Public Education

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have door-knocked more than 60 homes at Macquarie Fields, in Sydney’s south-west, in the wake of a devastating house fire in the neighbourhood. On 28 May, 10 people made a narrow and very lucky escape when their two-storey house in Groundsel Avenue went up in flames. FRNSW had installed working smoke alarms in the home just a few days earlier, allowing the mother and her nine children to safely evacuate upon hearing the alert. Alarm testing and provision The safety visits included smoke alarm testing and where necessary, alarm provision and installation This week, crews from St Andrews and Macquarie Fields Fire Stations have visited homes in the surrounding streets, encouraging residents to ‘Be Fire Safe’ this winter. The safety visits included smoke alarm testing and where necessary, alarm provision and installation, free of charge. FRNSW Duty Commander, Dean Emery, said he hopes the home fire safety blitz will safeguard residents in the south-west. “Home Fire Safety Visits give us an opportunity to check on our communities first-hand, and to ensure they are better protected from fire,” Inspector Emery said. Home Fire Safety Visits “We essentially come to your home, conduct a safety check and offer advice on things like smoke alarms, the use of power boards, as well as safe charging of lithium-ion powered devices,” Inspector Emery continued. “These are all things that carry fire risk, so we want to empower residents and give them peace of mind. The recent house fire is a prime example of just how important it is to have a working smoke alarm.” “We can’t smell smoke when we are sleeping, so a smoke alarm is the only thing that will alert you if there is a fire.” Already this winter, four people have died in residential house fires in NSW. There have been 105 such blazes in the fortnight of winter.

A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike has caused a fire in a unit at Lethbridge Park in Sydney's west earlier today. Crews were called to the second-floor unit in Hawaii Avenue just before 3.00 am after reports of a blaze in the three-storey complex. Upon arrival, 16 firefighters quickly got to work to contain the fire, which is believed to have started in the kitchen area of the premises where the lithium-ion battery was located. Initial reports It took crews approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, which severely damaged the unit Initial reports suggested there was a person sleeping inside the unit, however, a search found no people in the property. Other occupants in the complex self-evacuated. A dog was located under a bed and safely removed by firefighters. It took crews approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, which severely damaged the unit. The incident is a timely reminder for people to show extra caution around lithium-ion powered devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobile devices. FRNSW’s tips When buying, using or charging lithium-ion products, FRNSW advises the public to: Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after the initial fire has been extinguished. Buy lithium-Ion products and batteries from reputable suppliers that meet Australian standards. Only use cords and chargers supplied with the device. Don’t use inferior or different voltage replacement components. Never charge devices while you are sleeping or in places that could block the escape. Do not over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid over-heating. Try to charge micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters outside, away from the home and on a hard surface. Charge in a clear non-combustible area near a smoke alarm. Note that any strong odours, extreme heat, colour change, deformity or strange sounds could indicate a problem with a lithium-ion battery. Dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly, don’t throw them out with household garbage.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters and administration staff have raised a staggering amount of donations for children suffering serious burns. The volunteer fundraisers today presented a cheque for $215,406 to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) at FRNSW’s official number ‘002’ Station, The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The significant total is the culmination of year-long efforts by FRNSW’s ‘Beat the Burn’ volunteer group, including dozens of public fundraising events such as the group’s annual five-day event in Jindabyne that allows fundraisers to cycle, mountain bike, run, hike and paddle for the cause. Authority comment FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, said he is proud of the dedication and effort his people have shown to ease the burden for the kids. “Since 2006, ‘Beat the Burn’, formerly known as ‘400in4’, has raised over $1.3 million for the children in the Burns Unit,” Commissioner Fewtrell said. “This year’s fundraising total is the highest ever for ‘Beat the Burn,” he said. “These consistent and mammoth fundraising efforts just go to show that community truly is at the heart of what we do.” SCHF and FRNSW Collaboration SCHF works in collaboration with FRNSW’s ‘Beat the Burn’ volunteers to determine fund allocation SCHF works in collaboration with FRNSW’s ‘Beat the Burn’ volunteers to determine fund allocation and ensure the money raised is as impactful as possible. FRNSW Station Officer and Beat the Burn committee member, Daniel Austin, said the vision is for this year’s funds to go towards upskilling the nurses, allied health professionals and doctors who work across SCHF’s nine ‘Step Down’ clinics across the state. Equitable burn care for kids “It's our intention that the 2024 fundraising efforts go towards bringing staff from regional clinics to Sydney for tailored, in-depth training and up-skilling,” Station Officer Austin said. “The purpose of this training is to strengthen connections and referral pathways with the tertiary Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, upskill regional staff with burns care skills to capacity build local