Training & Education

Fire and Rescue NSW has welcomed the government’s announcement of an additional $34.3m towards its flood response capability, declaring it will fund more in-water rescue technicians, vehicles and equipment. The funding commitment for FRNSW is part of an overall $159.5m investment in flood capability across the state and has been delivered following the Independent Inquiry into the NSW flood disaster. In August, the Inquiry handed down 28 recommendations around the way NSW prepares for, responds to and recovers from catastrophic events such as the 2022 flood disasters. Two-year funding commitment The two-year funding commitment includes: Training, equipment and vehicles to support increasing number of in-water specialists to 350 ($19.8m) Three additional high-volume water pumps and an additional capacity for bulk water transfer ($6.2m) 12 inflatable motorised rescue boats (approx. $1.6m) High clearance vehicles used to reach stranded communities Multi-agency flood rescue kits for fire trucks ($2.1m) Additional wetsuits, Personal Flotation Devices and portable radios for in-water technicians. Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the additional funding represents the government’s recognition of the extraordinary flood response work carried out by FRNSW during the State Emergency Service-led disaster operations. “Our people have been working tirelessly across the state over the past two years, rescuing stranded residents, ferrying food to isolated homesteads, flying infrastructure reconnaissance missions with our drone fleet…even rescuing animals, including a camel stuck in the Murray River,” Commissioner Baxter said. “This funding will make a significant difference for our firefighters training in flood response and allow us to boost our capability to further protect the community,” concluded Commisioner Baxter.  Significant difference in firefighters training The extra government expenditure comes as scores of firefighters are trained as ‘In-water’ specialists at a natural water course in the Shoalhaven River near Goulburn. The course offers a realistic swift-water environment in which to certify their land and water-based flood rescue qualifications. The most recent session which finished on Monday has seen 55 firefighters from the City of Sydney Fire Station put through their paces. Another In-water course, for FRNSW Team Leaders, was completed at Ballina, in the state’s north, at the weekend.

Fire doors are a critical part of passive fire suppression systems and are required in many types of buildings. Designed to slow the spread of fire and provide extra time for evacuation, fire doors must be maintained to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and ensure compliance. Common fire door issues, such as misalignment, damaged seals, and faulty hardware, can compromise their effectiveness. Regular inspections are essential to identify these issues and protect the building and occupants during an emergency. Common Fire Door Issues The following are some of the most common issues that can negatively impact a fire door’s functionality: Misalignment Fire doors must fit properly to seal and keep out flames and smoke. If doors aren’t installed properly or the building settles over time, the door may sag or drag on the floor, leaving exposed gaps. During maintenance checks, make sure the door allowances are appropriate. Users may need to adjust the hinges or the frame if the door isn’t lined up properly. Faulty or Damaged Closers Users should be able to open a fire door with a reasonable amount of force, and its closers shouldn’t interfere with that. When closing, the fire door should shut with a gradual controlled pull — without any loud noises or jams. If there is a latch bolt installed, it should engage fully. Loose Door Hinges Loose door hinges can interfere with a fire door working properly by preventing it from closing or sealing completely. Users should regularly inspect the hinges for signs of wear, looseness, or damage. Tighten screws if any are loose, and lubricate the door hinges periodically for optimal performance. Faulty Latching Mechanisms To be effective, fire doors need to close completely whenever they’re not in use. The locking mechanism ensures the door shuts firmly to compartmentalize the area it’s protecting. To check the latching mechanism, look for any signs of misalignment or damage. Check to make sure the lock extends fully when its closed. If it isn’t working correctly, users may need to remove it and install another to fix the problem. Problems With Intumescent Seals Intumescent sealing isn’t always noticeable on the fire door. The material is activated by heat and expands to fill the gaps around the door. This keeps the smoke or fire from spreading under the door or around the sides. If the seals are broken or missing, the door won’t perform as expected. Regularly check the sealing strips around the door and replace them if there’s any damage or gaps. Blocked or Propped Doors Faulty fire doors aren’t always the result of mechanical problems with the door. If people block the door from closing or wedge it open with a door stopper, it can’t work as designed. The people in the building should be trained on how fire doors work and avoid blocking them or propping them open. Missing or Obscured Signage Fire doors should be properly labeled, and the labels should be legible. If the building is being painted, it’s easy to accidentally paint over the door labels. Other common ways to obscure labels are by cleaning them with harsh chemicals or removing them completely. Fire door labels should provide the information required by applicable regulations. This typically includes information that clearly identifies the fire rating, manufacturer, installation date, certification authority, and unique identifier. If the label is damaged or removed, be sure to put up a replacement or — for a more permanent solution — engrave the information onto the door. In addition to being legible, fire door labels must be placed correctly. They need to be displaced in a prominent location on the door and the frame. Fire Door Service Maintenance Don’t wait until to fail a fire door inspection to check the fire doors. Users can extend the lifespan of fire doors with regular maintenance and repair. Keeping the fire doors in proper working order can save lives. The following best practices will ensure compliance with fire door regulations and help guarantee they’ll work when they’re needed. Implement a Regular Maintenance Schedule Make fire door inspections a routine part of the maintenance plan. Perform in-depth inspections on a yearly basis and lighter ones more frequently. If users notice any issues at other times, address them immediately. Training and Education Train the people who work in the building on fire door regulations and why they matter. Make sure they understand that they should avoid blocking the doors or wedging them open as well the dangers of obscuring the labels. The education plan should include an emergency response plan that includes the proper procedures for using the fire door. Keep all records related to the fire door, such as inspections and maintenance procedures, with the emergency response plan. Work With Experienced Professionals Maintaining compliance with fire safety regulations takes a rigorous, comprehensive approach. Working with the professionals at KORD Fire Protection can help users with all of their fire protection system needs.

