Firefighter Health and Safety - News

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, physiotherapi...

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 trackin...

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 observatio...

Oshkosh Airport Products, an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced that six new Striker Volterra 6x6 Electric Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles are officially in service at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This milestone highlights DFW’s position as one of the first airports in the nation to adopt electric drive ARFF technology, while advancing its mission to support high-performance, sustainable operations. The new Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicles...

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced the Columbus Division of Fire in Columbus, Ohio, has placed an order for two Pierce Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders and two Pierce Enforcer™ Pumpers. The order, secured through Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions, emphasizes the department’s dedication to equipping its crews with fire apparatus tailored for high call volume and diverse emergency response needs across the city...

Global safety equipment manufacturer, MSA Safety, Inc., announced that the latest edition of its revolutionary self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA® G1™ XR 2025 Edition SCBA, has received U.S. government approval from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and certification from the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as compliant to the 2025 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 1970 performance standard. Fire departments ca...

Fire investigators have long worked in a gray area of protection where full structural turnouts are overkill, but single-layer garments may not cover every single hazard they encounter. For decades, there hasn’t been gear built for the unique demands of post-fire scenes. But that’s about to change. Fire-Dex, a global pioneer in PPE for first responders, announced that it is launching its new Fire Investigation PPE, the first protective ensemble designed specifically for fire investi...

Firefighting foam has been an essential tool for controlling flammable liquid fires for decades, but traditional aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) often contained PFAS “forever” chemicals that have been linked to health and environmental risks. Responding to this challenge, Rely Innovations has introduced the first UL listed portable fluorine-free foam extinguisher that meets NFPA-10 standards. The new Rely FXTM P2.5SFFF (Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam) extinguisher uses NUFOAM,...

Aircraft fire protection is a critical aspect of aviation safety, ensuring the well-being of passengers, crew, and ground personnel. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established comprehensive guidelines known as NFPA 402, which outline essential protocols for aircraft fire protection and emergency response. NFPA 402 NFPA 402, formally titled “Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Operations,” serves as a foundational document for developing effective fire...

When it comes to fire apparatus safety and performance, this code has been one of the most authoritative standards in the industry. Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it has provided vital guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of fire trucks and emergency vehicles. NFPA 1901 outlines safety measures and ensures that fire apparatus are capable of performing efficiently during high-pressure emergency situations. Latest edition of NFPA 1901 The late...

NFPA 1900 is a consolidated standard that governs the design and performance of emergency response vehicles and wildland fire apparatus.  It incorporates the core principles from several prior NFPA standards, including NFPA 414 (Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Vehicles), NFPA 1901 (Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus), NFPA 1906 (Standard for Wildland Fire Apparatus), and NFPA 1917 (Standard for Automotive Ambulances). This updated standard was designed to streamline and...

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has designed a custom-built smoke extraction system for Kent Fire and Rescue’s (KFRS) new five-storey, live training facility, helping to ensure the service can deliver realistic training while minimizing the polluting impact on the environment.   The Ashford-based training facility is replacing the 30-year-old Live Fire Training building which was nearing the end of its operational life. The redevel...

In responding to the needs of the fire service and building on a century’s-long legacy in turnout gear innovation, the newest firefighter jacket from Globe Manufacturing Company, the Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket, is now available for order. Featuring a unique, three-panel design that includes a mesh feature in the liner to reduce bulk and help maximize comfort and mobility, the Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket includes a redesigned collar and a wider ran...

Firefighters throughout France face different challenges on the job daily and may need a variety of equipment to help keep them protected and safe. From fire helmets to the latest connected technology, MSA Safety, Inc. has the expertise in fire safety solutions to help firefighters and fire brigades enhance efficiency and safety. This MSA Safety expertise will be on display this week at the National Congress of French Firefighters in Le Mans, France. Latest generation of the F1 design At the...

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported nine attacks during an eight-hour period. The attacks happened in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire and Blackburn in West Lothian. There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service. These attacks have followed four previously reported attacks on crews in Ayrshire and Edinburgh in the week...

Firefighters can find themselves in challenging situations on the job every day, and they expect their equipment to be working and to help keep them safe on each call.  MSA Safety, Inc., and Bristol Uniforms, Ltd., understand this expectation, and this week, at the Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham, United Kingdom, both are showcasing how their expertise in fire safety solutions and in fire equipment care can help firefighters and fire brigades enhance efficiency and safety. Fi...

