Grant programme supports equipment purchases for volunteer fire departments

Grant funding supports volunteer departments

State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) awarded $1.5 million in 2025 through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, providing $10,000 grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across the U.S.

The NVFC said the funding was used to buy equipment intended to help firefighters respond more safely and effectively to emergencies.

The programme launched in 2024 with $1 million in grants.

State Farm increased that amount to $1.5 million in 2025.

The first 2,000 applicants also received one-year NVFC memberships, giving them access to training, support and resources.

The NVFC said the 2026 programme will again provide $1.5 million in funding.

The application period will run from Monday, 4 May at noon Eastern to Thursday, 7 May at noon Eastern.

Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for a $10,000 grant through the programme.

Equipment purchases improved response and safety

Departments used the grant for turnout gear, radios, hose, thermal imaging cameras, ventilation equipment and traffic control tools.

Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Nebraska bought three new sets of turnout gear after relying on gear that had lost its protective integrity.

Department secretary Lindsey Nielsen said: “Issuing new gear to firefighters conducting interior operations is essential to ensuring their safety and protecting their long-term health by reducing exposure to contaminants and chemicals.

“Newer gear also elevates the professionalism of the department and potentially aids retention and recruitment efforts.”

The Village of New Haven Fire Department in Illinois bought portable radios, flashlights and a 4-gas monitor.

Village Clerk Brittany Warren said: “This equipment significantly improved firefighter communication, accountability, scene visibility, and air monitoring capabilities.

“All items are now in active service and have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced safety risks, and strengthened protection for firefighters and the community during emergency responses.”

Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department in Mississippi used its funding for a thermal imaging camera and a battery-powered ventilation fan.

Training Officer Stephen Krajewski said: “During a recent structure fire, the TIC helped crews quickly locate the fire and hot spots, while the fan improved smoke clearance, making the scene safer.

“Firefighters report faster response and increased efficiency, and the community feels safer knowing we have this lifesaving equipment.”

Nichols Rural Fire Department in Wisconsin replaced old hose and added 300 feet to its large-diameter hose inventory.

Grant writer Kelly Seitz said: “The grant had immediate impact.

“Data collection revealed 10-15% of district homes are over 500 feet from the road, exposing a critical gap in fire suppression capability.

“The new hose eliminates the need to wait 15+ minutes for mutual aid, allowing NRFD to establish relay pumping within minutes.”

Creston Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina used the grant to obtain electronic pagers and radios for volunteer members.

Chief Thomas Aycock said: “We received early snow and ice within our mountainous district that resulted in three working vehicle accidents almost simultaneously.

“The new pagers and radios enabled a quick and organized response from our firefighters and related equipment.

“Additionally, our department responded to a residential structure fire on December 6.

“The use of our new pagers resulted in a very adequate personnel response and quick extinguishment of the kitchen fire, saving the structure.”

Departments report training, rescue and patient care gains

Martinsburg Area Fire Protection District in Missouri said firefighters had previously needed to borrow gear for training.

Within a month of receiving new gear bought with the grant, firefighters added 42 hours of fire and medical training.

Carsonville Fire & Rescue in Minnesota bought two wall-mounted gear dryers.

Chief Chris Ayers said: “Allowing us to wash and dry our gear in 90% less time makes us ready faster than we have ever been [so we are] ready to respond to the next call for help.”

South Bristol Volunteer Fire Department in Maine bought orange cones, reflective safety vests, barricades and scene lighting for roadway incidents.

Fire Chief Allen Spinney said: “The grant funds significantly improved our ability to operate safely and efficiently at roadway incidents.

“New traffic control and visibility equipment has enhanced scene management, allowing us to establish safer work zones more quickly and be clearly seen by motorists.”

Spinney added: “A major success of this equipment purchase has been improved firefighter confidence and professionalism.

“Proper, modern gear has made members feel safer and better prepared at roadway incidents.”

Double Churches Volunteer Fire Department in Georgia used the grant for rescue equipment, batteries and scene lighting.

Assistant Chief Matthew Franks said: “Scene lighting and a battery-powered reciprocating saw were essential in extricating a patient in critical condition.