Using UL 300 fire suppression systems and adhering to NFPA’s fire safety standards for commercial kitchens will significantly reduce the fire risks. These guidelines, grounded in research on the most common causes of kitchen fires, include both preventative measures and rapid-response solutions to extinguish fires if they occur. Following NFPA recommendations helps create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient kitchen environment. It goes over key fire prevention strategies for commercial kitchens to help users stay compliant and protected. Common Fire Risks in Commercial Kitchens Commercial kitchen fires typically start with one or more preventable conditions. The difference between a safe kitchen and a dangerous one comes down to recognizing these key risk factors: Kitchen Grease: Heat and grease are a flammable combination and lead to many kitchen fires. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires in commercial kitchens. Grease is extremely flammable, and it builds up on a lot of surfaces in commercial kitchens, including grease filters, equipment, and towels. Open Flames: Many commercial kitchens have several sources of open flames in operation simultaneously. If flammable materials get near them, they can easily combust. Faulty Wiring: Sparks generated by faulty wires can easily ignite flammable materials in commercial kitchens. Appliance cables and other wires can easily fray and become damaged, particularly if they’re being run underneath rugs or in other hazardous configurations. Overcrowding: Too many cooks don’t just spoil the broth — they also pose a fire hazard. Going over the maximum capacity can lead to accidents and make it harder to evacuate in an emergency. Clutter: A cluttered kitchen environment increases the risk of accidentally knocking something into a flame, spilling something, or falling. Clutter also makes it harder to abide by safe cooking practices and follow the type of rigorous cleaning procedures that can prevent fires. Fire Prevention Strategies The following fire prevention tips for commercial kitchens will help users avoid disaster and the potential for damage and loss of life. Fire safety requires a multi-pronged approach that focuses on prevention first and rapid suppression if prevention fails. Follow Equipment Safety Guidelines Have all of the equipment installed, inspected, and serviced by professionals who understand applicable guidelines for commercial kitchens. Make sure all equipment is cleaned as needed, particularly areas where grease collects. Avoid running wires under mats or using extension cords. Install ventilation systems over grease-producing equipment as required by codes such as NFPA 96 and UL 300. Install Fire Suppression System A small fire in a commercial kitchen can quickly spread out of control. A properly installed and maintained fire suppression system can help prevent a fire from escalating. For commercial kitchens, these systems include smoke detectors, automatic valve shut-offs, a wet chemical fire suppressant designed to put out grease fires and stop them from reigniting, and fire extinguishers. Train the Staff Staff training should include safe cooking practices. Monitoring food as it cooks, avoiding overheating oils, and thoroughly cleaning equipment, including traps and filters, can reduce the risk of fires. Class K Fire Extinguishers and Staff Training In commercial kitchens, where high-temperature cooking oils and grease are common, Class K fire extinguishers are essential. These extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires involving cooking media such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and grease. Unlike water-based extinguishers, which can spread grease fires, Class K extinguishers use a special agent that cools and suppresses flames by saponifying the oil, effectively preventing re-ignition. All kitchen staff should receive hands-on fire extinguisher training in order to learn how to properly use them. Training should cover identifying the correct extinguisher type, understanding the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), and knowing when it is safe to fight a fire versus when to evacuate. Regular fire drills and refresher courses Regular fire drills and refresher courses should be conducted to ensure everyone remains confident and prepared to respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire emergency. NFPA 96 outlines minimum fire safety standards for cooking equipment, hoods, exhaust systems, fans, grease removal equipment, and fire suppression systems. These requirements are instrumental in preventing grease fires in restaurant kitchens. NFPA-compliant systems capture and exhaust greasy smoke, heat, and vapors that could otherwise easily ignite. If a grease fire does break out, the system will automatically extinguish it and block violent reactions that could cause the fire to spread. It also automatically shuts off fuel for gas and electric stoves to prevent kitchen fires in restaurants. Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety Plan A Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety Plan is critical for preventing and responding to fires in high-risk cooking environments. Grease buildup, electrical faults, and open flames make commercial kitchens especially vulnerable, requiring specialized systems and regular maintenance to stay compliant with NFPA 96 and NFPA 13 standards. Automatic hood suppression systems, Class K extinguishers, and integrated alarm shutdowns help contain fires quickly and protect staff and property. Developing a comprehensive Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety Plan also means training employees on fire response, maintaining cleaning schedules, and ensuring suppression systems are inspected and documented regularly. With the right prevention measures and system coordination, commercial kitchens can operate safely while minimizing downtime and risk.

E&B Fire welcomes Simon Parr as Operations Director to help guide its growing team and maintain high standards of customer care in life safety and security. Simon brings over two decades of experience in the fire and security industry, having held both operational and management roles across teams, projects, and contracts. His practical knowledge, focus on people and commitment to process improvement make him a strong addition to the company’s leadership team. New processes and initiatives Says Simon: “What stood out to me about E&B Fire is the way it combines technical knowledge with teamwork and a genuine focus on customer care. My aim is to support the team, build on the strong foundation already in place and help make sure our operations develop alongside the growth of the business. I want to create an environment where people can succeed and where quality remains at the center of everything we do.” In his new role, Simon will oversee day-to-day operations, working closely with teams across the company to ensure every project runs smoothly from design through to completion. He will also take an active role in shaping the company’s operational strategy, apprenticeship opportunities and the development of skilled talent. This is whilst helping to develop new processes and initiatives that support efficiency, training and long-term sustainability. Simon’s appointment to the leadership foundations Luke Stuart-Evans, Co-Director at E&B Fire, added: “Simon brings the right experience and approach to our team. As we grow, it’s important that our operations remain strong and consistent to maintain customer excellence, and Simon will play a key role in ensuring this happens. His focus on people and practical knowledge fits well with how we work, and I know he will help us continue building a capable, reliable team for the future.” Andy Brooks, Co-Director at E&B Fire, concluded: “Simon’s appointment reinforces the leadership foundations Luke and I have built. We want to make sure our growth is backed by strong operational oversight and the same principles of quality and reliability that define how we work.”

London Fire Brigade has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its site at 8 Albert Embankment. The application also includes plans to modernize Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building. The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by the Brigade in the 1930s as a combined fire station and office block. The fire station occupies the ground and first floors of the building, with six floors of office space above. Brigade’s own estate The office space was used as the Brigade’s headquarters until 2008, when it was relocated to Southwark. It is currently vacant, and the plans will make use of the Brigade’s own estate, rather than continue leasing commercial property. The proposed plans will see the building's vacant office space refurbished and brought back into service. These offices will become home to the essential support services that make up the Brigade’s headquarters function. Remodeled accommodation for firefighters Alongside the renovated office space, work will be carried out to upgrade and refit Lambeth Fire Station. This will include new equipment stores and workspaces, as well as remodeled accommodation for firefighters. As a Grade II listed structure, extra care will be taken to preserve key historic elements found in the building's original design. The training space in the yard and drill tower will also receive investment, and the appliance bays will be adapted to accommodate specialist vehicles if required. As a part of the proposals, a new space will be created, centered around the Brigade’s existing Memorial Hall, where the sacrifice of fallen London firefighters is remembered. This space will allow the Brigade’s historic collection to be displayed, which will be used for educational purposes and community outreach. There will also be a community room for local residents and groups to use. Series of consultations with the local community To ensure the views and needs of nearby residents and the local community were considered, the Brigade conducted a series of consultations with the local community prior to submitting this planning application, which follows a thorough options appraisal. London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Moving our headquarters back to its historic location in Lambeth is not just the right decision for the Brigade, but also for London and Londoners. By refurbishing and modernizing an existing building, we will be offering the best value for Londoners and maintaining an important presence on the Thames and in the heart of London." “These plans will deliver an upgraded fire station to serve the people of Lambeth as well as some of London’s most celebrated locations.”

