Company News

Crowds were given the chance to meet emergency service workers and see the vital work they do to keep the people of Yorkshire safe.  Emergency Services Day at The Piece Hall in Halifax on Sunday saw hundreds of people getting an insight into the work of 999 staff, including firefighters, police, and ambulance crews. Road traffic collision equipment The event saw West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) join forces with West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambul...

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated,  announced the first Boson+ thermal camera module with its factory-integrated, high-performance 14 mm to 75 mm continuous zoom (CZ) lens. With seamless optomechanical integration, the new Boson+ CZ 14-75 reduces development and operational risk and costs, all with an industry-first warranty that is not available when using multiple suppliers. The reliable Boson+ CZ 14-75 is ideal for unmanned aerial vehicles, perimeter surveillance...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is investigating a fire that destroyed a home and damaged another on Sydney's Northern Beaches. More than 50 FRNSW firefighters, and 12 fire trucks, responded to the blaze on Seaview Street, Balgowlah, just after 2 am. Detached garage A two-storey house, as well as a detached garage, a shed and a caravan, were quickly engulfed by flames. The fire then spread to a neighboring home, causing significant damage. The occupants of both properties made it outside be...

Come and meet the local firefighters and learn about home fire safety at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day on Saturday, 13 May 2023. Firefighters will be opening the doors to Fire Stations around the state from 10 am to 2 pm, with a range of free activities, including firefighting demonstrations, station tours, and safety presentations. Learn about firefighting equipment Families will also be able to check out fire trucks, learn about firefighting equipment and chat to local firefighte...

There a whole host of fire safety signs that people should be familiar with. Fire exit, extinguisher and alarm signs are common in a whole host of day-to-day environments, including in supermarkets, clothing stores, cinemas and more. For those own or manage a business or commercial organization, fire signage should play a crucial role in their commercial fire safety procedures. Not only can they help direct people to evacuation routes during an emergency, but they can also offer guidance on wha...

The chances are users are familiar with a whole host of fire safety signs. Fire exits, extinguishers, and alarm signs are common in a whole host of day-to-day environments, including in supermarkets, clothing stores, cinemas, and more. If users run, own, or manage a business or commercial organization, fire signage should play a crucial role in commercial fire safety procedures.  fire signage Not only can they help direct people to evacuation routes during an emergency, but they can...

One of the biggest topics within the fire industry in the last few years has been cancer prevention and awareness. Everyone knows the importance of this, but what is something that can be targeted immediately, to prevent preliminary exposure after being on scene?   NFPA 1851 specifies the recommended actions for the cleaning and drying of turnout gear. It defines three types of cleaning: preliminary exposure reduction, advanced, and specialized, which regard hazmat contaminants. Let&r...

A female footballer who has been catching the eye with her performances for Sunderland AFC Women is not just a hero on the pitch – as she also saves lives in her career as a firefighter. Fearless Megan Beer has been working as a firefighter for two years and responds to emergencies across Newcastle in her role with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS). The 30-year-old serves on Red Watch at Newcastle Central Community Fire Station after passing the gruelling 12-week firefighter t...

Twiceme, a global pioneer in safety technology, is excited to be part of Guardian's B7-Comfort Harness, launching in the United States of America (USA).  This revolutionary harness offers unparalleled safety and comfort, thanks to innovative technologies such as Twiceme, groundbreaking engineering, and expert design that puts the user's needs first. B7-Comfort Harness The B7-Comfort Harness has been in development for over a year, with extensive end-user feedback informing every stage of...

Frontline emergency service workers including those in the fire service are to be given a commemorative medal to mark the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort. The UK Government has unveiled the design of the medal and confirmed they will be given to Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers, and those taking part in the Coronation. design of the medal Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be amongst the thousands of people to be given this...

Heroic Ukrainian firefighters who continue to respond to emergencies across the war-torn country have received a haul of life-saving equipment from Tyne and Wear. Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service (TWFRS) are one of many Brigades across the country to provide support to their counterparts in Ukraine. Fire Authority and staff Ukrainian firefighters have worked on the front-line since the war with Russia began by extinguishing fires and rescuing casualties from collapsed buildings. But th...

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority (TWFRA) have appointed Peter Heath as their new Chief Fire Officer. Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther announced in March this year that he intended to retire from his position with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS). The chairperson of the Service’s Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Phil Tye, immediately began the task of appointing his replacement. Now, following an open and robust recruitment process, he has announced that Peter Heath will...

Fire protection is an essential aspect of any building's safety measures. Every year, many people lose their lives and suffer injuries due to fires that could have been prevented. Here at Thameside Fire Protection, they offer a range of fire protection systems to help prevent and contain fires in a variety of commercial buildings. Thameside Fire Protection will guide users through the essential fire protection systems that can help safeguard the property and save lives. Network of smoke detec...

AEI Cables has expanded its center for distribution for existing and new customers at its UK headquarters.  The company has increased the space for stock at its modern facilities at Washington, Tyne & Wear in the North East. The additional facility of 13,000 sq ft will ensure all service needs are met for its customers. Meeting the demand Stuart Dover, general manager for AEI Cables, said, “The extra space means we can meet further demand for our specialist products at th...

Two firefighters who risked their lives when they entered a swollen river to save a teenage girl are among more than 120 people formally recognized by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) this St Florian’s Day. FRNSW on-call firefighters Gavin Bright and Justin Medcalf and their crew rushed to the Hunter River at Denman, in the state’s Upper Hunter, on 2 December 2022, after receiving reports of three children at risk of drowning. Extreme currents When they arrived on-scene, the crew immed...

