including the ways you communicate, will be crucial to your success. Before we jump into the ‘how-to’, let’s examine something that looms over everything we do during emergencies, especially fires - ‘The NIOSH 5’. I first became aware of the NIOSH 5, when listening to one of Anthony Kastros’ lectures on incident command and the need for an organization on the fire ground. ‘The NIOSH 5’ Firefighters and emergency workers typically get lost, hurt, or killed at incidents, when any one of five causal factors identified by The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are present: Improper risk assessment Lack of incident command Lack of accountability Inadequate communications Lack of SOPs (or failure to follow established SOPs) Statistically, 50 percent of these line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) and injury events occur in the first 15 minutes of an incident. Half of those occur in the first three minutes! If you’re the initial IC, it’s statistically likely this could happen while you’re in charge. Need for training and practice in handling emergencies Keeping ‘The NIOSH 5’ at the forefront of your mind should trigger the need for training and practice in handling emergencies. Although there are factors you simply can’t control during an emergency, you can control communications, incident command, accountability, repetitive training, and standardization. The following are some things to keep in mind while managing an incident: Arrival on Scene In incident management, setup is everything and oftentimes, determines the outcome of the incident. To use a sports analogy, you definitely want your first pitch to be a strike. So how do you do that? Provide a Solid Size-up Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications The first step is taking a deep breath and giving a good size-up. Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications, and a command tone. Your tone and tempo in your size-up will help focus everyone and create a tactics-driven incident, rather than an emotions-driven one. But, if we’re being honest, being cool takes practice and repetition. Your agency should have a standardized way for how and when this size-up is delivered. In many cases, it’s a fill-in-the-blank script that includes the following four things: What you see (smoke and flames/or nothing showing) The area you see it affecting (the second story, the alpha/bravo corner) What’s happening/what’s on fire or causing the hazard (a two-story home or a sedan next to a building) Establishing command (a must-take command or pass, if you’re going to rescue a citizen) By practicing within your agency’s standards, it enables you to project a cool tone over the radio like you’ve ‘been there before. Order resources early and often Tunnel vision is a death sentence for any IC. In most cases, this is not the time to get sucked into task-level problems. The exceptions to this are structure fires and other emergencies where there is an immediate and known rescue. Otherwise, it’s time to step back, take in the big picture, and make decisions as an IC. Ask yourself: ‘What will this incident do in five minutes? 10? 20? One hour?’ If the answer is ‘get bigger’, then you need more resources. Order them early and often, because they can always be turned around. Don’t try to do too much with too little. Trusted Incident Command System equals early accountability As the initial IC, you’ll be sending crews into the hazard zone. It’s a red flag if, during the initial portion of the incident, you don’t have solid accountability. It’s during this initial ‘fog of war’ that we lose track of crews, and it’s when personnel gets hurt or killed. NFPA 1561, along with other best practices, requires that you know where everyone is and what they’re doing. If you don’t have that knowledge, stop and figure that out, or assign someone to figure it out and report back to you as soon as possible. Benefits of an all-in-one digital platform - Tablet Command Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crew Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crews – a notepad, whiteboard, tactical worksheet, or better yet, a digital command board. The huge advantage of an all-in-one digital platform like Tablet Command is that it’s CAD-integrated and will populate resources for you in real-time. There’s no writing and scribbling while listening to garbled radio traffic, and no trying to ‘catch up’ with resource orders that change on the fly. Accountability integrated into command processes With a platform, such as Tablet Command, all you’re doing is dragging and dropping resources into their assignments, which automatically time-stamps their activities. Maintaining accountability becomes seamlessly integrated into your command processes. These digital platforms also tend to be highly recognizable and easy for others to assume command. It’s paramount that you train extensively on whatever system your agency uses, and that everyone in your region or agency is squared away on how to maintain accountability in a standardized fashion. It’s a problem if you have several chiefs and company officers, and too many (or not enough) ways of maintaining accountability. Many agencies need the first-arriving officer to implement an ICS to track crews Segment and subdivide How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Use your knowledge of your ICS to break up the incident into manageable bites. When the Fire Chief arrives, they’ll have simple questions: Where is everybody? What are they doing? How are they doing? How do I talk to them? Knowing where your people need to deploy and what channel they’re on are critical to accountability. Using the command board is a great way to have all of those questions answered. Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly. This is true because it ensures you’re talking to the supervisors of each segment of the emergency, especially when assessing conditions, actions and needs. Setting up an incident this way should also be an expectation that is agency-wide and practiced in scenario-based training. The terminology should be standardized so that your agency and neighboring agencies aren’t interpreting what you’re trying to accomplish in the heat of battle. Summary A clear communications plan, solid scene size-up, and early establishment of the ICS by company officers are critical to incident success. Combine this with accurate and solid accountability systems, either through analog methods or with a modern digital solution in real-time, and you guarantee safer outcomes for your crews. The best way to be prepared is through long hours of dedicated practice in the command role and, more importantly, an agency-wide understanding of what’s in the play book: Standardization! A standard approach to managing incidents will help you remedy the chaos and enable you to hand over a well-organized incident to the first-arriving Chief.

