Wildland

Hawaiʻi Attorney General - Anne Lopez announced the results of the Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report, the second report of the three-part evidence-based investigation into how state and county governments responded during the Maui wildfires. impacts, risk, and preparedness The report reveals no single factor led to the devastation. Instead, a complex set of factors, including weather and its impacts, risk and preparedness, decades-old infrastructure, organizational structure, and incident management and coordination created a historic disaster. The report was prepared by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a part of UL Research Institutes. emergency services “This investigation serves as a wake-up call for the state and county governments to learn from the past and urgently prepare for the future,” says Attorney General Lopez, adding “It is also a testament to the courage of our emergency services personnel and the everyday heroes who helped thousands of Lahaina residents and visitors to reach safety.” This was the most deadly fire in North America in 100 years. Phase Two analysis Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Phase One Report facts and timeline identifies the complex set of factors The Phase Two analysis, informed by the April 17, 2023, Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Phase One Report facts and timeline, identifies the complex set of factors that led to the devastation and includes recommendations that can be implemented immediately. “Responsible governance requires us to seek answers and better understand how state and county governments responded, and how we can best make efforts to prevent disasters of this magnitude from happening again,” says Attorney General Lopez. performance assessment In August 2023, Attorney General Lopez selected the independent, third-party FSRI to assess the performance of state and county agencies in preparing for and responding to the Maui wildfires. FSRI has extensive experience researching fire dynamics, structure-to-structure fire spread, and near-miss firefighting incidents. wildfire preparedness, prevention, and operational measures “The wildfire preparedness, prevention, and operational measures in place that day faced significant — sometimes unprecedented — challenges as the threat escalated. Insufficient resources and investment across multiple domains hindered the development of a unified fire management strategy and impacted prevention, preparedness, and response,” said Steve Kerber, Ph.D., PE, Vice President and Executive Director of FSRI. He adds, “The report concludes the devastation caused by the Lahaina fire cannot be connected to one specific organization, individual, action or event. The conditions that made this tragedy possible were years in the making.”

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has carried out a major hazard reduction burn at South Turramurra, on Sydney’s upper north shore. The burn will help to protect hundreds of homes, which would potentially be put at risk in the event of a large bush fire. FRNSW conducts hazard reduction operations on behalf of land managers in many areas where bushland meets built-up areas across the state. Clearing the bushland On behalf of Ku-ring-gai Council, more than 28 FRNSW firefighters, in seven fire trucks with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) worked to reduce built-up fuel in bushland. Fire crews launched a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone to maintain situational awareness, ensuring the fire didn't jump containment lines and to assist firefighters with the mopping up. FRNSW Bushfire Officer, Mathew Mildwater, said authorities were taking advantage of the weather conditions and carrying out the burn in preparation for the bushfire season. Risk of bushfire reduced “This hazard reduction is a priority due to the high fuel load in the area,” said Mathew Mildwater, adding “This burn will play a vital role in helping to reduce the risk and intensity of bushfires in the area.” Further burns are planned this week, including an operation on Thursday at Palm Beach, and another on Saturday at Lindfield on Sydney's upper north shore, weather permitting. Residents in the area should not be alarmed, if they see smoke and should only call Triple Zero (000), if they see an unattended fire.

Wildfires pose a significant challenge to travel and can be associated with substantial health risks for travelers. Experts predict that wildfires' frequency and intensity will increase dramatically in 2024. The free 'Wildfire Informer' provides a comprehensive overview of the global wildfire situation, categorized by the economic regions of EMEA, AMER, and APAC. mapping fires Safeture, a platform for professional people risk management, has published the report in collaboration with Riskline, a renowned travel risk analysis company. Europe witnessed a dramatic increase in burned areas in 2023, with unprecedented fires in February and March. Fires were mapped in 24 of the 27 EU states (all except Luxembourg, Malta, and Slovakia). In Greece, at least 28 people lost their lives, and several holiday resorts on the island of Rhodes had to be evacuated by sea. wildfire speed Areas traditionally not prone to fires are increasingly affected by wildfires Data for the first quarter of 2024 indicate that the number of fires is expected to double in 2024. This increase is largely attributed to prolonged drought periods, unusually high temperatures, and the effects of climate change. Areas traditionally not prone to fires are increasingly affected by wildfires. The unpredictability of wildfire speed and spread due to fluctuating winds and dryness can quickly become a life-threatening hazard. tips to minimize wildfires The Safeture and Riskline wildfire report offers travelers valuable tips on minimizing risks. Before the trip: Obtain travel insurance that covers cancellations due to natural disasters. Pack a high-performance mobile phone with good reception and a power bank. Download apps that provide real-time information on wildfires, evacuation routes, and safety tips. On-site: Monitor weather forecasts and follow local media. Ensure accommodation is equipped with smoke detectors. Pack a backpack with essential items (water, food, medications, documents, first aid kit, etc.). At the first signs of wildfires: Observe the direction of the smoke plume and move in the opposite direction. If the atmosphere takes on a yellow-orange to reddish hue, leave the area immediately. Note that white smoke indicates fast-burning materials like grass, while dark smoke signifies longer-lasting fires from dense brush or wood. Remember that fires spread more quickly uphill than downhill. Safeture and Riskline emphasize the importance of being well-prepared and staying informed to ensure safety during travel in wildfire-prone areas.

Industrial Fire & Hazard Control, a company based in South Africa, has developed a new wildland firefighting vehicle called the SENTRY Wildland Interface Pumper. The SENTRY Wildland Interface Pumper vehicle is built on a MAN TGM18.240 commercial 4×4 chassis and fitted with a Darley Hornet CAFS and Darley HM500 PTO driven pump with a Trident FOAMATE ATP system. SENTRY Wildland Interface Pumper The SENTRY Wildland Interface Pumper vehicle offers an Elkhart Sidewinder deck monitor and Elkhart BrushHawk bumper turret, all operated from inside the cab. A HyperSight thermal imaging camera is fitted to the BrushHawk. Built for a mining company in South Africa for wildland urban/mining interface type fires, the SENTRY vehicle is designed to ensure maximum impact at the fire incident with a ‘go anywhere’ capability.

