Fire ravages The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne, England

The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne has been ravaged by a fire, leading to part of the Victorian seafront hotel collapsing.

Located in Sussex, the building is Grade II listed and was engulfed in flames when a fire broke out whilst guests were eating breakfast. Part of the rear wall of the hotel has also collapsed after reports that a chimney “appeared to be moving”. A spokesman for the Wealden District Council said: “The wind direction changed which led to the rear wall of the hotel structure collapsing internally on the existing debris.”

The building is still unstable and two fire crews, as well as building control, are currently monitoring the situation – however nobody was hurt as a result of the fire or the infrastructure collapsing. Once the building is deemed safe, further investigations will take place.

The owners of the hotel, Daish’s Holidays, said “significant damage” had been done which they described as “devastating”. According to the owners, there was 130 guests and staff members present when the fire began, and around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were on the scene at the height of the fire. Nobody was seriously harmed as a result of the fire or infrastructure collapse, however the ambulance service revealed that six people were treated for minor injuries and one person was sent to hospital with breathing difficulties.

Hochiki Europe appoints new lighting expert

Hochiki Europe, the life safety manufacturer, has appointed lighting expert Ian Hill as emergency lighting business manager.

Hill brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, with a technical background covering business development, sales of life safety equipment and product development. Hill will combine his industry sales experience with his technical expertise to bolster Hochiki Europe’s growth in the global emergency lighting sector. As part of his new role, he will support the widening of the company’s emergency lighting offering and other exciting developments on the horizon.

Starting his career within the design department at Simplex Lighting, Hill has spent decades developing his skillset across a variety of roles with lighting manufacturers including Philips and Fagerhult. He then made the transfer over to emergency lighting during his tenure at Eaton Electrical Systems, previously known as Cooper Lighting and Safety.

Hill commented: “I’ve admired Hochiki Europe’s work and reputation for some time, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t turn it down. The company has contributed vastly to the advances made within life safety over the past few years, especially with products such as its FIREscape collection. Working in a company with such an international foothold is also incredibly exciting.

“With so much room for growth within their emergency lighting sector, we have a real opportunity to make a positive difference. I plan on working closely with both the sales and product development teams to further the scope and capabilities of our lighting product ranges.”

Tracy Kirk, general manager, sales and marketing, Hochiki Europe, added: “Recent events and inquires have shown how vital clear routes of escape can be in an emergency situation. Ian’s extensive experience of emergency lighting will ensure we are reaching more people around the world with our ultra-dependable, intelligent solutions, and our existing customers continue to benefit from the most sought-after innovations within the industry as well as an exceptional service.”

Bristol Uniforms launches stock styles

Bristol Uniforms, a specialist in the design, manufacture and supply of protective clothing for the emergency services, has launched its first ever selection of stock styles for structural firefighting.

Immediately available, the stock styles offer a more cost-effective solution than bespoke alternatives. Although ready-made, the PPE can be personalised by adding a heat-sealed patch to the back of each coat, a name to the front, and a name to each trouser. A choice of two styles are currently available, both conforming to the European CEN standard EN469 Level 2, and featuring the most popular elements of the company’s existing top-quality ranges.

The Ergotech Action stock design includes an anti-wicking barrier on the cuffs and hems, underarm gussets and pleated back panel for improved ergonomics, knee reinforcement, and numerous pockets, loops, and rings for equipment. The kit is made up of a navy TITAN1220 outer, Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier and a quilted aramid felt and viscose inner lining.

The XFlex stock design features elbow reinforcement, ergonomic 3D knee pads with reinforcement to make kneeling more comfortable, plus an adjustable waist band, a removable braces system and a knife pouch in the trouser. It is made up of a gold PBI Max outer, Gore Crosstech Airlock moisture barrier and an aramid viscose inner lining. Bristol will soon be unveiling an additional Ergotech Action stock style which conforms to the NFPA standard 1971:2018 for Protective Ensembles for Page 2 of 3 Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

The new style will be on display for the first time at the Intersec trade exhibition in Dubai in January. Similar to the CEN certified version, it features a Gore Crosstech moisture barrier and Hainsworth TITAN outer layer, but this time in Desert Tan.

Roger Startin, joint managing director at Bristol Uniforms, commented: “We always listen to feedback from our customers, and although many have specific requirements and value our bespoke manufacturing service, there are others, particularly those with smaller crews, that would prefer to be able to buy top quality styles off-the-peg. These new styles provide our customers with the option to purchase kit that is cost-effective and immediately available without compromising on quality.”