Colombia has become the first country in Latin America to strengthen its National Disaster Risk Management System through the implementation of a national wildfire detection program using satellite technology. This initiative results from a new partnership between the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and OroraTech, a pioneer in wildfire intelligence, via its local representative, GeoSpatial. OroraTech’s WFS platform The agreement marks the start of a national pilot program that uses OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution (WFS) platform, which combines thermal satellite imagery and AI-driven analytics to detect and monitor wildfires nearly in real time. By offering continuous surveillance of wildfire activity across Colombia, the program aims to protect critical ecosystems, improve emergency response times, and reduce risk for communities threatened by fire. Modern wildfire detection “With this partnership, Colombia strengthens its risk knowledge capabilities through investment in a modern wildfire detection and monitoring infrastructure that will help protect our population, environment, and biodiversity,” said Ana Milena Prada, Deputy Director for Risk Knowledge at UNGRD. She adds, “This system enhances the work of institutions by enabling early threat identification and more timely response, even in the most remote areas of the country.” Centralized national platform Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, with nearly half its land area located in the Amazon rainforest. Early wildfire detection is vital for preserving endangered species, native forests, and the country’s natural heritage. WFS will serve as a centralized national platform, delivering actionable alerts to emergency services, park rangers, and government agencies. Colombia’s wildfire conditions More than 700 members of the National Disaster Risk Management System, including personnel from territorial and local entities, have been trained to use the platform. In May 2025, OroraTech’s Customer Success team conducted in-person training sessions in Bogotá, featuring real-time case studies and workflows tailored to Colombia’s wildfire conditions. In addition, UNGRD has led over 15 virtual and in-person training sessions across the country to build local capacity in using and operating the WFS platform. Wildfire management for Latin America “We are protecting the Amazon rainforest for the future in ways that weren’t possible before deploying our technology,” said Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech. He adds, “We are supporting and partnering with UNGRD to roll out our capabilities nationwide, marking a milestone in wildfire management for Latin America.” Integrates thermal data The WFS platform integrates thermal data from over 30 public and private satellites. It delivers low-latency alerts and maps fires as they emerge, offering a real-time common operating picture of wildfire activity. This improved coordination allows emergency teams to prioritize threats, minimize false alarms, and respond more effectively across regions. Through this program, Colombia reinforces its wildfire monitoring and defense strategy while advancing its leadership in environmental protection. By leveraging space-based intelligence, the country is setting a new standard in Latin America for biodiversity preservation and disaster response.

Whether it’s the end of the day or end of term, when schools close, it’s not unusual to see children and staff alike scrambling out the doors as they head for a much needed period of relaxation. Though, more vital than finding an exit for a break is the need to safely and swiftly evacuate school premises when an emergency situation arises. When fire breaks out in a school building, every second counts. Panic and emergency escape routes provide a direct path to safety and are critical in minimizing risk and the time spent evacuating, and as a result, are highly regulated in educational facilities as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Bulletin 100 (BB100). Emergency escape routes Designated panic and emergency routes must be highlighted with concise signage Accordingly, designated panic and emergency routes must be highlighted with concise signage, remain clear at all times and contain fully compliant and operational fire exit doors - which are recognized as the final point of escape. During term time, when a school is at its busiest, staff, students and visitors must be confident in locating and traversing their nearest emergency exit route at any given time. Regular fire drills Regular fire drills, evacuation plans and staff training can play a critical part in ensuring the effective use of escape routes in schools, though, often overlooked is the important detail of exit hardware. Where neglected routes can turn a manageable emergency into a potentially dangerous situation, duty holders are urged to recognize the importance of functional fire exits and how exit hardware keeps them operational. Unique challenges and solution School buildings are often more complex than they first appear. Between sprawling corridors, high-traffic communal areas and frequent transitions between classrooms, halls and outdoor areas, there are various challenges and vulnerabilities to consider when it comes to fire safety and the accessibility of escape routes. Fire is an unpredictable danger for any facility, made more apparent in school buildings Fire is an unpredictable danger for any facility, made more apparent in school buildings by the presence of flammable materials - such as art supplies, paper and chemical substances in science labs, for example. In some schools, arson also remains a real concern, further elevating the chance of fire and reinforcing the need for effective emergency escape routes and operational fire exit doors. In any case, escape routes must not only be compliant, but robust enough to support an orderly evacuation under duress, and for that, correctly specified, installed and maintained fire exit hardware is key. Ease of use In panic situations, particularly where children are involved, ease of use and reliability are fundamental. For schools, where there are usually more than 60 occupants present, panic exit hardware is a typical installation on fire exit doors, with horizontal push bars and pads used for intuitive egress at the end of escape routes. These panic devices are designed to provide safe and effective escape through doorways with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of operation. Horizontal push bars for example, are often utilized on external outward opening doors, with panic hardware required to cover at least 60% of the door width, ensuring devices are easy to find and operate in an emergency. All panic exit devices must also be fitted to comply with the harmonized version of EN 1125 Panic and EN 179 Emergency standards and ensure UKCA and CE markings are present. Plan to protect Far too often, escape routes are compromized in school buildings as a result of poor planning and a lack of fire exit maintenance. The durability of exit hardware is regularly put to the test in school buildings Where insufficient signage, blocked exit routes and untrained staff are common oversights that can severely impact the effectiveness of emergency exits, poorly maintained exit hardware could be the difference between safe escape and disaster. The durability of exit hardware is regularly put to the test in school buildings, with wear caused by high footfall, heavy usage and vandalism. With this in mind, a duty holder or responsible person (often the headteacher or facility manager) is required to perform regular fire risk assessments to ensure appropriate precautions are in place to safeguard pupils and staff. Satisfactory working condition As part of their duties, it is recommended that maintenance checks are conducted on a regular basis on escape routes and that all fire door hardware is in correct working order, ensuring all components are present, in satisfactory working condition and operate as follows: When the horizontal bar is pushed, it should unlatch the door immediately without requiring a key, knob or other tools. The mechanism should be intuitive and require minimal force to open. Once operated, the door should also return to its original position. Pushing the bar should release the latch and or bolts, allowing the door to swing open freely, facilitating rapid evacuation. The hardware should normally be latched to prevent unauthorized entry from the outside. A door may be locked from the outside with a key or locking device, but from the inside should always be operable without a key. Some panic bar models may include alarms or signals when the door is opened in an emergency or may have an optional dogging feature to keep the door open temporarily. Hardware must meet local building and fire safety codes. Typically, it should be rated for a certain number of cycles and withstand specific forces. When on fire doors, hardware should also hold a fire rating. Faulty panic hardware  Worn or faulty panic hardware can delay an exit door from opening  Worn or faulty panic hardware can delay an exit door from opening or may simply cause the door to fail entirely, rendering a carefully planned and clear escape route useless in the event of a fire.  In any case, should a fire door not be operating as intended, it’s imperative that a school’s responsible person seek out professional advice to ensure maintenance is carried out quickly and professionally, especially when children are present. Risk of fire Schools will always be thought of as places of learning, care and responsibility, and with that there is an ongoing duty to protect the lives of our next generation and those who nurture them. To truly mitigate the risk of fire, responsible parties must work together to guarantee safe egress is possible at all emergency exits by specifying, installing and maintaining appropriate hardware fit to meet the demands of school settings. After all, an escape route is only as reliable as the exit hardware found throughout it.