A new, state-of-the-art Bushfire Tanker has arrived in Goulburn to protect the communities of the state’s Southern Tablelands.  Valued at $450,000, the Category One tanker is the latest of 34 new appliances funded by the NSW Government after the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. Isuzu - multi-purpose tanker The four-wheel drive also incorporates a new ‘Halo’ cabin protection spray system to protect its crew The Isuzu is a multi-purpose, off-road-capable tanker that can carry more water than typical urban fire engines. The four-wheel drive also incorporates a new ‘Halo’ cabin protection spray system to protect its crew in flash-over situations. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Southern Region Commander, Greg Buckley, welcomed the new addition to the local fleet. "This new truck will replace the ageing tanker that’s reached the end of its service life and the Goulburn crew can’t wait to put it through its paces," said Chief Superintendent Buckley, adding "The nozzle fitted to the front of the truck means the crew can use a remote control to pour water onto a fire from the safety of the cabin." Words from The Emergency Services Minister “It’s built to handle the rigours of the Australian bush with ease.” Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, said the addition of the Bushfire Tanker will further help FRNSW serve the Goulburn community. “The $18 million investment in these modern and versatile vehicles will benefit communities for years to come, making it incredibly worthwhile,” said Minister Dib, adding “I’m very pleased to see that 30 of the new vehicles are now installed at FRNSW stations across the state.”

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is seeking qualified individuals with backgrounds in wildfire mitigation, safety, and instruction to join a new corps of qualified instructors, in order to help teach the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) curriculum and advocate for mitigation and safety in wildfire-prone regions across the U.S. NVFC’s Wildland Fire Assessment Program Advocate Network NVFC is looking for a variety of folks from across different topographies NVFC is looking for a variety of folks from across different topographies, since wildfires look different among forests and grasslands/prairies. Instructor stipends and travel reimbursements are available. For those who are interested in joining this Network, fill out the NVFC subject matter expert form by January 31, in order to be considered. Kick-off meeting and advocate training A kick-off meeting and advocate training will be held in Provo, Utah (UT), at the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, on March 8-9, 2024. All approved advocates will be invited to attend and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will cover their travel expenses.

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.

Last year was the largest wildfire season recorded in California in modern history, with six of the top 20 largest wildfires in the state, according to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). In 2020, firefighters faced a total of 9,917 wildfires that consumed a record 6,653 square miles. These fires took the lives of 33 people and damaged or destroyed 10,488 structures. Ahead of the 2022 wildland fire season, climatologists are predicting another record-shattering year of frequent and intense wildfires across the United States. This reflects a continuing trend of more wildfires and more acres burned, with seasons that are more severe and last longer. Growing concern for WUI firefighters DuPont believes these dedicated men and women deserve the best protection Concern is growing for wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighters as fires today frequently intersect with residential areas, in and around wildland fields. WUI firefighters are fighting both wildfires and urban fires. This comes with combined hazards and the clear need for their gear to work harder than ever before. DuPont believes these dedicated men and women deserve the best protection and the best gear to match their unwavering commitment to keeping everyone safe. At DuPont, we look at singular and multiple threats simultaneously. Our decades of experience, wide portfolio of solutions and unique partnerships with firehouses around the world, allow us to continue to innovate our next-generation gear to face emerging threats. Uncompromised Protection The DuPont Nomex brand has been trusted for over 50 years. WUI firefighters can depend on apparel made with Nomex and Nomex Nano to offer higher fire resistance along with over 99% particulate protection in lighter weight options. Nomex Nano was developed to address the growing problem of heat stress. It is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant (FR) materials used for thermal liners and features a higher limiting oxygen index (LOI) than traditional Nomex and DuPont Kevlar. Nomex Nano We have seen Nomex Nano provide up to 40% reduction in thermal liner thickness, when compared to other advanced liners available in the market, while providing similar thermal protection performance. By reducing the weight and bulk of current turnout gear (TOG) systems, liners made with Nomex Nano can help give firefighters increased mobility and a better range of motion, thereby helping to reduce fatigue, disorientation and heat exhaustion. Reduced heat stress and enhanced moisture management Nomex Nano also helps reduce heat stress due to its enhanced moisture management Nomex Nano also helps reduce heat stress due to its enhanced moisture management, which includes a high absorption rate to remove sweat quickly and a high evaporation rate to drive water out of a firefighter’s skin and the thermal liner system. Kelly Whitt, Business Development Manager at DuPont said, “Our existing products have been proven with years in the structural firefighting arena. Today, we’re looking at ways to bridge the gap and give WUI firefighters the same level of protection from harmful smoke particulates that can be found in structural fire turnout gear.” Field test of new laminated composite fabric technology Kelly Whitt adds, “We are field testing a new laminated composite fabric technology – utilizing Nomex® Nano – that will provide superior particulate protection for both wildland-urban interface and brush fire firefighting.” DuPont understands that collaborating with a variety of stakeholders is the key to taking the technology to the next level and providing WUI firefighters with a better level of protection, than what they have previously experienced with traditional wildland gear. Game-changing barrier protection Scientists are just starting to learn more about what firefighters are exposed to, when they are battling a wildland blaze. They know that a variety of airborne pathogens get kicked up in a fire. They have tracked countless living microbes and airborne pathogens that could seep into the skin, enter lungs and cling to clothing. But the long-term effects of wildfire smoke aren’t really known, as fires haven’t burned for this long until recent years. At this point, experts don’t have a good understanding of the many trillions of microbes that survive and proliferate in wildfires. “The diversity of microbes that we've found are really mind-bending,” said Leda Kobziar, the University of Idaho’s Wildland Fire Science Director.  The addition of Nomex Nano Flex to a firefighter hood composite structure Enhanced protection against particulates As we look to the next generation of gear, we want to focus on increasing protection against particulates. We know that when added to a firefighter hood composite structure, hoods made with Nomex Nano Flex provide higher than 99% particulate, bacterial and viral filtration efficiency, without compromising on comfort. The addition of Nomex Nano Flex to a firefighter hood composite structure provides improved particle barrier protection in the neckline and upper jaw. These are areas that are known to be the most vulnerable and least protected. In fact, it results in up to a 4x increase in particle barrier efficiency. And comfort doesn’t take a back seat. Better situational awareness and high breathability “I speak with firefighters daily, and they tell me hoods with Nomex Nano Flex have exceptional durability,” said Chris Nowacki, Regional Sales Manager – Emergency Response and Utility/Arc at DuPont, adding “In addition, fire departments specify Nomex Nano Flex over other particulate-blocking materials for enhanced safety, better situational awareness, high breathability, low shrinkage and enhanced performance, when soaked with perspiration.” Protection That Lasts Tests show that hoods and composites made with Nomex Nano Flex offer 99% particulate-blocking efficiency Tests show that hoods and composites made with Nomex Nano Flex offer 99% particulate-blocking efficiency, which is four times better than conventional hoods, even after 150 washes. To further validate the durability of the hoods, a test was performed at two local fire stations using hoods from three different manufacturers with different designs, including quilted and non-quilted options. Nomex Nano particulate-blocking gear Each trial consisted of 250 cycles of donning and doffing, followed by one NFPA 1851 recommended washing and drying for 10 cycles. Despite these aggressive trials, the hoods maintained their protective performance. Nomex Nano particulate-blocking gear helps prevent crews from being exposed to particulates and aerosolized microbes. At DuPont, we are committed to continuing our work with our industry partners to leverage our proven technologies and push the boundaries of science so that the next generation of WUI firefighting gear offers the highest level of protection possible. We are the innovation partner and ingredient. We stay with partners throughout the entire process of adoption and make sure the end user also has what they need to be safe and successful in their jobs. Our heroes deserve it.