London Fire Brigade shares tips on keeping safe this Christmas

The London Fire Brigade has shared a range of tips to keep safe this Christmas.

Fires in London’s homes in December have reduced by 21 per cent over the past five years. In 2014 there were 529 fires in homes while last year this had reduced to 416. To keep on Santa’s nice list the brigade has issued some top safety tips to help everyone step into Christmas safely.

  • Keep candles away from Christmas trees, curtains or anything else that could catch fire and don’t leave them burning unattended.
  • Check your Christmas tree lights conform with safety standards and always switch them off before going to bed.
  • Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters – they can overheat and catch fire.
  • Make sure you have a fire escape plan and share this with everyone in your household and any guests staying over Christmas.
  • Don’t leave cooking unattended, it’s safer to take pans off the heat and turn the hob, oven or grill off.
  • Make sure new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours and make sure they are safe.
  • Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are working.  Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen – this will detect an increase in temperature caused by fire, but not be set off by cooking fumes.
  • If you smoke over the Christmas make sure you don’t get distracted and ensure your smoking material is extinguished properly.

Dan Daly, assistant commissioner for fire safety at the London Fire Brigade, commented: “Fire is devastating at any time of year but this is heightened more at Christmas time with wrapped presents destroyed and families displaced. While some may wish for a white Christmas, we want everyone to enjoy a safe Christmas.

“There are many fire hazards in the home over Christmas – candles, fairy lights, overloaded plug sockets, cooking left unattended – or carried out after a festive tipple. I don’t want to be Mr. Grinch and tell you not to decorate your homes or to take part in the festive cheer – but I do want you to be safe over Christmas and take steps to prevent fires from occurring and spoiling the holiday.

“So make sure you have a look at our safety tips, check your smoke alarms and be aware of some of the potential fire hazards. And from everyone at London Fire Brigade, we wish you a merry Christmas.”

Four Leonardo AW139 helicopters requested by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters.

Leonardo has revealed that the aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions, primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search-and-rescue (SAR). The aircraft will also have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi Bucket.

The first helicopter is expected to be delivered from Leonardo’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, facility in Q3, 2020. A comprehensive five-year support, maintenance and training package will be provided with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years.

Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor, commented: “The safety of our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue operations team and the well-being of the residents we serve is our greatest priority. For those reasons, the crashworthiness standards of the top-ranked Leonardo helicopters were a key factor in our county’s decision to award this contract. In addition, the purchase price, training services and support we will receive during the transition to these world-class aircraft were also strong considerations.”

The AW139 is used across many countries worldwide for firefighting, rescue and law enforcement duties including Italy, the U.K, Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few. Celebrating its 1,000th delivery in September, the AW139 is the most successful global helicopter program in the last 15 years. With more than 280 operators in over 70 countries to date, the AW139 “saves lives every day and guarantees safety in every corner of the world”.

Vimpex’s ‘big three’ take centre stage at Intersec 2020

Vimpex, the independent manufacturer and distributor of fire detection, alarm and evacuation products, will be showcasing its ‘BIG 3’ at Intersec 2020.

The ‘big three’ include:

Identifire: The state-of-the-art Identifire range of 50+ evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories are all manufactured in the UK by Vimpex. UL certified, their “flawless functionality” combines with sleek design to ensure easy installation. They can be customised and come with versatile flush or surface mounted options.

Fire-Cryer: The Fire-Cryer range of voice enhanced sounders, proudly manufactured by Vimpex in the UK, is the “proven solution” that reduces delay and evacuation response times, yet is as simple to install as electronic sounders. Fire-Cryer Solo provides the clearest, unambiguous voice message for communication at critical times.

Smart+Guard: The Smart+Guard range has been designed to protect essential fire and security equipment against unwanted false alarms. These toughened hinged protective covers can be easily installed over a range of emergency switches and other devices to provide protection from vandalism, accidental damage or misuse.

FIA reveal new Level 3 FD&A qualification

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced that it is now offering training to a Level 3 qualification for the fire detection and alarm (FD&A) sector – Fundamentals of FD&A in Non-Domestic Premises.

Designed to provide a “concise and focused” introduction to the FD&A sector, the course is suited to individuals that are starting out in the fire detection industry and are looking for training leading to a qualification within this area. The FIA reviewed its current training and Level 3 qualifications available following the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and identified the need for a “more succinct” Level 3 qualification focusing on the fundamentals of fire detection and alarm management.