Are people too passive when it comes to fire door safety? Research conducted by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) in 2022 would suggest so, with a third of the British public stating they would not report a problem with a fire door, despite three-quarters of respondents believing a propped open fire door would not perform its role in the event of a fire. From schools and shops to shared areas of employment and accommodation, people are habitually - and sometimes unknowingly - kept safe by passive fire protection systems such as fire doors and their hardware. Yet, in the same breath, occupants and visitors of busy public-facing buildings can be placed in danger by neglected or inappropriately used products. Highlighting these dangers, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme found 75% of inspected fire doors in the UK failed to meet required safety standards in 2021, for example. Importance of fire extinguishers Fast forward to the present day and perceptions are being challenged. Following a period of regulatory updates, greater focus is being placed on the responsibilities associated with both active and passive fire protection, and with a 79% rise in prosecutions related to fire safety violations between April 2023 and March 2024, it certainly pays to pay more attention. Where most recognize the importance of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, what more can be done to ensure fire doors and their hardware are held in the same regard? Occupants and visitors of busy public-facing buildings can be placed in danger. Regulated and relied upon Passive fire protection is identified as the group of structural measures designed to inhibit the spread of smoke and fire. Frequently hidden in plain sight and sometimes taken for granted, fire doors are a key element of any building’s passive fire safety system and should never fall under neglect. In fact, fire doors are often the first line of defence against fire and smoke, and when closed, will compartmentalize spaces to protect property and provide occupants with an opportunity to escape. Fire doors are a key element of any building’s passive fire safety system. Such is their importance to public safety; fire doors are acknowledged by several professional bodies and are listed as a legal requirement in all non-domestic premises and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs). Under the recently updated Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a building’s designated Responsible Person (RP) must perform regular duties to review the condition of fire door systems, while providing residents with access to comprehensive fire safety information in the process. Fire door hardware Functional fire doors and clear exit routes are critical in ensuring appropriate precautions and preventative measures are in place and as such, responsible persons must recognize that a building’s fire doors will not perform as intended unless essential hardware has been correctly specified, installed, and maintained. As correctly acknowledged by most of the British public, an open fire door is rendered useless in the event of a fire and to form an effective barrier against fire and smoke, fire doors must be capable of closing fully from an open position. When performing a closing action, a fire door will call upon its hinges, locks, latches and door-closing devices, and in the event of a fire, not one of these elements can fail. In view of this, fire door hardware is methodically designed and tested to support the integrity of fire doors. To meet necessary standards, a fire doorset must pass one or more of a series of standardized tests, confirming its UKCA and CE certifications and FD ratings. Users can identify a certified fire door by its label, usually found on the top edge of the door. Functional fire doors and clear exit routes are critical in ensuring appropriate precautions. Shared responsibilities and results As part of their research in 2022, the BWF found that almost half of those who neglect to report a problem with fire doors would not take action because they were unsure who to report it to, or cited it was simply not their place or role to report it. Seemingly then, in many cases, improved communication and education towards fire door safety can help mitigate risk and further raise standards across the built environment. In any circumstance, people must continue being urged to keep buildings safe by reporting damaged or propped open fire doors to designated responsible persons. In higher-risk buildings where many rely on the same fire safety systems for example, it’s imperative that people know who they can turn to when a fire door safety issue arises, and often, this will be the landlord, owner, manager, or occupier of the premises. Equally, responsible persons must also adopt a hands-on approach by ensuring 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’, as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Higher-risk buildings where many rely on the same fire safety systems. True purpose of fire doors Where a fire alarm will inform you when something is wrong, fire doors require more proactive methods. As part of their ongoing maintenance duties, responsible persons should perform quarterly checks on fire doors, assessing the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements. Even durable door hardware can become worn and tired in high-footfall environments and may need repairing or replacing over time. An incorrectly installed or damaged self-closing device, for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame. Upon inspection, if a fire door isn’t operating as intended, it’s imperative to seek out professional advice and ensure maintenance or replacement is carried out quickly and professionally. Whilst many of us use them day to day without thought, the true purpose of fire doors must remain clear at all times. Collectively, we must continue to change the perceptions associated with passive fire protection methods and fire door safety, and only when we improve collaboration and communication will we truly limit the devastation of fire. Simply put, there is a chain of responsible parties, and everyone must recognize what their role is - we all must do better. Fire doors require more proactive methods. How Allegion UK can help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources designed to help responsible persons, duty holders and professionals undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For accessible fire door hardware support, Allegion’s new ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide is available for download and combines expert guidance with helpful terminology and useful fire door safety checklists.

