The role of technology in false-alarm management
In May 2018, a fire alarm went off at London City Airport affecting over 16,000 passengers, leaving thousands stranded on the runway when emergency services were called in to deal with the situation. Thankfully, there was no fire, but the…
Whitesales – Fire safety is paramount for every project – commercial or residential
Within building design and improvement, it’s critical to consider not just the mechanics of fire and smoke detection, but the practical measures which can be taken to reduce or eliminate the danger once residents or occupants are alerted to the…
Le Maitre – RESCUE 300 is designed specifically for the Emergency Services market
The high-powered smoke generator retains all the features of Le Maitre’s flagship smoke generator, the NATO-codified G300, whilst simplifying all operational controls and further increasing reliability. With a simple on/off control, smoke-output control, an optional remote control and LED status…
Sharing location intelligence to save more lives
For Fire and Rescue Services, one of the key building blocks for efficient response times is an effective corporate gazetteer providing the most up-to-date addresses available that integrates seamlessly with the different systems being used. Imagine then, the impact of…
A strong foundation or building on sand?
You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation – a strong foundation is required for a strong structure. In the context of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is clear that the foundation of the UK’s built environment is…
E1 SCORPION – Emergency One launch their innovative ‘E1 SCORPION’ appliance
Emergency One are proud to say that this is the first British-designed and British-built appliance of its type, and is as a direct result of consultation and feedback from E1’s customers who, in the ever-changing world of the Fire and…
System Sensor Europe – FAAST LT-200 Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) from System Sensor
System Sensor Europe has extended its popular aspirating detection (ASD) portfolio with the launch of FAAST LT-200 – an update to the existing FAAST LT range – featuring a number of key technological improvements. Innovation highlights include a new patented…
Multi-sensor capabilities for false alarm resistance
It has been widely reported that multi-sensors can help to reduce false fire alarms, when compared with standard optical smoke detectors, while still providing early warning of fire. A research study to investigate variations in the types of multi-sensor available,…
Alfa Drop Box – Flexible vehicles to meet your needs
Emergency services welcoming innovation with adaptable vehicle designs Alfa Drop Box manufacture an innovative transport solution developed for the specialist commercial and blue-light vehicle sectors. We provide an economical, high-capacity, configurable vehicle that can deliver cost- and time-saving targets for…
The benefits of using CE-marked penetration-sealing systems
Keith Wells, Quelfire Managing Director, looks at why CE marking of fire collars can help ensure firestopping consistency and easy repeatability of service penetrations. According to Home Office statistics there were 167,150 fires in England between April 2017 and March…
Dressed for success
When Hereford and Worcester FRS needed to replace their PPE stock earlier this year, they decided to continue with the Central PPE and Clothing Contract (CPCC). Jon Pryce, Head of Operations Support, explains why. I’m responsible for a number of…
DeCon Wipe – A simple solution to firefighter safety, welfare and hygiene on scene
The recognition of carcinogens remaining on personal protective equipment (PPE) has resulted in a structured cleaning approach for potentially contaminated kit in UK fire and rescue services, but what about the person wearing this PPE? Global studies have demonstrated that…
Fire protection of electric and hybrid vehicles
More and more vehicles on our roads are electric or hybrid vehicles (EV and HEV) as there is a global transition to renewable fuels. Knowledge is limited about fire risks with vehicles having these new energy sources. Consequences connected to…
Keeping safe while working in flood events
I recently had a participant on a water-rescue programme who had worked with a rescue team out in Oman when they tragically lost a colleague in a flood-related incident. A skilled professional made a simple mistake, costing his life. I’ve…
SAPPHIRE PLUS Launch
Airbag deployment during extrication
I have made a point of asking the question: ‘What is the most likely thing to cause us harm at the scene of any road traffic collision?’ and I would estimate that well over 90% of the time the answer…
Smoke and mirrors
Smoke shafts are simple, yet effective, ventilation systems that help maintain tenable conditions in common escape routes in the event of a fire. Mechanically ventilated smoke shafts are now a widely used solution, yet there is still an air of…
Operational guidance fit for a digital world
It’s been a year since the launch of the new National Operational Guidance (NOG) website. Jo Bowcock reflects on the benefits of the new technology and provides an update on the future of guidance. It was a critical moment in…
British Firefighter Challenge 2018
The British Firefighter Challenge (BFC) 2018 took centre stage in one of the UK’s most historic towns, Bury St Edmunds on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July. In the blistering heat, thousands of spectators came to witness firefighters from all…
UK joins the club of countries with non-combustibility requirements for high-rise buildings
The start of October was marked by the announcement at the Conservative Party Conference 2018 that combustible materials will be banned from the facades of ‘all new high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, registered care homes, and student accommodations’ over 18m. Although…
SWFRS Bridgend retain UK Extrication title for the sixth time
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Bridgend Extrication Team remain the very best in the country after defending their UK Extrication Team title and winning for a sixth time. The team fought off strong competition from teams across the UK…
What you need to know about BS 7273-4:2015
Reading and understanding standards and codes of practice is the fire-industry professional’s bread and butter, but sometimes there are some issues and pitfalls that it can be easy to fall into. The Fire Industry Association (the UK’s largest trade association…
Supporting Fire and Rescue Services’ mental health needs
The Fire Fighters Charity has long supported the mental health of individuals from across the UK’s fire services community, providing dedicated psychological therapy services to help its beneficiaries manage issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. We understand the short-…
Improving the standards and competency of fire investigators
Fire investigation can be one of the most complex forensic evidence types. The destructive forces involved create difficulties in interpreting the fire scene and the evidence recovered from it. Improving the standards of training and competency of fire investigators is…
Crofton replaces Cambridgeshire training towers after 60 years
Sixty years after it designed, fabricated and constructed its first ever fire-training tower in Linton, Cambridgeshire in 1958, Crofton Engineering has replaced the original structure with a new and updated version. Crofton installed its type FT55 fire-training towers at Linton…
DoorBoss – Control the door, control the flow path
Based in Ohio, United States, Three Firefighters LLC manufacturers technology which tracks firefighters as they enter/exit a burning structure while simultaneously limiting oxygen supply to the fire. Our first product is DoorBoss PAR. DoorBoss PAR is sold as a kit…
Challenges and opportunities
The Grenfell Enquiry resumed on the 29 October after a short break which saw the conclusion of phase one and the questions to representatives of London Fire Brigade. Phase two of the…