United States of America (USA) Fire Industry News

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...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have worked for almost four hours overnight to contain molten glass leaking from a malfunctioning furnace in a factory in Sydney's west. Fifteen fire trucks and more than 50 firefighters responded to the site in Andrews Road, Penrith, just before 11 pm. Firefighting protective clothing The large quantity of flowing molten glass was threatening to ignite other parts of the factory. On-site workers activated their emergency response plan and commenced in...

The Metropolitan Police Service has not learned enough from its failings in the case of serial killer Stephen Port, and it could happen again, a new report has found. An inspection of the Metropolitan Police Service’s response to lessons from the Stephen Port murders Stephen Port murdered four young men in East London between June 2014 and September 2015 – but despite the obvious similarities, the Met failed to recognize the deaths were connected. Training and guidance for off...

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact businesses across the country, many are seeking ways to reduce expenses. However, it’s crucial to avoid compromising on fire safety, while adapting to the economic challenges. This article will outline key considerations for businesses as they make changes to minimize costs, while maintaining the highest level of fire safety. Understanding the Issue of a Fire Risk Assessment The foundation of any fire safety strategy is a comprehensive&nb...

The fires that lit up vast areas of Marsden Moor last Thursday are being investigated as arson. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is working with West Yorkshire Police to get to the bottom of these crimes that caused damage to areas of moorland and wildlife. Risk of wildfires Richard Hawley, temporary group manager and WYFRS’s lead wildfire officer said: “We are working with the police to try and identify the people responsible for these horrific fires and bring them t...

Darley announced that Timothy Nelson has been named the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, effective May 1, 2023.  Darley Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Darley, said, “Tim is a proven pioneer with a superior track record of delivering results and creating value. I’m excited to welcome him to Team Darley. He is a high-impact executive who will help grow the business for long-term, sustainable growth.”   Timothy Nelson's prior job roles Timot...

The City of Victoria’s new state-of-the-art, post-seismic Victoria Fire Department Headquarters, located at 1025 Johnson Street, is officially open. The 3,762 square-meter (40,500 square-foot) downtown facility replaces the 2,480 square-meter (26,700 square-foot) former Fire and Rescue headquarters on Yates Street that has served Victoria since 1959. The new public safety facility meets BC Building Code standards for buildings designed to remain operable post-disaster. This means it was b...

Startling figures reveal that drowning is a bigger killer than house fires in West Yorkshire, with nine deaths taking place in one year.  National Be Water Aware Week West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has joined forces with other fire and rescue services locally and nationally urging people to heed the dangers of open water. The campaign, led nationally by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) is being backed locally by Yorkshire Water, which owns many of the bodies...

Tyne and Wear fire chiefs have said the future of frontline services to communities has been strengthened with the continued investment in a brand new fleet of vehicles. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have already been recognized as one of the fastest responding service in the entire country. Additionally, the TWFRS have confirmed that 10 brand new fire appliances will take to the streets across the region in the coming weeks. Brand new fleet of fire appliances Every vehicle is...

Some 260 leading exhibitors are all set to welcome trade buyers in Taipei from 26 – 28 April 2023, with a cutting-edge display of smart security products across 15,120 sqm of exhibition space. Over the next three days, trade buyers will filter through the Secutech fairground to source from a wide range of smart safety and security solutions integrated with AI, 5G, and IoT technologies. Biometrics, 5G communications, surveillance systems with embedded sensors, and cloud data analysis techn...

Honeywell is excited to showcase key technologies from its security and fire and life safety product lines at The Security Event on April 25 - 27 in Birmingham at Stand 4/F20.  Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn more about Honeywell’s ready-now solutions that help to build owners and operators drive critical outcomes such as managing threats, improving uptime, driving operational efficiencies, and providing an optimal occupant experience.  Publ...

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) is delighted to announce the launch of two new Fire Standards - Fire Control and Communications & Engagement. The development of the Fire Control Standard was driven by recent major incident events, such as Grenfell and the Manchester Arena bombing. It addresses the fundamental and strategic role that Fire Control plays from initially receiving the first contact through to the very close of an incident.  FSB launches new Fire Standards This Fi...

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...

Five teams of firefighters will represent Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in a multi-agency State Road Crash Rescue Challenge next month at Coffs Harbor on the state’s north coast. The FRNSW crews from Dubbo, Wyong, Ulladulla, ‘Region South’ and ‘Region North’ will compete against eight teams from the State Emergency Service (SES), two from the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and one from Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) in a series of events being held...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have battled for more than two hours to extinguish a fierce blaze which has destroyed an automotive workshop and several vehicles in Sydney's south-west. More than 30 FRNSW firefighters tackled the blaze, which had taken hold in the building on Carlingford Street, Sefton, just before 3 am. Access the rear of the fire Firefighters were successful in stopping the flames from spreading to an adjoining property Firefighters were successful in stopping the...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will use its strong presence at the Hawkesbury Show this weekend to warn the public about the dangers posed by Lithium-Ion batteries. Fire investigators will demonstrate how compromised or damaged batteries can overheat and enter what’s known as ‘Thermal Runaway” where they are at high risk of exploding and starting significant fires. WiFi and satellite phone communications There were 213 suspected Lithium-Ion-related battery incidents attended by...