The FIA have been running advanced qualifications since the beginning of 2018 which will continues to run alongside the new qualifications. The new training comprises two two-day training units with an open-book exam at the end of the second unit. Those who pass will gain a Level 3 qualification based on BS 5839-1.

As well as the two standard units, there is a ‘Conversion to Fundamentals’ unit – this is available to delegates who have previously taken the FIA’s Foundation to FD&A course. Delegates successfully completing the conversion unit and exam will gain the Level 3 Fundamentals of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Premises qualification.

Ian Moore, CEO of FIA, commented: “We have been running our Level 3 qualifications for over a year now and it is clear from the feedback a different style of exam is needed. Modern exam techniques focus more on where to find the information that is readily available (i.e. through the internet, manuals or standards) and not a memory test as I was used to ‘back in the day’. The new Fundamentals qualification will have an open book (BS 5839-1 or the FIA training manual) exam and having completed, what we consider to be world-class, training the learners will be able to approach the exam with confidence.”

Excellence in Fire & Rescue Awards: SFRS nominated

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been nominated for emergency service of the year at the Excellence in Fire and Rescue Awards 2019.

As well as being nominated as the top performing fire and rescue service in Britain, the service was also nominated for Emergency Services Collaboration of the year and the service’s director of finance and contractual services, Sarah O’Donnell, was also nominated for the Most Influential Woman in Fire award.

Martin Blunden, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s chief officer, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for these awards alongside colleagues from across the UK. To be shortlisted is in itself an achievement, particularly given the incredible, innovative work that is taking place the length and breadth of the country –  not only by  fire and rescue services, but by the partners and organisations that work alongside us every day to help keep communities safe.

“My congratulations also go to Sarah O’Donnell – this is a much-deserved award nomination. Sarah’s role in ensuring SFRS continues to deliver a world-class service in a difficult financial environment can never be understated. I am incredibly proud of what this Service has achieved so far, and my thanks has to go to every one of our staff members. It is your hard work and dedication that has earned these nominations. Our best wishes go to all nominees on the big night.”

O’Donnell added: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award alongside esteemed colleagues from across the UK. The standard of nominees in this category is incredibly high, and I have to give thanks to all the staff in my directorate who have helped make such a nomination possible.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at One Great George Street in Westminster next month on December 6.

Knox partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

As part of Knox’s continued commitment to reducing firefighter risks, the company has formally established a partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

The two organisations share “many important synergies” alongside the ambition to reduce the risks that firefighters face daily. The partnership includes a donation to the NFFF, as well as a donation earmarked for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held annually in Emmitsburg, MD. Included in the tribute to those being honoured are Honour Guard and Pipe Band Units from across the nation.

Joni Trempala, president of the Knox Company, commented: “In the development of each rapid access product, increasing firefighter safety has always been one of the Knox Company’s primary objectives. The opportunity to be a partner with the NFFF and to provide support is a small way for us to demonstrate our respect and honour for those that have died in the line of duty; while providing some comfort to their surviving family members.”

Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, added: “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation thanks the Knox Company for their generous donation and support. They have been supportive of firefighter safety for more than 40 years and we welcome their participation with the Foundation.”

TJ Fire and Security acquires Prompt Fire Protection

TJ Fire and Security, installers and suppliers of fire protection equipment and training, has completed the purchase of Prompt Fire Protection.

TJ Fire and Security was established in 1973 and protects large and small businesses across the country with installation and maintenance of fire and security products. Formed in 1991, Prompt Fire Protection offers “cost effective, efficient and reliable” maintenance of fire extinguishers in London and the home counties. Both companies are based in Welwyn Garden City.

Steve Green, proprietor of Prompt Fire Protection, said: “I chose to partner up with TJ Fire and Security because I am planning to retire in a few years, and I want my existing clients to be looked after by a local company that has the same values as I do. TJ Fire and Security offer lots of additional services so I am hopeful that will also benefit my clients with their wider needs, saving them money long term as well.”

Natalie Higgins, managing director of TJ Fire and Security, added: “We are very pleased and proud to be working so closely with Steve, he has serviced and maintained his clients to an excellent standard, something we have always admired. We look forward to working with his clients and bringing them on board with our business with the same level of care, attention and workmanship that Steve has supplied them since 1991. Moving forward, TJ Fire and Security’s partnership with the Prompt Fire Protection management team will focus on continuing to integrate our two businesses, and we look forward to working alongside Steve as we do this.”