RESCUE Intellitech, a globally renowned provider of innovative solutions for the firefighting and rescue services industry, is excited to announce the launch of the single-phase version of their highly acclaimed Solo Rescue decon washer. The introduction of this new variant is set to revolutionize the industry by offering enhanced accessibility and expanded opportunities for fire departments in the Americas. The Solo Rescue decon washer, originally available exclusively with a three-phase elec...

Pac Fire is pleased to introduce the AS/NZS 2161.6:2014 certified, composite structural firefighting gloves from premium PPE supplier Bristol Uniforms. The composite gloves combine Nomex fabric on the back of the hand with hard-wearing, cowhide leather on the palm, thumb, and flexible absorber. The GORE-TEX CROSSTECH moisture barrier is both waterproof and breathable. It also offers protection against the penetration of viruses and bacteria found in blood and body fluids, as well as protection...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is further encouraging respectful and honest conversations and the sharing of Traditional Knowledge by opening a Yarning Circle at its training center at Orchard Hills, in Sydney’s west. Officially unveiled off the back of NAIDOC Week, the new outdoor space at the Emergency Services Academy (ESA) is a tangible step towards Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people. It is lined with a dozen sandstone blocks fo...

Responding to reports regarding culture in the fire and rescue service, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reiterated that the behaviors outlined are wholly unacceptable, making it clear there is no place for harassment, bullying or discrimination in any workplace. NFCC is committed to working with all fire and rescue services to support open and inclusive workplace cultures. Responding to the reports, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair - Mark Hardingham said: “I am appal...

Rescue Intellitech, a pioneering provider of innovative cleaning solutions for the fire and rescue industry, is set to unveil its latest innovation in firefighter PPE care, with the launch of a new line of high-performance washing machines specifically designed to decontaminate firefighter clothing. The official launch will take place at the Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 17-18 September, where the DE Series washing machines will be showcased for the first time to emergency...

Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of systems designed to protect fire and rescue and police personnel during a wide variety of emergency situations. Taking center stage will be Dräger’s new FPS-COM Voice mask integrated unit that enhances firefighter communication when using breathing apparatus. The easy-to-use unit features enhanced voice capture and output, with a Click & Go interface that enables quick m...

Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of systems designed to protect fire and rescue and police personnel during a wide variety of emergency situations. Taking center stage will be Dräger’s new FPS-COM Voice mask integrated unit that enhances firefighter communication when using breathing apparatus. The easy-to-use unit features enhanced voice capture and output, with a Click & Go interface that enables qu...

State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the second year to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment to help keep their responders safe and protect their communities. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant, for a total of $1.5 million donated. The announcement was made on August 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Rec...

Ship fires are on the rise, posing serious risks to crews, vessels, and operations. Ensuring the firefighting equipment meets the latest safety standards is not just essential — it’s lifesaving. The latest update to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), (EU) 2024/1975, mandates significant changes to the approval and use of firefighting suits onboard European vessels. Here's what they need to know to stay compliant and protect the crew. Key regulation updates From August 20...

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is proud to announce the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees. Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski of the East Franklin Fire Department in Somerset, New Jersey, and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of the Lehi Fire Department in Lehi, Utah, have been named this year’s recipients. Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one car...

Dräger, the international pioneer in medical and safety technology, has launched a browser-based software solution to optimize daily operations in fire service workshops.  Resource and Asset Management (RAM) is a user-friendly asset management system that provides comprehensive documentation of all processes and data gathered throughout the life of a piece of equipment, further enhancing safety and compliance, and contributing to greater organizational efficiency. Dräger’s...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) veteran Inspector Craig Davies today has handed over his firefighting duties to son James, calling time on his 40-year career of protecting and educating communities against emergencies. Despite completing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner in his younger years, Inspector Davies knew all along he was destined to become a firefighter. After all, his father, two uncles, and a cousin had all worked as firemen, giving him an early taste of what brigade life was li...

His younger colleagues lovingly call him “the dinosaur,” and after five decades of serving the public, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer Fred Parkhouse, has called ‘time’ on his career. 68-year-old Fred joined NSW Fire Brigades, as it was known then, as a teenager and progressed through the ranks, learning all aspects of firefighting and rescue work. Fire and Rescue NSW Duty Commander, Chris Bishop, says Fred is still as keen to protect the community as the da...