Fire and Rescue news

IRIS will meet customer demands for proof of maintenance and FIA initiatives to raise safety standards Drax has launched IRIS, a new web-based service management system that delivers industry-leading level of maintenance support for fire detection and alarm installations. "Enabling users to demonstrate that every possible step has been taken to protect both life and property has become much more important as a result of enforcement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)...

The EMS week celebrates and honours the contributions of emergency service providers EMS Week provides a great opportunity for Fire Corps volunteers to publicise the importance of fire safety, and honour those who provide day-to-day lifesaving services. The National EMS Week recognizes the contributions and dedication of the emergency medical service providers in the community. This year May 19 was set aside as Emergency Medical Services for Children Day to foc...

Boyce is an experienced emergency manager both at state and local level Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate has applauded President Obama's appointment of Don R. Boyce as FEMA Regional Administrator for Region I, which encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  "Regional Administrators are crucial to our ability to respond effectively to emergencies based on the needs of the communities we s...

39 respondents (63%) said their companies had at some time used flammable gas to blow out piping A CSB public meeting is planned next month in Connecticut to consider new safety recommendations. The practice of using flammable natural gas to clean power plant piping, which led to the fatal explosion at Connecticut-based Kleen Energy on February 7, has been commonly used across the gas-fired power generating industry, CSB investigators have said. The explosion,...

The new SCBA is expected to improve the safety of fire fighters on the frontlines. Photo: Justin DiPierro The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Prince George’s County, Md., Fire/EMS Department have conducted a field test of a new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). “These important field tests give us the information we need to ensure that this cutting-edge technology is safe, reliable and ready to be deployed. This is one of th...

High Sheriff Hugh Trevor-Jones  “launches” a new water rescue truck while Rev Peter Barnes blesses it in a dedication ceremony  A bottle of Shropshire beer was cracked open by the county High Sheriff to “launch” the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s new water rescue truck and boat. Brigade chaplain Rev Peter Barnes said a prayer to dedicate the new vehicle, which replaces an 18-year-old truck, and will be used to save lives on t...

New schools in Kent will be fitted with fire sprinklers Kent Fire and Rescue Service is working with council planners and architects to promote installation of sprinklers. New schools in Kent are to be fitted with sprinkler systems, following a decision by Kent County Council to improve fire safety. The move will see officials from Kent Fire and Rescue service working with council planners and architects to encourage the installation of systems in all new or large renova...

Shopping centres present a unique set of challenges in fire safety Chubb Fire won the contract, on competitive tender, to replace both the existing fire alarm and Public Address/Voice Alarm (PAVA) system at the Howard Shopping Centre. Chubb Fire's flexible working practices have been highlighted and praised by managers of the Howard Shopping Centre in Welwyn Garden City, following completion of a successful project to upgrade an existing fire safety installation. Chubb Fire i...

Planning and practising an escape route can vastly increase chances of surviving a fire Planning an escape route could be the difference between life and death if there's a fire in your home, according to London Fire Brigade. Andy Hickmott, London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety, said: "Firefighters attend around 110 accidental home fires in London each week, some of which are serious and sadly sometimes even fatal. Fire can strike wh...

Video smoke detection is gaining popularity in the fire detection field Video smoke detection is still in the process of research and development. A VSD guidance has been published by the FIA. Although it has been in use for a number of years, until recently VSD was still seen as an emerging technology. Research into this area continues and few commercial systems are available, but it is increasingly becoming a recognised solution for both interior and exterior appl...

The annual preparedness grants will go towards preparation for meeting disasters and emergencies The critical infrastructure and preparedness grants announced include specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of grant applicants to maximize funding and also incorporate inputs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the fiscal year 2010 Preparedness Grants for nine federal programs including critical infrastructure-related gran...

New fleet of trucks from Crimson Fire will boost fire fighting capability of Buffalo city The city of Buffalo has signed a multi-year contract to purchase as four new fire trucks from Crimson Fire, Inc. The Brandon, S.D based manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles said that it has already begun work to build two new custom pumpers and one aerial for Buffalo, which is the second largest city in New York state. One aerial demonstrator was purchased to...

CSB received the award for its safety video series used to promote chemical process safety around the world EPSC was founded by the European Federation of Chemical Engineering and has a membership that includes leading chemical companies, manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and academic institutions. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has received the prestigious European Process Safety Centre (EPSC) Award 2010 for the CSB Safety Video series, Centre off...

UK is a world leader in fire safety industry Now in its third year, the apprenticeship scheme is designed to bring young people into fire protection in a bid to ensure that the UK retains its reputation as one of the world's leading lights in fire safety. Graham Ellicott, CEA of the FIA, comments: "In the UK we are justifiably proud of our fire safety record and the expertise that we have here.  But we know the vital importance of attracting new blood to ensure that this...

Regulatory Reform Order was discussed at Community Link with London's business community London Fire Brigade will outline how important it is for businesses to understand the law and their role in fire safety. Forging stronger community links and explaining important fire safety legislation were top of the agenda when London Fire Brigade hosted a reception for an organisation that represents Islington's minority business community on Friday 23 April. The event, called Commun...