“The instant startup of battery-powered tools eliminated delays associated with gas powered generators, allowing firefighters to rapidly transfer the patient to EMS and likely saving their life.”

Whitesboro Fire Department in Texas used the grant to buy two stair chairs for medical emergencies.

Captain Josh Velten said: “They are back savers for our crews as they allow for easier lifting and rolling where in the past there would have been a lot of manual lifting involved.”

The 2026 round will continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program with the same overall funding level and the same individual grant value.

NFSA backs National Fire Academy reopening call

National Fire Academy access in question

Access to the U.S. Fire Administration campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is uncertain ahead of the 2026 Memorial Weekend, placing events linked to the National Fire Academy site at risk.

The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) said the uncertainty follows a lapse in funding at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and could affect access to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) said 204 fallen firefighters from 43 states are due to be honoured during the 2026 Memorial Weekend.

The Foundation said families travel to the site to remember relatives whose service and sacrifice are permanently honoured there.

If access to the memorial is restricted, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Candlelight Service will need to be held at another location.

NFSA and NFFF call for support

NFSA President Shane Ray said: “Our call to action encourages everyone to join us in contacting their members of Congress and ask them to support re-opening the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial for the 2026 Memorial Weekend.

“This is an example of ‘Fire Service One Voice’ in action and we are happy to support the NFFF and stand united with our plea to everyone for support.”

NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro added: “Ensuring access to this sacred space is not optional. It is essential.

“We are very grateful to NFSA and all fire service organizations who are working to help us reach policy makers in time to help.

“We know first-hand the importance of this annual service, and we hope our pleas are heard.”

The organisations said Memorial Weekend gives families a chance to gather at the place where national recognition and remembrance come together.

For families attending in 2026, the Foundation said access to the memorial site remains central to that promise.

AEI Cables warns on cabling safety across electrical supply chain

AEI Cables commentary on cabling safety

AEI Cables has published commentary calling on the electrical supply chain to follow its duty of care on cabling safety during the current economic climate.

In its commentary, AEI Cables said specifiers, main contractors and installers are responsible for making sure cabling choices are relevant and safe for each application.

The company said Category 3 Control fire performance cables sit at the upper end of requirements.

These cables are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes.

AEI Cables said the cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia.

The systems powered by these cables assist firefighting operations and support safe evacuation in life safety situations.

Fire performance requirements and standards

AEI Cables said recent legislation affecting electrical and fire safety includes the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Act sets new requirements for higher-risk buildings, defined here as those of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.

AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control as well as Category 2 Control.

Under BS8519, the code of practice contains six cable categories.

Three categories apply to power cables and three apply to control cables.

The categories cover survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

Dover sets out AEI Cables position

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “There are many challenges facing the electrical supply chain, not least the sheer amount of legislation and guidance being issued as well as tough trading conditions.

“At the same time, we must not forget our responsibilities to ensure the relevant cabling products and accessories are chosen for each project.

“Ultimately, we are talking about the safety of people moving about in large buildings.

“This goes beyond legislation.

“If in doubt, please seek guidance because the choice of cabling and level of fire performance is of paramount importance in the event of a fire.”

AEI Cables also said its products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB.

The company added that it holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD and LUL, and works to international standards around the world.

iTrackPPE wins South Yorkshire Fire contract for PPE management

iTrackPPE contract covers PPE and assets

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (SYFRS) has awarded iTrackPPE a three year contract to modernise the management of firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Breathing Apparatus (BA) and wider operational assets.

iTrackPPE said that the partnership will introduce Zebra RFID and QR technology across the service in South Yorkshire.

The system is intended to support SYFRS’s move from personal issue PPE to a pooled stock model.

It is also expected to increase the availability of clean PPE, improve access to compliant kit and provide real time visibility across the organisation.

The programme includes the creation of British Standards-aligned PPE passports, full lifecycle traceability and compliance monitoring.

SYFRS will also onboard BA and other operational equipment through the same digital platform.

Service and supplier set out programme aims

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie, Strategic Sponsor, said: “Firefighter safety is central to every decision we make and strengthening how we manage PPE contaminants is an important part of that.

