Fire Detection

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) joined with charity Catch22 to inspire young males by providing them with positive role models and a Fire Safety Course. As part of the partnership, seven teenagers aged from 14 - 16 spent six weeks with firefighters from Temple fire station developing their skills and experience. Throughout their weekly two hour courses at the station, they covered everything from breathing apparatus, hose use, road traffic collision management and first aid, providing them with a new perspective on uniformed jobs and positive role models to aspire to. Role Model Development The Service hopes that the course will inspire the teenagers to lead change in themselves Following the course, all of the students from Catch22's Bedminster site passed out – graduated – today (23/10) and received certificates that they can take away to future employers. Working with Catch22, which aims to help people find a good place to live, a purpose and good people around them, the Service hopes that the course will inspire the teenagers to lead change in themselves and their peer group. This wellbeing, skills and role model development is something that AF&RS is keen to embrace as part of its values of transparency, inclusivity, ambition, honesty, respect and courage. The Service works with community groups from across the region and is always looking for people to be role models within their own community, whether as a firefighter or advocate for fire safety and other campaigns. Making A Positive Difference All those we have worked with have such great potential and this is just about giving them the confidence" James Grady, a firefighter at Temple fire station who led on the project, said: “Providing positive role models to those in the community who need it is a positive step and something we have always aspired to do.” “Working with Catch22, we have been able to help those who need it and help to point them in a direction that will make a real positive difference to their lives, helping to give them a purpose and put good people around them. All those we have worked with have such great potential and this is just about giving them the confidence, drive and support to achieve their goals.” “Throughout the six weeks, we have seen real change in those on the course and hope they have all taken something positive away from the course. We hope to continue to build on these relationships with the students and Catch 22 over the coming years.” Building Stronger Communities Some of our students are now actively thinking of a career with the Fire Service" Catch22’s vision is a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live. Having been a charity for 200 years, they now work across children’s social care, deliver alternative education, get people into work through apprenticeships and employability programmes, build stronger communities through social action. Last year alone, they supported over 60,000 people across the country with 70 per cent having an increase in confidence and self-esteem. Jamie England, LP of Vocational Studies at Catch22, said: “The work experience provided by the team at Avon Fire and Rescue Service has been outstanding, our students have been taught a variety of skills across this academic term.” “We have noticed a difference in the motivation and aspiration of our students from attending this work experience. Some of our students are now actively thinking of a career with the Fire Service. We believe this ongoing partnership will continue to give our learners from disadvantaged backgrounds new aspirations and opportunities that will, in turn, create a brighter future for them.”

INTERSCHUTZ and the USA: This winning combination is being very well received by suppliers of equipment, services and solutions for the fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security, with heavyweights like Spartan, MSA, Plymovent, OnSpot and HAIX already on board – all the more impressive since the show isn't taking place until the middle of October, 2020. Safety And Efficiency For Fire Departments I believe the support we have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, for INTERSCHUTZ USA is two-fold" "I believe the support we have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, for INTERSCHUTZ USA is two-fold. First, the respect for the reputation and the brand INTERSCHUTZ throughout the world, and certainly in the U.S., is very powerful. Second, the U.S. fire-service is ready for an event that brings people and technology together in the interest of greater security, safety and efficiency for fire departments and rescue services," said Larry Turner, CEO of Hannover Fairs USA. So what kinds of technologies will tomorrow's fire services need? What strategies are the most likely to succeed in the 21st century? And what about new safety standards? Answers to these questions and more will be provided by exhibitors, keynote speakers, presenters and trainers at INTERSCHUTZ USA. Firefighting And Rescue Equipment For five days next year, Philadelphia will be the center of attention for everyone in the U.S. with an interest in firefighting and rescue equipment, solutions and services. INTERSCHUTZ USA gets underway on 13 and 14 October with training sessions and a networking event. Then, from 15 to 17 October, INTERSCHUTZ USA will continue with its exhibition program, conferences, product demos and additional networking opportunities. There's a reason we decided to stage the show in Philadelphia, on the east coast of the USA" "There's a reason we decided to stage the show in Philadelphia, on the east coast of the USA," explains Martin Folkerts, Deutsche Messe's Global Director INTERSCHUTZ. "It is a city steeped in history, including fire service history, and it's a location that around 44 percent of the country's 27,000 fire departments can get to by car in less than four hours.” Companies who are quick to act can take advantage of a special early-bird rate valid until 1 January 2020. Relevant International Markets INTERSCHUTZ USA is Deutsche Messe's very first full-fledged INTERSCHUTZ event held outside Germany and ranks alongside the company's suite of co-produced INTERSCHUTZ-branded (‘powered by INTERSCHUTZ’) events such as the AFAC show in Australia and the REAS show in Italy. That is not to say that INTERSCHUTZ USA is competing with the parent INTERSHUTZ event in Hannover, Germany, which runs this coming June. Quite the contrary, in fact: While the show in Hannover targets all the relevant international markets, the event in Philadelphia targets only the North American market. "The point is, ‘remarks Turner,’ not everyone can make it to Hannover to attend INTERSCHUTZ in Germany. Which is why potential exhibitors and attendees alike are so excited about our move to bring the global INTERSCHUTZ experience to the U.S. fire service right here in the USA. The enthusiasm we have in the planning of INTERSCHUTZ USA and in the concept of bringing the global INTERSCHUTZ experience to the U.S. fire service has been contagious among potential exhibitors and attendees alike."

Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby have put their local rivalry aside to support Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s (AF&RS) new water safety campaign - #MatesMatter. The move comes as AF&RS hopes to half the number of water fatalities in the Service area by 2026. More than 260 people died in British waterways last year, more than those who died in fires, and the Service has been called to 66 water-related incidents in the last two years, with six fatalities. To tackle this, AF&RS are calling for mates to look after each other and celebrate friendships on a night out. Targeting Predominately Men The Service is hoping that those enjoying Bristol on a night out will stay safe near the water Friends, colleagues and families will often look after each other on a day to day basis, so the Service is asking this to continue into a night out. Targeting predominately men aged between 18 and 29 years old, the Service is hoping that those enjoying Bristol on a night out will stay safe near the water with the help of friends. And nothing epitomizes teamwork better than Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby – both are teams close on and off the pitch with players looking after each other in all aspects of life. Kirstie Webb, Risk Reduction Department Manager for AF&RS, said: “Mates Matter – that’s the message we are trying to get across. In all aspects of life, we work as a team on a daily basis - whether in work, as a family or simply in our friendship groups - and we want people to keep that mentality on nights out.” Individuals Getting Separated From Groups “We all want the best for our mates and will do what we can to protect them. But for some reason, that seems to end on a night out with individuals getting separated from groups or leaving alone at the end of the night.” Mates matter, so we are asking people to make sure they ensure their friends are safe around water" “Mates matter, so we are asking people to make sure they ensure their friends are safe around water. Simple things like walking them home a different route avoiding the water’s edge or making sure you stay as a group can make a huge difference. It’s also been great to work with Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby; we are hoping that their support will really help to highlight this message and we thank them for their support on this. Every time we lose a life in the water it hurts us a Service and we want to see these unnecessary fatalities come to an end.” Delivering Water Safety Training Along with the #MatesMatter campaign, AF&RS has also been working with pubs and clubs along the Bristol waterfront to deliver water safety training for staff who may be able to act as first responders. The course, which consists of a presentation and a practical session, is aimed at door supervisors, managers and staff at clubs, bars and pubs around the dock area. The course focuses on raising awareness, the hazards around the docks and the effects of cold water on a casualty. Delivered by firefighters, the practical session involves throwline training from the bank to secure a casualty in the water. The Service is also working with the Bristol Water Safety Partnership to minimize risk by producing a risk assessment of the harbor, working with the council on standardized signage and life rings, and raising awareness where possible. Working On Education With The Universities We are ambitious and always striving to improve how we approach and tackle water-related incidents" In Bath, firefighters are taking part in regular patrols with the street pastors and SARAID, and are delivering water safety training to pubs, clubs and the police. Alongside Risk Reduction, they are also working on education with the universities, Bath BID and the Bath River Safety Forum. Kirstie added: “Along with raising awareness on the issue with Mates Matter and our work with the two rugby clubs, we are also approaching this from a prevention, protection and resilience approach. As a Service, we are ambitious and always striving to improve how we approach and tackle water-related incidents. While we would like to see no one enter the water at all, the more resources and support we have in place allows us to better respond when it does happen.” Bringing Clubs Together “If people enter the water, we have a golden window in which to respond, so having pub or club staff immediately on the scene, our resources better placed and the support of other local organizations only improves the chance of survival. Again though, Mates Matter. If people are able to look after their friends on a night out – putting them in a taxi, not leaving them outside a club, walking home together – we know we can make a real difference.” The water rescue campaign is creating awareness of a very real issue" Shula Smith, Head of Communications at Bath Rugby, said: "We would like to thank Avon Fire and Rescue for bringing our Clubs together to help share this important message. The water rescue campaign is creating awareness of a very real issue and we hope that someone, somewhere hears our message that mates matter." Making A Real Difference In The Community Nick Fenton-Wells, from Bristol Bears Team Manager, added: “We are delighted to be part of this new campaign by Avon Fire and hope it can help make a real difference in the community. We know that our players are role models in the community and they are all passionate about helping to improve it.” “On and off the pitch, we know that Mates Matter. Whether you have the weight of 14 other players on your shoulders on the pitch, or its bonding on a day to day basis, everyone looks after each other. We hope that by showing how much Mates Matter, people will take that into their daily lives and continue to look after each other on a night out. We’ve seen in the news when people have tragically lost their lives in the water so anything we can do to help is a positive. Mates Matter, so let’s stamp out unnecessary fatalities in the water.”

According to the Government, the key function for UKSAR services is to “ensure a coordinated response to emergencies in order to search for, rescue and recover those missing or in distress or potential distress on land, sea and shore line areas, including tidal and inland waters and to coordinate those actions”. Coordinated rescue operations The Police (including the National Police Air Service), Fire & Rescue Services (including Flood Rescue and Urban SAR units), Ambulances Services (including Air Ambulance) and HM Coastguard are responsible for leading any emergency rescue scenario, aided on occasions by the military, especially Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopters, and the RNLI and independent lifeboat services at sea.  However, the frontline emergency services often rely on additional help from specialist volunteer organizations, who are called out through the police via the 999 system to assist the police, fire and ambulance services. Volunteer organizations aid in rescue operations The members of these SAR teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year These organizations include Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountain Rescue Ireland. There are 48 mountain rescue teams divided into nine regions. These are complemented by the 36 Lowland Rescue teams in England, Northern Ireland and Jersey, while the British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC) is the representative body for the 15 volunteer underground rescue organizations. The members of these SAR teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They recover injured, sick or lost climbers and walkers and help search for missing children and vulnerable adults. They also help rescue farm livestock and other animals from inaccessible places. SAR units communication with rescue organizations To be effective in their mission, SAR units must be able to communicate with one another and with other rescue organizations, so they can coordinate their activities and ensure an efficient search and rescue operation. The communication network will often need to operate in difficult physical terrain with teams spread out over a wide area on mountains, in forests and across moorlands. It is therefore absolutely essential that these organizations have access to robust, reliable, always available communications. The technology must be able to operate efficiently over mountainous terrain where it can be tricky to maintain RF line of sight and in extreme weather conditions. Transmissions may also need to be encrypted especially when conducting searches of a sensitive nature, such as missing persons. National Airwave TETRA two-way radio network Many SAR organizations have, or are moving to digital solutions, including Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) The main emergency services use the national Airwave TETRA two-way radio network, which is currently being migrated to the 4G LTE Emergency Services Network. The volunteer SAR organizations have to fund their own radio networks, but they do have access to two-way radio channels licensed to UK Search and Rescue. SAR radio networks may be analogue or digital. With limited channels available, traditional analogue radio solutions do not make the most effective use of the available resources, so many SAR organizations have, or are moving to digital solutions, including Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). Two-slot TDMA technology used in Digital Mobile Radios Switching to DMR means SARs can immediately double the number of channels available, as the two-slot TDMA technology used in DMR provides two 6.25kHz channels for each single analogue 12.5kHz channel. DMR networks also provide a clearer, more consistent connection with better signal strength at the edge of the cell than analogue systems. Hytera DMR radios can interoperate with existing analogue radios to communicate with other SAR organizations Modern DMR solutions from Hytera also have the benefit of providing a future proof digital platform on which new applications can be added as they become available (or affordable) to the volunteer SAR organizations. However, Hytera DMR radios can also interoperate with existing analogue radios should there be a need to communicate with other SAR organizations still using analogue or if mixed fleets are being used. Digital Mobile Radio network As an example of the kind of solution DMR provides, Derbyshire-based Hytera dealer Zycomm delivered a DMR network to the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organization (PDMRO) covering most of the Peak District. Zycomm set up a managed VPN (virtual private network) over the Internet to connect seven repeaters together over IP links with a master base station sited at their offices. Mountain rescue staff can communicate using simplex, half-duplex and direct mode. The GPS location application in the radio is a key feature as it allows rescue coordinators to see where each team member is located on a single screen, enabling them to track and direct their movements more efficiently. This can be particularly useful at night or in poor visibility conditions and means searchers do not have to try and communicate their position verbally over the radio. Importance of radio communications in rescue operations Hytera also provides full recording services, which can be used later to review operations and for training purposes Alternatively, radio communications may be provided by an incident control vehicle fitted with a DMR mobile radio, on-board repeater and retractable external antenna mast. SAR teams will know their local area’s topography and will site themselves in locations so that radio messages can be passed on from areas where the signal cannot reach the SAR controller directly. Another alternative is to carry a Hytera RD965 man-portable outdoor repeater. SAR teams can also be assigned different talk group channels to avoid too many transmissions getting in the way of relevant communications for particular search parties. However, as is often the case, if a single open channel is being used so that everyone can hear what is going on, then pre-agreed voice protocols can be used to manage communications. Hytera also provides full recording services, which can be used later to review operations and for training purposes. Hytera noise cancelling technology The radio terminals need to be lightweight and rugged, as well as shock-proof, dust, dirt and moisture resistant, and be able to operate in extreme temperatures. Hytera offers a range of DMR hand-portables with high MIL-STD 810G shock and drop resistance certification and high IP-ratings against dust and water ingress. Hytera noise cancelling technology helps deliver clear audio, which can be vital in noisy outdoor environments. Radios with visual display windows can also receive photos of missing persons and the like As well as the GPS-location feature for tracking, Hytera DMR radios support text messaging, which can be very useful for the accurate transmission of information such as map coordinates, which might get mis-heard over the voice network. Radios with visual display windows can also receive photos of missing persons and the like. Hytera Digital Mobile Radios Depending on the particular handset, Hytera radios also support a wide range of safety features on top of the standard emergency button. These include Man Down and Lone Worker alerts, which will automatically send a location fix with the alarm should a rescue worker suffer a fall or get into trouble and be unable to respond verbally when requested. Most, if not all, UKSAR organizations are entirely dependent on voluntary donations to support their work, so budgets for communication equipment can be limited. However, Hytera’s large portfolio of mobile and hand portable radios, accessories, applications and different repeater options will ensure a quality, reliable solution can be found to suit all budgets.