Workplace emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, including fires, explosions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, toxic material releases, radiological and biological accidents, civil disturbances, workplace violence, etc. All of which, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), require an emergency action plan. Willfully violating that requirement and not having an emergency action plan that is current, well understood and accessible, could result in a fine of US$ 134,937 per violation. Emergency Action Plan Checklist by OSHA Considering that the Emergency Action Plan Checklist by OSHA consists of 21 items or categories, to be considered based on each potential emergency, that’s a lot of opportunities for something to get missed, a lot of ways someone could get hurt and for a violation to be considered willful! In this article, we will explore the emergency action plans required by OSHA, the challenges with today’s methodologies and how they are exposing operations to increased safety and security risks. The goal is to provide you with the information necessary, to improve your emergency response plans and ultimately, help you save lives, money and time. Emergency Action Plans As OSHA says, the best way to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens As OSHA says, the best way to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens. Few people can think clearly and logically in a crisis, so it is important to do so in advance, when you have the time to be thorough. This is a discussion that is applicable to almost every business. According to OSHA, all workplaces with more than 10 employees are required to develop a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP), to identify and coordinate the necessary employer, and employee actions, during an emergency. Key elements of an emergency action plan An emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace and available to employees for review. At the time of publication of this article, at a minimum, the EAP must include these elements: Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency. Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation. Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties. The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan. An employer must have and maintain an employee alarm system. An employer must designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees. The employer must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by the plan, including: When the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially to a job, When the employee's responsibilities under the plan change, and When the plan is changed. Emergency action plans should consider all emergencies Emergency action planning is complicated, as it must consider the impact of all kinds of emergencies, all of which will have different implications on operations and the safety, and security team. They are detailed, as there are lots of moving parts and lots of things that will need to be completed in parallel, in order to minimize the impact on operations. With the right team putting their heads together, doing the right research and considering all the possibilities, creating a document that outlines the job to be done, the order of operations, the list of contacts and steps to be taken, is not out of reach for anyone. What might be out of reach for many is thinking clearly and logically in a crisis, and making sure the action plan gets done right the first time, when it is actually needed. The format, fundamental issue in emergency action plans The fundamental issue with today’s emergency action plan is not the content, but the format We believe the real issue or challenge is that for many, the emergency action plan is still just a document, often created and stored in a ‘red binder’ on someone’s desk. Therefore, the fundamental issue with today’s emergency action plan is not the content, but the format.  A great emergency action plan not only details the requirements, but also ensures that the right team members are executing the right plan, at the right time. It ensures important steps are not missed and that precious time is not lost searching for information. It also ensures that the emergency coordinator has access to current data, so they can accurately determine how best to proceed.  Need for data visibility Limiting the emergency response team to a document, outlining procedures, is exposing operations and those on site to increased risk. While the data might be there, we have no visibility, no information. While the training might have been completed, there also might be a revolving door on the emergency response team, making it difficult to confirm who was trained on what procedures, and when? In the event of an actual emergency, the action plan needs to be accessed by the coordinator and actions/responsibilities need to be verbally communicated, costing precious time, when seconds matter the most. When the emergency responders arrive on-site, there is limited, if any visibility, on the status of executing the action plans, where team members are and their current status. Continuing to rely on these manual, paper-based and antiquated methods, is exposing operations to increased risk of injury and damages. Digitally Transforming Emergency Action Plans! It is our belief that it is time to digitally transform how we manage the emergency response team and action plans It is our belief that it is time to digitally transform how we manage the emergency response team and action plans. Relying on the ways of yesterday, are no longer going to cut it and are actually exposing operations to more risk and cost than is necessary. Technology has evolved in ways that enable operations to cost effectively eliminate the fear, uncertainty and doubt in emergency response. Today, we can automate all the EAPs, ensuring staff merely needs to start the plan and follow the work items identified in the plan. High risk work items can be prioritized, so as to help further reduce risk.  Real-time visibility of operations Execution can automatically be captured and monitored giving ‘Command and Control’ real-time visibility of the teams’ actions. Data can be captured in a single system of record, so management can easily evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. It is time to take what was paper and digitally transform it, for a safer tomorrow!

