National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) News

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 compon...

As one of the most recognized and treasured pieces of firefighting safety equipment, the fire helmet stands as a point of pride and tradition in the fire service.  MSA Safety, Inc. launches the new MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet. In the North American fire service market, the Cairns 1836 is one of the lightest weight traditional-style fire helmets available that meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Cairns 1836 features  The Cairns 1836 features a reduced ri...

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards announced the establishment of NFPA Global Solutions™. In support of the NFPA mission, NFPA Global Solutions is a fully-owned NFPA corporation that will offer compliance solutions, digital products, and advisory services that extend beyond the traditional products and servi...

Chief Scott Fournier and the Berkley Fire and Rescue remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when setting their clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, and clocks will be moved ahead one hour at that time. Smoke alarms Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained are crucial life-saving devices that allow time to escape in the event of a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (...

BERKLEY - Chief Scott Fournier is pleased to report that Berkley Fire Rescue received a US$ 15,500 grant from the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2024 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of 135 different types of eligible equipment. Berkley Fire Secures grant for Firefighter Safety Equipment Eligible items include hoses and no...

NFPA 1900, a new standard, applies to any fire apparatus purchased beginning in January 2024. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has introduced a new, broader standard that encompasses the content previously contained in separate standards for automotive, wildland fire, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, and automotive ambulances. The new standard is a soft-covered book containing 375 pages and incorporating 34 chapters and 10 indexes. NFPA 1900 Standard Most fire departm...

Public buildings, like schools, libraries, and offices, are places where people come together. Keeping these places safe from fires is super important. Fires can start quickly and spread even faster, putting everyone inside at risk. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers tips to keep these buildings safe. By following these fire safety tips, establishments can help ensure that everyone can get out safely, if a fire starts and the damage is kept as low as possibl...

Hospital fire safety is paramount, where the lives and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors are at stake. In this context, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) plays a pivotal role in establishing guidelines and standards that ensure the highest level of fire safety in healthcare facilities. Compliance with NFPA guidelines is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental commitment to the safety and security of all those within a hospital’s walls. Hospital Fire Sa...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report into the deadly explosions and fires at the Didion Milling, Inc. (Didion) dry corn milling facility in Cambria, Wisconsin, USA. The explosion occurred in May 2017, and fatally injured five employees and seriously injured another 14. The incident also ultimately destroyed the facility, resulting in over $15 million in property damage. source of the smoke On the night of May 31, 2017, during normal mill faci...

In the face of mounting pressure from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and others, Newark, New Jersey, officials recently proposed several safety measures after two fire fighters – Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr. – died responding to a July cargo ship fire. The suggested changes reported by NJ.com, the state’s largest news and information site include: creating a special joint task force to consider legislative an...

In honor of fire prevention month, First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety, is reminding consumers about the simple precautions they can take to help protect what matters most from a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) emergency. Marking its 65th anniversary, First Alert and the fire service industry are coming together to educate communities about the importance of being prepared before an emergency strikes. Fire-safety protection “Helping families protect their homes and the momen...

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) released survey results collected from over 330 industry professionals at the NFPA 2023 Conference & Expo®, the premier conference for fire, electrical, and life safety. The research findings reveal insights around trends and attitudes on digital transformation, training, and educational programs. NFPA 2023 Industry Trends Survey Eight in 10 respondents reported using digital tools on the job every day, with 43 percent using on...

This local construction company needed to implement Fire Prevention Program Manager (FPPM) training quickly and effectively to remain in compliance with new Boston Fire Department regulations. Through working with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the company was able to seamlessly roll out the FPPM training to safety leadership, project managers, forepersons, and superintendents on each Boston- based job site.  FPPM training By implementing company-wide FPPM training, the...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) joins with other national fire service organizations to strongly oppose proposed cuts to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants programs provide critical funding to help fire departments secure needed equipment, training, and staffing to adequately protect their communi...

While the technology sector was once considered the most desirable in terms of salary and job security, recent layoffs have exposed its vulnerability. Job security has always been a sought-after job benefit, and one career path that’s often overlooked is skilled trades. The skilled trades industry stands out as a resilient sector, offering the next generation of workers a promising path for growth and professional development through on-the-job experience and education. Significant tal...

Fires are, as users might expect, one of the most severe threats to any kind of building. Whether they own their own home or an office building, users should always take the risk of fire extremely seriously. As they’re sure users know, there are many different types of fire mitigation items, from extinguishers to fire blankets. Though there is no question that sprinklers are one of the most effective safety items, which is why they are so common. So, Thameside Fire will run through all th...