There’s no doubt the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act are driving major improvements in the construction industry’s quality and approval processes. Although the initial focus of the legislation is on high-rise residential buildings, it’s predicted to be rolled out across the entire sector soon, tightening fire safety regulations in hospitals, hotels, and commercial offices and we await the rafts of secondary legislation that will really redefine the regulatory landscape. Many fear that commercial real estate professionals will be unprepared for the higher levels of compliance required, by the incoming regulations. New requirements for competency, collaboration, and digitally presenting joined-up information will inevitably be imposed on architects, building inspectors, owners, and construction product manufacturers. Fire regulations for commercial buildings However, currently, fire regulations for commercial buildings remain lax and there’s ambiguity about what constitutes appropriate fire safety system management, as well as how to prepare for revised building and fire safety requirements, as they become available. It’s all too easy to take a laissez-faire attitude, but adopting an ‘it will never happen to me’ approach is likely to lead to problems down the road, so contractors, asset owners and FMs alike need to get with the legislative program and fast. Understanding of fire safety ratings for things to increase If specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later It is certain that office interior specification, coupled with ongoing checks and a robust understanding of fire safety ratings for things, such as interior doors, panels and partitions is likely to be increasingly challenging going forward. Importantly, if specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later. As a result, it is advisable to go above and beyond current construction regulations, when specifying materials for commercial office interiors, in order to future-proof and keep occupants safe. The Grenfell turning point Grenfell was a wake-up call for the construction sector, particularly for construction product manufacturers and those involved in fire protection and fire testing. Before the tragedy, many believed their products were safe and their methods were flawless and tested according to official guidelines. However, this terrible event compelled the industry to examine its manufacturing procedures, the efficacy, adequacy and relevance of testing and certification, as well as product performance claims made in marketing collateral. This re-evaluation, which found many parts of the specification process not fit-for-purpose, has, thankfully, culminated in a total cultural overhaul. Asking important questions regarding building fire safety Fundamentally, there was not enough questioning before Grenfell. Now, we’re re-thinking everything, asking ourselves: Are we doing things correctly? What’s the risk? How can we mitigate that risk? Five years on, the interpretation of evidence, whether direct fire test evidence or third-party assessment, has become much more refined, and rightfully so. Designers and contractors are paying more attention to the evidence used to support proposed items and applications, while manufacturers are re-thinking their use of evidence, in line with post-Grenfell thinking. Adequacy of test evidence The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely, as are the testing methodologies. It now raises the important question: ‘Does this test accurately represent the effect in a real-world scenario?’ Unfortunately, the capacity to deliver on these questions is not matching good intentions. The rising need for test evidence of fire resistance rather than merely accepting an assessment has caused testing facilities to become overloaded, resulting in much longer wait times. Assessments are now heavily connected to appropriate fire test findings, which necessitate the gathering of evidence and a higher level of analysis, in order to provide assessments. The entire process has become necessarily more complicated, but this has affected efficiency, something which will need to be addressed as construction output inevitably increases. R&D cultivates innovation Fortunately, there are solutions within reach, thanks to significant advancements in the development of fire-safe products and materials across the industry. There’s been an increase in project-specific developments, as suppliers collaborate with designers and fire regulatory organizations to share their expertise. As a result, rather than merely installing the best fit, projects are now specified with fully customized fire-rated systems. Meanwhile, continuing R&D has led to many organizations looking ahead and anticipating shifting demands and trends in the built environment. It’s leading to additional testing and product development for applications that aren't already covered by existing technologies, and a commitment to the highest-quality fire solutions, meaning safer and higher-performance products. Expertise and training are key It’s important to note that choosing fire-rated products does not make the area fire-safe by default. Once the facility is in operation, a systems approach is needed to ensure that the installation and risk assessment of fire-rated products are periodically monitored. Extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers Even the slightest modification to a fire-rated product, such as changing a glass door’s opening system, might compromise its integrity. It’s critical to completely understand the ins and outs of the product being defined, in order to ensure that it's used correctly. As a result, extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers and office building managers alike. Increased training and CPD Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary, specifying according to need and meeting the high standards of the near future. Continued development of fire knowledge is crucial, as the latest high-performance glass doors in offices today are specialized pieces of technology and fire-rated systems behave very differently from other glass partitions or doors. The design dilemma Another significant challenge is incorporating fire safe components into a space without losing its aesthetic appeal, but remaining compliant. Designers are increasingly aiming to open up space to bring in natural light and encourage a sense of well-being for the occupants, meaning walls that would previously have been solid are being specified as glazed. This means that large panels of glass, beyond the capacity of fire test facilities, must be handled sensitively and installed within a bespoke system. This necessitates close liaison with certification authorities to identify what can be assessed from the test evidence provided. Of course, workplaces must be fire safe, look good, and feel pleasant to work in. The sheer complexity of the day-to-day office functionality is a difficult issue. Aesthetics are often a requirement that is added to the fire resistance of fire doors. But it’s often the case that suitably certified hardware simply doesn’t exist. Glass office partition systems Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. This is because, the latest glazed and sliding doors, adjustable ‘office pods’, and acoustically-optimized walls are all made with fire safety, sustainability, and elegant design in mind. Many glass office partition systems allow natural light and air circulation to flow through the room, which helps to improve employee well-being and boosts performance. Fire safety is of the utmost importance Fire safety and design can harmoniously co-exist in an office space, but it comes down to managing expectations. Fire safety is of the utmost importance, and as the requirements tighten, the commercial office industry will catch up with fire safety standards, testing and reporting regimes, and ongoing compliance. Fortunately, fantastic fire-resistant workplace solutions are entering the market, built for safety, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.