The performance and reliability of fire doors can be undone by inaccurate hardware installation.  Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explains the significance of installer competence and how responsible persons should approach fire door hardware fittings to ensure lives aren’t put at risk.  fire doors For a building to be considered fire-safe, it must have functioning fire doors. A crucial element of passive fire protection, fire doors are recognized as a legal requirement in non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs), and as such, careful attention is frequently placed on standardized testing, specification, and ongoing maintenance.  accurate door hardware installation Certified fire doors are tested with - and are reliant on - several components, including hinges, locks, latches Perhaps less understood is the importance of accurate door hardware installation. Certified fire doors are tested with - and are reliant on - several components, including hinges, locks, latches, and door closers for example. However, where ironmongery products must be CE or UKCA-marked, certified-accredited, and tested under separate standards, there is the less regulatory emphasis placed on fire door installation specifically.  fire-resistant capabilities Should hardware be improperly or inaccurately fitted to a fire door, its fire-resistant capabilities become compromised, leaving a building and its occupants at risk. Without functional hardware components, a fire door is rendered useless and with the onus being placed on responsible persons, decision-makers simply can’t afford to neglect any stage of fire door safety - including installation.  Competence and collaboration  Installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry. Evidence suggests that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure, and despite a wave of regulatory framework updates in other areas, there remains a level of ambiguity regarding the proficiency required for fitting fire door hardware.  As per the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: fire door guidance, it is assumed that responsible persons possess evidence that the design, specification, and installation of a fire door is adequate for its location. Section 6.7 of the legislation expands on installation further, stating that upon inspection, if there is any doubt that a fire-resistant flat entrance door has been replaced, the resident will need to confirm that the new fire door has been ‘installed by a competent person’.  Fire safety compliance There is currently no legal requirement for fire door installers to possess a specific qualification or accreditation It’s clear then that fire door installation is a critical aspect of our built environment, yet, there is currently no legal requirement for fire door installers to possess a specific qualification or accreditation. For some, this presents a misconception that fire doors and their hardware can be installed by anyone - after all, how is ‘competence’ defined? But in doing so, decision-makers are often risking fire safety compliance as a result, with unskilled individuals using incorrect fixing methods and stripping certified fire doors of their FD rating in the process.  Certified professionals Where Phase 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 looks to make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance, responsible persons are urged to seek trusted, professional help when unsure - in the same way they would rely on qualified persons to assess and install a gas boiler for example. Certified professionals can demonstrate the right skills, knowledge, and experience when installing fire door systems and will remove any questions surrounding competence and compliance.  Reducing the gaps  During installation, decision-makers must also look to follow manufacturer guidelines and fitting instructions. Door hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer, with distinctive components, fittings, and fixing points, and as a result, they should never be approached as like-for-like installation projects.  Fire door integrity A fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass Fire door integrity is frequently compromised by alignment issues and improper installation methods as a result of this knowledge gap. In many cases, an appropriately specified and perfectly operational door closer device can be found ineffective, solely as a result of poor installation. Consequently, a fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass through in an emergency. With this in mind, responsible persons need to plan, appreciating that door hardware installation is a specialized task.   Guidelines for Fire Door Installations To further raise fire safety standards and improve installation accuracy, there’s a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs made available from conscious manufacturers in the form of installation templates, product datasheets, and video guides. Guidance can usually be found online, with product packaging, or can be requested directly from the manufacturer, and is designed to support installers throughout a project while also reducing installation time and enhancing the life of the installed hardware.  Compliance, competence, and education Product information and installation guidance can also be useful post-installation. Where a responsible person is required to perform ongoing checks and regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations, some fixing instructions may assist in scenarios when hardware adjustments are required.  Fire door hardware installation is neither the first nor final step of fire door safety, but in an evolving regulatory landscape, where we’re seeing a cultural shift in fire safety accountability, responsible persons would be remiss to undervalue the significance of accurate hardware installation. Ultimately, when it comes to fire safety compliance, competence and education go hand in hand.

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.” 

An ISO rating is a score between one and ten that indicates how well a fire department serves its local community. Determined by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, the rating is based on a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The lower the score, the better the rating, with a score of one being the best possible rating.   Evaluation criteria For communities, the ISO rating is a reference to an agency’s capabilities to extinguish a structure fire based on this national standard. ISO evaluates three main factors: the department itself (50% of the total score), the available water supply (40% of the total), and the communications center (10% of the total).   detailed and lengthy process However, there is much more that goes into a department's ability to protect a community In terms of the ability to protect the community, ISO only looks at a few critical details thus only reflecting how well departments are doing in those three categories. However, there is much more that goes into a department's ability to protect a community. Achieving an ISO score is a detailed and lengthy process that requires coordination among fire, water, and 911 center departments to work together to ensure the best possible result for the best resources available to a community.   Challenges to make fire, water, and 911 center work together “It can be a challenge to coordinate so many moving parts, but each of the three must work together and make improvements for the overall score to improve,” says Robbi King, Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions, a provider of compliance-based software solutions. “With most departments being all-hazards departments, ensuring any budgeted dollars are maximized for the positive effect of the ISO ratings should remain top of mind. Matching those dollars to the rating is critical for the citizens of the community.”  training and workforce management Fire departments are deeply familiar with the ISO rating process as they are all held to this standard Vector Solutions is a pioneer in training and workforce management technology that enables Fire and Rescue Departments to meet their demanding training, compliance, and preparedness objectives including ISO.   Fire departments are deeply familiar with the ISO rating process as they are all held to this standard. When it comes to the general public, more education is needed. ISO rating process The average person often does not know that these ratings exist or how they affect the community, says King. Additionally, ISO rating is only one facet of today's fire department. It requires a single person or group of people to gain the necessary knowledge and time to create changes and improvements to make a lasting impact on their community.  community evaluations The evaluation is a large project that takes many staffing hours to prepare annually The general public tends to have an oversimplified view of ISO ratings: A fire hydrant in the front yard equates to cheaper insurance. However, the community evaluations actually look at many factors of the fire, water, and communications departments to set this rating from equipment and daily staffing levels to how long it takes for a 911 call to be answered. The evaluation is a large project that takes many staffing hours to prepare annually.   public safety suite of products Through Vector Solutions’ public safety suite of products, including software for training management, policy distribution, personnel scheduling, critical incident, and exposure tracking, agencies are better prepared with documentation that authenticates details required under ISO ratings, says King. With an online course library including more than 450 hours of fire department training with 250+ hours of CAPCE-approved EMS recertification courses, Vector Solutions prioritizes worker safety alongside robust documentation to achieve a positive score.  Vector Solutions’ Scheduling and Vector Check Vector Check, a mobile equipment repair and maintenance app, ensures agencies have better documentation Both Vector Solutions’ Scheduling work management software and Vector Check, a mobile equipment repair and maintenance app, ensure agencies have better documentation to support individual preparedness for success. These tools can be used to report daily staffing levels and pull reports from all necessary tests completed on the department's equipment.  TargetSolutions Additionally, tools like the TargetSolutions online training management system can aid in reporting required training hours upon completion. These examples of preparedness documentation are essential for ISO ratings as they look to ensure individuals and agencies as a whole are up to date on training and other preparedness initiatives.   Improvement in hydrant flow It can also note the best place to loop in another water main to improve the flow as well But how can technology identify places for improvement of elements like hydrant water flow? Hydrants are placed within a subdivision before roads are even made. If the water flow at the hydrants in a subdivision is not enough, the agency can use technology to find the best place to improve the water system and increase the water flow available. Technology can help by identifying the sizes of water mains to see if improving the volume or increasing the pressure would improve the flow in that area. It can also note the best place to loop in another water main to improve the flow as well.  an all-hazards agency The “fire department” title is likely an outdated name for most agencies today, says King. Today, they are an all-hazards agency, and structural firefighting is only one facet of what makes the agency special. ISO only looks at this one facet. Many agencies have a hard time achieving or maintaining a high ISO rating because structural firefighting isn’t the only work that they are required to do day in and day out.  Fire Suppression Rating Schedule Then work to identify what would be needed to gain those additional points to improve the rating" “Fire, water, and 911 center departments must coordinate to ensure the best possible ISO ratings,” says King. “This begins with reviewing the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule as a group and discussing each area to see where the community stands. Then work to identify what would be needed to gain those additional points to improve the rating.”  AgencyConnect Along with contacting and attending sessions with Verisk/ISO, gaining insight from a department’s individual questions and their training is essential to maximize a community’s effort. Recently, Vector Solutions announced a new tool called AgencyConnect, a data-sharing solution connecting local departments' training management systems to those used by state-certifying authorities and training academies.  simplifying training reporting Previously, training and certification records were distributed across agencies and academies, often locked away as a paper copy. By simplifying training reporting and reducing time-intensive, manual processes, more time can be spent ensuring first responders have the proper training that is essential when it comes time for ISO ratings.