Electronic devices help to manage the flow of information at a fire scene, but how to provide the information that each firefighter needs in a simplified format, which is conducive to high-stress, minute-by-minute decision-making? That’s the mission of Qwake Technologies and their C-THRU platform, which seeks to improve the performance and safety of critical workers, in dangerous environments. C-THRU platform with AI The C-THRU platform simplifies a flood of complex data from multiple sources, distills it using artificial intelligence (AI), and presents firefighters just the information they need, in an easy-to-understand, hands-free format. C-THRU platform combines technologies, such as communications, IoT wearables, thermal imaging and augmented reality (AR), to enable those who work in a hardened fire environment, to see, navigate, communicate and coordinate effectively. Simplifying data streams and real-time information The defining approach is to simplify data streams and present firefighters with visual information “Data can be used to augment the incident commander, but it loses value if it doesn’t first and foremost benefit the firefighter,” said Mike Ralston, Former Firefighter and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Qwake Technologies, adding “They are the ones inside the fire, who need to see, navigate and communicate.” The defining approach is to simplify data streams and present firefighters with visual information that is easily understood under stress. Rather than a complex stream of data, Qwake Technologies distills various sensory inputs, including thermal imaging, into a simplified format, communicated through a semi-transparent lens, which is attached to a firefighter’s helmet, above the firefighter’s eye. Augmented reality This ‘augmented reality’ combines thermal imaging and other information from multiple sensors distilled into one view, seen as green lines around hard-to-see objects, for example and color denoting just the hottest areas. Sensors and technologies incorporated into the C-THRU system, mounted on a firefighter’s helmet, include thermal imaging, visible light, global position systems (GPS), and WiFi and cellular communications. This information is also streamed to the incident commander outside the fire, to provide a clear view of what’s going on and the location of the crews inside. Enhanced incident response time “The firefighter’s job is to put the fire out and rescue victims, and there is danger and personal risk involved,” said Mike Ralston, adding “If you can quickly walk into a room and see all the way across the room, see where the door is and see a prone body, for example, it eliminates minutes you would otherwise use.” Mike Ralston adds, “It eliminates time finding an exit or preserves minutes for a victim fighting for their lives. During high stress, physically and mentally, that’s when we as human beings make mistakes. The ability to open your eyes enables you to make those decisions quickly.” Hands-free aspect, a game changer for rescue personnel The hands-free aspect is a game changer for firemen, who no longer have to carry a thermal camera The hands-free aspect is a game changer for firemen, who no longer have to carry a thermal camera (in addition to an axe, a hose, or other tools), and who may need to use their hands to support their weight. “Also saving time is the ability to relate immediately the screen image to the surroundings, eliminating the need to mentally realign what’s on a screen to what’s in the line-of-sight. Hands-free allows firefighters to navigate purposefully through their surroundings,” said Mike Ralston. Visual aspect of the system simplifies communication The visual aspect of the system also simplifies communication. Instead of complex radio messaging, visual cues can communicate information faster, for example, a thumbs-up immediately signals that all is well. Firefighters can instantly know the status of everybody in the fire. Thousands of hours of research and analysis about how humans process cognitive loads, is baked into the design of the product. The company has taken expertise in machine learning and neurological reactions to stress and applied it to fire environments. The visual aspect of the system also simplifies communication Beta testing with fire departments C-THRU has also been tested with firefighters, in order to determine what works well and what doesn’t, such as where a certain button should be located. Mike Ralston said, “The system has been beta tested with some of the most well-known fire departments in the United States and abroad. Final revisions are under way and testing will provide the needed durability and hardening certifications. A final product should be in firefighters’ hands in 2022.” Roll-out of technology with ‘forward-leaning departments’ Qwake Technologies has already been approached by thousands of firefighters and departments He adds, “The roll-out will begin with ‘forward-leaning departments’ and those that have the budget and internal political will, to bring their departments into the future of technology.” Qwake Technologies has already been approached by thousands of firefighters and departments around the world, so there is no shortage of demand. The expectation is that after one or two larger departments adopt the system, smaller departments will follow. Mike Ralston further stated, “We have done thousands of hours of testing and field trials. We have heard specific suggestions of elements that are needed, more of this and less of that. We have learned what information is critical and what information is superfluous. We have good affirmation about what’s important and not important.” Data, the future of firefighting The product will need to overcome tendencies in the fire market, to stick with familiar technologies, even if innovation may be lacking. Incumbent companies tend to dominate the market and Qwake Technologies will be looking to breakthrough with a technology to improve productivity and save lives. Mike Ralston feels the compelling nature of the innovation will drive their emergence in the challenging market. He concludes, “Data is the future of firefighting. Now we can fundamentally change how firefighting is done because of data. We are driven by a sincere desire to help individual firefighters.”

‘Fire weather’ is the combination of weather and environmental factors that determines the potential spread of a wildfire. Typically, the main concerns are wind, temperature, and moisture. Lightning is also critical as it is a semi-forecastable parameter. Typically, bigger fires need low moisture, high temperatures, and high winds. Too much moisture and fuels (grass and trees) won’t burn. If the winds are too weak, the fire becomes easily contained and unable to create spot fires, where embers ride the winds to more dry fuels. Hot temperatures help dry out the fuels, and fires have a difficult time starting in colder environments. Forecasting fire weather Predicting both the weather and wildfires depends on the scale of forecast. Both start by looking at the larger, background environment that is more easily predicted over a longer time. “As you get down to individual thunderstorms or individual fires, the forecasts drive towards hours or minutes and at much smaller distances,” says Renny Vandewege, DTN Vice President of Weather Operations. “The main difference is that with weather the environment and triggers are known. With wildfires, the triggers can be human influenced, which are not modeled as well.” Private company DTN has seen an increased desire for forecasting of ‘fire weather’ during the horrific wildfire season this summer. New technology specifically helps accurately forecast fire weather so utilities can be prepared for the possibility of fires and shut down to help save lives and property. Predicting both the weather and wildfires depends on the scale of forecast Driving business forward As a data, analytics and technology company, DTN delivers operational intelligence to organizations with complex supply chains around the world including the aviation, energy, offshore, shipping, transportation, and sports and safety markets. DTN’s more than 1,000 employees operate globally to ensure local understanding of the insights needed to drive business forward. Prolonged high heat is typically accompanied by exceedingly dry conditions Air temperature can help pre-heat the environment, making it more favorable for fires to start and spread, says Vandewege. Prolonged high heat is typically accompanied by exceedingly dry conditions. This heat dries out the fuels, making them more susceptible to catching an ember and becoming a fire. In July 2021, prolonged high heat across California and the Pacific Northwest aided in drying out fuels which, when sparked by lightning and driven by high winds, burned well over one million acres. Life-Threatening situations Fires feed back into the environment is several ways, says Vandewege. Fires can preheat the air around them, especially when being driven by the wind up a slope. This can create a situation where the fire spreads quicker into the hotter, drier area, rapidly expanding in coverage and creating life-threatening situations for misplaced crews. Further, winds can carry the embers of trees that are ablaze, thus creating spot fires beyond firebreaks or riverbeds. Controlled fires use up the fuels, preventing rapid and expansive fire growth, as well as stimulate new plant development. A ‘fire whirl’ forms when an intense fire heats up an area. This hot air rises quicky, and more air rushes in at the surface to replace that air and then it heats and rises. As more air is drawn in, it collides and begins to rotate, creating a fire whirl. There is also potential for pyro cumulus clouds to create some tornado-like activity Pyro cumulus clouds There is also potential for pyro cumulus clouds (the billowing clouds associated with high intensity wildfires) to create some tornado-like activity, sometimes referred to as a firenado (although the term is a misnomer).  “There are currently lightning climatologies for weeks and months in a fire season but given that the fire season often lines up with the dry season, that information is not very useful,” says Vandewege. “We typically look for dry thunderstorm setups, where the instability is large (due to high heat), but the moisture is more in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere. This way any rain that forms evaporates before hitting the surface, preventing fuels from becoming wet. Once meteorologists see that type of signal, it’s mostly a waiting game to see where the fire starts.”