When public safety agencies, including police, fire, and ambulance, work together to meet the needs of a region, citizens are better protected, and a better quality of life for all is promoted. However, today’s public expectation demands agencies embrace digital transformation, for those partnerships to be effective and efficient and vitally, connected with the public they serve. This can involve the integration of operational systems, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) in a public safety answering point (PSAP) and those used by other organizations, or the implementation of one system across multiple agencies. Public safety systems under pressure Public safety systems are under a lot of pressure, and digital transformation provides the foundation to handle the scale, complexity, and unpredictability that comes with rapidly changing, multi-dimensional incidents and legislative demands. This is especially true for those regions that rely on multiple-agency partnerships. For example, remote areas where agencies such as mountain rescue will be required to work seamlessly with the air ambulance. This is where cloud-based systems come in. Scalability and resilience are especially important, when you look at the responsibilities that fall under the remit of emergency services organisations. Whether it is, for example, police or fire, response calls can range from small day-to-day incidents to massive events, such as natural disasters or crowd disorder. Cloud-based systems can address this range, intuitively aiding the responders no matter the bespoke nature of the call. Complex emergency service structures In the United Kingdom, while the government has sought to improve emergency services integration and collaboration, the situation is complicated due to the many different authorities that control emergency response and because few of their boundaries are coterminous. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner For example, in non-metropolitan areas, fire and rescue falls under the jurisdiction of combined fire authorities involving many different local councils and other authorities in the region. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner, with the local Mayor accountable for setting the annual budget. Then, there are the, often county-based, police forces and regional ambulance services, who fall into different hierarchal structures, all with different boundaries. All of this complexity creates barriers, which can develop into rigid siloes. This is the landscape that these organisations hope to improve by using cloud-based systems. Ensuring citizen data privacy Across all these structures run competing political priorities, as well as distinct legacy IT systems that must be surpassed to achieve seamless integration. Lastly, the services must ensure the public that there will be no unnecessary government personal intrusion through the technology. Citizen data privacy must be a leading consideration, especially in light of the recent increase in cyber-attacks directed at the public sector. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack on the National Health Service in 2017. Cloud-based systems There are multiple advantages to moving emergency services systems, such as CAD, to the cloud – greater access, flexible connectivity, and communication through a government accredited secure platform. Moving to the Cloud enables more informed and timely decisions from emergency services personnel, more effective use of resources, and increased understanding and engagement, the overall impact of this is greater resiliency and safety for the emergency services, and the public they serve. Vitally, when the Cloud is used effectively and services are subsequently improved, public trust in emergency service institutions is reinforced. Benefits of the Cloud The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration. Cloud platforms create a shared point of access to data that is currently split between multiple siloed organisations. This means that every agency, responding to an incident, will have the same information in real-time, greatly improving their coordination. This allows personnel to react to events on the ground, as they happen with no delays or confusion arising from misrelated communication. In a potentially chaotic emergency environment, the value of immediately sharing information in secure, trusted partner relationships cannot be overstated, when it comes to saving lives or ensuring staff safety. Attributes of an efficient public safety cloud platform There are several consistent considerations for public safety agencies looking to choose a cloud solution, as the foundation for the digital transformation process. The leading factor is collaboration and working together to form a checklist that can be used to identify an effective next-generation public safety solution. First, public safety agencies need a cohesive user experience for advanced communications and insight. This a basic element of any unified system. It ensures interoperability across all solutions and platforms, and unites capabilities beyond dispatch, and call-taking to include analytics, planning, and reporting features. The benefits of systems integrations When systems are integrated across public safety agencies, any organization can ensure effective communications for smarter, faster decision-making, which is essential to public safety work. Another leading consideration is that of public trust. When public safety professionals can harness operational data, they have more tools to make better-informed and more-timely decisions, allowing them to demonstrate increased public understanding and engagement. This results in more transparency and better evidence-based communication to demonstrate to the community that these services are acting for the public good. Return on Investment (ROI) An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis Return on Investment (ROI) must also be factored into every decision. Public safety agencies have finite budgets and therefore, it is crucial to pick a cloud-based service that is cost effective. An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis. Therefore, there is a predetermined cost and billing process which makes it much easier to track expenses and only pay for additional capacity when it’s needed. Lastly, any solution chosen must be easily adaptable and future-proof. The UK Government has oversight over emergency service policy legislation and there is always the potential for updates or amendments, for example the temporary changes brought in during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the selected