Technology increasingly makes it possible to identify wildfires early and before they get out of control.  Networks of video cameras watch wildlands for the first hint of fire, and now artificial intelligence (AI) is being deployed to interpret data from those cameras and alert personnel about an imminent wildfire sooner than ever. FireScout AI FireScout is an AI program seeking to address the issue of wildfires. Using AI, the program can create awareness and “understand” smoke from 10 to 25 miles away, based on the video from a digital camera set up in the field. In a test conducted with utility Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) in California, the technology was able to detect 200 out of 300 fires, each in less than a minute.  Golden moments In the case of FireScout working with a network of video cameras, that period has been reduced “Golden moments” are the time that lapses between when a fire starts and when it is reported, a critical time when a potentially catastrophic fire can be averted. In the case of FireScout working with a network of video cameras, that period has been reduced. In some documented cases, notification preceded the 911 call by minutes or even a couple of hours. The program also can detect fires at night when everyone is asleep. In remote areas where cameras are located, there may be no one around to call 911 anyway. As for the Coyote Fire near San Diego in 2022, FireScout AI provided notification more than 2 hours in advance of a 911 call. AI-enabled smoke detection A fire-spotting camera sends a digital image to the AI cloud, where advanced AI systems detect smoke and then send an alert for confirmation. The "human-in-the-loop" monitors the system to observe false alarms and to confirm a positive alert. Human-confirmed fires populate a FireScout dashboard and trigger an alert by SMS and email.  A 3D map view allows users to have better topographical information, and users can share the response status with their colleagues and stakeholders.  early detection of wildfires FireScout has worked with public utility companies, individual businesses, and high-net-worth properties to increase early detection of wildfires. The technology is based on AI analytics software developed by Alchera, a 10-year-old public company in Korea. The company operating outside Korea is called Alchera X and includes the FireScout AI program to detect wildfires.  Video cameras for wildfire detection In addition, there are several hundred cameras installed outside the U.S. in Korea, Australia, and (soon) Canada Currently, there are about 1,000 video cameras installed to watch out for wildfires in California, with more cameras to be added. There are also 300 to 400 cameras watching for wildfires in other states, including Washington, Oregon, and New York. In addition, there are several hundred cameras installed outside the U.S. in Korea, Australia, and (soon) Canada.  Beyond California, FireScout is working to minimize wildfires in Australia, and beginning now in Canada, the early steps in an expected global rollout.  Over a billion training images In February 2023, the head of the Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety visited the United States to discuss installing Alchera X FireScout AI software to resolve the wildfire issue plaguing their country.  FireScout has the most accumulated user data among AI systems with over 10 million exclusive and independent images of smoke, clouds, and dust storms. They have more than a billion total training images accumulated for AI education. The system detects smoke or fire as soon as it is visible in the camera frame. 99.9% accuracy FireScout’s “human-in-the-loop” process ensures 99.9% accuracy. Given the high rate of false positives, humans are deployed to verify a fire before sending first responders. If a camera detects smoke suggesting a nascent wildfire, the FireScout system sends a short snippet of video to allow a certified human monitor to see where and how much smoke there is. Monitors are carefully trained and have familiarity with the geography and various types of smoke.  Visual information The video snippet provides our human experts with visual information they can analyze" “When we can save property and lives, that’s our objective,” says Michael Plaksin, Alchera X’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  “We can detect smoke when it is almost invisible to the human eye. The video snippet provides our human experts with visual information they can analyze.”  fire suppressant chemical FireScout works with Mighty Fire Breaker, a company that provides a fire suppressant chemical that can be applied to brush or to property and/or houses. High insurance costs are driving companies out of California, and such a fire-suppressant strategy can lower insurance costs.  Helicopters for fire response In addition, the use of helicopters, alerted by text message or email can respond to fires. Helicopters located throughout the state of California can drop water on a fire within about 10 minutes. Helicopters include “personal size” smaller helicopters, operated by remote control, and even Blackhawk military-size helicopters. FireScout works with RAIN (Rapid Aviation Integrated Needs) Fire to deploy services faster than other firefighting organizations in response to fire reports.  Challenges with AI AI struggles to differentiate between actual smoke and a business smoke stack or even snowmaking equipment “When you are looking at smoke, we don’t like having a margin of error,” says Plaksin. Over time, as AI becomes smarter, it might one day be possible to approach 100% accuracy using only AI. Currently, AI struggles to differentiate between actual smoke and a business smoke stack or even snowmaking equipment in a ski area, for example. Including humans in making the final determination is a critical element.  Successful fire mitigation “The good news is that we are having an impact,” says Plaksin. “I can’t tell you how excited I am about that. We are helping to mitigate the fires, although you can’t prevent them. If we can minimize the acres that burn, it can be a huge help.” “We relieve in the accuracy of our detection, and we have been extremely successful detecting and protecting,” says Plaksin.