clinicians and burns centres." “All of this is to ensure that kids in NSW get equitable burns care, regardless of their postcode," he added. “This would remove the need for excessive travel to Westmead, no doubt easing the burden on many families across the state.” ‘Beat the Burn’ fundraising In previous years, ‘Beat the Burn’ fundraising has paid the wages of a specialist burns anaesthetist In previous years, ‘Beat the Burn’ fundraising has paid the wages of a specialist burns anaesthetist, burns physiotherapists, and a research manager, plus funded equipment such as a laser machine that immediately identifies the depth of a burn, allowing for fast and tailored treatment options. SCHF's Chief Product and Impact Officer, Yvonne Stewart, said the generosity of FRSNW staff and their families will continue making a positive difference to the lives of the children and families cared for by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. “For some kids, childhood is far from what it should be,” Stewart said. “Instead of playdates, there are appointments, instead of sleepovers, there are stays, instead of firsts, there can be lasts,” She added. “No child should have to go through this, but those who do deserve our all. Thanks to FRNSW’s support, we will continue having both immediate effect and long-term impact on the lives and treatment of New South Wales’s injured and ill children.”

With new fire safety regulations around the corner and a renewed focus on responsible persons and coordination, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK discusses the significance of fire door hardware and why regular inspections and maintenance periods must remain high on the agenda. Fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defense in the event of a fire. Working in tandem, they coexist as a core element of a building’s passive fire protection system, providing valuable protection and time for occupants to escape by compartmentalizing the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency. Fire door’s lifecycle In the UK alone, approximately three million fire doors are purchased and installed each year. Such is their significance to fire safety, each component requires detailed engineering, third-party testing and critically, periods of ongoing inspection and maintenance. While each stage of a fire door’s lifecycle is strictly regulated, fire door checks and maintenance falls under the remit of a building’s designated responsible person and is widely understood to be an area that has fallen under neglect. Fire Safety Regulations 2022 Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment As such, in January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, under Regulation 10, made it a legal requirement for all responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings to conduct regular fire door checks within their premises. And while it’s said that overall inspection levels are rising, with 68% of responsible persons now conducting fire door checks (or having them inspected by professionals) every month or every quarter, there’s still work to be done says Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “In the 12-month period ending March 2023, fire and rescue services attended 178,737 fire incidents in England, a 17% increase compared with the previous 12 months. And when you consider the portion of fire door sets that remain overlooked, the numbers don’t make for good reading. Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment, but there are considerable differences between a fire door that’s operating as intended and one that hasn’t been correctly specified, installed, and maintained." Regulatory Reform Order 2005 Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment" Karen Trigg added: “When it comes to maintenance specifically, Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, states that responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are ‘subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair’." "Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment and may need repairing or replacing over time. A damaged or ineffective self-closing device, for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame - rendering it useless in the event of a fire." risk assessment duties Karen Trigg added: “Although we’ve seen real development towards fire safety education in recent years, we must continue to drive forward the number of responsible persons conducting organized fire door checks and maintenance periods as part of their risk assessment duties." "The introduction of updated guidance on 1st October 2023 aims to do this further, by improving the cooperation and coordination between responsible persons and rising the requirements associated with recording and sharing fire safety information during fire risk assessments. The update will also make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance.” A stitch in time saves lives As fire safety processes tighten, building owners and facility managers shouldn’t feel discouraged in their actions. In fact, responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections. A simple visual assessment, conducted and recorded by a competent individual, could make the difference between compliance and a fire safety disaster. Responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections Karen Trigg continues: “For responsible persons conducting checks, the first step of fire door safety is recognizing each component of a fire door and the potential faults to look for when evaluating its condition. The British Woodworking Federation Group - in support of Fire Door Safety Week - shares regular and reliable advice on fire door safety; including a practical five-step checklist that has been designed to support responsible persons during fire door assessments. The checklist works as a visual guide and covers the five key areas of a fire door - informing users on what to look out for, including: Certification: “A label or similar marking can often be found towards the top or side of the door and will confirm the fire door is genuine and certified. All