platform must have the capacity to evolve in line with legislation through easily configurable workflows and customer business rules. It is vital that the cloud platform does not become just another legacy system that agencies must navigate when improving their services. A clear need for cloud transformation The benefits of cloud systems to public safety services are myriad. Ultimately, they improve the pace and quality of the emergency services’ response, which can in turn lead to the saving of citizens’ lives. A fundamental element is that they allow multiple agencies to focus on what they do best, unencumbered by managing the technology, responding to incidents together, with all services acting as a unified force in confronting any crisis. However, for the full benefits of cloud to be realized, certain attributes must be embraced when selecting a system, such as user experience, public trust, ROI, and adaptability. Once these attributes are secured, the improvements cloud-based systems can bring are limitless.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, in May 2022, a helmet camera recorded firefighters extinguishing a truck fire along I-94, catching every detail as sparks flew and firefighters hosed down the truck to suppress the blaze. Firefighters also hosed down the grass on the side of the freeway to put out hot spots and prevent a grass fire, MLive.com reported. The helmet-cam was part of a voluntary program that involves Ann Arbor firefighters wearing cameras when responding to active structure fires to capture video that can be used as a training tool, in order to better understand what went right and what went wrong. Video can also be released to the public to showcase how tax dollars are being spent. A focus on structure fires precludes any concerns about privacy. Helmet-cams used by firefighters Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis. On the other hand, they could impact how a firefighter does his or her job or even violate privacy concerns and/or the public trust. While debate around the use of body-cams by law enforcement officers has mostly been settled, opinions still vary about the use of helmet-cams by firefighters. In one sense, the rules and regulations have not caught up with the technology, including smaller (and inexpensive) video cameras that can easily (and even discreetly) be mounted on a firefighter’s helmet. Some departments have banned use of helmet-cams, while others have sought to restrict and control their use. Still others haven’t given it much thought. Multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis An advantage of helmet-cams is to record video of the actions of officers and firefighters at an incident and to provide multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis. Critiquing performance is a learning tool to encourage continuous improvement. In case of an injury or line-of-duty death (LODD), helmet-cam footage provides an unblinking record of exactly what occurred. If a time element is being assessed, a helmet-cam video can display each activity along with a time display, thus eliminating the need for a stopwatch. Clear and time-marked audio recording In addition to video, helmet-cams can provide a clear and time-marked audio recording, not limited by radio-frequency interference. (Audio recordings are subject to additional privacy concerns in some jurisdictions.) A possible downside of using helmet-cams is to distract a firefighter from his or her duties or to narrow their focus to the detriment of a broad awareness of their surroundings. It is important that a firefighter not miss something that is happening at the periphery of his or her line-of-sight. Helmet-Cams can distract a firefighter’s attention Conscious of how they appear in a video recording, a firefighter might be more guarded in their actions or words; at the other extreme, they might be tempted to “show off” for the camera by taking greater risks to provide more dramatic footage. A firefighter with a helmet-cam might also become preoccupied with operating the camera to optimize video to the detriment of other concerns. Becoming fixated on the technology can distract a firefighter’s attention from the real job at hand. Creating a policy that addresses issues are helmet-cams use Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy that addresses those issues. Fire service leaders may benefit from collaborating with local police leaders who have worked with body-cam video and know the possible evidentiary value of video that can be captured on the devices. Fire departments should be aware that any captured footage may have evidentiary value, if it relates to a crime or police internal affairs investigation. Unlike body-cams used by police, which download video to the department at the end of a shift and are covered by department policy, helmet-cams are less restricted and less well-managed. Firefighters may even own their cameras. Privacy concerns surrounding the use of helmet-cams Some fire departments, such as Houston, San Antonio, and San Francisco, have banned helmet-cams because of privacy concerns and worries about how a video might embarrass a department. Privacy concerns include the use of helmet-cams in medical calls, which make up most a firefighter’s daily responses. There should be rules that ensure that videos do not eventually make their way to Internet sites such as YouTube. In New Jersey, for example, Cathy’s Law (passed in 2012) restricts images and recordings at emergency scenes, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Among the ways, garments protect firefighters is by reducing the heat stress and discomfort created by the need to carry heavy gear. Making the garments more comfortable to wear means less physical stress. Garments also help to protect firefighters from the toxic elements in the fire environment. The extent to which plastic materials can generate toxic smoke when they burn has previously been ignored but is now better understood. Concerted effort to understand end user As a manufacturer of fibers used in firefighting garments, DuPont makes a concerted effort to understand the end user of their products; that is, the firefighter. They seek to keep the firefighter safer and to extend the time available to do his or her job safely. DuPont works with fabric and garment manufacturers to focus on minimizing the impact of the toxic environment. Firefighter’s awareness Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices Awareness by firefighters of the negative impact of toxic materials has increased substantially. Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices to avoid exposure to contamination. Organizations promoting greater awareness include firefighters’ unions, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fallen Firefighters Association. Toxic smoke For example, testing confirms that toxic smoke often affects firefighters in the neck and jaw area, where sweat promotes absorption of smoke particles. A woven hood or baklava avoids the absorption, reflected in the NFPA Standard 1971, which makes particulate protection hoods mandatory. The Nomex Nano Flex hood increases the comfort of the gear. Avoiding toxic materials also includes no inclusion of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in garment materials themselves. Standards and Specifications Testing is an area of focus for DuPont, which has the capabilities to test the layered structures firefighters are wearing. One tool is the Thermo-Man, a fully instrumented mannequin that tests the likely burn injuries of flash-over fires. DuPont works with the NFPA, ISO, EN, and other standards committees to develop testing and certified standards to ensure the performance of firefighter garments. Fire gear is specified in each region according to a standard (minimum) performance. In many cases, garments out-perform the requirements. Other variables Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight. A less expensive approach might yield a garment that sacrifices comfort. Geographic and climate differences matter, too. A firefighter in the North would prefer a different garment than in the South. Garments should be comfortable, lighter, and warmer in cold environments. On the topic of gender, garment makers offer female designs that are cut and shaped differently. Garment makers evaluate the weight of the assembly, how well it protects against the heat, and the comfort. DuPont works with garment makers to test various materials and how they perform in fire garments. The company works with firefighter consultants in the U.S. and Europe who help them understand the language of firefighters. Addressing Dangers of Toxic Materials Cleaning fire gear of toxic materials is a challenge related to garments. Toxic materials on fire gear returned to the fire station can also expose the station environment to danger. Changing logistics and processes are driving how gear is handled in the fire station environments. Some stations are designating black zones, gray zones, and white zones, depending on the level of contamination of the gear in those areas. Washing and drying More frequent washing of bulky, heavy gear helps to circumvent the impact of toxic materials, but repeated washing and drying can cause mechanical stress and resulting damage to a garment. DuPont collaborates with weaving mills and garment makers to develop fabrics and garments that stand up well to frequent washing.Toxic smoke particles and mandatory use of hoods on firefighters is translating into more washing. As time goes on, the washing and decontamination process will likely become more professionalized with laundry companies stepping in to wash and handle the garments. Fire stations are not well suited to cleaning these garments. Nomex Nano fiber Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles Developed to address the growing problem of heat stress, DuPont’s Nomex Nano fiber is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant materials. Nomex Nano Flex was developed to help make products like firefighter hoods more protective against particles without compromising comfort. Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles, and creates a particulate barrier. It also protects the firefighter from outside heat while cooling the firefighter by evacuating body heat. Higher evaporation rate Nomex Nano Flex has a higher evaporation rate. For the same thermal protection performance (TPP), it also has higher total heat loss (THL). Combining protection, thermal performance and toughness, Nomex Xtreme Performance is the highest performance category of solutions for flame-resistant personal protective apparel. Feedback from Firefighters “If we have a new innovation, or want to share our developments, we go proactively to fire departments to ask: Will this help you or not?” says Alfons N. Held, Global Market Leader, Emergency Response, DuPont Personal Protection. There is a difference between lab testing and what firefighters experience in the real world. Alfons N. Held adds, “We seek to understand what they need, and approach ‘lighthouse’ fire departments for guidance.” In any country or jurisdiction, there are fire departments – ‘lighthouse’ departments – that set the trends and work to evaluate the gear. If someone in Florida is using certain gear, it might also work in Texas or Arizona. The protection level Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable The question is: What protection level do we need? Given that level, departments seek to balance comfort with performance. Ironically, of the firefighters who die every year, some two-thirds of the deaths are attributable to overexertion, while less than 10% is linked to the fire/heat. Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable, more comfortable (with higher evaporation) and more lightweight. Complex systems Garments can be complex systems; heavy turnout gear is a five-layer garment with each layer contributing to performance – the outer shell, the inner liner, a moisture membrane, and one or two thermal liners. Sometimes attention is more focused on the outer layer of the gear with less awareness of the other layers and how the entire system works together. Importance of station wear In fact, protection of the firefighter starts at the skin, so station wear is important. “In our view, looking at all the layers on the skin and outwards is important,” says Alfons N. Held, adding “Firefighters wear various materials that are not always optimal.” For example, a cotton undergarment might get wet from sweat, stay wet and not evaporate. Environmental impact is another concern among garment-makers. Can the materials be reused or recycled? Some countries in Europe ask that manufacturers take back garments after they are used.     New Garments, New Needs A special need is development of new garments that can perform at the wildland urban interface (WUI), where catastrophic wildland fires encroach on residential areas. Design of gear for wildland firefighting has been lighter and does not include breathing systems. When fires reach residential areas, gear needs change. Wildland firefighters are not equipped to enter a structure fire and do not have adequate protection against carcinogens. New gear designs are needed that address both environments.

