Fire and Rescue news

As worker injuries and public safety risks continue to rise, safety technology pioneer Blackline Safety Corp. has announced record growth in the number of fire hazmat customers using its connected personal and area monitors. Worldwide, the number of Blackline fire-hazmat customers grew 175% in the last year, from 127 to 350, with thousands of users across North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. adoption of Blackline’s products The adoption of Blackline’...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews worked through the night to contain a large fire that destroyed a Richmond River High School building, which was due for demolition, in North Lismore. At approximately 6:30 pm, more than 50 firefighters and ten fire trucks responded to numerous Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a building on Lake Street, with reports of flames and thick smoke. Fire Containment Success On arrival, crews were faced with a large expanding fire in a large building located at t...

Lucent Square, a new residential development in Leeds, has been equipped with Advanced’s EvacGo evacuation alert system to enhance resident safety and ensure compliance with the BS 8629 Code of Practice. Covering 54 apartments across six floors, the system features a standalone EvacGo panel located at the main entrance and provides fire and rescue services with a reliable method of alerting residents in an emergency.  Installation of evacuation alert system Installation of an evacu...

AU Vodka, the rapidly expanding premium spirits brand renowned for its distinctive gold bottles, has selected a state-of-the-art fire detection system from Hochiki Europe for its impressive new head office in Swansea. The system, installed by South Wales-based fire safety and security specialists H3 Group, provides exceptional reliability and seamlessly integrates with the building’s ultra-modern design. Safeguarding Innovation AU Vodka entrusted the project to H3 Group, a long-standing...

As workplaces have evolved over the past year or so companies should have a flexible mind as to how to best keep the office/workplace compliant. The first point is often to check the risk assessment is up to date and make sure it stays adaptable to reflect the current working practices. If users have implemented a new hybrid working practice, altered the building layout, or changed how the building is used there is an onus on the Responsible Person to consider in the Fire Risk Assessment; Ch...

Earlier this year, a large care provider received the biggest ever fines in the UK for a serious breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The judgement, at a court in London, saw a large care provider receive a £1.4m fine after a resident died when his clothes set on fire while he was smoking. The resident, Cedric Skyers, was in a wheelchair inside a garden shelter at a care home in Brockley, when the incident happened. The prosecution explained that his clothes went on...

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is an essential component of their organisation’s overall Fire Risk Management Strategy. As with all fire safety measures, the primary goal of a risk assessment is to keep people safe. Virtually all buildings in England and Wales are required, by law, to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment (except for domestic dwellings). This article will explain the process of carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment, their responsibilities under Fire Safety legislation, as well as...

The Fire Industry Training Academy (FITA) is the benchmark provider for educating and training professionals within the fire industry. The organisation supports those seeking to gain fire safety compliance – whether an individual, small company, SME, industrial space or large-scale public sector body. FIFA can advise on what the government expects in terms of ensuring buildings are fire safe. Fire safety compliance @FITA_fire: “Training may seem like an expensive luxury, but is a...

The Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, has unveiled a station upgrade and two new fire engines to protect the community of Ulladulla on the state’s south coast. The improvements include a $1.7 million station refurbishment, which began in April last year, and two new fire trucks valued at $1.23 million. Commissioner Fewtrell said the six-month upgrade is significant as the station was constructed in 1972 and was last upgraded in 1998. The changes include: Exte...

Since the onset of the pandemic, most companies have become familiar with issuing alcohol gel in the form of hand sanitizer for staff, customers and visitors. This is understandable because it’s a good way of ensuring no germs, viruses and bacteria are passed on when surfaces are touched. But, as a manager or procurement officer, just how au fait are users with storing these highly-flammable liquids? It’s important to do so carefully because of the high alcohol content in the gel &n...

Perimeter Solutions, a pioneering manufacturer of high-quality fire retardant and firefighting foam, is introducing the Perimeter Solutions Industrial Foam School, a comprehensive, two-day training program designed for industrial firefighters, hazmat teams, and municipal firefighters who support industrial facilities. The first Industrial Foam School session will take place at the Delaware State Fire Academy in Dover, DE, on May 28-29, 2025. Fluorine-free firefighting foams “Firefightin...

Fire and Rescue NSW fighters have extinguished a fire that occurred in a commercial laundry in Parramatta. Remote Site Survey The site has been declared a crime scene and handed over to NSW Police as a matter of procedure. Investigators will return to the site tomorrow, following consultation with engineers, to continue examining the origin and cause of the fire. FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drones) have been used to safely assess the site and will be deployed again tomorrow to ass...

As a pioneer manufacturer of high-performance sealing systems for fire doors – they have shown unwavering support for Fire Door Safety Week since its inception in 2013. Kicking off on marks a momentous 10 year anniversary of the campaign. Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW) was launched in response to a legacy of fire door neglect. Know Fire Door Basics The campaign is managed by the British Woodworking Federation and is supported by a number of partners It's a ‘mass market’ aware...

Hannay Reels will showcase its line of custom hose and cable solutions designed for fire and emergency applications at the 2025 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). Located at booth 4069 in the Indianapolis Convention Center, Hannay will exhibit reels manufactured with extremely durable materials that can be customized to meet vehicle requirements. Innovations for Emergencies Hannay can be customized to meet vehicle requirements with extremely durable materials Hannay will exhibit...

At FireRite, they are proud of the associations in business that they have built up over two decades in the fire safety industry. That’s because it is the number of associations they align with that give they the edge over the competitors and ensure the fire health and safety advice is both contemporary and as good as it can possibly be. To the extent that they were awarded Best Fire Safety & Compliance Consultancy Business 2020 & 2021 at the recent Welsh Enterprise Awards.&n...