Coopers Fire will be based in the Fire Safety Summit zone of London Build. The Fire Safety & Ventilation Zone in partnership the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, is free to attend and provides the opportunity to meet with thousands of fire safety and ventilation professionals from across London and the UK (local councils, engineers, construction companies, architects installers, building managers, landlords, fire safety experts and more). The zone provides attendees with the opportunity to source the very latest solutions and innovations; to get CPD-accredited training; and to network with fire safety experts from across the UK. Smoke And Fire Curtain Products On the Wednesday 27th November, David Keeble from Coopers Fire will be presenting on Developments in Fire Curtain Technology in the Fire Safety Summit. David Keeble is the UK Sales Manager at Coopers Fire and has 15 years of experience in commercial construction, with a focus on Fire and Security. David has become a strong figure and voice in the education of key stakeholders in smoke and fire curtain products, markets and specifications, and with knowledge of building contracts, he works with these stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery from concept design through to project management. Visit the Coopers Fire stand T40, to find out more about our BS 8524 fully compliant products and the new ResQ-Window a vision panel for fire curtains. At Coopers Fire, they are dedicated to advancing fire curtain and smoke curtain technology and improving ways to safeguard life and property. This commitment to developing products, testing and certification has meant that Coopers Fire is the benchmark used by Architects, Engineers and Regulators worldwide.

From the 16th October 2019 we will be able to request North Yorkshire Police’s drones to assist us at incident scenes. Thermal imaging drones North Yorkshire Police have been using drones since 2018 to assist with searches, examining crime scenes and at road traffic collisions. The drones use thermal imaging technology and are able to take photographs and videos. They were used earlier this year to assist us at a large fire in a workshop in Northallerton. Group Manager Mark Naylor from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said, “Working in partnership with North Yorkshire Police shows our commitment to collaboration through maximizing opportunities in the interest of community safety and protecting our staff. This new joint working will positively contribute to both organization’s priorities including caring about the vulnerable.” Rescues and fire extinguishing tasks “We will now be able to request drones at incident where people require rescue and at fires where we will be able to get a bird’s-eye view of fire spread, which will help our staff and also help protect members of our community.” Enabling the Fire Service to use our drones means that they can benefit from this resource in quick time" Temporary Police Sergeant Elaine Malcolm from North Yorkshire Police’s Partnership Hub, said, “We have seen many different ways drones can assist officers across the county, however we believe that drones can play a vital role in the work of all emergency services, not just the police.” Use of drones in fire response incidents He adds, “Often, significant incidents involving the police also involve partners such as the Fire Service, for example serious road collisions and large scale fires. Enabling the Fire Service to use our drones means that they can benefit from this resource in quick time, but also demonstrates our commitment to a partnership approach in the way we work. Further stating, “A partnership approach can only mean that things will be done faster and more robust, resulting in better service and swifter justice for victims and vulnerable members of our communities.”

Across the world, fire and rescue services vary greatly, and each will have their own unique circumstances and challenges to deal with. Firefighters in the USA and Australia are more likely to face wildland fires, whilst in the Middle East, firefighters deal more regularly with transport related fires involving hazardous materials. In many European countries, less than 10% of call-outs are fire related at all, with firefighters much more likely to attend traffic accidents, medical emergencies or flooding. A range of different climates also provide firefighters with specific challenges. Providing Optimum Protection These fabrics can offer resistance to fire, increased breathability, control of moisture, and a lighter weight Firefighters in hot and tropical Indonesia for example, will have different requirements to those in hot and arid South Africa, whilst those in Scandinavia operate in more temperate and cooler conditions. It’s important, therefore, that PPE manufacturers can provide a wide variety of options to suit particular environments and operations. PPE must be highly effective, comfortable, and suitable for the job in hand, wherever in the world the firefighters are operating. Selecting the right fabric for your PPE is the first step in providing optimum protection for the environment you are operating in. International fibre and fabric manufacturers have developed a number of highly specialized materials offering a range of benefits. Used in combination, these fabrics can offer resistance to fire, increased breathability, control of moisture, and a lighter weight. Best Quality Firefighting Garments Highly specialized and lightweight fibers for the outer-shell of a garment, for example, can provide outstanding air permeability and breathability, allowing metabolic heat to escape, whilst of course providing vital protection against the intense external heat and flames of a fire. The best quality firefighting garments combine this type of outer shell with an inner moisture barrier and liner system which draws moisture away from the skin, helping to keep the body cool and dry. Strenuous work in a hot environment causes profuse sweating, and if this sweat is not able to evaporate, the body is not able to cool itself effectively. Once the most appropriate fabric is chosen, the design and style of a garment also plays a crucial role in contributing to a firefighters’ safety. Maintaining A Comfortable Body Temperature Search and Rescue operations often take place once the immediate danger of flame is removed Whether operating in bushland, floods, on the roadside or even in extremely cold conditions, firefighters need to maintain a comfortable body temperature and stay dry. They are also likely to need to crawl, run, and climb to carry out the job in hand. Any protective clothing must be ergonomic and has to be able to work with them rather than hinder them. As a result, over and above the full structural firefighting garments available to FRSs, manufacturers have also developed innovative designs for more specific applications. For example, Search and Rescue operations often take place once the immediate danger of flame is removed, with USAR or technical rescue teams entering enclosed and confined spaces where high temperatures and often toxic smoke are hazards. Particular Protection Against Radiant Heat USAR firefighting garments therefore should be tear and puncture resistant, provide protection against blood-borne pathogens, offer physical protection at high risk points such as the knees and elbows, provide a high level of flexibility to afford maneuvrability in confined spaces, and crucially be lightweight and breathable to minimize heat stress. Alternatively, for firefighters engaged specifically in combatting forest and wildland fires, garments need to provide particular protection against radiant heat, and ideally feature a double layer of fabric to protect against sharp thorns and undergrowth. Today, many FRSs across the world use a combination of structural and technical rescue garments which can be particularly useful when faced with a range of operations requiring different levels of protection. Rescue jackets are worn with standard structural trousers when responding to a road traffic accident International Standards Of Performance For PPE Frequently, rescue jackets are worn with standard structural trousers when responding to a road traffic accident, for example. So long as these garments are tested and approved as compatible before they are used in combination, this can serve to improve ergonomics and comfort, and crucially can contribute to the lowering of heat stress in firefighters. There are currently three major standard-setting bodies on the world stage To ensure the best level of protection, most countries demand conformity with both national and international standards of performance for PPE. There are currently three major standard-setting bodies on the world stage, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which covers the USA, Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) which covers Europe, and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) which sets standards worldwide. Lighting And Communications Equipment In addition, each country will have its own National Standards Body (NSB), setting standards for its own specific interests. Ultimately, it is down to the customer to decide which standards they would like their PPE to follow. The best manufacturers can create PPE to meet a number of these standards simultaneously. These include alternative types of trouser front, leg openings and knee-pads, as well as cuff styles on fire coats Different countries, and even individual FRSs, often have particular additional requirements for their PPE, which can simply be down to style or color preference, or to accommodate particular tools or equipment they use. These include alternative types of trouser front, leg openings and knee-pads, as well as cuff styles on fire coats. Operational safety features such as integrated safety harnesses and drag rescue devices can also be specified. In addition, firefighter accessories including tools, lighting and communications equipment all have to be carried safely requiring a selection of loops, straps, D-rings, glove hooks, and pockets and flaps. Developing Innovative Solutions Finally, most FRSs aim to present a professional and clearly recognizable identity to their communities, so particular colors and badging can be an important feature of PPE. This has led to the introduction of a wide range of fabric colors and the increased use of Velcro fixings for identification badges with logos, names and roles being individually catered for. Called upon to handle an ever-increasing variety of challenges, in contrasting climates and situations, firefighters across the world are certainly faced with complex environments in which to operate. By carefully studying these conditions and listening closely to customers, PPE designers and fabric manufacturers will continue to work together to develop innovative solutions to meet these specific needs and create optimum garments for maximum protection and comfort.