Under a new law taking effect in February 2022, homes in Scotland must have multiple fire alarms linked by radio frequency, either sealed battery alarms or alarms wired to the electrical system main. Smoke alarms are now required in the living room or most-used room, and also in each hallway or landing. Furthermore, a heat alarm is required in the kitchen. All smoke and heat alarms should be mounted on the ceiling. Interlinked alarms In the case of interlinked alarms, if one alarm goes off, the other alarms also go off in tandem. Therefore, interlinked alarms will sound wherever a resident is in the home. Any home with a carbon-fueled appliance, such as a boiler, fire heater or flue in any room, must have a carbon monoxide detector that is linked into the fire alarms. The law is in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire disaster in London, and it applies to all homes in Scotland. Sealed battery alarms are tamper-proof units Sealed battery alarms, both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, are tamper-proof units Sealed battery alarms, both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, are tamper-proof units that include lithium-ion batteries and have a lifespan of up to 10 years. Replaceable batteries have been shown to degrade over time and are not allowed. Sealed battery alarms may be installed by a home owner without requiring an electrician. In contrast, wired alarms are less expensive, but require installation by a qualified electrician. Landlords need to install alarms in rented accommodations Landlords are responsible for installing the alarms, in the case of a private tenant. Work is continuing to ensure the requirements are addressed for council or housing association tenants. Older, disabled, or low-income home owners may get help with the costs. Costs of installing one smoke alarm, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector totals around £220, based on installation of sealed, tamper-proof alarms by the home owner (without employing an electrician). There are also new requirements for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to be installed in social housing in the United Kingdom. Smoke alarms to be fitted in all rented accommodations The requirements deliver on a commitment to wide-ranging reforms of the social housing sector New rules require smoke alarms to be fitted in all rented accommodations and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in social and privately rented properties containing fixed appliances, such as gas boilers or fires. Costs of installing and maintaining alarms fall to property owners. The requirements deliver on a commitment to wide-ranging reforms of the social housing sector, in order to drive up the standard, including providing tenants a path to raise concerns and to empower regulators, so that they can take enforcement action. New regulations will help reduce casualties The new regulations will help to reduce fire and carbon monoxide casualties and fatalities, and also help to increase protection for those living in both private and social rented homes. Social and private rented sector landlords are required to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, when they are informed that the alarms are faulty. Testing throughout a tenancy will remain the responsibility of the resident. Homes fitted with alarms protect residents Around 20 people die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and many more people die through house fires. The new rules will prevent tragedy and protect those who are most at risk, by ensuring that more homes are fitted with alarms.

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation announces Airservices Australia has issued a purchase order for four Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® Volterra™ 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles. These environmentally advanced fire apparatus will be deployed at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), set to open in 2026. Striker Volterra 6x6 The Striker Volterra 6x6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh-patented hybrid-electric drivetrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through the integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems. innovative design  Airservices Australia is making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future' WSI is a transformational infrastructure project expected to boost economic activity, provide local employment opportunities, meet Sydney's carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives, and meet the area’s growing aviation needs. Airservices Australia is a government entity making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future', featuring world-pioneering technology, innovative design, and a sustainability plan incorporating assets like the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles.  sustainability "As the first airport built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI is not just an airport; it's a statement of intent for a more sustainable future,” said Dave Archer, Vice President of Engineering for Oshkosh Vocational. He adds, “The Striker Volterra vehicles, with their hybrid electric technology, align perfectly with Airservices Australia and WSI’s goals. These vehicles are not only an asset to emergency response capabilities but also play a crucial role in larger environmental sustainability initiatives." environmentally conscious choice Dave Archer continues, "They symbolize a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimization, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future." Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles demonstrate the most advanced acceleration and reduced fuel consumption compared to our standard diesel models, making them an environmentally conscious choice for emergency response services. Striker Volterra features Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models WSI’s four new Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles will feature an industry-pioneering modular cab design, TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension, and a 50’ Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret. They each house an 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, a 1,590-liter (420-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump, along with a 250 kg (550 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Accelerating from 0 to 80 kph (0 to 50 mph) in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models when fully loaded. training, implementation, and service support Dave Archer said, “The collaboration between Oshkosh Airport Products and Airservices Australia marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability." He adds, "We remain committed to a strong partnership, providing world-class training, seamless implementation, and unwavering service support to ensure these vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.” By leveraging new technologies and innovations like Oshkosh Airport Products’ Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles, WSI will showcase the feasibility of low-carbon operations and set a new standard for airports worldwide.