Successful fire and EMS departments prioritize the health and safety of their members and foster a positive, inclusive environment where their members can thrive. Unfortunately, instances of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation do just the opposite, harming individuals and the entire department. Departments can protect their members and the organization by adopting proactive measures to identify and respond to discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Fire Service Discrimination...

Twiceme, a Swedish safety technology company, recently conducted a survey to gauge the willingness of US bike riders to pay for their innovative safety technology. The survey asked three questions: - "Would you feel safer if personal safety information was shared with rescuers in an emergency?" - "Would you be willing to pay USD 15 extra for equipment that can do this?" - “What’s the most important criterion when buying a new helmet?” The results of the survey were quite inter...

The UK Government proposes to substantially amend Approved Document B from a fire safety perspective, specifically by removing the national classification system for construction products and requiring relevant testing to the British Standard version of the European Standard. The effect will be to remove all BS 476 tests, including fire resistance, from National Regulations. IFSA believes that this could have hugely detrimental consequences for those companies that have already registered...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters who specialise in structural collapse have used laser monitoring equipment to assess and monitor the unstable front wall of a building in Tighes Hill, in Newcastle. Just before 8:30 am this morning, FRNSW firefighters responded to reports of a building threatening to collapse in Elizabeth Street. The building, which was undergoing renovation, had developed large cracks on the front wall. Gas and electricity supply Firefighters immediately shut off...

It is with great pleasure that AFI announces the appointment of Nick Rice, AFI Chief Operation Officer, to Chairman of the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) WA Committee, commencing May 2023.  Having worked in the fire protection industry since 2007, Nick’s wealth of experience and dedication to excellence will serve him well in this role. His management skills and leadership qualities combined with his technical knowledge and business proficiency make him the ide...

Crews were called to fires in Marsden as meters of moorland went up in flames at two different sites.  Fire crews from Slaithwaite, Meltham, Rastrick, Halifax, and Cleckheaton attended along with wildfire crews from Todmorden, Keighley, and Skelmanthorpe to tackle the first blaze off Old Mount Road. moorland fire They were called at around 3.50 pm to the moorland fire which measured around 1.5 km by 500 meters. Firefighters used blowers, beaters, Landrovers, Polaris, and water relays to...

KME, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., and a manufacturer of fire apparatus will display the latest in fire apparatus and technology including the first North American-style fully electric fire truck at FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 27-29, 2023 at Booth 3701. In celebration of first responders and in keeping with the theme “Protecting Those Who Protect Us,” REV Fire Group will host a happy hour and live product walka...

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced it will feature 13 of the most advanced fire apparatus showcasing an extensive scope of innovative features and the latest technology developments at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 27-29, 2023. Pierce’s exhibit will also include an Innovation Theater featuring expert presentations on these innovative technologies. Additional booth highlights include fire truck walkaroun...

Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics – only 40% of tenants feel safe in their homes due to fire safety concerns. This article aims to provide an overview of these findings, highlight the importance of landlord fire risk assessments, and discuss the latest government regulations that aim to improve fire safety. Overview of Findings A recent study conducted by Zutec has found that a staggering 60% of UK tenants do not feel safe in their homes for fear of fire risk. This alarmi...

As summer approaches we start to think about sun protection for the skin and overall health. However, for those outside workers who are exposed to solar radiation day in and day out, there continues to be little awareness about the risk that they are being subjected to. skin cancer Studies over recent years such as that carried out by Imperial College London demonstrate that working in the sun could lead to one skin cancer death a week and five new cases of melanoma skin cancer with the hig...

The oil and gas industry is an essential sector that provides the energy the world needs and powers global economies. However, securing that energy can carry a high risk of occupational hazards. The fatality rate in oil and gas extraction has been seven times higher than the average for US workers (CDC) and has around 100 deaths per year and an additional 1,400 non-fatal incidents. But even those high numbers may be underreported (Energy News Network). Upstream and downstream Take a closer lo...

K-Mesh, a wireless fire detection system and Taktis, both award-winning products by Kentec Electronics, have been installed in five residential tower blocks in Wapping to provide residents with a sophisticated and highly reliable fire detection and alarm system.  The K-Mesh and Taktis system was installed at 21 Wapping Lane in central London by DPJ Fire and Security Ltd, a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), after winning a competitive tender put out by property developers, Ballymore. ...

Allegion UK, a pioneer in fire safety hardware and manufacturer of "Briton" door controls, is set to unveil its new set of Briton "Fire Door Safety in Review" guides at The Fire Safety Event 2023, taking place between 25th and 27th April at the NEC, Birmingham. Located on stand 3A/A40, Allegion’s door hardware experts will exhibit at this year’s show in support of fire safety professionals and will share essential and accessible information on hardware specification, installation an...

Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC have partnered to provide volunteer fire departments with canned drinking water to keep firefighters hydrated during wildfires and other long incidents. To date, 6.5 million cans of water have been distributed to more than 1,400 departments across nearly all 50 states. Another 1.5 million cans of water will be distributed this year. The 2023 general application period is now closed, but departments in declared wildfire emergencies can still request water...