This year’s catastrophic wildfire season reminds us of the need for early detection of wildland fires before they escalate out of control. Historically, tools such as satellite imagery and localized video cameras have helped to identify fires at their origin and to alert authorities. However, delayed detection and low reliability have been a problem. Cloudy weather can also be an impediment, and the severity and frequency of wildfires worldwide suggest that new approaches are needed. A new high-tech approach involves ground-based sensors, drones and the Internet of Things (IoT). Wildfire detection solution Numerical analysis of the new technique suggests it can offer a faster and more reliable wildfire detection solution than current satellite imaging techniques. However, the system can only cover smaller areas when compared to satellite imaging. The system can only cover smaller areas when compared to satellite imaging Researchers in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Canada have proposed an early wildfire detection system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that pass over to collect data wirelessly, using the IoT, from low-cost sensors positioned throughout a wildland area. The sensors monitor the forest for any signs of smoke or heat. In a report published by the IEEE Internet of Things Journal, the researchers sought (1) to study the performance and reliability of UAV-IoT networks for wildfire detection and (2) to propose a guideline to optimize the network to improve fire detection probability within limited system cost budgets. monitoring larger area The research suggests a need for a delicate balance to optimize the density of sensor devices and the number of UAVs covering a forest area. The goal is to maximize the lower bound of wildfire detection probability within a limited time and low system cost. Research suggests that more sensors equate to better detection up to a point. The researchers demonstrated that the IoT/UAV network could detect fires in a shorter time Beyond that threshold, however, efficiency is lost because extra time is needed for the UAV to gather data in each location, which delays the ability to monitor the larger area. The researchers demonstrated that the IoT/UAV network could detect fires in a shorter time when compared to satellite imagery. This finding expands the capability to fight a fire before it spreads out of control.  IoT sensor devices After a fire ignition, the IoT sensor devices within a limited distance from the fire can detect it and then report their measurements to nearby UAVs. The researchers used Discrete-Time Markov Chain (DTMC) analysis to compute the fire detection and false alarm probabilities. Markov Chains use statistical models for real-world processes. Inexpensive sensors, like the ones proposed for this application, do not have sufficient range to communicate with a distant fire control center. Therefore, the drones are used to fly over the area, capture the data wirelessly and then return to a base to report a fire. Lower-Cost drones The outlook for accelerating numbers of wildfires this year and in the future looks grim The researchers are Osama M. Bushnaq of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Abu Dhabi, UAE; Anas Chaaban of the School of Engineering, the University of British Columbia, Canada; and Tareq T. Al-Naffouri of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwai, Saudi Arabia. More than 95% of the Western United States is in drought, and there has been more than a month of above-normal temperatures. The outlook for accelerating numbers of wildfires this year and in the future looks grim. New technologies provide a tool to address the problem, even as global warming makes it worse. Connectivity of the Internet of Things provides new opportunities to leverage the power of sensors, software and other technologies to address the challenges, and lower-cost drones are providing an additional tool to collect data that will power decision-making during wildfire seasons of the future.

Superior protection with maximum comfort, a wide range of functions and optimum operational hygiene: these are the arguments that convinced the Bremen Fire Department about the HEROS firefighting helmets from Rosenbauer. The first batch of almost 1,500 helmets was delivered at the end of last year, with the second installment delivered in January 2023. Since then, a total of 58 HEROS H30 helmets in the color ‘daylight fluorescent red’ (for the command staff) and 1,386 HEROS Titan (for the crew) helmets have been in use by the full-time fire service and the voluntary fire services in Bremen. Easy to clean Operational hygiene played a particularly important role in the award process Operational hygiene played a particularly important role in the award process, and this is where the HEROS H30 and the HEROS Titan firefighting helmets score highly, with a retention system that can be removed easily and without tools: the head section, chin strap and neck guard can be removed in a few simple steps. Users can clean the helmet shells conveniently, while the retention system can be entrusted to an external company for cleaning. Replacement retention systems are carried by the Bremen Fire Department in the ‘hygiene equipment truck’ and can be replaced quickly and easily. Eye-catching colors and special stickers In the wear test that preceded the final decision, the wear comfort, adjustment options, and service-friendliness were also rated extremely positively. The ultra-low weight of just under 1.4 kilograms, visibility-supporting visors, integratable helmet lamps, and the very good warning effect, due to the eye-catching colors are additional points that favor the HEROS firefighting helmets from Rosenbauer. Speaking of eye-catching, it is not only the bright colors that are worth mentioning, but also the special stickers. This is because the Bremen Town Musicians, which the Bremen Fire Department also uses in its logo, have been integrated into the helmet trims. About Bremen Fire Department Bremen Fire Department is made up of approximately 690 full-time fire service personnel and about 620 volunteer firefighters. The full-time fire service is divided into seven firehouses, the voluntary fire service into five squads. Approximately, 80,000 operations are carried out per year.

Ziegler Feuerwehrgerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG, based in Mühlau, Saxony, Germany, manufactured four TLF forest firefighting vehicles for the State of Thuringia, in Germany. In the course of the year, the delivery of three additionally commissioned vehicles of the same type will also take place. TLF forest firefighting vehicles Overview of orders placed to date by the State of Thuringia within ZIEGLER Group: 2016: 8 firefighting vehicles LF 20 KatS on MAN chassis 2017: 7 firefighting vehicles LF 20 KatS on MAN chassis 2021: 12 firefighting vehicles LF 20 KatS on MAN chassis 2021: 7 TLF forest firefighting vehicles on Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023 2022: 22 firefighting vehicles LF 20 KatS on MAN chassis (with the option for up to 32 vehicles) Superstructure (ALPAS) and the operating concept (Z-Control) The loadings of all 7 TLF for the Federal State of Thuringia are also supplied by ZIEGLER The superstructure (ALPAS) and the operating concept (Z-Control) are of the latest generation. The loadings of all 7 TLF for the Federal State of Thuringia are also supplied by ZIEGLER. Thus, everything from the chassis to the load comes from one source. With the above procurements, the State of Thuringia invests with a foresight to help fast, when natural disasters such as forest fires or floods occur, and therefore, equipped the fire departments with additional special vehicles and equipment. TLF forest firefighting vehicles for the State of Thuringia Udo Götze, the State Secretary for the Interior and the Head of Office at the Thuringian Ministry of the Interior was also on-site in Mühlau for the official handover. There, he was able to see the design and performance features of the vehicles for himself. Project Manager - Florian Patz says, “It was a constructive and great collaboration with the customer and the result is something to be proud of - Simple, user-friendly technology for extreme situations and the daily business of the fire departments.”