Hochiki Europe, a global pioneer in life safety solutions, has partnered with VOLT EHF, a specialist in electrical and fire alarm systems, to install a comprehensive and scalable fire detection system at the Fjarðargata development in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. This landmark project is a mixed-use complex that blends modern architecture with historic structures, creating an interconnected space that includes apartments, a hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants, offices, and a library. To ensure robust life safety across this diverse and expanding environment, the developers chose Hochiki Europe’s fire detection and alarm systems. Latitude fire control panel Its scalability and flexible configuration are ideal for large, multi-use complexes like Fjarðargata VOLT EHF’s owner and lead engineer, Sigmar Örn Arnarson, began the partnership by visiting Hochiki Europe’s headquarters. He received hands-on training at the Hochiki Training Academy and toured the manufacturing floor, which highlighted the engineering precision and quality control behind every product. This experience solidified their decision to choose Hochiki for this prestigious project. At the heart of the system is Hochiki’s Latitude fire control panel. Its scalability and flexible configuration are ideal for large, multi-use complexes like Fjarðargata, with capacity built-in for future expansion. Seamless integration The system seamlessly integrates with the site’s Building Management System, providing a centralized view of all building services. Its strong false alarm reduction performance and discreet, aesthetically pleasing devices were also key factors in its selection. The Latitude panel supports 38 languages, and Sigmar and his team provided instrumental assistance with the Icelandic translation, ensuring a user-friendly solution for the local market. Extending protection "The hands-on training at the Hochiki Academy gave us confidence going into the project," said Sigmar Örn Arnarson. "The installation went very smoothly, and the support from Hochiki Europe was five-star. It’s clear we chose the right partner." The Hochiki solution is currently installed in the hotel and residential areas, including a full suite of ESP intelligent devices. Further plans are underway to extend protection to the rest of the complex, with the hotel’s developers requesting the inclusion of base sounder beacons for enhanced safety.

Hochiki Europe, a global pioneer in life safety solutions, has partnered with VOLT EHF, a specialist in electrical and fire alarm systems, to install a comprehensive and scalable fire detection system at the Fjarðargata development in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. This landmark project is a mixed-use complex that blends modern architecture with historic structures, creating an interconnected space that includes apartments, a hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants, offices, and a library. To ensure robust life safety across this diverse and expanding environment, the developers chose Hochiki Europe’s fire detection and alarm systems. Engineering precision Its scalability and flexible configuration are ideal for large, multi-use complexes like Fjarðargata VOLT EHF’s owner and lead engineer, Sigmar Örn Arnarson, began the partnership by visiting Hochiki Europe’s headquarters. He received hands-on training at the Hochiki Training Academy and toured the manufacturing floor, which highlighted the engineering precision and quality control behind every product. This experience solidified their decision to choose Hochiki for this prestigious project. At the heart of the system is Hochiki’s Latitude fire control panel. Its scalability and flexible configuration are ideal for large, multi-use complexes like Fjarðargata, with capacity built-in for future expansion. Building Management System The system seamlessly integrates with the site’s Building Management System, providing a centralized view of all building services. Its strong false alarm reduction performance and discreet, aesthetically pleasing devices were also key factors in its selection. The Latitude panel supports 38 languages, and Sigmar and his team provided instrumental assistance with the Icelandic translation, ensuring a user-friendly solution for the local market. Hochiki solution "The hands-on training at the Hochiki Academy gave us confidence going into the project," said Sigmar Örn Arnarson. "The installation went very smoothly, and the support from Hochiki Europe was five-star. It’s clear we chose the right partner." The Hochiki solution is currently installed in the hotel and residential areas, including a full suite of ESP intelligent devices. Further plans are underway to extend protection to the rest of the complex, with the hotel’s developers requesting the inclusion of base sounder beacons for enhanced safety.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released findings from its third annual industry survey conducted at the NFPA 2025 Conference & Expo, the premier conference for fire, electrical, and life safety professionals. The survey highlights how people across the skilled trades are viewing industry changes and where their fields are headed, against the backdrop of persistent labor shortages and growing demands fueled by infrastructure investment and technological advancement. Rapid technology adoption “The skilled trades are at a turning point: rising safety hazards, rapid technology adoption, and an unprecedented demand for training are reshaping how work gets done,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO at NFPA. “Leaders must understand how these forces are affecting skilled professionals. Meeting workers where they are and responding to their needs with targeted technology, robust training, and strong professional support will be critical to sustaining the industry’s growth and resilience.” Key Findings Key findings from the survey include: AI and Digital Tools Gain Momentum in the Skilled Trades An overwhelming majority (95%) of respondents believe that AI has a purpose in at least some day-to-day job functions in the skilled trades. Thirty-one percent (31%) of respondents see AI as a tool to help skilled trade workers streamline tasks amid ongoing labor shortages. Thirty-nine percent (39%) are hopeful that AI will spur industry growth and make the trades more appealing to the younger, tech-savvy workers. Twenty-five percent (25%) of respondents remain skeptical of AI’s purpose in the skilled trades, though many have seen a variety of benefits from the adoption of advanced technologies. Over half, 64% of respondents, have noticed an improvement in workflows and collaboration among their teams since implementing digital tools. In addition, 57% of respondents use NFPA LiNK® individually or within the organization, a 6% increase from 2024 findings. Training and Certifications The survey revealed that training remains top of mind for industry professionals. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of skilled workers participate in at least one NFPA training and development program a year; of this group, 43% participate once a quarter, and 17% participate twice a year. Despite the appetite for training, barriers remain. These include: Lack of time for participation (35%) High costs (30%) Lack of access to a qualified instructor (24%) Challenges determining the right training opportunities (23%) Notably, the prevalence of these challenges has decreased by an average of 26% year-over-year, indicating that more organizations are prioritizing training and development. Certification programs tell a different story: Sixty percent (60%) of respondents held a certification from a professional organization, down from 74% in the 2024 survey. Yet, sixty-two percent (62%) said that certifications or professional credentials are a requirement in their organizations for hiring, promotion, or staff development purposes. This potential disconnect suggests a need for stronger alignment between workforce goals and organizational expectations, particularly as certifications grow in importance for career advancement. As more organizations look at professional certifications as an indicator of employee performance, it's critical for workers to consider pursuing certifications to ensure career growth and development. Professional Memberships Professional memberships can be an important part of any skilled trades career. Fifty-two (52%) percent of surveyed workers leverage NFPA Membership offerings, citing numerous benefits of membership programs from NFPA or other organizations, including: Networking and collaboration with other industry professionals (66%) Continued education opportunities (61%) Access to technical support for questions on codes and standards (44%) Career growth opportunities (34%) The survey results suggest that the skilled trades are undergoing a quiet but important transformation – one that blends tradition with innovation for a tech-driven future. Pioneers across the skilled trades have an opportunity to use new technologies, leverage training and development opportunities, and participate in professional memberships to modernize and address ongoing labor shortages. As a result, digital transformation is no longer optional for organizations committed to the industry's development. Survey Methodology NFPA collected responses from 325 U.S. and international-based workers, 18 years and older, in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, compliance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields to determine the findings of this industry research. The survey was conducted in-person between June 16 and June 18, 2025, at the 2025 NFPA Conference & Expo.