ironmongery components, including locks, latches, closers and hinges must also be UKCA/CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.” Apertures: “More often than not, fire doors are tested as solid doors and without any glazing panels or air transfer grilles. It’s important to ensure there are no apertures, holes or breaks in the surface of the door or frame. Decision makers are also reminded that altering the door will make certification void.” Gaps and seals: “Gaps around the fire door should be no greater than 3 mm, and this must remain consistent around the whole frame. Intumescent strips must also be fitted at the top and sides of the door and show no signs of wear as this may negate the door’s ability to compartmentalize smoke and fire. Additionally, check for CE or BS EN 1935 marked hinges, which must be firmly fixed and without missing screws.” Door closers: “When it comes to door closers, it’s vital to check that your door hardware is fully functioning and will close the door onto the latch from any standing position. The door must fully engage with the frame from any opening angle, and it’s recommended that users check this by letting go of the door from 75 mm through to the closed position. It’s also important to review any hold-open devices to ensure they aren’t working against the door’s self-closing devices, as fire doors must not be wedged open in any scenario.” Operation: “Testing the operation of the full door assembly is essential - from handles and closers to hinges and seals. If the door is not operating effectively, is closing incorrectly on any of its sides, or there is any doubt about hardware certification and reliability, responsible persons must identify the problem before arranging and managing professional maintenance as soon as possible. Because when it comes to fire safety, there’s simply no time to stand still.” How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation, and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For post-installation and maintenance support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation, a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist. There’s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion’s general guide to service and maintenance for free.

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.

Under guidance from the Architects Registration Board, architectural students are set for a change in curriculum. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores this decision and why industry collaboration is central to improving fire safety education and paving the way to a safer future. In evolving construction industry, the approach to building design is ever-shifting. Yet, as the complexity of projects intensifies, safety and sustainability remain fundamental areas of focus, and according to architects, have been the most common of issues presented to them over this past five-year period. Building Safety Bill In response, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as the professional regulator responsible for setting the standards for architect registration in late 2021, posed significant changes to architectural training and educational guidelines. The new guidance, published by the ARB and sanctioned by the reformed Building Safety Bill, is considered a way of modernizing the teachings of architectural schools and will address the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector by introducing revised module guidelines on ‘Fire and Life Safety and ‘Sustainability’. new ‘Fire and Life Safety’ guidelines Under the new ‘Fire and Life Safety’ guidelines, the expanding architecture curriculum will examine: The science of fire, smoke generation, and spread. Design principles to minimize the risk of smoke and fire. Means of escape in case of fire and the appropriate access to buildings and facilities for emergency services. The significance of product specification to fire safety and performance as part of a construction system. Protecting building users from hazards during use and maintenance. Importance of fire safety Fire safety is paramount to a building’s success but is a complex subject with a variety of layers Fire safety is paramount to a building’s success but is a complex subject with a variety of layers, as is defined by these modules. However, following the call for the revised curriculum, both future and present professionals must collectively recognize its importance, and through better education and collaboration, aim to deliver a fire-safe infrastructure, with higher levels of quality and building performance. Better by design Between the reformed Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act 2021, fire safety has been a subject of increased scrutiny over the past few years. Occupant safety must always remain the top priority throughout any construction project, regardless of its size or scope. Fire and life safety design play an integral role in this, not only as a compliance obligation but as a practice that can improve project output. Importance of building design As a result, and as outlined by the ARB, every architect must be educated on the basics of fire safety and its role in building design, keeping in mind the latest codes, regulations, and hardware required for a project. One area to consider under the revised curriculum’s ‘means of escape’ is the required number of fire door exits per room and floor. Fire doors are often the first line of defense against fire and thus are meticulously tested to British Standards BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 to certify their resistance to fire for a minimum of 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). Smoke and fire compartmentalization As a project moves through to specification, decision-makers must also identify the required door hardware which is designed to facilitate the compartmentation of smoke and fire and so must comply with UK Construction Products Regulations. The specification is critical when a project’s materials are being considered and can be the difference in a building failing to meet its functional and