IFSJ Fire & Safety Spotlight: Fire Grants and Safety Act signed into law; What fire safety policies should the new UK Government address?
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ)
Information, Analysis and Insights for Manufacturers, Fire Fighters and Senior Fire and Safety Professionals
Fire Grants and Safety Act signed into law
Federal funding secured for fire service programs
President Joe Biden signed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) into law on July 9th at the White House. This legislation secures federal funding for the AFG and SAFER grant programs through FY2028 and delays the sunset date to September 30, 2030.
The law authorizes $750 million each for the AFG and SAFER grant programs from FY2024 through FY2028. It also includes $95 million for the USFA to fund NERIS, develop EMS programs, and investigate major fire causes to establish best prevention practices. Read more.
What fire safety policies should the new UK Government address?
FPA releases six key policy statements for fire safety
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has urged the new UK government to place fire life safety and property protection at the forefront of its built environment strategy. The FPA has outlined six key policy statements aimed at reducing risks and improving fire safety in UK buildings.
Dr Gavin Dunn , Managing Director of the FPA, stated: “The FPA is calling for change to fire safety and property protection in buildings, and to that end we are proud to publish our manifesto of six policy areas we think the new government should consider.” Read more.
Have your say: IFE seeks input on early career development
IFE launches poll for early career development in fire engineering
The The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has launched a poll to gather feedback on early career development in fire engineering.
The poll aims to understand the challenges, aspirations, and support areas for early career professionals in fire engineering. IFE encourages participation to tailor their resources and offerings better. Find out how to submit your views here.
USFA launches tools to boost WUI fire awareness
Making national fire safety a priority
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has launched two new tools to raise awareness about Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas throughout the United States.
The WUI Fire Property Awareness Explorer and the WUI Fire Community Awareness Explorer aim to support local fire services and communities in reducing fire risks and building fire-adapted communities.
Expanding WUI areas from new building developments, climate change, and a rising number of structures destroyed and areas burned annually contribute to these challenges. Continue reading.
Why do we test?
John Olav Ottesen , Founder and CEO of Dafo Fomtec AB , explains why advising on real world design and applications means gathering data from testing beyond the “standards”
I have memories of sitting through many presentations and training programmes when the Senior R & D Chemist would pronounce to the audience that “the role of the R & D Chemist is to develop foam concentrates to pass a test”.
Perhaps this seems like a strange thing because surely the foam concentrate is being developed to be an effective firefighting agent? Of course, the two are not mutually exclusive because the role of the test is to determine if a particular foam concentrate is an effective firefighting agent, or perhaps more correctly how effective. Continue reading.
Former fire chief killed while protecting family at Trump rally
Former chief dies during assassination attempt
Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from Pennsylvania, was identified as the man killed at a rally for former President Donald Trump.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced the news on Sunday. Comperatore, who was known for his dedication to his family, died while shielding them during the incident.
Governor Shapiro honored Comperatore’s bravery, stating: “Corey died a hero. Corey dove on his family to protect them last night.” Read more.
Fike Corporation partners with Heriot-Watt Dubai University
Partnership to introduce battery energy storage system safety program
Fike Corporation a global manufacturer and supplier of industrial hazard protection, has partnered with Heriot-Watt University to integrate a new program focusing on battery energy storage system (BESS) safety and protection from cascading thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus University, the largest international university in Dubai, has established a Solar Innovation Lab powered by rooftop solar panels and a BESS. Read more.
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ZIEGLER announces major order for firefighting vehicles
New firefighting vehicles for Munich and Augsburg
ZIEGLER and MAN have announced a significant order for 83 new HLF 20 firefighting vehicles for the professional fire departments of Munich and Augsburg.
The first two prototypes will be delivered by the end of 2025, with the remaining 81 vehicles arriving by the end of 2028. Three of these vehicles are designated for Augsburg’s fire department. Read more.
Battling lithium-ion battery fires
Daniel Robins , Projects Director at CheckFire Ltd , discusses managing the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires in the fire trade industry
In 2023, UK fire services saw a 46% increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries compared to the previous year, and it’s now recognised in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that lithium-ion batteries need to be considered in all fire risk assessments in the UK.
This alarming rise highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures throughout the industry and the fire trade to stock effective lithium-ion battery fire safety equipment. Continue reading.
Warringtonfire Laboratory recognised with Considerate Constructors Bronze Award
Birchwood Park laboratory earns award for environmental and social value standards
Warringtonfire ’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas.
The award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising environmental and community social value standards.
The Birchwood Park site, which is nearing completion, achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score. Read more.
Company news: Delta Fire opens £5.5m facility in Norwich
Delta Fire Ltd , a provider of bespoke firefighting nozzles, has opened a £5.5m design and manufacturing facility in Norwich. The company, rooted in Norfolk for nearly 35 years, aims to achieve net zero by 2030 with this eco-friendly building.
The facility, located at Broadland Business Park, was inaugurated on July 9 by Lady Dannatt, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, and General the Lord Dannatt. Over 100 guests attended the opening, where the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service showcased a new appliance and a 1930s fire engine from the Norfolk Fire Museum. Find out more about the new facility here.
Product news: REACH Black range introduced by Apollo Fire Detectors
Apollo Fire Detectors has announced the release of the REACH Black range, expanding its established REACH Hybrid Wireless family. The REACH Wireless system, launched in 2022, provides a flexible solution for various installations, including extensions, outbuildings, heritage buildings, and temporary structures.
The system allows for seamless extensions of existing fire loops without the need for new wiring, reducing costs and installation time. The REACH Black range includes three types of detectors: an Optical detector with a Dual-Optical chamber, a Heat detector with selectable A1R & BS modes, and a multi-sensor combining the Dual-Optical chamber with an A1R Heat sensor. Read more.
Project spotlight: Ramtech ensures safety at Paris 2024 Olympic venues
Ramtech Global 's WES3 wireless fire system has been instrumental in maintaining fire safety during the construction of key venues for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The system was deployed across three major projects: the Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Adidas Arena, and the Aquatics Centre. The Olympic and Paralympic Village, inaugurated on February 29th, 2024, is set to host athletes during the Paris Games.
The village, spanning three parts of Paris, will accommodate over 14,000 athletes and their entourages during the Olympics and 8,000 for the Paralympics. Designed to meet high environmental standards, it aims to provide top-notch services for athletes and a sustainable legacy for the Seine-Saint Denis community. Find out more about the project.
Read the FREE digital copy of International Fire & Safety Journal's July 2024 edition!
For this month’s Special Report, produced in collaboration with Quelfire, we delve into the critical aspects of Firestopping, offering insights and perspectives that shed light on the current state and future directions of firestopping technology.
On Facilities Management, we hear from the likes of Philip Raymond R., Head of HSSEQ at Emrill Services LLC, who shares insights on achieving excellence in safety compliance and standards, whist James Pecz, Head of Global Business Development and Customer Experience at Ramtech Global, highlights new technologies that are transforming Saudi Arabia’s construction industry.
Read the July issue by clicking here!
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