Setcom Corporation has launhced an events and conferences calendar for the fire industry By providing a comprehensive calendar of events, Setcom makes it easy for fire rescue and safety professionals to find and choose events happening close to them.   Setcom Corporation (www.Setcomcorp.com), an industry leader in wireless communications equipment and accessories for public safety vehicles, including fire apparatus and police motorcycles, has rel...

The annual conference is a meeting ground for volnteer and non-profit organizations The annual conference brings volunteer organizations together to share knowledge and coordinate to help disaster survivors and their communities. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on Thursday addressed the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) conference in Orlando. FEMA and National VOAD also signed a Memorandum of Understandin...

Graham Franklin, Director Global Sales, Crowcon, will now oversee all of Crowcon's global sales and service Graham will bring to the new role his extensive product and market knowledge acquired at Crowcon.   Gas detection specialist Crowcon Detection Instruments has appointed Graham Franklin as Director of Global Sales. Graham already has a wealth of experience with Crowcon, having held various senior positions within the company, including Service Manager...

Navistar is expanding its distribution and customer support network in the US Many new commercial truck dealership veterans have joined Navistar's International Truck dealer network. Navistar, Inc. has announced five changes in its dealer network that will significantly strengthen its already industry-leading distribution and service channel. "As conditions in the truck market continue to put more pressure on our customers, we are committed to providing t...

Fifty-six firefighters form London Fire Brigade took a 26.2 mile course of Marathon 2010 Fifty-six firefighters and non-uniformed staff of London Fire Brigade took the challenge to run the 26.2-mile course to raise cash for thirty-nine charities and good causes. Over fifty members of London Fire Brigade's staff took part in this year's London Marathon, raising around £50,000 for various charities. Fifty-six firefighters and non-uniformed staff took the challenge to...

Steve Hamm and Jim Knighton have newly been appointed assistant commissioners of London Fire Brigade The new Assistant Commissioners will be major players in the day-to-day running of London Fire Brigade.  The London Fire Brigade has appointed two new Assistant Commissioners, with both staff in post from 4 May. Jim Knighton has taken up the post of Assistant Commissioner for Operational Policy. Jim, who has served in the capital since 1984, has been promot...

AFG applications must be received by May 28 The grant meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. The application period for Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) has opened. Applications must be received by May 28. AFG meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations by funding critically needed eq...

AFG funds boost up equipments, facilities, training materials and resources AFG would provide a huge sum of $390 million to fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations. The Department of Homeland Security opened the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period on Monday April 26, 2010. Nationally AFG awards will provide fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations with approximately $390 million...

Residential properties suffer major losses due to fire accidents involving grills and barbeques Grills, hibachis, and barbecues in residential properties continue to carry a high fire accident risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of grill fires on residential properties. The report, Grill Fires on Residential Properties (PDF, 663 Kb), was...

Fire prevention in casinos is important to protect employees and visitors Chubb Fire is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. Chubb Fire has secured an extensive fire protection and security contract for Genting Casinos in the UK on the strength of excellent industry knowledge and a trustworthy reputation. Chubb Fire is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Originally, Chubb was approached to bid for t...

Cute suspect? Pet Fire Safety Day will remind people to keep a watch on pets and prevent pet started home fires Pet Fire Safety Day is designed to educate pet owners about potential risks when pets are left home. Pet Fire Safety Day is on July 15, and the National Volunteer Fire Council is partnering with ADT Security Services to raise public awareness about pet fire hazards. NVFC is seeking examples of pets that have started home fires to use in the public safety a...

Secretary of U.S Homeland Security was present at the historic agreement to battle natural disasters The historic event to cope up with natural disasters is an important step forward in bolstering collaboration between the United States and Australia in preparing for and responding to natural disasters. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to s...

Phil Jhonston emerged as the winner of Customer Solutions Rodeo Developed by Navistar's dealer education group, the Customer Solutions Rodeo enjoyed outstanding participation from the dealer channel.Six International brand truck dealer sales representatives went head-to-head last week to highlight their expertise and working knowledge of International brand commercial trucks, as well as OnCommand by Navistar, the company's newly branded suite of customer service offerings. Th...

Online assistance from FEMA has increased the number of flood survivor applications FEMA’s robust online and social media efforts have been very effective in educating flood survivors about disaster assistance. Registering online for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is becoming a popular method for New Jersey flooding survivors who have access to the Internet. As of April 28, 7,523 flood survivors in the 12 designated New Jersey counties re...

Tackling emergency situations will get a boost with OnSite ERT™ tracking technology and command software Thanks to Assistance for Firefighters Grant, starting early Spring of 2010, the Bath VFD will begin utilising ERT Systems' OnSite ERT™ on the scene of emergencies. It’s a problem all too familiar for volunteer fire departments: knowing which personnel have arrived on-scene and the location of the responders throughout the incident. If something happe...