Heat waves caused by climate change are currently also increasing strongly across Europe and the associated risk of forest fires is rising immensely. Fires in natural areas are increasingly getting out of control due to drought or wind, and the risk of danger to people, animals, nature, and infrastructure is growing. But how can fires be detected and localized at an early stage to minimize or even avoid serious damage? Artificial intelligence With image processing and artificial intelligence, even such challenges can be mastered. Instead of elaborately programming a solution, neural networks and deep learning algorithms teach an image processing system to see, recognize and verify objects in this case smoke. Furthermore, AI enables a corresponding image processing system to conclude what it learns. The French company Paratronic has taken up this issue. Within the scope of its field of activity of monitoring natural hazards, the solution provider has successfully devoted itself, among other things, to the development of an intelligent product for fire monitoring. Automatic forest fire detection system ADELIE Four industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH are integrated into each system The automatic forest fire detection system ADELIE (Alert Detection Localisation of Forest Fires), whose key components are industrial image processing and artificial intelligence, has proven itself in practice. Four industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH are integrated into each system. These permanently observe a specific forest area within a radius of up to 20 kilometers. Depending on the system, they need a maximum of two minutes to monitor a radius of 360 degrees. Efficient planning and control With the help of algorithms specially developed by Paratronic, the system can recognize and localize fire sources based on the recorded images and provide real-time information for appropriate options for action. In this way, ADELIE ensures efficient planning and control of the fire brigade to protect the living space and, last but not least, to protect buildings, power lines, telecommunication lines, and road or rail infrastructure. Application The ADELIE system is composed of at least two surveillance points that are networked together. Each surveillance point consists of two detection cameras and an additional camera that serves to eliminate doubts. Four Gigabit Ethernet cameras from IDS are integrated per ADELIE detection camera. Thus, a total of eight IDS cameras are used per surveillance point. These monitoring points allow 360° monitoring, with each azimuth visualized approximately every two minutes. Automatic monitoring of the observed natural area takes place around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. AI-based image processing algorithms By comparing the images and using taught-in features, the system detects the rising smoke The system is connected to a processing unit whose software contains artificial intelligence-based image processing algorithms. The program developed by Paratronic registers compares and analyses the images provided by the cameras. Long before a tree burns, smoke is released from the surrounding grass and scrub. By comparing the images and using taught-in features, the system detects the rising smoke. Remote monitoring and detection As soon as this smoke is visible from the monitoring point, ADELIE triggers an alarm. This phase is called automatic fire and forest fire detection. The operator on duty then controls the doubt-removal camera remotely and checks the type of detection. He locates the source of the fire on a map using triangulation and informs the control center, which initiates the fire-fighting measures. Real-time visualization At the same time, all information, images, and knowledge gained by the AI are transmitted to the fire alarm center or the fire control center without delay. With the help of the real-time visualization of the event, the localization of the source of the fire on a digital map, and various augmented reality functions, the context, extent, and development of the fire can be immediately visualized there and appropriate fire-fighting measures can be taken. A remote-controlled video camera completes this system. This is used to verify and monitor the fire until the first fire-fighting unit arrives and enables the fire to be tracked from the outbreak until it is extinguished. role of IDS cameras The IDS cameras continuously film the forest azimuth by azimuth and provide the software with images" "The IDS cameras play an important role in the operation of the ADELIE system. They have the task of continuously filming the forest azimuth by azimuth and providing the software with these images in real-time," underlines Edouard BOUILLOT, Director of Projects and Innovation at Paratronic. "When choosing the appropriate model for the automatic forest fire detection system, the decision was made in favor of a Gigabit Ethernet camera from the SE series from IDS. "Our system uses the UI-5240SE-NIR-GL model," explains Loïs Carrié, Paratronic engineer. Industrial camera with a 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor This particularly powerful industrial camera is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor from e2v. The highly sensitive sensor is used by Paratronic in the NIR version (EV76C661ABT). In addition to its outstanding light sensitivity, the sensor offers two global and rolling shutter variants that can be switched during operation. This allows maximum flexibility for changing requirements and environmental conditions, as in this case caused by different times of day and weather conditions. In addition, four areas of interest are available. This allows either several features to be checked at the same time or the AOIs to be captured in an exposure series with different parameters. Reasons for choosing the cameras  The camera thus meets all requirements, confirms Lois Carrie. "We chose this model for three main reasons. Firstly, it convinces with its spectral sensitivity. The sensor picks up all visible color wavelengths, with particularly good sensitivity in the near-infrared." "We also need the option of screwing a wavelength filter into the C-mount close to the sensor. Thirdly, the camera offers the direct possibility of sequentially taking four pictures with increasing exposure time. Continuous shooting makes it possible to get a very high dynamic range." Software The ADELIE software then does the image analysis to detect the presence of smoke on the canopy" For image acquisition, the system uses the uEye SDK, "Then our image processing system comes into play," explains Edouard BOUILLOT. "The ADELIE software then does the image analysis to detect the presence of smoke on the canopy." "The analysis is done by comparing two images taken in the same orientation to detect any smoke. This is made possible by several exclusive algorithms developed by PARATRONIC that allow the comparison of a very large number of factors that are not visible to the naked eye." 3 phase analysis This analysis is carried out in three phases. In phase one, the images to be compared are registered to the nearest 50th of a degree. In phase two, the images are compared to highlight any changes, such as the movement or displacement of objects or the appearance of smoke. In the third stage, advanced analysis takes place, based on the use of different algorithms: The highlighted differences are not only examined in terms of their shape, size, distance, etc., to eliminate all elements other than smoke as best as possible. Other algorithms using automatic classifiers and working with parameters extracted from one or more images complete this analysis. Fiber optics transmission The data is then transmitted to the computer control system via a digital network such as fiber optics. The respective data sets contain both a JPEG file of the image for display on the screen, as well as a file containing the camera number, the angle of view, the date and time of the shot, and the azimuth. By integrating a weather station, meteorological data such as wind strength or precipitation can also be recorded and taken into account. Permanent smoke If at least two towers have detected it, the exact location fire source in the control center is determined If an image and its linked file report a fire, an automatic check is carried out: the system estimates the location of the smoke, then cross-checks it against known locations where other types of smoke appear. This ensures that an alarm is only triggered if this detection has not occurred in an exclusion zone, i.e. a zone where permanent smoke is known to exist, such as a factory chimney. If only one tower has detected the smoke, the distance indicated in the telemetry is used. If at least two towers have detected it, the exact location of the source of the fire in the control center is determined by triangulation. High-resolution camera As with any automatic system, human validation of the alarms transmitted is essential with ADELIE. The staff at the control center use a high-resolution camera with a powerful optical zoom (30x, with a wide-angle lens) to confirm whether it is indeed a fire outbreak. The persons responsible for surveillance can observe the situation from a distance without interrupting the detection system thanks to these cameras, the so-called doubt removal cameras. The ADELIE detection system thus remains fully active to be prepared even if several fires occur. Optimizing measures The system is extremely powerful. For each site, 13500 images are taken, transmitted, and stored for 30 days within 24 hours, regardless of whether they contain a detection or not. In addition to these captured images, the system also stores the videos from the camera that were used to observe and validate the incident, thus enabling comprehensive documentation. Based on all the data collected, ADELIE can generate statistics based on which emergency services can align and optimize their measures. reliability  The amount of data grows continuously with each event that feeds the database" "With the help of the stored images, we can analyze the course of the fire and the firefighting afterward. The amount of data grows continuously with each event that feeds the database." "This in turn increases the reliability of the statistics needed for the continuous improvement of prevention and control measures," sums up Edouard Bouillot. Network monitoring  The system is successfully used in the Sarthe department, the most densely forested department in the northwestern quarter of France. Forest fires are increasingly a reality there, especially in the spring and summer months. For several years, there have been more and more fires in natural habitats. After numerous forest fires in 2019, a total of 117,000 hectares of forest were equipped with a network of automatic fire detection systems at the beginning of 2021. A total of 48 cameras monitor the forests above the treetops at twelve points distributed across the department near particularly endangered areas. “The ADELIE System allowed us to improve the detection time as well as the precision of the fire location,” says Christophe Burbaud, Comptroller General at the Sarthe Fire Department (SDIS72).  Advantages Continuous monitoring of forest fires: all year round, on the whole, or part of the territory, day and night. Time-saving: real-time visualization of the disaster, the immediate transmission of alarms, and precise localization of the source of the fire thanks to a triangulation system. Thanks to the cameras and especially the doubt-removal camera, verification and confirmation are much faster than an emergency call. Elimination of human risks: no more isolated men on watch towers. Long-term monitoring: data storage enables continuous improvement of forest fire monitoring and detection. Monitoring and information management system Early fire detection and precise localization of fire outbreaks, significantly reduce the risk of spread ADELIE is thus more than an automatic fire and forest fire detection system, but an integrated fire and forest fire monitoring and information management system. The French image processing solution thus makes a decisive contribution to damage limitation. Early fire detection and precise localization of fire outbreaks, significantly reduces the risk of spread and can minimize associated damage to people, the environment, and the national economy. Client PARATRONIC is a French manufacturer of hardware, software, and integrated systems for the management of water, the environment, and natural risks. Its areas of expertise range from the production, distribution, or remediation of measurement equipment for water, groundwater, and surface water, to monitoring fires. PARATRONIC thus offers complete solutions for the acquisition, transmission, processing, and management of field data.

Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, announced that the Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, USA, has taken delivery of three disaster response vehicles, incorporating advanced communication and technology features. Sold through Pierce Manufacturing and Frontline Communications’ dealer, Ten-8 Fire Equipment, the highly customized vehicles include two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center. Disaster response vehicles delivered “When hurricane Michael came through in 2018, it was a category 5 event resulting in extensive damage and communications challenges,” said James Baxley Jr., the Executive Director of radio, TV, and broadcasting with Gulf Coast State College. He adds, “We aimed to close communications gaps and do a better job next time, and our new Frontline Communications disaster response vehicles provide us with the most technologically advanced resources to face future events. The vehicles were obtained through the Triumph Grant and maintain an eight-county memorandum of understanding to be put in service where and when needed, to support emergency operations.” System design and integrated communications attributes Some of the most notable system design and integrated communications attributes of Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles include: Cellular and satellite data network Point-to-point transmission system 2+ gigabit per minute Dual HD/thermal PTZ camera Columbia weather station HAM radio system with auto-tuning and PC controls Video switching matrix Multiple PCs for data processing 42-foot mast for custom antenna/camera deployment Docking station for TVU cellular backpack encoder Exterior workstation with anti-glare monitor Electric awning UHF, VHF, and HAM radios mast-based, point-to-point transmission system The vehicles’ data services on a cellular and satellite backbone are augmented by a mast-based transmission system The vehicles’ data services on a cellular and satellite backbone are augmented by a mast-based, point-to-point transmission system featuring auto-acquisition and transfer rates of over two gigabit per minute, intended for transfer of live UAV video between trucks. James Baxley Jr. adds, “With over 40 years of building communications vehicles, we knew Frontline Communications would be able to deliver what we needed. These new vehicles were customized to fit our needs and we hope even more than the eight counties around us will benefit from their remarkable features, when they are faced with water, hurricanes, fire, and other emergencies.” Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles were delivered in late May 2022 and emergency responders have begun extensive training to properly utilize the assets, when needed. “We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work with Gulf Coast State College, in developing vehicles, which will provide critical disaster response and communications support for such a substantial geographic area in Florida,” said Rob McAtee, the Fire Apparatus Sales Representative with Ten-8 Fire Equipment. Dedicated support for training, service and beyond Rob McAtee adds, “The customized design of the two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center incorporates some of the most advanced features we’ve built into specialty vehicles to date. Our team and our partners at Frontline Communications, look forward to providing dedicated support for training, service and beyond.”