Recruitment and retention are vital elements for the success of any volunteer fire or emergency medical services (EMS) department. Volunteer departments play a critical role in safeguarding communities, but without enough dedicated volunteers, these departments struggle to fulfill their mission. Volunteer fire and EMS departments across the country are struggling to attract and retain qualified members. Recognizing this challenge, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the Nat...

Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro N. Mayorkas and U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell delivered remarks during the 42nd National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Memorial Weekend on May 7, 2023, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, USA. The Homeland Security Secretary and the U.S. Fire Administrator paid tribute to the 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 65 firefighters who died in previous years.  Paying tribute to fallen firefighters The emergencies to wh...

In support of the Safety Stand Down campaign from June 18-24, 2023, the Safety Stand Down Sweepstakes Quiz has become live, featuring questions that reinforce key messages and practices behind the theme, “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” Safety Stand Down campaign Each year, the Safety Stand Down campaign and sweepstakes quiz is organized by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health & Surv...

Seek Thermal Inc., a renowned global provider of thermal imaging technology, has announced the launch of its latest firefighting TIC, the AttackPRO+.  Building upon the success of the AttackPRO, which offers an unmatched combination of image quality, durability, and affordability in a decision-making thermal camera, the new AttackPRO+ now provides all the same benefits with the added NFPA 1801:2021 certification. AttackPRO+ - most affordable NFPA-certified TIC The AttackPRO+ stands out i...

Two grant programs designed to address staffing, equipment, training, and health and safety needs of firefighters are scheduled to ‘sunset’ in 2024 unless Congress reauthorizes the grant programs, and funding for the programs will run out unless Congress endows them for another year. Legislation to extend the programs has already passed the U.S. Senate. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides funding to hire additional personnel to mainta...

Where does the department keep PPE when not in service? Lockers in the bay, exposed to UV rays and exhaust emissions? If so, it’s time to reconsider how the gear is being stored. Making sure that the PPE is stowed correctly is a perfect example of how users can lessen the risk of damage in the future. Proper NFPA storage Needs Before storing, the garments should be clean and dry - avoiding contact with contaminants, such as oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis. The storage areas must be...

Home is the place where everyone goes after a long day at work or school. It’s where they cook their favorite meals and make memories with their families. But home — the place where people feel safest— can also be where they’re most at risk. A house fire can occur at any moment and destroy everything within a matter of minutes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters were called to more than 1.3 million fires in 2021 and responded to a...

Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has completed the world’s first evaluation of radio equipment used by emergency personnel to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1802 Standard on Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for use by emergency services personnel in the hazard zone. Upon successful completion of testing by Intertek, the first NFPA 1802 certifications were issued by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to Motorola Solut...

A new San Francisco Fire Code update, which requires the use of an approved temporary wireless fire detection and notification system during the construction of wood-frame buildings, has been hailed as a ‘pioneering moment in US construction history’ by fire safety experts. Wireless emergency and evacuation system solutions provider, Ramtech, and North American distribution partner, Space Age Electronics, have praised the San Francisco Fire Department following its decision to inclu...

Steel is used in heavy construction because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and provides great strength under normal conditions. However, heat is its weakness. Exposed steel expands and may fail under fire conditions. Physical damage can cause the concrete to separate from the steel compromising the structure's fire-resistive integrity. Exposed steel can fail when its average temperature reaches approximately 1,000 F. Fire-Resistance rating The high temperature will weaken the stee...

Many fire departments across the United States conduct home safety surveys and have smoke alarm installation programs. Some departments, however, remain concerned about their possible liability if a fire leading to property loss, injury or death occurs after they install smoke alarms. Recent research from The Network for Public Health Law found no cases in which the courts — at any level — held nonprofit organizations, volunteer organizations, local governments, or fire departments...

  Taking responsibility is at the heart of Rosenbauer’s future success. They will change the world of firefighting in a sustainable way. They live sustainability in all aspects and are the first point of contact for decision-makers and opinion makers in the firefighting sector. Rosenbauer focus on pioneering spirit, innovation, and customer orientation. They recognize and understand the current trends and the needs of their customers and offer the appropriate solutions wit...

Shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) are a widespread issue for many volunteer fire departments. To address this need, MSA Safety Incorporated, DuPont Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have been partnering since 2012 to give away state-of-the-art gear to volunteer fire departments in need. In 2022, a total of 13 fire departments will be awarded with four new sets of turnouts and four new helmets. Additionally, the first 500 applicants received a one...

Taylor Burke Gilman, the President at Gear Wash, highlights when departments should consider renting fire gear in a guest spot from Carolina Fire Journal. NFPA 1851 recommendations The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851 guidelines recommend two cleanings per year for turnout gear. All departments know the importance of proper care and maintenance for firefighting protective garments, but what can be done when primary helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots...