Firefighter Health and Safety

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Jordan Hansen of Mount Olive (NC) Fire Department for being the latest recipient in the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway! MSA Safety teamed up with the NVFC to award four NVFC members with a helmet in 2025, with the final entry period in November. They thank MSA for their support of volunteer first responders.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is bolstering its forward pack, adding two more elite sporting clubs to a partnership program supporting firefighters’ health and wellbeing. The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Western Sydney Wanderers have now signed onto the Tactical Athlete Resilience Program (TARP), a unique initiative which officially launched in August following a successful trial. TARP gives FRNSW firefighters access to the first class strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and facilities used by some of Australia’s top sportsmen and women. Preventative readiness component It includes a preventative readiness component, which keeps firefighters at the top of their game, as well as rehabilitation services for firefighters injured on the job. The Sharks and Wanderers join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons and NSW Swifts in supporting the program. Their addition expands TARP’s footprint across Sydney’s southern and western suburbs, improving access for local brigades and personnel wishing to benefit from the partnerships. New training, treatment and rehabilitation options FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the Sharks and Wanderers would create new training, treatment and rehabilitation options for those on the firefighting frontline. “It is important we continually boost the resilience of our workforce by finding ways to decrease the incidence and impacts of illness and injury,” said Commissioner Baxter. “TARP has already proven to be a game-changer in this respect, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting our firefighters in innovative ways.” Immersion activity As part of their club’s introduction to the program, Sharks young-guns Blayke Brailey and Blake Hosking recently joined their Elite Pathways Physical Performance Manager Daniel Miladinski in a ‘Firefighter for a Day’ experience at FRNSW’s Emergency Services Agency in Orchard Hills. The NSW Swifts also participated in the immersion activity, which is aimed at deepening the sporting clubs’ understanding of the unique occupational demands and hazards firefighting presents and therefore allow them to tailor their support. TARP has the backing of workplace injury insurer EML. FRNSW is exploring ways to expand TARP across more sporting codes and locations.

Twiceme Technology, a company building the digital safety standard for jobsites and adventures, announced its entry into the firefighting market through its collaboration with SCHUBERTH, the globally renowned helmet manufacturer. SCHUBERTH’s new firefighting helmets, the F300, F220, and F130, mark the first time professional firefighter helmets integrate digital safety information technology. The Twiceme integration will simplify safety for users, allowing them to take control of tracking equipment health, inspections, and compliance, including certifications and expiration dates, to ensure safety standards are met, reduce incident risk, and save costs through efficient safety management. High-performance firefighting helmets The three SCHUBERTH high-performance firefighting helmets are designed for operations under extreme thermal stress. Each helmet includes advanced, high-temperature-resistant HighTemp-Fibre and is certified to Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) and European Committee for Standardization (EN) 443: 2008, meeting the highest standards of safety and performance for structural firefighting, rescue operations, and traffic-accident response. All three helmets are Type A, with the F220 featuring a modern ¾ helmet shell, the F130 offering a traditional half-shell, and the F300 design optimized for scenarios where working overhead or looking upwards is required. Historic step for Twiceme “This is a historic step for Twiceme and for the firefighting community,” said Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme Technology, adding “We turn to firefighters when we need help the most, yet we rarely think about how dangerous their profession is. For the first time, they will have access to integrated digital safety information directly in their helmets, empowering action when seconds matter.” Developed in Germany Developed in Germany for professional use, SCHUBERTH’s firefighting helmets embody the brand’s century-long commitment to safety and performance. The HighTemp-Fibre shells provide reliable protection against heat and impact while maintaining exceptional comfort and modularity. “Our high-performance firefighter helmets were developed specifically to withstand increased thermal stress and meet the highest standards of safety and performance,” said Florian Brunck, Head of Business Unit – industrial safety and firefighting, SCHUBERTH, adding “We’ve always worked to set the benchmark in head protection, and now with Twiceme, we’ve introduced a bridge that connects the firefighter, the equipment, and the responder.” SCHUBERTH helmets The SCHUBERTH helmets with Twiceme are now available through authorized SCHUBERTH distributors and firefighting equipment partners in Germany. SCHUBERTH has also integrated Twiceme into its CROSSGUARD and BOP industrial safety helmets, providing users with features to track helmet inspections and monitor training certifications.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have battled explosions and large blaze in a vehicle scrap yard at Trenayr, north of Grafton, in the state's northern rivers district. More than 15 fire trucks responded to the emergency in Trenayr Road, just before 6pm. The fire took hold in rows of scrapped cars, stacked up to 10 vehicles high, and sent a large plume of black, toxic smoke into the sky. A firefighter received a head injury whilst fighting the blaze. She was admitted to hospital for observation and released. NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews also attended the emergency. Control of the blaze Firefighters gained control of the blaze by 9pm and remained at the scene this morning to monitor hot spots. The cause of the fire is under investigation by NSW Police.

As a company officer, the day will come where you and your crew are first to arrive at what looks like the beginning of a major incident. Your Battalion Chief (BC) is delayed or diverted to other incidents, so YOU are the Incident Commander (IC). How you set the table for this incident with regard to quickly setting up the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. And how you use your channels of communication, including the ways you communicate, will be crucial to your success. Before we jump into the ‘how-to’, let’s examine something that looms over everything we do during emergencies, especially fires - ‘The NIOSH 5’. I first became aware of the NIOSH 5, when listening to one of Anthony Kastros’ lectures on incident command and the need for an organization on the fire ground. ‘The NIOSH 5’ Firefighters and emergency workers typically get lost, hurt, or killed at incidents, when any one of five causal factors identified by The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are present: Improper risk assessment Lack of incident command Lack of accountability Inadequate communications Lack of SOPs (or failure to follow established SOPs) Statistically, 50 percent of these line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) and injury events occur in the first 15 minutes of an incident. Half of those occur in the first three minutes! If you’re the initial IC, it’s statistically likely this could happen while you’re in charge. Need for training and practice in handling emergencies Keeping ‘The NIOSH 5’ at the forefront of your mind should trigger the need for training and practice in handling emergencies. Although there are factors you simply can’t control during an emergency, you can control communications, incident command, accountability, repetitive training, and standardization. The following are some things to keep in mind while managing an incident: Arrival on Scene In incident management, setup is everything and oftentimes, determines the outcome of the incident. To use a sports analogy, you definitely want your first pitch to be a strike. So how do you do that? Provide a Solid Size-up Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications The first step is taking a deep breath and giving a good size-up. Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications, and a command tone. Your tone and tempo in your size-up will help focus everyone and create a tactics-driven incident, rather than an emotions-driven one. But, if we’re being honest, being cool takes practice and repetition. Your agency should have a standardized way for how and when this size-up is delivered. In many cases, it’s a fill-in-the-blank script that includes the following four things: What you see (smoke and flames/or nothing showing) The area you see it affecting (the second story, the alpha/bravo corner) What’s happening/what’s on fire or causing the hazard (a two-story home or a sedan next to a building) Establishing command (a must-take command or pass, if you’re going to rescue a citizen) By practicing within your agency’s standards, it enables you to project a cool tone over the radio like you’ve ‘been there before. Order resources early and often Tunnel vision is a death sentence for any IC. In most cases, this is not the time to get sucked into task-level problems. The exceptions to this are structure fires and other emergencies where there is an immediate and known rescue. Otherwise, it’s time to step back, take in the big picture, and make decisions as an IC. Ask yourself: ‘What will this incident do in five minutes? 10? 20? One hour?’ If the answer is ‘get bigger’, then you need more resources. Order them early and often, because they can always be turned around. Don’t try to do too much with too little. Trusted Incident Command System equals early accountability As the initial IC, you’ll be sending crews into the hazard zone. It’s a red flag if, during the initial portion of the incident, you don’t have solid accountability. It’s during this initial ‘fog of war’ that we lose track of crews, and it’s when personnel gets hurt or killed. NFPA 1561, along with other best practices, requires that you know where everyone is and what they’re doing. If you don’t have that knowledge, stop and figure that out, or assign someone to figure it out and report back to you as soon as possible. Benefits of an all-in-one digital platform - Tablet Command Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crew Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crews – a notepad, whiteboard, tactical worksheet, or better yet, a digital command board. The huge advantage of an all-in-one digital platform like Tablet Command is that it’s CAD-integrated and will populate resources for you in real-time. There’s no writing and scribbling while listening to garbled radio traffic, and no trying to ‘catch up’ with resource orders that change on the fly. Accountability integrated into command processes With a platform, such as Tablet Command, all you’re doing is dragging and dropping resources into their assignments, which automatically time-stamps their activities. Maintaining accountability becomes seamlessly integrated into your command processes. These digital platforms also tend to be highly recognizable and easy for others to assume command. It’s paramount that you train extensively on whatever system your agency uses, and that everyone in your region or agency is squared away on how to maintain accountability in a standardized fashion. It’s a problem if you have several chiefs and company officers, and too many (or not enough) ways of maintaining accountability. Many agencies need the first-arriving officer to implement an ICS to track crews Segment and subdivide How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Use your knowledge of your ICS to break up the incident into manageable bites. When the Fire Chief arrives, they’ll have simple questions: Where is everybody? What are they doing? How are they doing? How do I talk to them? Knowing where your people need to deploy and what channel they’re on are critical to accountability. Using the command board is a great way to have all of those questions answered. Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly. This is true because it ensures you’re talking to the supervisors of each segment of the emergency, especially when assessing conditions, actions and needs. Setting up an incident this way should also be an expectation that is agency-wide and practiced in scenario-based training. The terminology should be standardized so that your agency and neighboring agencies aren’t interpreting what you’re trying to accomplish in the heat of battle. Summary A clear communications plan, solid scene size-up, and early establishment of the ICS by company officers are critical to incident success. Combine this with accurate and solid accountability systems, either through analog methods or with a modern digital solution in real-time, and you guarantee safer outcomes for your crews. The best way to be prepared is through long hours of dedicated practice in the command role and, more importantly, an agency-wide understanding of what’s in the play book: Standardization! A standard approach to managing incidents will help you remedy the chaos and enable you to hand over a well-organized incident to the first-arriving Chief.

There’s no doubt the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act are driving major improvements in the construction industry’s quality and approval processes. Although the initial focus of the legislation is on high-rise residential buildings, it’s predicted to be rolled out across the entire sector soon, tightening fire safety regulations in hospitals, hotels, and commercial offices and we await the rafts of secondary legislation that will really redefine the regulatory landscape. Many fear that commercial real estate professionals will be unprepared for the higher levels of compliance required, by the incoming regulations. New requirements for competency, collaboration, and digitally presenting joined-up information will inevitably be imposed on architects, building inspectors, owners, and construction product manufacturers. Fire regulations for commercial buildings However, currently, fire regulations for commercial buildings remain lax and there’s ambiguity about what constitutes appropriate fire safety system management, as well as how to prepare for revised building and fire safety requirements, as they become available. It’s all too easy to take a laissez-faire attitude, but adopting an ‘it will never happen to me’ approach is likely to lead to problems down the road, so contractors, asset owners and FMs alike need to get with the legislative program and fast. Understanding of fire safety ratings for things to increase If specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later It is certain that office interior specification, coupled with ongoing checks and a robust understanding of fire safety ratings for things, such as interior doors, panels and partitions is likely to be increasingly challenging going forward. Importantly, if specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later. As a result, it is advisable to go above and beyond current construction regulations, when specifying materials for commercial office interiors, in order to future-proof and keep occupants safe. The Grenfell turning point Grenfell was a wake-up call for the construction sector, particularly for construction product manufacturers and those involved in fire protection and fire testing. Before the tragedy, many believed their products were safe and their methods were flawless and tested according to official guidelines. However, this terrible event compelled the industry to examine its manufacturing procedures, the efficacy, adequacy and relevance of testing and certification, as well as product performance claims made in marketing collateral. This re-evaluation, which found many parts of the specification process not fit-for-purpose, has, thankfully, culminated in a total cultural overhaul. Asking important questions regarding building fire safety Fundamentally, there was not enough questioning before Grenfell. Now, we’re re-thinking everything, asking ourselves: Are we doing things correctly? What’s the risk? How can we mitigate that risk? Five years on, the interpretation of evidence, whether direct fire test evidence or third-party assessment, has become much more refined, and rightfully so. Designers and contractors are paying more attention to the evidence used to support proposed items and applications, while manufacturers are re-thinking their use of evidence, in line with post-Grenfell thinking. Adequacy of test evidence The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely, as are the testing methodologies. It now raises the important question: ‘Does this test accurately represent the effect in a real-world scenario?’ Unfortunately, the capacity to deliver on these questions is not matching good intentions. The rising need for test evidence of fire resistance rather than merely accepting an assessment has caused testing facilities to become overloaded, resulting in much longer wait times. Assessments are now heavily connected to appropriate fire test findings, which necessitate the gathering of evidence and a higher level of analysis, in order to provide assessments. The entire process has become necessarily more complicated, but this has affected efficiency, something which will need to be addressed as construction output inevitably increases. R&D cultivates innovation Fortunately, there are solutions within reach, thanks to significant advancements in the development of fire-safe products and materials across the industry. There’s been an increase in project-specific developments, as suppliers collaborate with designers and fire regulatory organizations to share their expertise. As a result, rather than merely installing the best fit, projects are now specified with fully customized fire-rated systems. Meanwhile, continuing R&D has led to many organizations looking ahead and anticipating shifting demands and trends in the built environment. It’s leading to additional testing and product development for applications that aren't already covered by existing technologies, and a commitment to the highest-quality fire solutions, meaning safer and higher-performance products. Expertise and training are key It’s important to note that choosing fire-rated products does not make the area fire-safe by default. Once the facility is in operation, a systems approach is needed to ensure that the installation and risk assessment of fire-rated products are periodically monitored. Extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers Even the slightest modification to a fire-rated product, such as changing a glass door’s opening system, might compromise its integrity. It’s critical to completely understand the ins and outs of the product being defined, in order to ensure that it's used correctly. As a result, extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers and office building managers alike. Increased training and CPD Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary, specifying according to need and meeting the high standards of the near future. Continued development of fire knowledge is crucial, as the latest high-performance glass doors in offices today are specialized pieces of technology and fire-rated systems behave very differently from other glass partitions or doors. The design dilemma Another significant challenge is incorporating fire safe components into a space without losing its aesthetic appeal, but remaining compliant. Designers are increasingly aiming to open up space to bring in natural light and encourage a sense of well-being for the occupants, meaning walls that would previously have been solid are being specified as glazed. This means that large panels of glass, beyond the capacity of fire test facilities, must be handled sensitively and installed within a bespoke system. This necessitates close liaison with certification authorities to identify what can be assessed from the test evidence provided. Of course, workplaces must be fire safe, look good, and feel pleasant to work in. The sheer complexity of the day-to-day office functionality is a difficult issue. Aesthetics are often a requirement that is added to the fire resistance of fire doors. But it’s often the case that suitably certified hardware simply doesn’t exist. Glass office partition systems Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. This is because, the latest glazed and sliding doors, adjustable ‘office pods’, and acoustically-optimized walls are all made with fire safety, sustainability, and elegant design in mind. Many glass office partition systems allow natural light and air circulation to flow through the room, which helps to improve employee well-being and boosts performance. Fire safety is of the utmost importance Fire safety and design can harmoniously co-exist in an office space, but it comes down to managing expectations. Fire safety is of the utmost importance, and as the requirements tighten, the commercial office industry will catch up with fire safety standards, testing and reporting regimes, and ongoing compliance. Fortunately, fantastic fire-resistant workplace solutions are entering the market, built for safety, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to investments, fire suppression is the one we hope to never utilize. All too often it acts like a safety blanket, unseen yet always there, a hidden investment policy we hope never to have to cash in. With systems, we manage daily, such as heating, air conditioning, and lighting, a fault is often noticeable and easy to identify. But how do you quickly ascertain an issue with fire safety infrastructure? RRO Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 The introduction of the RRO Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 took the responsibility for fire safety away from fire and rescue services and placed the obligation solely on the building owner or occupier. To align, every commercial or industrial property must have a designated individual who is responsible for fire safety, and the onus is on them to make their premises compliant. Failing this, fines, prosecution, and even custodial sentences can be implemented. Fire suppression systems Fire suppression systems can generally be forgotten, trivialized, or taken for granted Fire suppression systems can generally be forgotten, trivialized, or taken for granted when in reality they are the unsung hero of commercial, industrial and residential properties. A recent study from the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shows sprinklers were found to reduce civilian deaths by 89% and firefighter injuries by 60%, proving their ability to simultaneously control fires and protect property and commodities, all the while keeping members of the public safe. Importance and maintenance of fire safety systems Having worked in fire safety and compliance for over 35 years, I work to accurately advise building owners, occupiers, and property managers on their fire suppression infrastructure and the importance of care and maintenance every day. Below are my top tips on how to approach fire safety and protect property, commodities, and building occupiers. sprinkler servicing and maintenance guidelines To increase awareness of fire safety compliance and ensure that all buildings meet industry-approved standards, RISC Authority and the Fire Protection Association (FPA) have teamed up to support those with limited experience or knowledge. Their new Sprinkler System Service & Maintenance guide gives building managers, owners, and occupiers the confidence to manage this element of fire safety, with easy-to-follow guidance, templates, and checklists. Stay alert When assessing and planning for fire safety, watch out for common pitfalls to make premises fully compliant When assessing and planning for fire safety, watch out for common pitfalls to make premises fully compliant. Ensure the product supplier, installer or servicing contractor is third-party accredited so that the fire protection systems are fully compliant. It is a delicate balancing act between cost and compliance, but there is no guarantee the cheapest option meets national compliance standards if they are not accredited. A higher cost can mean an increased duty of care, better call-out times, and emergency service. Age of the sprinkler Check the age of your sprinkler system, as the water storage should be drained and its condition assessed every 10 years. Failure to do so could result in the tank collapsing and perhaps flooding your premises if not checked regularly. Age is also important for the sprinkler heads themselves and these should be inspected and tested every 25 years. To ensure that they can still operate as intended in a fire condition and distribute water as they should, a sample selection is required to be removed from service and sent to an independent lab, like the FPA’s for Inspection and Testing. Hazard Reviews Carry out regular “Hazard Reviews” of fire safety infrastructure. An expert will visually inspect the systems in place to ensure they meet the industry standard and advise of any updates that are required. From my experience, a Hazard Review is an essential way to reveal blind spots in fire safety and suppression systems. Over the years, I have discovered sprinklers that are not connected to system pipework and identified ill-fitting fire doors that are not fit for purpose on hazard review inspections, all of which can pose a major danger in the event of a fire. Monitoring changes When the purpose of space changes, so do its fire safety requirements Especially relevant post-COVID with the development of hybrid buildings and flexible workspaces, it is important to monitor the change of use. When the purpose of space changes, so do its fire safety requirements. Sprinkler systems may have been originally designed and installed for one particular hazard, so if the use of that area or building changes, its risk classification may also become more onerous. For example, if a factory wanted to store products in a specific location rather than use the space solely for manufacturing as it has done previously, the new use of the space may render the current fire safety systems unfit for purpose.  Supplier criteria The three most important questions when choosing a supplier: How punctual is the organization in the event of an issue? The supplier must offer 24/7 responses to rectify and resolve urgent issues and ensure that your premises are safe and secure. Is the supplier and contractor third-party accredited? Ensuring that a supplier and contractor are approved by an independent body like the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is vital. This helps assure that all fire safety foundations such as fire doors, sprinklers, and other methods of fire suppression are suitably compliant and maintained and serviced by current safety standards. Does the supplier have a reliable reputation? It’s worth asking how long they have been running? Length of service and reputation of a supplier is a necessity. Although a more reputable supplier may charge higher costs upfront, the long-term benefits will prevail, and it guarantees no work to be redone in the future. Fire Safety Compliance It is vital to ensure premises are always fully compliant. Alongside adhering to commercial and industrial building insurance standards, well-implemented fire safety is vital for legal compliance, inspiring the confidence of occupiers and providing overall comfort and safety. Stick with these useful suggestions and download the FPA’s Sprinkler System Service & Maintenance guide to safeguard your building and its occupants.

Thousands of industry professionals gathered at the 2024 NFPA Conference and Expo in Orlando in June. The event brought together educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor showcase. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA annual meeting allowed members and the public to discuss and vote on proposed changes to fire codes and standards. “It’s a gathering place for people in the industry,” says Dr. Rodger Reiswig, Vice President of Industry Relations at Johnson Controls. “You can walk around the floor and observe the trends, see what people are talking about, and view industry trends through a clear set of eyes.” New Foundation Series  As vice president of industry relations, Reiswig acts as Johnson Controls’ liaison with the NFPA, works with NFPA technology committees, and serves on the Standards Council that oversees more than 300 NFPA codes and standards documents.  Foundation Series is a complete family of fire alarm control units and peripheral devices At the NFPA Conference and Expo in Orlando, Johnson Controls provided “spotlight” seminars at their exhibit booth and highlighted products and services including interactive tools, inspections, remote services, restaurant systems, and the new Foundation Series Fire Safety Solution for the protection of small to mid-size buildings. The Foundation Series is a complete family of fire alarm control units and peripheral devices. NFPA’s codes and standards In addition, Reiswig attended seminars and Standards Council sessions. Technical sessions covered codes and standards that are currently “in cycle” (i.e., in the process of being updated). In a technical session on the last day of NFPA, anyone could attend to suggest changes and garner support from others on various changes. Consensus is a core principle of NFPA’s codes and standards. “This is a chance for everyone to participate, whether your interest is in roofing materials, how buildings are built, or life safety systems,” Reiswig adds. “Codes tell us when to do something, but standards tell us how to do it. If the occupancy standard says put in a fire alarm, the NFPA standard tells you how to do that.” Anyone at any level in any role or discipline can participate. new NFPA 915 Standard  Fire alarm and life safety have yet lagged industry sectors when it comes to remote connectivity “Technology is changing rapidly, and the type of construction is different than 20 or 30 years ago. Use of new tools and materials in buildings is changing how much time I have to escape smoke or fire,” Reiswig says. “New construction materials allow fires to happen quickly, spread faster, and give off toxic chemicals. Tighter buildings ensure energy efficiency, but they allow less ventilation, so carbon monoxide can accumulate faster.” A common theme at the show was remote connectivity, highlighting the new NFPA 915 Standard for Remote Inspections, which guides new technologies to enable remote access and testing of life safety systems. Fire alarm and life safety have previously lagged other industry sectors when it comes to remote connectivity, but the new NFPA 915 standard opens new possibilities, and vendors at the show were promoting remote capabilities and inspections. develop safeguards and capabilities NFPA 915 Standard sets need for performing remote inspections safely and effectively The NFPA 915 Standard establishes requirements for performing remote inspections safely and effectively. It addresses various types of remote inspections. The standard also defines the responsibilities of various parties involved in a remote inspection, such as the inspector, property owner, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The standard covers data collection procedures, data security, and data ownership. Overall, the standard helps to ensure that remote inspections can be conducted in a way that meets safety requirements.  In effect, NFPA 915 gives the green light to manufacturers and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop safeguards and capabilities to log into life safety systems remotely. The approach can help to simplify inspections, which can be performed remotely or with only one technician required on-site rather than two. Requirements include how systems communicate, the cybersecurity and credentials required, and the prevention of outside connections. Beyond fire alarms, the standard also allows other remote inspections, such as using a drone in a large warehouse to inspect sprinkler heads.  Real-time information and instructions Inspectors are not allowed into buildings such as nursing homes and clinics to check their safety systems NFPA 915 was being considered before the COVID pandemic, but the business shutdowns and social distancing requirements during the worst of the pandemic increased awareness of the needs and benefits of remote inspections. During COVID, inspectors were not allowed into buildings such as nursing homes and hospitals to inspect their life safety systems. Remote access and inspections became critical, thus raising awareness of the feasibility of remote inspections that continue to drive their adoption. Another area of interest in NFPA was mass notification systems, which have matured a lot since they were introduced into the NFPA code in 2007. It’s easier than ever to provide real-time information and instructions to people in an area. Connectivity among fire alarm systems inside buildings, digital signage, and other life safety systems are promoting better notification. Area of refuge systems A new area of discussion and product development is “area of refuge” systems that complement Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements in buildings. In a high-rise building, for example, if the elevators are disabled, it may be impossible for a person using a wheelchair to evacuate. Instead, there are designated “areas of refuge,” which are rated to provide two hours of protection from fire. New notification systems can communicate with first responders about occupants in these areas.  The NFPA conference increasingly incorporates a global presence, encouraging more collaboration among entities, countries, and associations about needs around the world. Manufacturers can work together through various associations including the Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Euralarm in Europe, and others.  “Life safety is worldwide, and fires may be the same or different in various areas,” says Reiswig. “We need to remember that standards are not just for the United States because people are active from other countries.”

Wildfires swept through the Panhandle region of Texas earlier in 2024. The Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire, both starting on Feb. 26, were the most significant outbreaks. The Smokehouse Creek Fire went on to become the second largest in U.S. history, burning over a million acres across Texas and Oklahoma before it was contained in mid-March. worst-ever wildfire As Texas battled its worst-ever wildfire, firefighters worked to mitigate fire and smoke damage. Among the challenges were staffing shortages. The United States is facing a serious firefighter shortage that makes fighting wildfires, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, even more difficult. Not unrelatedly, over half of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers.  training in structural fires Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team “We just know how demanding the wildfire season is and how fast these fires can grow,” says Robbi King, Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “We want our people to be current on the expectations of what we are training, preventing our chance of getting hurt,” he says. As fires increasingly occur at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), departments with training in structural fires should expand their training knowledge to prepare. Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team. online firefighting training In addition to the availability of more than 450 hours of online firefighting training, the company also provides software platforms to ensure requisite knowledge and the ability to perform various skills.  Ensuring preparation for wildfire season, Vector Solutions has courses that meet the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements to renew certification. shortage of volunteer firefighters The shortage of volunteer firefighters is in part a reflection of the need for volunteers to hold full-time jobs to support their families, which limits their time for volunteering. Coverage of wildfire events, for example, is difficult during the day when more volunteers are at their paid jobs and unavailable.  “It takes the sacrifice of vacation and other things you earn to be a volunteer,” says King. Firefighter staffing is short throughout the U.S., and agencies facing fire emergencies often call on the larger surrounding area for help. Lack of resources in emergencies Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters Resources are needed to perform search-and-rescue duties after the fire. “The problem is, when you call on all your assets, are there enough people to take care of medical needs and other emergencies?” says King. Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters. Volunteers cannot commit two weeks of unpaid time even in a fire emergency.  Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) can help to identify areas to search, but it takes human intervention to perform rescues and to facilitate recovery. A decayed power pole sparking dry grass was determined as the cause of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, and several other fires were also traced back to faulty power equipment. The fires caused significant damage, including hundreds of homes destroyed, livestock deaths, and widespread destruction of crops and ranch infrastructure.  Wildfire impact and concerns  A huge concern during wildfire season is that individuals heed evacuation orders when they come in. “We don’t want people to be left behind,” says King. “There’s nothing there that is worth your life. Minding the evacuation orders gets you out of harm’s way.” Residents in areas impacted by wildfire should also do their part to protect their homes; sometimes it’s as simple as mowing the grass. role of the weather Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually The weather plays a significant role in determining the course of the wildfire season. Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually to a cycle of drying out and opening the door to wildfires.  The location of residences near areas prone to wildfires can contribute to risks, especially along the wildland-urban interface. “Communities want to live near nature, so they work with builders, who are trying to appease what they want,” says King. Vector Solutions Cloud “We need to look at where we are placing these homes to make sure we are pushing the vegetation back far enough to prevent the spread of fires.” Keeping firefighter skills current also makes a big difference. The Vector Solutions Cloud stores video of first responders performing skills and the video can be observed and critiqued later for better training.  Scheduling and Check It Vector also provides Vector Scheduling, a time-and-attendance tool. Vector Check It streamlines routine truck and equipment tracking and centralizes asset and inventory management. Vector’s Guardian Tracking is a performance management and early intervention solution that equips first responders with a process for consistent feedback and positive recognition while identifying those in need of intervention before an adverse event takes place.  Guardian Tracking Software The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards Vector Solutions can contribute to firefighter retention. The Guardian Tracking software can identify career milestone events and trace the negative impacts of a major fire event, including emotional stress. The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards. “Most agencies have de-brief sessions after milestone events, but sometimes we need additional care,” says King. impact due to COVID  “We want to take care of people, but sometimes we need a reminder.” If departments can retain people, it becomes less of a recruitment effort. Four years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the fire service is still being felt. “We are still identifying the long-lasting COVID effects, and there are small segments of communities that have not fully recovered,” says King. ”When you expose them to wildland fire and smoke, it compounds the issues.”  risk assessment It will be some time before the full impact of COVID is understood, including the need for first responders to go inside residences at the height of the pandemic.  “My work with the fire service and the military prepared me to always think about possibilities,” says King. “We do a risk assessment, which has allowed me to understand what the fire service needs and how we can apply our solutions to streamline and improve agencies’ processes. Having that knowledge has helped me find the right solution for firefighter needs.” 