“We hope this technology will help us improve visibility and assurance across our PPE processes, supporting our move to a pooled model and ensuring continued compliance with national standards.

“This programme provides a scalable, modern platform for managing operational assets and reflects our commitment to clean, safe and effective firefighting.”

Steve Mclinden, Founder & CEO, iTrackPPE, said: “We are extremely proud to partner with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, a service demonstrating genuine leadership in tackling PPE contamination risks and investing in firefighter safety.

“iTrackPPE was built from real operational and command experience, and we remain committed to supporting SYFRS with the intelligence, compliance, and visibility they need to protect their people and modernise asset management for the long term.”

The company said its platform combines RFID and QR technologies with mobile workflows and configurable reporting to show asset location, condition, usage and cleaning status in real time.

It said the system supports PPE passporting, contamination control, intelligent distribution and long term optimisation through its iTrackCompleteCare service model.

The contract will run for three years and covers firefighter PPE, BA and additional operational equipment across SYFRS.

Australia firefighting infrastructure targeted in Airservices plan

This is not firefighting reform, UFUAV says

A proposal by Airservices Australia would transfer aviation rescue fire stations, specialised firefighting vehicles, training facilities and protective equipment to a third-party commercial entity under a long-term leaseback arrangement.

The United Firefighters Union of Australia – Aviation Branch (UFUAV) said the proposal would amount to the privatisation of the nation’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service and the transfer of critical emergency service infrastructure to a sovereign wealth fund.

The arrangement would see Airservices lease the assets back after the transfer.

UFUAV said the proposal would also move specialised emergency vehicle technicians and maintenance capability to the private asset owner.

The union said this would separate maintenance capability from operational firefighting functions within a system it described as an integrated emergency response capability.

UFUAV says proposal could affect readiness

UFUAV Branch Secretary Wes Garrett said the proposal would commercialise a frontline emergency service that exists to maintain public safety and save the lives of air travellers when disaster strikes.

Garrett said: “Aviation firefighting is not a money-making enterprise.

“It is a lifesaving emergency service.

“The moment you introduce a profit motive, safety stops being the first priority.

“Australians expect world-class aviation rescue firefighters to come to their aid when something goes wrong, not an emergency service run according to a lowest bidder mentality designed to maximise returns for an investment fund.

“Under the proposal, ownership and management of critical aviation safety assets would be transferred to a commercial operator whose primary obligation would be delivering a financial return to investors, not protecting the safety of air travellers or firefighters.”

He added: “We have seen this exercise attempted in other jurisdictions before.

“When profit becomes a central driver of decision-making, there is always inevitable pressure to cut costs.

“That will mean delaying maintenance on our specialised firefighting vehicles, reducing investment in equipment and facilities or underinvesting in operational readiness.”

Garrett said those risks carry catastrophic consequences in aviation firefighting.

He said: “In an aircraft fire, passengers typically have only minutes to survive.

“International aviation standards require firefighters to reach an incident within three minutes because every second counts.

“If operational preparedness is compromised by cost-cutting or delayed maintenance, the consequences could be fatal for passengers and devastating for firefighters who are sent into those situations.”

The union said long-term lease arrangements would lock the Commonwealth into escalating costs designed to deliver profits to investors and said it would oppose any attempt to privatise aviation rescue firefighting services.

Garrett said: “If aviation firefighting can be privatised, what emergency service is next?

“The travelling public deserves a world-class aviation rescue firefighting service that puts safety first every single time.

“They do not deserve a system where critical emergency infrastructure is run to maximise financial returns.”

He said: “Firefighters will never accept a future where lifesaving services are hollowed out to satisfy financial models.

“When safety fails, it is the travelling public and our firefighters who pay the price.

“We call on Airservices Australia to put the lives of Australia’s air travellers first by abandoning the proposal to privatise the aviation firefighting services they rely upon to keep them safe.”

New Fire Risk Assessment qualifications announced by IFE

Fire risk assessment qualifications announced

A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite will launch through The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its October 2026 exam session.

The IFE said the qualifications were developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency and align with BS 8674:2025.

The suite includes the Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment and the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment.

It also includes the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment for professionals working in complex environments.