Those responsible for the specification of products which go into new modern buildings have been asking for safe, approved cabling, which play a critical part in electrical supply systems. The number of fires in high-rise buildings in Europe and the Middle East have brought the issue of quality of products for fire performance circuits into sharp focus, not least the Grenfell disaster. Meanwhile, new buildings become increasingly complex, with the use of new materials and the designs of many requiring complex electrical systems to support security and fire safety. New and refurbished buildings such as hospitals, schools, shopping malls or airports, may have complex addressable loop fire alarm systems which provide information on individual detectors. Conventional systems only provide information about specific circuits or zones. Indicating exact location of fire, fault For critical alarm circuits in buildings where large numbers of people move about there can be no greater priority than safetyThe addressable systems feature a fire control panel which receives information and status reports from each device, indicating its exact location and if there may be a fire, a fault, heat or contamination. For critical alarm circuits in buildings where large numbers of people move about – many of whom can be vulnerable – there can be no greater priority than safety. The cabling chosen for these systems is therefore critical. If the power to these alarm systems fails because the cabling does not meet the required performance, then the information available for fire and rescue services is directly affected and with it, the chance of finding people who may be in the building. To meet these design challenges, and with the inquiry into the Grenfell disaster still ongoing, it is the use of the very latest technology and science that is taking enhanced fire performance cabling onto a new level. Safe and compliant cable products Decision-makers in the supply chain want reassurance that the products they are specifying are safe and compliant, meeting all recognized specifications. Calls have been made by the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) for all cable being used in the UK to conform to relevant British, European or international standards amid increasing concerns about the volume of non-approved cables coming onto the market. Installers have welcomed the development of a new generation of fire performance cabling Installers have welcomed the development of a new generation of fire performance cabling which ensures critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes. The standard and enhanced cables in the Total Fire Solutions range are tubed, making them a welcome product for contractors with ease of installation. They are all UV stable and they all come with a hard insulant to resist any fault generation over time. These cables meet all relevant industry standards including ISO 9001 and is approved by the leading industry organizations nationally and worldwide including BASEC and LPCB. Carrying out fire risk assessment For the fire and rescue services, the continuity of power means they can continue to read fire alarm system information which can direct them to the seat of the fire and help to locate people who may be in the building. Responsibility for choosing the right system lies with the ‘responsible person’ under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in business or any other non-domestic premises. This will be the owner, employer, landlord, or may be the facilities manager or building manager. As the responsible person, he or she must carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly and put in place and maintain appropriate fire safety measures. Ultimately, the responsible person faces a fines or jail if they fail to follow these measures and there is a fire. For some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios Any items or products which go into these fire safety systems must be covered by standards set by national, European and international bodies such as British Standards. These will certify that when needed these products will perform their function and operate as expected in real life fire conditions. Ensuring cables meet fire safety standards In support of these standards, cable industry bodies provide testing regimes to ensure that different types of cable are fit for purpose and meet these standards when tested in fire conditions. For installers, or those procuring cables, there is a need to check the cable when it arrives to make sure it is exactly what was specified. Instances of unsafe non-approved cable continue to come to lightFor some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios. These include environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes where older people and children move about. Specifiers looking at new large public sector projects such as hospitals should refer to BS 8519 for the electrical supply, and the most relevant cabling system. Counterfeit Flexible Cords campaign Instances of unsafe non-approved cable continue to come to light. Unsafe flexible cord, intended for use in domestic and industrial applications, has been found on sale in the UK recently, prompting the ACI to issue a fresh alert to the electrical supply chain. The latest find of sub-standard flexible cords is marked ‘Made in Turkey’ and ‘Ermaks’. Samples came to light following the initiative’s recent ‘Counterfeit Flexible Cords’ campaign which alerted the electrical supply chain to dangerous industrial flexible cords. We in the supply chain should all be vigilant to watch out and report these instances of non-compliant cabling wherever we see or suspect they have been installed, while developing only the safest products and systems of our own. We shouldn’t forget that we all have a duty and a responsibility where lives and property are at stake. Importance of MV cables to infrastructure Medium Voltage (MV) cables coming onto the market should be independently approved and certified as compliantThe demand for power has never been greater, with the explosion of development in towns and cities across the UK and the growth of industrial development and technology reliant on consistent supplies. Medium Voltage (MV) cables coming onto the market should be independently approved and certified as compliant as the pressure mounts on the installation of quality products in modern building developments. MV cables are crucial to our infrastructure. Electricity leaves the generating site and is routed via a step-up transformer to take it up to the National Grid distribution voltages of 400Kv, 275Kv and 132Kv. Once in the local area, the supply goes through step-down transformers that reduce the voltage to 415V with domestic supplies tapped off at 230V. To provide power to the sub-stations – very often located on the premises of the establishment that they supply – Medium Voltage (MV) cables are used. MV cables were only developed as the level of voltages increased and the need arose for a greater classification range. design and specification of the cables The technical design and specification of the cables is of paramount importance within the power distribution networkThe size of the market has developed to the point where the global MV cables market was valued at 39.31billion US dollars in 2016 and projected to grow at a rate of more than six percent until 2022. The technical design and specification of the cables themselves is of paramount importance within the power distribution network. There are a number of technical considerations to be taken into account including the size of the installation, the position of the installation in relation to the network and the presence of primary and secondary sub-stations. Prior to installation, a detailed route survey should also be carried out to plan where cables will be jointed and to identify any possible obstructions which may require special civil engineering works such as directional drilling. Underlying the critical nature of supplies to these types of services, the incidence of non-approved cables for these applications also plagues the industry.

Did you know an estimated 30% of smoke alarms in the UK are inoperable due to missing, flat or disconnected batteries? For a property to comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is vitally important that all fire safety equipment is kept in perfect working order at all times. This involves checking that the fire safety equipment is accessible, well maintained and hasn’t been tampered with. There are many ways you can take care of your fire safety equipment, to ensure your property is prepared, should there ever be a fire. Equipment Assessment Checks There are two types of equipment assessment checks that should be carried out, including monthly and annually If you’re the ‘responsible person’ for commercial property, you need to ensure your building meets fire safety standards. Here are 5 tips on how to properly maintain your fire safety equipment. Both passive and active fire safety equipment must be check regularly for any signs of wear or damage. There are two types of equipment assessment checks that should be carried out, including monthly and annually. There is a range of equipment checks you must carry out, including fire doors, fire alarm test, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. Emergency lighting should be checked monthly, with all issues kept in a logbook. Fire doors should also be checked to ensure their seals and frames are in good condition.   Fire Alarm Tests All fire protection has to be checked annually including alarms, detectors, lighting, sprinklers, extinguishers and fire doors. They should be carefully inspected. Fire alarms are a legal requirement for commercial premises. To check that your Fire alarms still function correctly, it is important to get them serviced. All fire alarms should be tested, maintained and inspected by a competent person who is able to carry out any remedial work. Fire alarms are a legal requirement for commercial premises Fire extinguishers must be ready to work straight away in the event of a fire, so it is vital they are regularly checked and serviced. You should ensure they are maintained and kept in a functional condition. Every month, the pressure gauge should be tested on all fire extinguishers. Fire Risk Assessments Every year, it is required that a qualified technician carries out a thorough check on all your extinguishers for them to be fully serviced and certified. In addition to regular maintenance checks on your fire safety equipment, it is vital your commercial property has a fire risk assessment carried out every 4 years, with a renewal every 2 years. Fully trained and qualified assessors should undertake this to make sure it is done professionally Fully trained and qualified assessors should undertake this to make sure it is done professionally. By having a fire risk assessment review, it determines whether any changes could impact the ability for your equipment to properly protect your building. Fire Safety Logbook During a risk assessment, all fire doors must be checked to ensure they are in good condition and close efficiently with secure hinges. The fire seals must be fixed in position, with signs on the door present and legible. To keep an overview of all findings and actions, there should be a fire safety logbook and maintenance record that remains at your premises at all times. The logbook is used to record and review any significant findings when carrying out the fire risk assessment. This helps to keep all fire safety equipment functioning effectively and available to respond to emergency fires.