The city of Orlando is known for its amusement parks and attractions. However, so many of the city’s residents and tourists don’t see the daily acts performed by the city’s brave firefighters from Orlando Fire Department. Beyond running the typical daily calls that many departments run, the fire department also operate in the parks on technical rescue calls and to assist the park’s response teams with emergency medical incidents. Although, those technical rescue incidents are low frequency, runs to the park can increase due to the warm weather. Engine Company 11 An increase in medical calls can be the norm for many units. Across the city of Orlando, Florida, large neighborhoods and commercial complexes exist and need fire and EMS protection. A good distance from all the attractions, on the east side of the city, is the fire department’s Engine Company 11. It’s housed with Tower 11, Rescue 11, and District Chief 4. They provided protection to numerous single-family dwelling neighborhoods and have more than 100 garden apartments and commercial buildings in their district. The firehouse does its share of running and work, and it has earned the nickname of ‘The Beast of the East’. Sutphen’s custom Monarch pumper Engine Company 11 recently received a 2021 Sutphen heavy-duty custom Monarch pumper Engine Company 11 recently received a 2021 Sutphen heavy-duty custom Monarch pumper. The cab is a five-person, 62-inch, extended tilt-cab, with a 10-inch raised roof. It’s painted in the department’s color scheme - black over red. The black paint also encompasses the upper portion of the apparatus body, over the roll-up compartments. Running along the base of the cab and around the entire body of the apparatus is red, black, and gold reflective striping for apparatus visibility, in the periods of reduced lighting. Front cab door signage The front cab door signage is the fire department’s Maltese Cross with the ISO Class One running through the center of it. On the crew cab doors, the company patch is proudly displayed. The logo portrays the cartoon character - Yosemite Sam with a nozzle in one hand and an axe in the other. Also, on the crew cab doors is a signage that states – ‘Outstanding Service Since 1885’. The front of the cab sports a LED brow light to illuminate the incident scene. In addition, the front grill has a unique feature – ‘Orlando’ is laser-cut into the stainless steel grill, giving it a nice appearance. Cummins L9 450hp diesel engine The rig is powered by a Cummins L9 450hp diesel engine with an Allison Gen5-EVS 3000 automatic transmission. The fire department went with a Hendrickson Steering Max 45° and a 176-inch wheelbase, enabling the engine to be ready for urban duty and maneuver in tight spaces, such as the garden apartment complexes located throughout the city. The pump is a Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm single-stage pump with a pre-piped deluge gun. Apparatus body ensures less slips or fall injuries The body is a different style, when compared to the previous purchases of Sutphen apparatus that the fire department has received. It has a lower hose bed, measuring 60 inches from the ground to the base of the bed. This enables firefighters to pull attack lines, without having to stand up on the rear step, thus reducing the chances of a slip or fall injury. Most of the attack lines come off the rear of the apparatus, there are four rear discharges with three having 1 ¾-inch lines and one 2 ½-inch attack line. Rig is unique in design The rig is somewhat unique in that it has no cross-lay hose lines, there’s compartment space in that area The rig is somewhat unique in that it has no cross-lay hose lines, there’s compartment space in that area. The hose bed also allows for storage of 1,000 feet of four-inch supply line and 500 feet of three-inch hose. There is also a quick-release safety net that keeps the hose from falling off when the vehicle is in motion and enables a firefighter to release it while standing on the ground. The other hose line area is located on the front bumper trough where a trash line can be stored. On the officer’s side of the bumper, it has a five-inch elbow intake mounted on it. The front bumper also sports a safety chevron design with reflective striping and company designation. High-side roll-up compartments The apparatus body has high-side roll-up compartments on the engineer’s side. On the officer’s side, there are shorter compartments which also have roll-up doors. The roll-up compartment doors on the exterior of the body are made by Amdor. Stored above the officer’s low side compartments is the engine’s complement of portable ladders. The engine’s ladder package is made up of Alco-Lite ladders with a 24-foot extension ladder (PEL-24), 14-foot roof ladder (PRL-14), and a 10-foot folding ladder. They are lowered by an electric/hydraulic ladder rack to a height where it makes removal easier for firefighters. Long storage trough for high-rise hose packs There’s also a long storage trough for the company’s high-rise hose packs mounted above these compartments. There are quick-release buckles on the securing straps, to speed up the process of removing these hose bundles. The rear step compartment does not have a roll-up door, it has standard-hinged doors The rear step compartment does not have a roll-up door, it has standard-hinged doors. In this rear compartment the company stores its foam containers, foam nozzle, and the foam eductor. The rear of the apparatus also has the DOT safety chevrons adhered to it for scene safety. Wide range of hand tools provided In the rear compartment on the engineer’s side, the unit carries a variety of hand tools for forcible entry, including a set of irons, 36-inch bolt cutter, cable cutter, and sledgehammer. On the upper tray, the Stryker stair chair for medical runs is stored. On the base of the compartment, the Elkhart Brass Ram XD is stored with a straight tip on it, the fog tip is secured in a bracket to the left of the portable monitor. Traffic cones are also stored inside this compartment, in order to help provide additional scene safety. In the rear compartment on the officer’s side, the unit stores all its emergency medical equipment. Engine Company 11 of the Orlando Fire Department will surely see its share of running and work on the east side of the city. Its Sutphen pumper will make the workload much easier and safer for all the firefighters during their responses.

A forest fire (also known as wildfire) is an unplanned and uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation, such as forest, grassland or prairie. It is often caused by human activities or natural phenomenon, like lightning. Nevertheless, according to a World Health Organization report, in 50% of wildfires recorded, the cause that triggered them is unknown. Mountainous regions, like Rizhao in Shandong Province of China, are vulnerable to forest fire. Recognized by the United Nations in 2009 as one of the most habitable cities in the world, this city consists of 4,358 mountains, with a forest area of 1,400 square kilometers that accounts for 70% of the region. The illegal wood burning in the area, if not controlled properly, can lead to a disastrous wildfire. Monitoring and spotting fire sources in time For decades, forest rangers manually scout and monitor the area, walking nearly 10 kilometers of treacherous trails for several hours a day, in order to safeguard the forest against threats like wildfire. However, this arduous method of patrolling is inefficient, as it will be difficult to respond in time, in case of emergencies. As their first line of defense, they need a robust solution that can monitor and spot fire sources in time to prevent possible forest fire. Intelligent forest fire prevention system At the beginning of 2020, Dahua Technology provided an intelligent forest fire prevention monitoring system for Rizhao At the beginning of 2020, Dahua Technology provided an intelligent forest fire prevention monitoring system for Rizhao. This solution realizes automatic early warning of fire, real-time fire control and closed-loop response through digital intelligence technology, significantly improving forest fire prevention and dispatch. At present, high-altitude dual-lens thermal imaging cameras cover the main mountains in the city, carrying out 360° remote monitoring 24/7. This solution also offers real-time sensing and intelligent management of people and vehicles, coming in and out of the forest areas. Integration of AI and thermal imaging technology Forest fires are often difficult to detect in deep mountains and forests with high vegetation, which often causes late detection and response. Through the integration of AI algorithms and thermal imaging technology, fire detection time is shortened, allowing the device to detect smoke and fire source within a radius of nearly 10 kilometers. The fire’s location, intensity, and surrounding conditions are initially determined and sent to the operator’s mobile phone, allowing relevant personnel to respond in time, within the ‘golden time’ of extinguishing early fire. Algorithms for deep smoke and mountain scanning Furthermore, in order to reduce false alarms, the system adopts algorithms for deep smoke and mountain scanning, thereby improving the accuracy of real fire alarms and saving manpower and material resources. Fire prevention personnel are no longer exhausted of their daily duties, which helps boost their enthusiasm at work. Forest fire prevention platform This solution also includes a forest fire prevention platform that operators can use to check for any fire situations In addition, this solution also includes a forest fire prevention platform that operators can use to check for any fire situations. It can also guide them for effective decision making and timely dispatch of personnel to the scene, achieving a closed-loop management of fire prevention – from discovery, dispatch and feedback. After half a year of operation, the system has detected more than 30 real mountain fires. The average number of fires found every day during fire season has significantly decreased by 80%, when compared with the initial stage of the project. This reflects the effectiveness of the solution in fire monitoring and the increasing awareness of villagers regarding fire safety. Dahua solution enhances Rizhao’s fire safety The Dahua solution has improved Rizhao’s forest protection and fire prevention system, and has also realized the co-construction and co-sharing of resources during fire season and non-fire season. The implemented solution provides data that are beneficial for various departments and agencies, such as environmental protection, water conservation, maritime bureau, etc. Overall, this intelligent solution helps guarantee the safety of 1,400 square kilometers of forest resources in Rizhao, a lively city also known as the ‘City of Sunshine’.

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?  

Wildfire season presents special challenges to firefighters, and environmental trends point to even more frequent wildfires in the future, due to factors such as global warming. Technology, in all its variety, provides new tools to aid departments tasked with fighting wildfires. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the emerging technologies in wildfire prevention and protection?