Successful candidates on the Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment will gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register.

Those candidates will also meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.

Fire Safety Event details and qualification pathway

The IFE will formally announce the qualifications at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.

Delegates can meet the IFE team on stand 4/A90 for more information about the qualifications.

Day 2 of the show will feature IFE Chief Executive Steve Hamm and IFE Member and Education Services Director Jo Tedd in the compliance theatre.

The session will cover professional standards and how the qualifications support the next phase of regulatory change.

Hamm said: “Our new fire risk assessment qualifications have been carefully developed by the IFE and our team of fire risk assessment and fire safety specialists from across the private and public sectors.

“These qualifications launch at a critical time and support the BS 8674 tiered framework – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced – ensuring assessors demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to meet nationally recognised competency benchmarks.

“The qualifications form the latest addition to the IFE’s online exam suite which has been developed over the past two years.

“This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them.

“By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.”

October bookings open from June

According to David Escudier, Chair of the IFE’s Education Panel, the new exams provide a defined route for individual development and the wider profession.

Escudier added: “Clear, recognised qualifications are essential for maintaining trust and raising standards across the sector.

“The IFE’s new Fire Risk Assessment exams provide a much-needed pathway that supports both individual development and the wider profession.”

IFE exams use a self-study delivery model, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace alongside existing roles and responsibilities.

Bookings for the October 2026 session open on 1 June 2026.

BIOEX launches fluorine-free wildland firefighting foam range

BIOEX presents two wildland foam concentrates

BIOEX has presented its wildland firefighting range, made up of ECOPOL F and BIOFOR, with both concentrates described as 100% fluorine-free and fully biodegradable for forest fire operations.

The French manufacturer BIOEX outlined the range as suitable for wildland firefighting across different terrains, seasons and delivery platforms.

ECOPOL F and BIOFOR are free of PFAs and are described as non-toxic to animals and vegetation.

Both products are stated to comply with current and future environmental regulations including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stewardship Program and the European Groundwater Directive.

BIOEX details ECOPOL F applications

ECOPOL F operates at concentrations from 0.1% as a wetting agent to 1% as a foam agent.

Its surfactant technology is described as driving water into burning solids to extinguish embers and reduce re-ignition.

At 0.1% to 0.5%, the product is intended for wetting applications involving vegetation, timber, tyres, plastics, car fires and structure fires.

At 0.5% to 1%, it forms an adhesive foam blanket that clings to vertical surfaces at low, medium and high expansion.

It is also described as suitable for contained Class B hydrocarbon fire scenarios involving diesel, kerosene and petrol.

The concentrate is listed for aerial and ground delivery including airtankers, helicopters, compressed air foam systems and foam proportioners.

A nitrate-free corrosion inhibitor is included alongside a 10-year warranty.

ECOPOL F is listed on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service QPL and is GreenScreen Certified.

BIOFOR is positioned for year-round use

BIOFOR is designed for wildland firefighting in remote terrain, cold weather and large-scale aerial coverage.

Its Newtonian viscosity enables pumping with standard proportioning equipment and its freeze-protection formula removes the need for heated storage.

The product supports low, medium and high expansion within a single concentrate.

Wetting properties are described as enabling water to penetrate burning solids more quickly, addressing embers at the fire’s core.

It also creates visible firebreaks on the ground to support tactical operations.

The formulation is suitable for use in winter and cold-climate zones without heated storage.

A low concentration rate is described as reducing storage requirements and supporting operational flexibility.

Get to know the water mist industry – and the people behind it!

Image credit: IWMA

Water mist conference returns with expanded format

The 25th International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026.

The conference webpage will be online from 15th April onwards.

Following the highly successful Manchester conference, the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is once again introducing a fresh element to the format.

The regular 1.5-day conference programme will be complemented by a dedicated half-day training workshop focusing on the design and effective utilisation of water mist systems.

With this initiative, IWMA continues to invest in educating the fire protection industry on how to apply water mist technology more efficiently and confidently in practice.

CPD certificates will be issued to workshop participants.

Ongoing development of water mist applications

Water mist technology, developed into its current form over the past three decades, is today a mature, well-established and environmentally friendly fire protection solution.