necessary safety standards. Fire safety compliant doors Inadequately specified door furniture can result in blueprints and specifications changing at a later stage of the project to comply with the correct standards, adding preventable time and costs to development. By understanding the role of fire safety from the earliest stage, and in this case, the functional aspects of fire doors and their hardware, professionals can deliver better projects with enhanced safety and performance. Project collaboration The onus to deliver fire-safe buildings doesn’t lie solely with architects, however. Although architects are the only professional body that has a statutory obligation to partake in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), industry-wide education is crucial if we are to maintain the necessary standards associated with fire safety. Fire safety is an expansive subject that touches many areas of a building’s lifecycle, from the design stage right through to maintenance, and the ARB’s newly formed curriculum serves as a reminder to all professionals on what they must remain educated on. Detailed framework Manufacturers offer greater transparency on product performance and testing, improving product discoverability To assist industry education and collaboration, today’s associations, professional bodies, and manufacturers are supporting all professionals to ensure there’s a greater understanding of these key themes. Hardware manufacturers for example, as part of the Building Safety Bill’s Golden Thread of Information regulatory framework, are providing more detailed product information in the form of comprehensive product datasheets, installation guides, and training portals. In doing so, manufacturers are offering greater transparency on product performance and testing, improving product discoverability and traceability. Accessibility and performance Accordingly, industry professionals must remain informed on hardware options and the role they play in fire safety, as this collaborative approach can lead to better and more consistent design choices that continue to deliver on fire safety post-project delivery. Well-being, accessibility, and performance will always remain unremitting themes in our built environment. At a time when information is at our fingertips, professionals across the supply chain possess a real opportunity to develop a sustained education on these key themes, and through improved collaboration, can reform the project delivery process in a bid to deliver true fire safety. How Allegion UK can Help Installation and maintenance checks Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation, and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to our experts or head to our download center for technical fitting instructions. For post-installation support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation, a guide to the EN classification system, and a safety checklist. Door safety testers There’s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion’s general guide to service and maintenance for free. Allegion also offers RIBA-approved CPD presentations, covering a range of topics from the role of door hardware in life safety and safe escape to accessible design (BS 8300) to meet building regulations under Approved Document M.

Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical fires cause scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Some of the electrical components that present fire hazards in the home include faulty electrical outlets and switches, worn or damaged components, overloaded circuits, damaged or frayed cords, and misused extension cords and power strips. Improper use of light fixtures can also be a danger, and space heaters can be a fire hazard, if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Loose plugs can lead to overheating Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using wing cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit As outlets and switches age, the wiring behind them can loosen and break, causing sparks and fire. Loose plugs can also overheat and ignite surrounding materials. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or using extension cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit, thus causing overheating and fires.  Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials. Cords that are kinked, pinched, or have exposed wires should be avoided and replaced immediately. Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Fires Here are some steps a homeowner can take to minimize the risk of fire from electrical systems: Upgrade the electrical system, especially if the home is older. If the electrical system has not been updated in a while, a qualified electrician can advise if it needs modernization. This could involve upgrading to breakers with better safety features such as Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology. Schedule an electrical safety inspection. Having a qualified electrician periodically inspect a home's electrical system can identify potential problems before they escalate into fire hazards. Keep flammable materials away from electrical components, including curtains, furniture, and piles of paper. Sparks and overheating can easily ignite nearby flammables. Special Risks to Firefighters Firefighters face a unique set of electrical risks due to the nature of the situations they respond to. Here are some of the biggest electrical dangers that firefighters encounter: Live wires. Firefighters navigate burning buildings with compromised electrical systems. Exposed, downed, or malfunctioning wires pose a serious electrocution threat. Water can conduct electricity, so firefighters need to be especially careful when directing water streams near electrical sources. Hidden dangers. Fires can cause extensive damage, obscuring electrical hazards like damaged outlets, hidden energized wires, or electrical panels that may be malfunctioning. Firefighters need to be aware that not all electrical dangers are readily apparent. Using the wrong tools. Firefighters should know which type of extinguisher to use (like