The biggest causes of false fire alarms are older technology and systems that are improperly designed and/or not maintained. Modern technology, proper design and regular maintenance can minimize false alarms. Systems over 15 to 20 years old do not have the technical means to handle deceptive phenomena. Proper planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance should be provided by firms certified for such work as defined in the European Standard EN 16763 Services for fire alarm and security systems. Preventing false alarms False alarms and counterstrategies must be taken seriously by the planner from the beginning of the planning process in the fire protection plan. The prevention of false alarms is also the responsibility of the operators and site managers. There is still a lot of optimization potential. These are some of the observations from the Euralarm False Alarm Study (2019), which looks at the situation in Germany, Austria (Vorarlberg), Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. To further the reduction of false fire alarms even more, better data is needed to outline and support any measures defined.To further the reduction of false fire alarms, better data is needed to outline and support any measures defined The study also shows that, in some regions, approximately 30% of the false alarms are caused by 5% of the sites. “We have to optimize the planning and application processes,” says Dr. Sebastian Festag, who headed up the research. Euralarm “False Fire Alarms” task group The Euralarm “False Fire Alarms” task group completed a three-year study in 2018 that aimed to identify the actual state of the false alarm issue of fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS), their conditions, main causes and measurements to reduce them. The result of the work is the False Alarm Study (2019), which was the follow-up to a pre-study that led to an observation of the questionable quality and availability of data. The lack of common data and terminologies – as seen in the first study – makes further analysis and the development of prevention strategies difficult. Reducing the incidence of false alarms requires an understanding of the phenomenon and the conditions (terms, data, transmission paths, standards and calculations). Differences and similarities among countries could be used to derive measures to influence the issue and its ratio, but the circumstances between countries are too varied to truly compare. Systems over 15 to 20 years old do not have the technical means to handle deceptive phenomena Comparisons between countries are not possible In the countries that were visited, the Fire Services collected the data. “An observation here is that comparisons between countries is not possible; hence gaining a better understanding through this process today has limits,” says Lance Rütimann, Chairman of the Euralarm Fire Section and member of the Task Group. In the context of fire safety engineering, a false alarm is a fire alarm with no conditions that motivates a fire interventionThe study differentiates between a “real” fire alarm and a false fire alarm. “Real” means that there is a fire alarm with a fire or other conditions that requires an intervention, either by someone in the building or the fire services. “False” alarms are defined as events in which experts establish that there is no real hazard existing. In the context of fire safety engineering, a false alarm is a fire alarm with no conditions that motivates a fire intervention (the alarm is not classified as a real fire alarm; a fire intervention is unjustified). False Alarm Study Lists Counterstrategies One chapter of the False Alarm Study lists an overview of counterstrategies. There are many well-known measures (e.g. two-detector dependency), and technical progress provides new opportunities (e. g. multisensory-detectors) Founded in 1970, Euralarm is an organization representing over 5000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. The organization provides leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies. Euralarm members make society safer and secure through systems and services for fire detection and extinguishing, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, alarm transmission and alarm receiving centers. Euralarm members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe. Not all can be avoided People get annoyed by false fire alarms, which pull them out of what they are doing and force them to evacuate a building. However, it is a misconception that all false fire alarms can be avoided. A fire detection and fire alarm system is constantly monitoring and evaluating the environment in a building. Sometimes what might be perceived as a false fire alarm is in fact an event that was caught in a very early stage. Clearly it is better to be safe than sorry, and to move people to a safe area whilst intervention forces are in action.It is a misconception that all false fire alarms can be avoided False alarms should not be seen as purely negative. A lot can be learned from false alarms; for example, in dealing with vulnerabilities in the technical and organizational alerting process. In general, the number of false alarms is falling, while the number of installed systems is rising, demonstrating that technology works and that false alarm reduction strategies are effective. The number of false fire alarms had declined in all countries in the last years/decades due to optimized technologies. The industry is focusing on the remaining false alarms, some of which are systems that are outdated, no longer meeting site conditions and/or are not professionally maintained.

Drones can help save lives by delivering rescue equipment to the site of a medical emergency minutes faster than the arrival of emergency personnel. A recent trial of the technology in Ontario, Canada, demonstrated its value while expanding the capabilities to longer distances at even faster times. Automated external defibrillators The trial in the county of Renfrew used 4G LTE cellular connectivity to enable beyond-visual-line-of-site (BVLOS) drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the scene of a cardiac arrest patient. The drones arrived more than 7 minutes before paramedic vehicles in each test flight. The trial in the county of Renfrew used 4G LTE cellular connectivity to enable BVLOS drones The American Heart Association estimates that more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals every year; some 70% occur in homes. Drones can deliver AEDs to private, residential and rural locations where static AEDs are almost never used. They can deliver to balconies or upper levels in high rise buildings. Drones equipped with cameras can help 911 dispatchers assess a victim’s condition and support bystander CPR and AED application. Multiple studies have shown that AEDs can significantly increase chances of survival. LTE-connected drones The trial in Ontario adds new elements to the scenario, including a greatly expanded range of flight. The LTE-connected drones can fly to locations in a 10-mile operating radius. The project is among the first to be granted permission for a BVLOS flight, which could expand the reach of emergency services. The project offers the potential to deliver life-saving AEDs to patients up to 80 miles away. The Ontario trial demonstrates a marked improvement: A study in Sweden previously demonstrated a median response time of more than 16 minutes. The trial also suggests the possibility of obtaining permission to fly rescue drones beyond the operator line-of-sight in the United States. The LTE-connected drones can fly to locations in a 10-mile operating radius Emergency responders “Given the large area and varied terrain that the county encompasses, it is often difficult to get paramedics to patients in a timely fashion,” explained County of Renfrew Paramedic Chief Michael Nolan. “We have been successfully using drones to support our emergency responders for several years, but until now, the operators have had line-of-sight of the situation. We will now have further reach than ever.” For the Ontario trial, InDro Robotics supplied unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Cradlepoint provided the NetCloud Service, including an on-board IoT router that enables LTE connectivity to control data and video between the vehicle and its pilot, using signals traveling over an LTE advanced cellular network. Ericsson provided 4G LTE equipment with carrier aggregation, cellular network design support, and drone research. Artificial Intelligence The drone flew over cellular to remote take-off points selected by GPS The drone flew over cellular to remote take-off points selected by GPS and landed successfully to deliver an AED to onsite researchers, who used the device to deliver required shocks to a mannequin. The drones could share images and video with operators and employ artificial intelligence to manage collision avoidance and other key functions. Looking ahead to additional deployment of drones to deliver AEDs and other equipment, the U.S. Fire Administration lists several implementation challenges: Where should drone launch sites be located? Where they can cover an entire region or where they are needed the most? How time-consuming and costly will drone maintenance be? How will recharge time or swap-out of AEDs factor into a system deployment? How long should the drone remain on the scene? Will drones be able to operate in poor weather such as icing, turbulence and extreme cold? Drone-delivered AEDs The County of Renfrew trial suggests new options for the technology. “What’s particularly innovative and exciting about this trial is the potential of drone-delivered AEDs to have a transformative impact on emergency care for patients suffering cardiac arrest,” said Nolan.