The world is changing and challenging the fire service to keep up. The core missions of firefighting and fire prevention have not changed, but the environments in which those missions operate are changing faster than ever before. Technology, sustainability, shifting demographics in recruitment and retention, and an increasing need for partnership and collaboration are among the factors that will impact the fire service and the fire industry in 2024. Let’s consider some of the big issues in play. Technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) was a dominant force in 2023, but its impact on the fire service is just getting started. Currently, AI is being used to analyze video footage of remote locations to provide an early warning at the first sign of a wildfire.  Daily life of fire departments The broad applications of AI ensure it will become part of the daily life of fire departments  The broad applications of AI ensure it will become part of the daily life of fire departments and firefighters in ways we can now only imagine. Another technology, virtual reality, provides a more immersive training experience and better simulations. In the hardware arena, aerial drones are providing firefighters with better visual data about an active fire, and firefighting robots can navigate dangerous environments and fight fires without risking human life.  The Power of Data. So-called predictive analytics, some incorporating AI, are increasing our ability to identify fire hazards before they occur. A flood of data is the byproduct of all the sensors, fire reports and other information that are part of today’s fire service, but we are now beginning to harness the power of that data to predict fire risks and optimize the allocation of resources. Better budget efficiencies Smart technology is redefining what it means to be a smart firefighter, given the availability of data to guide a more effective and efficient workforce. Using historical data and current trends enables the fire service to proactively deploy resources and prevent fires. Data analytics will also drive the use of scarce resources, enabling better budget efficiencies. Data analytics will also drive the use of scarce resources, enabling better budget efficiencies Sustainability and Electrification. Electric and hybrid fire trucks are the new standard, and the adoption of more sustainable apparatus will likely accelerate in the new year. Eco-friendly fire suppression materials, more effective but less harmful to the environment, are also being developed. However, the electrification trend comes with a significant downside for fire departments, that is, the increased danger of lithium-ion batteries. More sustainable materials Damaged batteries can erupt into flames, and badly designed charging systems have been known to cause fires. When it comes to more sustainable buildings, the use of more sustainable materials and newer, lightweight construction can make structures more prone to fire. More Cooperation. In the firefighting and fire prevention environments, there is never enough budget to adequately address mission-critical needs. More collaboration among fire departments and even public-private partnerships can help to maximize resources. Fire departments are working with private companies to develop and implement innovative fire safety solutions. Fire safety and prevention Trade schools are an option, and so is involvement in the fire service Meanwhile, departments are sharing more data, expertise, and resources, especially when it comes to large-scale fires and emergencies. There is also a growing need to engage with communities, working with other stakeholders to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention.  Attracting Talent (and Keeping Them Healthy). The fire service has a shortage of skilled personnel and drastically needs to recruit more people to careers in the fire profession. Many are questioning the value of a college education in the job market, and young people are becoming open to other career paths. Trade schools are an option, and so is involvement in the fire service. A sales effort is needed to attract new talent and to equip the fire service to compete with other occupations for the best talent. To retain firefighters, departments need to take seriously the need to support personnel dealing with stress and trauma. Addressing other medical issues, such as cancer and heart disease, are also critical. Seeking more diversity expands the range of candidates and may help to address issues of morale and turnover.  Global medical emergency Extinguishing flames and saving people from danger will always be a core function The role of firefighters is changing as the world changes. Extinguishing flames and saving people from danger will always be a core function, but a firefighter also deals with hazardous materials, road traffic incidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters such as floods. The batteries inside electric cars are changing the risks of traffic accidents. Climate change has been credited with everything from heavier rainfall and floods to an increase in wildfires. There is a lesson to be learned from the pandemic’s impact on the fire service, and the next global medical emergency could happen at any time. As the world changes, so does the fire service. A new generation of fire service leaders is needed to address the uncertainty and challenges of 2024 beyond, and many of them are already in the rank and file of the fire service. Beginning in 2024, their careers will be shaped by radical changes in the fire service and the world at large. It will take thoughtful leadership and enormous dedication to answer the call.

Oshkosh Airport Products, an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce the delivery of three advanced Striker Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri. This addition to the airport’s fleet demonstrates a major commitment to safety and ensuring top-tier emergency response performance. long-term infrastructure goals The new vehicles—two Striker 6x6 ARFF vehicles with Snozzle High Reach Extendable Turrets (HRETs) and one Striker 6x6 ARFF vehicle with a roof turret—are customized with state-of-the-art systems to support the airport’s busy operations and long-term infrastructure goals. “Kansas City International is investing in world-class protection and response capability for its travelers and airfield personnel,” said Brian Snodgrass, Regional Sales Manager at Oshkosh Airport Products. “These new Striker units bring both innovation and rugged reliability to their frontline defense against airfield emergencies.” Off-road maneuverability Each vehicle is powered by a Scania DC16/V8, 670 HP Tier 4 Final engine Each vehicle is powered by a Scania DC16/V8, 670 HP Tier 4 Final engine and equipped with TAK-4 Independent Suspension, providing outstanding off-road maneuverability and operational control. Advanced onboard features include exterior water/foam level lights, 360-degree camera systems, in-cab EMS storage cabinets, digital video recorders, and Oshkosh’s MADAS Data Logger System. A winterization system helps promote reliable performance in extreme temperatures. enhancing firefighting efficiency The fleet includes the following configurations: (2) Striker 6x6 with Snozzle HRET: 3,000-gallon water capacity 440-gallon foam capacity 550 pounds of dry chemical capacity Snozzle HRET with low attack bumper turret Eco-EFP Foam Measurement System to enhance firefighting efficiency Electronic Foam Proportioning System to manage environmental impact Engine fast-start button on side of cab (1) Striker 6x6 with Roof Turret: 3,000-gallon water capacity 440-gallon foam capacity 550 pounds of dry chemical capacity Roof turret with low attack bumper turret Eco-EFP Foam Measurement System to enhance firefighting efficiency Electronic Foam Proportioning System to manage environmental impact Engine fast-start button on the side of the cab Striker ARFF vehicles “These Striker ARFF vehicles are purpose-built to perform in demanding conditions and provide immediate, effective emergency response,” added Snodgrass. “Kansas City International prioritized reliability, innovation, and firefighter safety throughout the procurement process—and we are proud to deliver on every front.” Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri and covers over 10,000 acres. The new ARFF units will be fully integrated into Kansas City International Airport’s emergency response protocols with support from Oshkosh Airport Products’ technical and training teams.

Fire and Rescue NSW has demonstrated its extensive firefighting capabilities, responding to multiple significant fires across Sydney overnight, the largest of which was a major factory blaze in Revesby. More than 100 firefighters and 25 fire trucks, including multiple aerial ladder platform trucks, worked for approximately four hours to contain a fierce warehouse fire that broke out at around 11.00pm on Milperra Road. Massive Blaze Contained Crews also extinguished a significant grass and bush fire that broke out towards the rear of the property The fire started to spread quickly but firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing major damage to surrounding properties. Crews also extinguished a significant grass and bush fire that broke out towards the rear of the property, with the assistance of NSW Rural Fire Service and FRNSW water tankers. The factory fire caused significant structural collapse, with hotspots smoldering and reigniting throughout the night. Firefighters are still on scene, extinguishing and mopping up from the blaze. Investigations are also underway to determine where and how the fire started. Stability Assurance As part of the clean-up process, FRNSW has identified an asbestos fibro roof at the site. Although the roof is stable, FRNSW is working closely with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, local council and the property's insurance company to implement a recovery and asbestos management plan to ensure that the asbestos is contained in line with guidelines provided by safety experts. Tactical Incident Response While crews battled the Revesby fire, FRNSW also responded firefighters to other multiple serious incidents across Sydney including: Stennett Road, Ingleburn: Approximately 10 fire trucks and 40 firefighters contained a factory roof fire in around 90 minutes, with 12 people evacuated. Braidwood Street, Strathfield: Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters fought a blaze involving rubber playground equipment inside an industrial unit. FRNSW's Strategic Operations Centre ensures that resources are strategically relocated when major incidents occur, maintaining coverage across the city. This ensures that even during peak demand, fires are extinguished and resolved quickly.

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 the front of the school, which was impacting adjoining buildings. Firefighters successfully established cut off points and contained the fire Firefighters successfully established cut off points and contained the fire. NSW Police assisted with establishing a 150-meter exclusion zone, with road closures in place on Lake Street, Winterton Parade, Pitt Lane, and Bridge Street, and the public was advised to avoid the area. The intensity of the fire led to a building collapse at the front of the school, which added to the complexity of the operation. The fire was contained after approximately 2.5 hours, however, firefighters then turned their efforts to protecting adjoining buildings and extinguishing hotspots. Firefighter Treatment Crews rotated through the night and into the morning. A FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System drone was used to assist in identifying and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Several firefighters were treated at the scene for suspected dehydration and heat exhaustion by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, and one firefighter was transported to hospital as a precaution and has since been cleared and released. Suspicious Fire Investigation The cause of the fire is unknown and is being treated as suspicious. The site will be handed over to NSW Police, who will investigate the origin and cause of the fire, with the assistance of FRNSW investigators.

Fire and Rescue NSW is searching for motivated individuals ready to take on one of the most rewarding and dynamic careers in emergency services, with applications for Permanent Firefighter roles. Serving with Strength From battling blazes and performing rescues to responding to hazardous materials incidents and providing vital community education, FRNSW firefighters are trained to handle it all. This career is perfect for those who thrive in a team environment and want to make a real impact With no two days ever the same, this career is perfect for those who thrive in a team environment and want to make a real impact. Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process designed to assess their problem-solving abilities, physical fitness, teamwork, and communication skills. Candidates will receive world-class training Successful candidates will receive world-class training, equipping them with the expertise to respond to a variety of emergencies across the state. A career with FRNSW offers more than just an exciting job — it’s an opportunity to serve the community, while developing skills in all areas of emergency response. Firefighters benefit from excellent training, career progression into specialist areas, and a strong team culture built on camaraderie and resilience.

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?  

New tools and technologies are emerging that augment the efforts of the fire market to prevent and fight fires. Modern firefighting is benefiting from an ongoing sea change in technological capabilities, spanning equipment, electronic components, greater connectivity and firefighter monitoring, to name just a few. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What technologies will have the greatest impact on the fire industry in 2021? 

Equipment is an important element in fighting fires, and in keeping firefighters safe. But what new needs are driving the development of equipment? How can equipment expand its role in fighting fires, or in managing building occupancy and traffic flow for that matter? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new trends and opportunities in firefighting equipment?