dry chemical powder or CO2) to smother the flames without risk of shock. High voltage situations. In some fire scenarios, like downed power lines or transformer fires, high-voltage electricity is a significant risk. Firefighters may need to call for utility companies to shut off power before fully engaging in firefighting efforts. Limited visibility. Smoke and darkness can significantly reduce visibility, making it even harder to spot electrical hazards during a fire. Firefighters rely on proper training and specialized equipment to navigate these situations safely. Improper grounding. Damaged or faulty grounding systems can create a situation where metal objects become electrified. Firefighters should be aware of this risk and take precautions. Electrical arcing. Electrical arcing is the creation of sparks or flashes of light when electricity jumps a gap between conductors. This can ignite nearby flammable materials and pose a risk to firefighters. Lack of ventilation. Electrical fires often produce toxic fumes. Firefighters should know how to properly ventilate the area to clear smoke and protect occupants from breathing in harmful substances. Addressing Multiple Threats Electrical fires present a double threat – fire and electrical shock. Firefighters must be trained and equipped to safely deal with both hazards. They should know how to shut off power to the affected area, minimizing the risk of electrocution for themselves and any occupants.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, in May 2022, a helmet camera recorded firefighters extinguishing a truck fire along I-94, catching every detail as sparks flew and firefighters hosed down the truck to suppress the blaze. Firefighters also hosed down the grass on the side of the freeway to put out hot spots and prevent a grass fire, MLive.com reported. The helmet-cam was part of a voluntary program that involves Ann Arbor firefighters wearing cameras when responding to active structure fires to capture video that can be used as a training tool, in order to better understand what went right and what went wrong. Video can also be released to the public to showcase how tax dollars are being spent. A focus on structure fires precludes any concerns about privacy. Helmet-cams used by firefighters Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis. On the other hand, they could impact how a firefighter does his or her job or even violate privacy concerns and/or the public trust. While debate around the use of body-cams by law enforcement officers has mostly been settled, opinions still vary about the use of helmet-cams by firefighters. In one sense, the rules and regulations have not caught up with the technology, including smaller (and inexpensive) video cameras that can easily (and even discreetly) be mounted on a firefighter’s helmet. Some departments have banned use of helmet-cams, while others have sought to restrict and control their use. Still others haven’t given it much thought. Multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis An advantage of helmet-cams is to record video of the actions of officers and firefighters at an incident and to provide multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis. Critiquing performance is a learning tool to encourage continuous improvement. In case of an injury or line-of-duty death (LODD), helmet-cam footage provides an unblinking record of exactly what occurred. If a time element is being assessed, a helmet-cam video can display each activity along with a time display, thus eliminating the need for a stopwatch. Clear and time-marked audio recording In addition to video, helmet-cams can provide a clear and time-marked audio recording, not limited by radio-frequency interference. (Audio recordings are subject to additional privacy concerns in some jurisdictions.) A possible downside of using helmet-cams is to distract a firefighter from his or her duties or to narrow their focus to the detriment of a broad awareness of their surroundings. It is important that a firefighter not miss something that is happening at the periphery of his or her line-of-sight. Helmet-Cams can distract a firefighter’s attention Conscious of how they appear in a video recording, a firefighter might be more guarded in their actions or words; at the other extreme, they might be tempted to “show off” for the camera by taking greater risks to provide more dramatic footage. A firefighter with a helmet-cam might also become preoccupied with operating the camera to optimize video to the detriment of other concerns. Becoming fixated on the technology can distract a firefighter’s attention from the real job at hand. Creating a policy that addresses issues are helmet-cams use Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy that addresses those issues. Fire service leaders may benefit from collaborating with local police leaders who have worked with body-cam video and know the possible evidentiary value of video that can be captured on the devices. Fire departments should be aware that any captured footage may have evidentiary value, if it relates to a crime or police internal affairs investigation. Unlike body-cams used by police, which download video to the department at the end of a shift and are covered by department policy, helmet-cams are less restricted and less well-managed. Firefighters may even own their cameras. Privacy concerns surrounding the use of helmet-cams Some fire departments, such as Houston, San Antonio, and San Francisco, have banned helmet-cams because of privacy concerns and worries about how a video might embarrass a department. Privacy concerns include the use of helmet-cams in medical calls, which make up most a firefighter’s daily responses. There should be rules that ensure that videos do not eventually make their way to Internet sites such as YouTube. In New Jersey, for example, Cathy’s Law (passed in 2012) restricts images and recordings at emergency scenes, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Among the ways, garments protect firefighters is by reducing the heat stress and discomfort created by the need to carry heavy gear. Making the garments more comfortable to wear means less physical stress. Garments also help to protect firefighters from the toxic elements in the fire environment. The extent to which plastic materials can generate toxic smoke when they burn has previously been ignored but is now better understood. Concerted effort to understand end user As a manufacturer of fibers used in firefighting garments, DuPont makes a concerted effort to understand the end user of their products; that is, the firefighter. They seek to keep the firefighter safer and to extend the time available to do his or her job safely. DuPont works with fabric and garment manufacturers to focus on minimizing the impact of the toxic environment. Firefighter’s awareness Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices Awareness by firefighters of the negative impact of toxic materials has increased substantially. Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices to avoid exposure to contamination. Organizations promoting greater awareness include firefighters’ unions, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fallen Firefighters Association. Toxic smoke For example, testing confirms that toxic smoke often affects firefighters in the neck and jaw area, where sweat promotes absorption of smoke particles. A woven hood or baklava avoids the absorption, reflected in the NFPA Standard 1971, which makes particulate protection hoods mandatory. The Nomex Nano Flex hood increases the comfort of the gear. Avoiding toxic materials also includes no inclusion of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in garment materials themselves. Standards and Specifications Testing is an area of focus for DuPont, which has the capabilities to test the layered structures firefighters are wearing. One tool is the Thermo-Man, a fully instrumented mannequin that tests the likely burn injuries of flash-over fires. DuPont works with the NFPA, ISO, EN, and other standards committees to develop testing and certified standards to ensure the performance of firefighter garments. Fire gear is specified in each region according to a standard (minimum) performance. In many cases, garments out-perform the requirements. Other variables Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight. A less expensive approach might yield a garment that sacrifices comfort. Geographic and climate differences matter, too. A firefighter in the North would prefer a different garment than in the South. Garments should be comfortable, lighter, and warmer in cold environments. On the topic of gender, garment makers offer female designs that are cut and shaped differently. Garment makers evaluate the weight of the assembly, how well it protects against the heat, and the comfort. DuPont works with garment makers to test various materials and how they perform in fire garments. The company works with firefighter consultants in the U.S. and Europe who help them understand the language of firefighters. Addressing Dangers of Toxic Materials Cleaning fire gear of toxic materials is a challenge related to garments. Toxic materials on fire gear returned to the fire station can also expose the station environment to danger. Changing logistics and processes are driving how gear is handled in the fire station environments. Some stations are designating black zones, gray zones, and white zones, depending on the level of contamination of the gear in those areas. Washing and drying More frequent washing of bulky, heavy gear helps to circumvent the impact of toxic materials, but repeated washing and drying can cause mechanical stress and resulting damage to a garment. DuPont collaborates with weaving mills and garment makers to develop fabrics and garments that stand up well to frequent washing.Toxic smoke particles and mandatory use of hoods on firefighters is translating into more washing. As time goes on, the washing and decontamination process will likely become more professionalized with laundry companies stepping in to wash and handle the garments. Fire stations are not well suited to cleaning these garments. Nomex Nano fiber Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles Developed to address the growing problem of heat stress, DuPont’s Nomex Nano fiber is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant materials. Nomex Nano Flex was developed to help make products like firefighter hoods more protective against particles without compromising comfort. Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles, and creates a particulate barrier. It also protects the firefighter from outside heat while cooling the firefighter by evacuating body heat. Higher evaporation rate Nomex Nano Flex has a higher evaporation rate. For the same thermal protection performance (TPP), it also has higher total heat loss (THL). Combining protection, thermal performance and toughness, Nomex Xtreme Performance is the highest performance category of solutions for flame-resistant personal protective apparel. Feedback from Firefighters “If we have a new innovation, or want to share our developments, we go proactively to fire departments to ask: Will this help you or not?” says Alfons N. Held, Global Market Leader, Emergency Response, DuPont Personal Protection. There is a difference between lab testing and what firefighters experience in the real world. Alfons N. Held adds, “We seek to understand what they need, and approach ‘lighthouse’ fire departments for guidance.” In any country or jurisdiction, there are fire departments – ‘lighthouse’ departments – that set the trends and work to evaluate the gear. If someone in Florida is using certain gear, it might also work in Texas or Arizona. The protection level Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable The question is: What protection level do we need? Given that level, departments seek to balance comfort with performance. Ironically, of the firefighters who die every year, some two-thirds of the deaths are attributable to overexertion, while less than 10% is linked to the fire/heat. Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable, more comfortable (with higher evaporation) and more lightweight. Complex systems Garments can be complex systems; heavy turnout gear is a five-layer garment with each layer contributing to performance – the outer shell, the inner liner, a moisture membrane, and one or two thermal liners. Sometimes attention is more focused on the outer layer of the gear with less awareness of the other layers and how the entire system works together. Importance of station wear In fact, protection of the firefighter starts at the skin, so station wear is important. “In our view, looking at all the layers on the skin and outwards is important,” says Alfons N. Held, adding “Firefighters wear various materials that are not always optimal.” For example, a cotton undergarment might get wet from sweat, stay wet and not evaporate. Environmental impact is another concern among garment-makers. Can the materials be reused or recycled? Some countries in Europe ask that manufacturers take back garments after they are used.     New Garments, New Needs A special need is development of new garments that can perform at the wildland urban interface (WUI), where catastrophic wildland fires encroach on residential areas. Design of gear for wildland firefighting has been lighter and does not include breathing systems. When fires reach residential areas, gear needs change. Wildland firefighters are not equipped to enter a structure fire and do not have adequate protection against carcinogens. New gear designs are needed that address both environments.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews are striking the right chord with festivalgoers at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, ensuring fire safety takes centre stage at the iconic event, which attracts around 70,000 visitors each year. As part of a larger fire safety campaign running throughout the festival, FRNSW is conducting a blitz on smoke alarms in caravans, motorhomes and annexes. Firefighters are checking and replacing alarms to ensure all campers have working smoke alarms. Encouragingly, fewer smoke alarms are needing to be replaced this year, with around 10 alarms installed or replaced each day, compared to 35-40 in previous years. Proactive Safety Measures FRNSW crews will remain on-site for the duration of the festival, continuing their safety efforts  This highlights that the fire safety message is resonating with the community. Beyond the smoke alarm blitz, firefighters are proactively managing the increased risks posed by the large number of campers during the festival. Their efforts include delivering fire safety education around cooking practices, checking BBQ hoses and connections and ensuring that hydrants in the area are always accessible. FRNSW has been working closely with Tamworth Regional Council to incorporate fire safety information into the festival’s booking process, ensuring attendees are informed about safety measures well before their arrival. FRNSW crews will remain on-site for the duration of the festival, continuing their safety efforts to ensure a successful and safe event for all attendees. Fire Safety Advocacy Quotes attributable to Superintendent Tom Cooper, Zone Commander Region North 3: “It’s great to see so many caravan owners embracing fire safety and ensuring their smoke alarms are working. This simple step can save lives and prevent tragedies.” “We’re proud to work closely with Council and the community to ensure the festival remains safe for everyone. The collaboration and proactive steps by festivalgoers show how effective fire safety education can be.”

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.

Fire and Rescue NSW investigators are focusing on a charging e-bike battery as the cause of a fatal house fire at Guildford in Sydney's west. FRNSW crews have confirmed there were no working smoke alarms in the Rowley Road house that caught alight. Firefighter Rescue Attempt Responding to multiple Triple Zero calls, firefighters found a bedroom in the home well ablaze. There were reports of a person trapped inside and crews quickly entered the burning building to carry out a search. Five other people evacuated the home prior to the arrival of firefighters and were assessed for smoke inhalation A man was located in the bedroom and removed from the property but tragically, he could not be revived. Five other people evacuated the home prior to the arrival of firefighters and were assessed for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics, with one person transported to hospital. Crews were able to contain the fire to the bedroom, but the remainder of the home suffered smoke damage. The FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit has examined the scene with Police forensic experts. Unsafe Charging Warning They have determined that an incompatible charger was powering the e-bike battery in the bedroom at the time of the fire. The food delivery bike itself was found outside the home. The Fire Investigators believe the battery was unable to absorb the energy generated by the charger and overheated, likely causing the fire. FRNSW and NSW Police are preparing information for the Coroner. Fire and Rescue NSW is urging the public not to mix and match batteries and chargers to prevent lithium-ion fires. Always charge lithium-ion battery devices with their dedicated power packs. Check Alarms FRNSW is also reminding homeowners and landlords that working smoke alarms save lives. Every home must have a working smoke alarm, and landlords have an added legislative requirement that they must be less than 10 years old and are checked annually.

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? 

Welcome to our Expert Panel Roundtable, a new feature of TheBigRedGuide.com. We will be asking timely questions about the fire market and seeking out experts in the field to provide responses. Our goal is to promote a useful exchange of information on a variety of topics and to create a forum for discussion of important issues facing the fire service and market. For our first question, we look to the year ahead and ask our panelists: What trends are likely to change the fire market in 2020?