The UK government has put a fire safety reform program in place aimed at making sure the country’s residents are safe from fire hazards. As part of this program, new fire safety regulations are set to come into force in October 2023. In this article, Total Fire Group will discuss changes to fire safety and how they can help. Understanding Phase 3 of the Fire Safety Reform Program Phase 3 of the fire safety reform program builds upon the progress made in Phases 1 and 2. This program...

What does a Mobile Control Center that screens “live” footage from drones over fires to commanders; a portable satellite communications network that can set up during floods or bushfires; and technology that can provide a fire truck with its own WiFi bubble, regardless of blackspots, have in common? They’re all heading to a public demonstration near them! Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is conducting a roadshow of its latest technological advancements to fire stations and com...

ALCHERA X attended the launch of XPRIZE Wildfire, a 4-year global competition aimed to award $11 million in prize funding to teams that can develop and demonstrate fully autonomous capabilities to detect and extinguish wildfires. The event took place in Washington, DC, during Earth Week 2023. Destructive wildfires have recently been recognized by the United Nations, the White House, and Congress as a major economic, environmental, and safety issue. Extreme wildfire events Extreme wildfire eve...

The fire at Manchester Road near Slaithwaite currently covers an estimated 2 km square of land. People are being advised to stay away from the area, and not to walk on the part of the Pennine Way which is close to the fire. Dozens of calls were made to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) at around 1.30 pm and three fire engines were in attendance with four wildfire units. The specialist wildfire Polaris vehicle has also been deployed to help tackle the blaze and prevent it from sprea...

More than 400 items of firefighting kit are traveling from West Yorkshire to Ukraine in a bid to support those battling on the frontline.  West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has contributed hundreds of items to the latest convoy, which leaves the UK (May 3rd, 2023). Among the items are 120 fire helmets and over 300 items of structural fire kit, which includes firefighting clothing, to offer as much protection as possible to firefighters in Ukraine. appliances and eq...

Jay Weber, Senior Product Manager for Blackline Safety, recently visited HazMat2 to collaborate with their team of hazmat responders and gain insights into their experiences using its equipment in the field. Jay donned several hazmat ensembles and gloves to understand the difficulties of responders downrange in PPE.  complexities and difficulties “My recent visit to HazMat2 with Ben and his team gave me an entirely new understanding of the complexities and difficulties associated w...

Vetter, a trusted brand of IDEX Fire & Safety, has upgraded its Vetter Connectable Bags C.Tec 12 N (C-Tec), a device with toolless connection technology that ensures a high degree of stability and load capacity while lifting heavy objects in rescue operations such as collapsed buildings, trapped persons and natural disasters. “C-Tec combines requirements for lifting bags of heavy rescue and creates an innovative range of applications,” said Maria Hovanes, director of North Amer...

HURST Jaws of Life® is once again arming first responders with a new rescue tool that will get them to the patient faster with the introduction of the M40 Spreader, a battery-powered spreader designed for heavy rescue applications. With a maximum opening width of 40 inches (101.9 cm), the M40 is the widest, battery-operated spreader in the market.  Author's quote “HURST Jaws of Life was the first to the fire and rescue market with the power and flexibility of battery-operat...

HURST Jaws of Life®, part of IDEX Fire & Safety’s family of trusted brands, has announced the availability of E3 CONNECT, a tool line that integrates its eDRAULIC® 3.0 rescue tools with IDEX Fire & Safety’s smart vehicle platform Captium™ Cloud to detect, record and report on tool performance and potential issues. Unveiled at FDIC 2022, E3 Connect combines traditional rescue tool functionality with the modernization of WiFi to aid departments in managing and o...

Akron Brass, a trusted brand of IDEX Fire & Safety, has expanded its revolutionary SAM™ automated water control offerings with SAM BOOST, a retrofitted SAM system that can add new safety and efficiency to any fire apparatus. controlling the nozzle “SAM BOOST offers a new way for firefighters at the scene to control the nozzle, different from the full SAM system,” said Jeff Van Meter, Director of Global Apparatus for IDEX Fire & Safety. “It is the most efficient...

From a single pair of gloves to thousands of protective garments delivered to fire departments around the world, Fire-Dex has grown from small beginnings to become a leading provider of lifesaving gear. Currently, 40 years old and currently the country’s fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, the company has consistently led through customer-driven product innovation and a focus on family that starts at the factory. reputation for safety “We are incredibly fortu...

Streamlight®, Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting, launched the Waypoint® 400, an updated model of the Waypoint® 300. Features The new version of the rechargeable pistol-grip spotlight offers up to 1,400 lumens of ultra-bright white light with 400,000 candelas and a beam distance of 1,265 meters for enhanced down-range lighting capability. The portable light can be used as either a handheld mobile searchlight or, with its integrated stand, as a hands-free scene light to...

Recently talked about what competency means in the context of fire safety in the construction industry, from a contractor/installer point of view. Established that there is more to competency than knowledge, skill, or experience and talked about ethics, the culture of copy and paste, and the importance of knowing one’s limitations. Competency is knowing what don’t know and being prepared to ask for help. This often works for those who find themselves in a situation where they unders...

Emergency scenes come in all sizes, but no matter how big or small, situational awareness on the scene is one key to firefighter safety. To enhance situational awareness and firefighter accountability, MSA Safety, Inc. has released FireGrid™ Map View, a software enhancement of MSA's LUNAR® Connected Device that enables tracking of a firefighter's estimated location when outside of a structure. LUNAR is a handheld device that provides search and rescue capabilities for firefighters an...

The extinguishing section of Euralarm has released another new guidance document. The "Guidance on Approved fill stations" outlines the main important subjects detailing how to ensure filling stations can perform as expected by the end user.  Clean agent systems work with gases that leave no residue and act against fires in the early stages of development. Filling and retesting of containers Filling of containers is a vital part of the quality controls in place to ensure that systems wor...