Industry pioneer - AEI Cables has clinched a contract to supply its low-voltage power, control, and fire performance cables to a major extension of the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Working with its partners, Cornwall Contracting Co.Ltd, AEI Cables supplied the cables to the existing sports complex from 2011 to 2013. Extension features The major extension involves the facilities development building, which is located in front of the indoor swimming pool and rowing boathouse comprising a three-storey building area. This will feature a multi-purpose training hall, scientific conditioning facilities, a sports medicine center, sport psychology, sports biomechanics, sports nutrition, and monitoring center, and a sports residence area. Quality cabling The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a major sports complex located in Sha Tin Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said, “This is a major development of the institute and we’re thrilled to be working on such a prestige project with our partner to ensure the highest quality of cabling is installed.” The consultant engineer will be WSP Hong Kong Ltd and the electrical sub-contractor is Cornwall Contracting Co. Ltd. The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a major sports complex located in Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, offering training to athletes and academic qualifications in the field of sports training. Fire performance cabling Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ specialist Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories, and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports, and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring, and security systems can continue to operate in a fire.  All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organizations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail, and LUL and works to international standards around the world.

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous and demanding profession, both physically and mentally. However, help is at hand: Teledyne FLIR designed its K-series of professional yet affordable thermal imaging cameras to take the strain, assisting firefighters in navigating through smoky conditions while searching for hot spots and measuring temperature from a distance. The team at Solna Fire Station in Stockholm, Sweden, is a case in point, where the use of a FLIR K-series camera recently helped one of the team’s smoke divers save four lives in a city center fire. Greater Stockholm’s Fire Service Storstockholms brandförsvar (Greater Stockholm’s fire service), covers 10 municipalities in the city, including Solna, located just north of the center. When a recent large fire began downtown, Solna’s fire crew responded to the call. “We sent in two smoke divers, both with FLIR K-series cameras,” explains Tomas Bellander, a Firefighter and Instructor at Solna Fire Station with 22 years of experience. FLIR Thermal Camera Upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway" Tomas Bellander continues, “One smoke diver spotted an elevator with its doors slightly open. His instinct drew him towards the elevator and, upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway." He adds, "It turned out there were four people in that elevator, all of whom were saved by our smoke diver and his FLIR camera.” Smoke Diving Like any fire station, Solna has a range of conventional firefighting tools at its disposal but relies on FLIR thermal imaging cameras to locate fires and pinpoint anyone trapped or in need of assistance. However, while the main application for FLIR cameras at Solna Fire Station is smoke diving, the crew also uses its cameras as part of other rescue activities, such as locating people on train tracks or next to the water. FLIR K55 High-Performance “It’s a lot easier than using our own eyes and a flashlight,” says Firefighter - Simon Zettergren, adding “We can quickly see if there are any temperature shifts to detect human presence.” Zettergren says Solna Fire Station takes advantage of FLIR K55 high-performance thermal cameras, retaining two in each vehicle. Charging takes place inside the truck. “We typically deploy teams of two smoke divers: one with a hose and the other with a FLIR K55,” he explains. Easy Smoke Detection They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better FLIR K55 cameras allow Solna Fire Station to attack fires with a better strategy, maneuver through smoke more easily and save lives. They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better and expedite critical decisions. “A lot of thoughts go through your head when there’s a real fire,” says Tomas Bellander. Situational Awareness With Limited Visibility He adds, “You have to execute your strategy while simultaneously receiving commands from the lieutenant and making real-time judgments about situational awareness with limited visibility." Tomas Bellander concludes, "The stress factor is high, so you must call upon your equipment and training. If you can do that, the outcome will likely be positive.”