How can a building’s fire systems be integrated with access control and other security systems to ensure effective function of both? It can be a challenging and delicate endeavor. Integration of fire and security systems provides multiple benefits and some challenges to be addressed. It is useful to consider fire and security systems as part of the same overall mission to keep a building and its occupants safe, while also being attentive to the differing roles of the systems and how they can complement each other. integrating security and fire systems Integrating security and fire systems is becoming paramount to create improved efficiency “There’s a conflict between life safety and security systems,” says Karen Trigg, Business Development Manager, South East, for lock company Allegion (UK) Ltd. “We must secure buildings without impeding the flow of movement and hindering immediate escape should a fire incident occur. To do this, we must have a greater understanding of building requirements.” In today’s world, integrating security and fire systems is becoming paramount to create improved efficiency and effectiveness of a building’s safety technology — and this integration can provide monumental benefits, says Eric Widlitz, Vice President of Sales for North America for access control company Vanderbilt Industries. video management systems For example, in the event of a fire, an alarm from a fire system can trigger an access control system to release locks on fire escape doors, as well as generate muster reports to provide information on who is inside the building, says Widlitz. “Additionally, video management systems have the ability to provide access to real-time, remote video footage of the fire’s actual location, helping firefighters and other emergency personnel to assess the situation and respond with greater accuracy.” Many challenges and opportunities that facilities face when integrating systems relate to whether a building’s infrastructure is designed well enough to connect security and fire systems, says Julie Brown, Institutional Market Leader for Johnson Controls. By conducting a site assessment first, owners and managers can better determine where physical building updates may be needed. Integration Of Video Surveillance And Fire Alarms Adjusting design in this case can eventually help make the integration of video surveillance and fire alarms easier" For example, if video surveillance is obstructed in certain areas, owners need to identify if the cameras can be moved to a better location or if physical alterations to the building are needed. “Adjusting design in this case can eventually help make the integration of video surveillance and fire alarms easier,” says Brown. “In the event that a fire alarm sounds, owners can have peace of mind that their cameras have an unobstructed view and that they can be automatically alerted to provide visibility into the area affected and potential cause of the alarm. It is critical to occupant safety that building owners address any design hurdles. Budget is often an issue,” says Trigg. “Although a challenge, understanding budgets – not only for the system in place but also ongoing maintenance and upgrades – helps uncover the correct solution, showing that the ‘cheaper option’ may cost more in the long run for some.” thermal imaging cameras Joe Byron, Vice President for the Americas for MOBOTIX Corp, says integrating fire and security opens the door to a world of possibilities. “When specifically looking at industrial applications, these systems require an added layer of reliability in order to guarantee workplace safety and operational efficiency,” he says. This technology is tied into the fire-suppression system and can monitor the temperature of specified machines" Byron points to a specific deployment as an example: MOBOTIX’s work with KUHN RIKON, a world-renowned cookware manufacturer. In 2015, during mechanical pot polishing, an abrasive component spontaneously combusted causing a large-scale fire, leading to a dust explosion, says Byron. “While an unfortunate tragedy, this led to an opportunity to outfit the plant with thermal imaging cameras,” he adds. “This technology is tied into the fire-suppression system and can monitor the temperature of specified machines. With built-in logic, the cameras can alert technicians to heat warnings and, if not acted upon, can automatically shut-down the machinery and queue fire systems if required.” Fire And Security Systems A well-designed and integrated control room can help to organize, automate and streamline critical sensors by implementing workstations that transmit only the most critical information at any given time. “Additionally, operators are better equipped to make more educated and timely decision by leveraging audible alarms, visual LED indicators and video displays with built-in intelligence to change content based on triggers from third-party systems such as fire, building automation and access control,” says Dan Gundry, Director of National Control Room Sales for Vistacom. At the end of the day, fire and security systems are two elements of the same mission: To keep buildings and their occupants safe. However, the two systems often operate independently and may not be integrated. More integration offers benefits, but there are pitfalls to be avoided.

Panels from global fire systems provider, Advanced, have been selected to protect the US$ 18.8 billion Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, regarded to be the longest open-sea fixed link on earth. A network of 31 ExGo gas extinguishant control panels has been installed as part of the active fire protection for one of South East Asia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects to date. The Advanced network protects the artificial island gateway in Hong Kong that serves as an entry and exit point to the new 34-mile bridge-tunnel system, used by over a 10 million passengers in its first eight months. ExGo gas extinguishant control panels ExGo panels were selected to protect critical server rooms in more than 10 different buildings on the purpose-built island The ExGo panels were selected to protect critical server rooms in more than 10 different buildings on the purpose-built island, including police and fire stations as well as customs and different administrative buildings. Each gas extinguishant control panel is connected to at least one remote status indicator unit located at the protected area entryway. Each extinguishing system was designed, configured and commissioned by Peak Trade International Limited. Alan Wong, Sales Director at Peak Trade International Limited, said, “To protect such critical infrastructure, we knew we required a gas and suppression control system that was both cutting-edge in its capabilities and also highly reliable and adaptable for the future. ExGo panels have a proven track record in complex installations of this type and we had no hesitation in recommending them.” Advanced panels protecting transport and infrastructure  Constructed using around 420,000 tons of steel - enough to build 60 Eiffel Towers - the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has been designed to last for the next 120 years, and is set to deliver significant economic advantages to the region. Thanh Tin, Regional Sales and Business Development Manager for Advanced, said “Advanced panels are trusted to protect transport and infrastructure projects around the globe. As the world’s longest sea crossing, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge is a fantastic example of this.” Specially designed for sensitive and strategic assets He adds, “Equipment that offers the highest levels of protection and reliability is essential for providing complete peace of mind to the client, combined with the flexibility to easily expand and upgrade the system in future.” ExGo has been developed specifically for sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms and data centers, control rooms, as well as historic and cultural attractions. It is suitable for almost all single-flooding area applications and includes a range of control options and devices. Integration with Axis EN fire system ExGo can be integrated into Advanced’s Axis EN fire system or any third-party alarm system It is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 as well as EN12094-1 and is among the first systems to combine these with EN12094 in a single solution. (EN12094-3 relates to the integrated manual release on the front of the panel). ExGo can be integrated into Advanced’s Axis EN fire system or any third-party alarm system. Intelligent fire systems and technology major Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 PLC Halma, has an impressive history of protecting critical transport and infrastructure sites across the globe, including the London Underground and the Istanbul Metro. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Advanced is a globally renowned firm in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single-panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

The Walsall-based electrical contractor didn’t hesitate to recommend Gent by Honeywell’s innovative Nano fire detection system. The Mint is a typically British restaurant set in an attractive century old building in Sutton Coldfield. It has an elegant boutique like interior and the right kind of alarm system had to fit in. Owner Daniel Ralley said: “We’ve spent a great deal of time working on the ambience of the restaurant so an obvious alarm box hanging off the wall was not an option. Although The Mint is on two floors, it is intimate, so we needed a system that could figure out the difference between steam and smoke from the kitchen and that of a real fire.” fire alarm panel The Nano fire alarm panel was chosen by Lyrico – part of Gent’s network of approved System Integrators (SIs) – because it is specifically designed for small building applications, capable of powering a loop of up to 127 devices. It has simple cause and effect which can be configured by a basic PC commissioning tool. Steve Roberts, general manager of Lyrico Systems, said: “Nano worked especially well because it not only looks good but because of the size of the building, it provided a more high-tech solution than the conventional system which would otherwise have been used. "We were able to include 30 multi-functional S-Quad devices, incorporating sensor, sounder, voice alarm and strobe capabilities." Daniel Ralley added: “The Nano is great, it is really easy to use, it looks attractive and not at all like a traditional fire panel.”