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied an intelligent fire panel with wireless detection to iconic Scottish knitwear brand Eribé. An Advanced MxPro 5 analog addressable fire panel has been installed at Eribé Knitwear to provide industry-pioneering protection that is high-performance and fault-tolerant. The system was installed following a fire risk assessment, which required Category L2 coverage. Internal and external systems Founded in 1986, Eribé’s knitwear design house and manufacturing company is based in Melrose, in the Scottish Borders. The company prides itself in championing Made in Scotland and has a dedicated fan base worldwide. During 2024, the company took time to assess the whole business to strengthen its internal and external systems and processes for its staff and customers. As part of this process, Eribé reviewed its fire system to ensure full compliance and prioritize staff, premises, and customer safety by investing in Advanced fire protection. EMS Firecell wireless system MxPro 5 was retrofitted at Eribé; the Advanced panel was seamlessly integrated with an EMS Fire and security service providers, Safe Services, installed an Advanced MxPro 5 single-loop analog addressable fire panel to replace the existing fire system, as it was old and could not be brought up to standard. Since the MxPro 5 was being retrofitted at Eribé the Advanced panel was seamlessly integrated with an EMS Firecell wireless system, this simplified the installation since cabling was not required throughout the building. Advanced fire safety system “In 2024 we reviewed our business as a whole to strengthen our processes. The safety of our staff, premises, and customers was a priority and so we were fully behind investing in an Advanced fire safety system." "We are now really proud to say that with the help of Safe Services, our extended team, managers and directors feel far more knowledgeable regarding the risks and actions, and the whole team feels safer and more invested in it as a result,” said Tamsin Ansdell, Eribé Knitwear. Advanced panel with the wireless EMS Firecell Graeme Millar, Fire Technical Sales Engineer at Safe Services, said: “We were responsible for the installation, commissioning, verification and handover of the system at Eribé, and will also be conducting ongoing maintenance." "As we installed the Advanced panel with the wireless EMS Firecell it made it far more straightforward and meant less disruption for Eribé. We have several sites we have worked on with the same combination, and know the Advanced MxPro 5 works well with EMS equipment. The Advanced MxPro 5 is our panel of choice as it’s a trusted and reliable panel with our design and installation teams.” MxPro 5 panels Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced, said: “Choosing wireless equipment when installing a fire system is ideal for retrofitting, where cabling can be trickier to install and visually unappealing. Add to that the time and cost benefits they provide to installers, and it is a great choice in multiple scenarios both large and small." "Our MxPro 5 panels are designed to make life as easy as possible, delivering robust protection that offers real peace of mind, all backed up by our highly rated technical support.” FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s pioneering multiprotocol fire panel and is certified by FM Approvals MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s pioneering multiprotocol fire panel and is certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard. It offers customers a choice of four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. MxPro 5 can be used in single-loop, single-panel format, or easily configured into high-speed networks of up to 200 panels covering huge areas. Ease of installation and configuration, as well as its wide range of peripheral options, make MxPro 5 customizable to almost any application. MxPro 5’s versatile wireless capabilities As well as compatibility with pioneering wired detector brands, MxPro 5’s versatile wireless capabilities make it easy to install robust fire alarm systems while saving crucial time, cost and disruption. Harnessing the power of proven technology, MxPro 5’s wireless solutions are scalable, adaptable, and reliable – for complete fire safety peace of mind. Battery replacement and fault reporting Wireless solutions not only mean lower visual and physical impact, but they are also faster Wireless solutions not only mean lower visual and physical impact, but they are also faster and cheaper to install, making them an increasingly popular alternative for sites where downtime is not an option, or re-wiring would prove disruptive.  Thanks to two-way communication with the panel, battery replacement and fault reporting can also be worked into the on-going maintenance schedule via the panel service tools. MxPro 5’s stand-out false alarm management capabilities The MxPro 5’s stand-out false alarm management capabilities are available as standard. AlarmCalm delivers unprecedented control of verification and investigation delays. By dividing sites up into virtual false alarm ‘building areas’ independent of fire zones, much more precise control of false alarm management and reduction strategies can be achieved that exactly fit the needs of each part of a building. Development of intelligent fire systems Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations An optional AlarmCalm button allows trained occupants to verify if they believe a local fire signal is a false alarm too – a highly effective way of eliminating unwanted alarms. As a world pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced portfolio The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews battled a large house fire last night after a blaze broke out in a caravan and spread to a two-level home in Bonnells Bay, on the western shores of Lake Macquarie. Just after night, more than 30 firefighters and 10 fire trucks responded to multiple Triple Zero calls to heavy smoke and fire coming from the property on Wood Street. Blaze Breakout On arrival, crews found the caravan fully involved in fire, with flames spreading inside the house. Initial reports indicated there may have been a person inside the property, prompting firefighters to enter the home to conduct search and rescue operations. However, subsequent investigations confirmed all occupants had safely evacuated. Firefighters quickly got to work to bring the blaze under control however as the second level of the house sustained structural collapse, firefighters were forced to withdraw and continue operations externally. Firefighting Efforts Continue An aerial ladder platform truck was also used to attack the blaze on the second level through an opening in the roof. Firefighters worked through the night to contain and fully extinguish the fire. FRNSW specialist fire investigators are on scene today with NSW Police to investigate the cause of the fire.

The Local Education Authority is responsible for maintaining high-quality services in schools and educational facilities across the two boroughs. They provide structured network cabling and wireless solutions to all schools in the Blackburn & Darwen Borough. Network Solutions McGoff & Vickers respond to requests directly from schools or centrally to provide network services The client's requirements are generated from many sources within the borough. McGoff & Vickers respond to requests directly from schools or centrally to provide network services for the ICT suites, interactive whiteboards, and general voice and data structured cabling, including fibre optic backbones throughout the schools. Efficient Execution The data project manager visits the site to ascertain the exact requirements and produces a priced solution for consideration. The client instructs McGoff & Vickers to commence, often at short notice, to carry out the works, invariably in occupied premises. Their team of field engineers and specialists respond quickly and efficiently to minimise disruption to the school. Exceptional Service Delivery “McGoff & Vickers have always delivered excellent service. The flexibility needed to work in occupied premises is essential and we are very pleased with their approach,” said Tony Cozzolino, ICT Manager, Pleckgate High School Blackburn.

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?