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) has selected edge control room solutions from Frequentis to enhance service delivery for the communities it safeguards through better resource allocation and coordination between emergency services when responding to emergencies. WYFRS WYFRS is the fourth largest fire and rescue service in the country, responsible for the safety of over 2.2 million residents and the protection of 800 square miles of land, covering five major metropolitan districts. The diverse landscape, which encompasses everything from vast rural countryside to towns and major cities, presents unique challenges: Frequentis' expertise in providing comprehensive control room solutions and dedication to delivering innovative technology to emergency service organizations has played a vital role in this successful collaboration. Efficiency, Communication And Resource Allocation We are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, and improve communication" “By implementing the Frequentis systems, we are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, improve communication and coordination among emergency responders, and optimize our resource allocation,” says WYFRS Area Manager, Scott Donegan. He adds, "Ultimately, this will enable us to be even better at protecting the millions of residents, the communities, and businesses we serve here in West Yorkshire." Cloud-Based Mobilizing Solution The contract marks a significant milestone in West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service's journey toward modernizing its control room capabilities. “By adopting the Frequentis Microsoft Azure cloud-based mobilizing solution, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will benefit from a comprehensive communication and incident management platform, LifeX, and unique-mobilization solution provided by our recent acquisition, Regola," says Andy Madge, Managing Director of Frequentis UK & Ireland.  A System-As-A-Service Approach We continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers" Andy Madge adds, "The 'System as a Service' approach aligns with the managed service requirements, eliminating conventional concerns and costs associated with ongoing IT management and security." He continues, “This partnering approach represents a significant step forward for Frequentis as we continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers.” Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system The new systems include a replacement Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that is Emergency Services Network (ESN) ready, an Integrated Communication and Control System (ICCS) for seamless telecommunications, radio communications, and data communications, as well as a mobilizing system for efficient resource allocation to incidents. The implementation of these cutting-edge systems will enable WYFRS to respond even more effectively to emergency calls, whether the resources are mobile or stationed at various premises, and the mobilizing system will streamline the assignment of resources and personnel.

The Wayne Township Fire Department of Waynesville, Ohio has in production a new Seagrave Marauder pumper. Seagrave thanks Wayne Township Fire Department for their trust and business. Some features of this new Seagrave Marauder pumper fire apparatus include: Seagrave 141" Marauder Stainless Steel Cab Cummins L9 450 HP 10" Raised Roof 24" Extended Front Bumper Waterous CSU 1500 GPM Pump Stainless Steel Pump Module and Plumbing 750 Gallon Water Tank Stainless Steel 137" Body ROM Doors Hydraulic Ladder Rack Whelen LED Warning Light Package FireTech HIVIZ LED Scene Lighting 181.5 Inch Wheelbase

Kentec Electronics, a global manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has announced the largest wireless installation to date across 37 high-rise towers owned and operated by Solihull Community Housing, providing residents with reliable, early warning fire detection and alarms. Since the incident in Grenfell Towers, the local authority in Solihull has made fire prevention and safety a priority, in order to better protect its residents in similar accommodation blocks. Kentec’s K-Mesh system installed Early Birds Fire Protection, specified Kentec’s K-Mesh system both for its reliability and practicality Working closely with the West Midlands Fire Service, the installer, Early Birds Fire Protection, specified Kentec’s K-Mesh system both for its reliability and practicality. Some 2,000 apartments needed protecting across a five-mile radius. As a wireless system, it was quick and easy to install, with minimum disruption to local residents and cost to the housing association. The system comprises some 4,000 sensors linked to a combination of Kentec’s award-winning Taktis panels and Syncro AS analog control panels, which are in turn linked to an alarm monitoring station. Sophisticated technology ensures efficient smoke detection Such is the sophistication of the technology that in the event of an alarm being raised, fire services and incident commanders are given an immediate view of exactly where smoke has been detected, and/or how far a fire may have progressed. Given that each of the tower blocks has a single stairwell and point of exit, early warning of a fire is essential to ensure the safe evacuation of residents and help the emergency services to get to any incident faster. Specifying a new fire safety solution was challenging Specifying a new fire safety solution was made more challenging by the mix of residents in particular buildings. Seven of the towers are designed specifically to accommodate residents aged 50 and above. An extensive consultation involving residents, staff, contractors and the local authority was undertaken to listen to their needs, and especially to understand the importance of early warning for residents living with a disability or dementia. Interconnected system with wireless capabilities The advanced nature of K-Mesh means that the system is fully expandable, and future-proof" Derrick Hall, the Director of Sales at Kentec Electronics, says the wireless capabilities of K-Mesh, and the interconnected system that it hosts, offer a number of advantages: “The advanced nature of K-Mesh means that the system is fully expandable, and future-proof, able to protect residents in large residential blocks now, and in the future.” He adds, “Nothing on this size and scale has ever been installed before and its open protocol and ability to integrate with a full range of technologies – including the sprinkler systems – takes the concept of fire detection and safety to another level.” Wireless system ensures easy installation Craig Puddefoot, the Managing Director of Kentec’s installation partner - Early Birds Fire Protection, says the project is on budget and due to be completed in good time: “A large project is going to plan with great success and minimal disruption to residents and staff. The wireless nature of the system makes it very easy to install, without the hassle of running live cables, reducing cost and adding complexity in the same process; all without damaging the fabric of the buildings.” Steve Murray, the Senior Project Manager for Solihull Community Housing, says the project has helped the team understand the trends and lifestyles of residents better, and the importance of early warning alarms within emergencies: “The insight gained by consulting with both residents and staff has been truly invaluable, with a tailored safety solution being the end result.” Steve Murray adds, “We are now able to provide opportunities to spot emergencies sooner, provide life-saving information to fire and emergency staff and keep our community safe.”

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?