Cygnus, a pioneering developer and manufacturer of EN 54-certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be celebrating an important milestone at this year’s Fire Safety Event, the two-year anniversary of SmartNet achieving EN 54 certification. The Fire Safety Event is the UK's largest show dedicated to fire and life safety and takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 8-10 April 2025. Fire detection and alarm system Cygnus will celebrate its two-year anniversary of o...

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that it has created a new Level 3 Award in Compliance & Safety of Fire Resisting Roller Shutter Doors training course. Launched in response to member feedback, the course provides a full day of learning, which is mapped to the National Occupational Standards for the installation, maintenance, and repair of fire-resisting roller shutter doors. It serves as a natural progression from DHF’s Level 2 Award in Industrial & Garage Door S...

Since they invested in the Fire Consultancy division, they were aware of the perceived ‘conflict of interest’ in the fire industry for companies like ourselves; Why? As they assess client fire safety risks and are then providing Active & Passive fire solutions to address the findings within the assessment. For some people, informing a company that they need to improve their fire safety and then, later on, assessing those improvements may appear conflicting. Because yes, they hav...

If they are a new business – or an existing business, for that matter – and are wondering whether or not they need fire safety training, then read on. The bad news is fire is easily started and can spread quickly through a building – to the extent it can completely raze it to the ground. In other words, they could be left with no premises at all for them and their staff to work in. Fire safety training In a worst-case scenario, they might face court proceedings and even up t...

Here at FireRite, they were saddened to learn of the huge fire that completely destroyed a recycling plant at Blaenavon in South Wales last month. Around 600 tonnes of plastic melted while 60 firefighters with 14 appliances and using specialist equipment tackled the blaze. There was also a huge upheaval for the community after roads were closed and harmful fumes polluted the atmosphere. This particular fire in October at Capital Valley Plastics followed recycling plant fires in W...

A dry riser is, in fact, simply a set of permanently installed pipework (water inlets, pipes, and outlets) spread through a building on all levels and which firefighters can access to help them fight a fire on an upper floor of a building. An air valve is fitted at the top of the pipework so that air can be released when the system is full of water. Fire-resisting enclosures surround the pipework. It is called a dry riser because it should always remain empty and only be filled w...

Fire and Rescue NSW will be undertaking a hazard reduction burn on North Head located near Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Smoke from the planned hazard reduction burn may settle in and around the Manly area and will be visible from a long distance away. Planned hazard reduction This is an important prescribed burn which will reduce the risk to people and properties from future bush fires. If users have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high a...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a townhouse in Mayfield, in the Hunter region. Just before 2am, firefighters responded to Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a two-level building located on the corner of Maitland Road and Woodstock Street. On arrival, crews were met by an intense and rapidly expanding fire in the complex of eight townhouses. Fortunately, all occupants had self-evacuated with the assistance of neighbours. Four of the occupants were transported by N...

RISCO has announced the release of its revolutionary wireless LuNAR FireWatch, a three-in-one smoke, heat, and PIR detector designed for optimum safety and security. The device signifies a breakthrough for the security industry, as it combines the functions of three individual functions into one cohesive, streamlined detection solution. safety and security device The wireless LuNAR FireWatch is designed for ceiling mounting, prioritizing improved detection coverage and minimizing blind spots....

Very few people in the UK can be unaware of the devastation caused by the Grenfell tower block fire five years ago now. For those involved in the horrors of that night are replayed over and over again as the fatal accident inquiry into apportioning blame - and ensuring a similar event never occurs again - continues. To this end, the government has introduced new legislation in the form of the Fire Safety Act 2021. Fatal accident inquiry The Act considers the recommendations introduced by Sir...

The largest UK fire and rescue service convoy is set to deliver more than 15,000 pieces of life-saving firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters. Donated by UK fire and rescue services, working with FIRE AID, the eighth convoy - including 26 donated fire engines - will make its way across Europe next month (April). This eighth convoy adds to the 119 vehicles that have been donated, alongside 200,000 pieces of equipment since the invasion began. Full-scale invasion in 2022 The war...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is taking to the streets of Warren to recruit the next generation of on-call firefighters.   The small rural town, which is home to around 1,300 people, is facing a firefighter shortage and needs to fill multiple paid on-call firefighter roles. Hosting an information session Throughout March, firefighters will be available to answer questions about building a rewarding career at FRNSW: Saturday 22 March, 10am: The crew will be at the finish line of the Wa...

Ranger Fire and Security has announced its first acquisition of 2025, with McGoff & Vickers Fire & Security Systems (MGV) becoming the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. Run by industry specialists and service business experts, Ranger brings together high-quality fire and security (F&S) businesses in partnership to share industry expertise, resources and boost cross-selling opportunities. Fire protection services North-West-based F&S business MGV has a h...

It’s important for any organization to be able to reduce risk, manage the situation and mitigate any impact that might arise from an emergency. One of the first approaches is to identify the best man – or woman – for such a job/s. Their course can help prepare staff for such an emergency. In it, they take senior staff (managers and supervisors) through a series of confidence-building stages. This allows them to check their existing knowledge, look at their current skills and a...

Regarding the notion of fire safety in the workplace, fire signs are an essential part of this. These signs guide people to safety should a blaze occur, after all. They also point to where fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers and safety blankets can be found. So important are they that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation insists certain signs are a legal requirement for commercial premises. Legal requirement for commercial premises So, what are these signs, and...