Marioff will be delivering its HI-FOG® high pressure water mist fire suppression system to Wasaline’s new Kvarken Link ferry, scheduled to start operating on the route between Vaasa, Finland and Umeå, Sweden in the spring of 2021. Fire Suppression System “We are extremely proud to start a partnership with Wasaline by working on this particular project, which sets a new standard for sustainability. HI-FOG will be the only fire suppression system on board, protecting all spaces including ro-ro decks and machinery areas according to the Safe Return to Port regulation. Our two powerful Electric Pump Units and over one thousand HI-FOG sprinklers and spray heads ensure passengers, crew and property are reliably protected at all times,” said Robert Hilden, Sales Manager, Marine & Offshore. The ferry will accommodate 800 passengers and will have a freight capacity of 1,500 lane meters for lorries. According to Wasaline, Kvarken Link will be the most environmentally friendly RoPax vessel in the world. Choosing HI-FOG also contributes to Kvarken Link’s strong environmental commitment, as the system uses small amounts of pure water, making it safe for people and the environment.

Kentec’s Vizulinx alarm management unit is providing a sophisticated, flexible and cost-efficient solution for a private residential property in Henley-on-Thames. The unit, installed by DPJ Fire and Security, was chosen because the property owners required a monitoring service that would alert the housekeeper and security team of any faults or alarms rather than a traditional monitoring service provided by an alarm receiving centre. Addressable Fire And Intruder Alarm System DPJ Fire and Security had designed, commissioned, supplied and installed a new addressable fire and intruder alarm system when the property was extensively refurbished, and turned to Kentec’s Vizulinx alarm management solution to solve the monitoring challenge. Steve Bidmead, Director of Projects at DPJ Fire and Security explains that with no ongoing service charges, Vizulinx was the ideal choice for the homeowner: “The Vizulinx unit has the ability to monitor up to 16 inputs that can be configured independently to one another to send alarm, alert, fault, disabled, test, technical alarm and security messages to mobile phones, pagers and email addresses via SMS or internet connection.” Convenience And Flexibility Steve also describes how it provides the utmost in convenience and flexibility: “The unit was installed in under a day using a built-in web server page. It is very versatile and can be configured to monitor any system that can provide a fault-free contact. Future plans include having the unit monitor the water and heating systems.” Brett Boyd, UK Business Development Manager, London and the South East at Kentec, says the Vizulinx is extremely user friendly and the speed of communication is especially useful: “Since all events are sent immediately, users can reduce the number of false alarms by investigating the cause of the alarm before it is escalated, preventing any unnecessary disruption.”

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announces that it has secured an order for 11 custom apparatus for the Indianapolis Fire Department in Indiana. Placed through Indianapolis-based Pierce dealer, Global Emergency Products, the order is made up of six Pierce® Saber® Pumpers, two Enforcer™ Ascendant® 110’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Platforms, one Enforcer™ 105’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder, one Velocity® Heavy-Duty Walk-In Rescue, and one Ford® F-550 Tactical Support Unit. Quality Of The Equipment The Indianapolis Fire Department has 43 fire stations serving 278 square miles “I am excited to be able to purchase our apparatus through Global Emergency Products and Pierce. They have always gone above and beyond to assist us in any way,” said Ernest V. Malone, Chief of Fire for the Indianapolis Fire Department. “While the quality of the equipment that the department receives continues to meet our high level of expectations, it is the relationship and trust we have built with Global and Pierce that makes the Indianapolis Fire Department want to continue to work with them as our apparatus manufacturer.” The Indianapolis Fire Department has 43 fire stations serving 278 square miles in the most populated area in Indiana. Fire Apparatus And Equipment Specifications The apparatus order is part of a 10-year apparatus acquisition plan that will replace aging frontline equipment, while allowing the department to improve the quality of its reserve fleet. It’s been a true honor to work alongside Chief Malone and his team" “The City of Indianapolis allows its fire department representatives the opportunity to select fire apparatus and equipment specifications that will best meet their needs. Together, we designed vehicles that have proven to meet their particular needs,” said Mike Mikoola, President of Global Emergency Products. “It’s been a true honor to work alongside Chief Malone and his team. We remain committed to providing the Indianapolis Fire Department superior quality and customization options, as well as convenient access to service support and parts replacement.” Rescue and Ford unit The delivery of the Indianapolis Fire Department’s six pumpers is scheduled for November 2019, and the aerials will follow in January 2020. The rescue and Ford unit are expected to arrive in Indianapolis in April 2020. Chief Malone continued, “What we ask our firefighters to do is very dangerous. The needs of our communities are multidimensional and continue to grow in complexity, hazard, and risk. Our firefighters must be up to this challenge every day, every shift, every time. Through fire suppression, emergency medical, special operations, and many other calls for service, the new apparatus will help us continue to meet that mission, protect our firefighters, and keep our promise to our community.”

Peterborough firefighters were buzzing to help a local project to enhance the environment for bees. Last week on Monday the firefighters from Green Watch at Dogsthorpe Fire Station attended an environmental initiative called Jimmy’s Bee’s at the newly built Connect Park in Millfield, Peterborough. Building Relationships With Local Residents The crew joined volunteers from the community to dig the grass up, sew and plant wildflower seeds in order to create a fantastic haven for bees. The project was commissioned by Channel 4 due to the third of Britain’s bee species declining since 1980. Planting the wildflower seeds allows bees and other insects to pollinate. Station Commander Matt Murdoch, the officer in charge of Dogsthorpe Fire Station, said: “A key part of being a firefighter is to be an active part of the local community. This allows us to ensure we are reaching the most vulnerable people to help keep them safe. Projects like this are a great way for our crews to pitch in and help the community, as well as make useful links and build relationships with local residents.”