While the fundamental principles remain unchanged, significant progress has been made in expanding applications, strengthening validation methods and increasing international approvals.

These developments will be reflected in Prague.

Speakers will present case studies, discuss standards and guidelines, and address both achievements and remaining challenges.

Topics will include emerging risks, broader application areas and continued technological evolution.

Networking, awards and exhibition opportunities

Just as importantly, the conference provides valuable networking opportunities in an open and collegial atmosphere.

“Prague is more than a conference,” says Max Lakkonen, President of IWMA.

“It is where the global water mist community comes together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, shape the future of fire protection – and enjoy doing it together.”

As always, the Ragnar Wighus Award will be presented.

In 2026, it will honour the author of the best master’s thesis dedicated to smaller droplets.

The deadline for submitting synopses has been extended to 31st May 2026.

The event will – as always – be accompanied by an exhibition.

Tabletops can already be booked.

The number of exhibition spaces is limited to 15.

Available are three different sponsorship categories.

New Zelim base in Canada supports maritime market growth

Zelim expands in Atlantic Canada

Zelim has opened new premises in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with the site set to serve as its Atlantic Canada base from April 2026.

Zelim announced that the office will be located at the COVE ocean facility, which it described as a technology hub for maritime innovation.

The company said the site will support ongoing partnerships and future opportunities in the region for its AI-enabled technologies designed for safety and security operations at sea.

The move follows activity in the Canadian cruise, ferry and defence sectors.

In 2024, Zelim demonstrated its man-overboard detection and monitoring system, ZOE, to the Canadian Coast Guard and other maritime partners.

In 2025, the company was selected for the NATO DIANA Phase II programme, through which ZOE was used in a NATO naval exercise and introduced to the Royal Canadian Navy.

Zelim also secured a commercial contract with BC Ferries in February 2026 to equip four new-build ferries with its ZOE technology.

Leadership and regional plans

Zelim said the Canada office will be led by its newly appointed regional Vice President, Brigadier General (Retired) Tom Dunne.

Dunne has served as a search and rescue leader with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Coast Guard.

Sam Mayall, Zelim’s Founder and CEO, said: “Given the scale and complexity of its maritime domain and the operational challenges associated with remote and harsh environments, Canada is a strategically important market for Zelim’s maritime detection and automated alerting capabilities.

“With a number of partnerships and agreements already in place in North America, and significant potential for future development, establishing this office base and bringing Tom on board were the next logical steps in our growth journey, with a view to a long-term presence and economic contribution in the region.”

Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE, said: “Zelim’s expansion into Canada is an important step for the maritime industry.

“Since first connecting with COVE in 2024 through Innovate UK’s Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator, Zelim has demonstrated the innovation and expertise that strengthen the sector.

“Its Canadian presence will enable new partnerships, foster collaboration, and deliver maritime detection and automated alerting solutions, with COVE supporting access to an ecosystem designed for growth and opportunity.”

Zelim said the new office follows the launch of a defence business unit and additions to its senior leadership team as it continues its international expansion.

Siemens launches Cerberus Nova fire detectors

Siemens fire detection portfolio announced

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has unveiled the Cerberus Nova fire detector portfolio, a new range designed for connected buildings and intended for sectors including healthcare, higher education, data centres and commercial real estate.

Siemens said the detectors are designed to support operational safety, improve service team efficiency and enable cloud-connected digital services.

The portfolio includes continuous self-checking through Disturbance-Free Testing technology, alongside Smoke Entry Supervision technology that monitors smoke entry points in real time.

In healthcare settings, the detectors are intended to support continuous detection and reduce potential system downtime.

ASAplus technology uses multi-wavelength optical and dual thermal detection to reduce false alarms and unnecessary evacuations.

The detectors are also compatible with cloud-based applications including Siemens Building X Fire Apps, allowing real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Siemens details use cases across sectors

In data centres, the detectors are positioned to address risks linked to overheating and electrical failures in environments with dense electrical infrastructure and continuous operational demands.

Automated self-checks, cloud-based monitoring and predictive maintenance are intended to help facility teams respond earlier and reduce disruption to critical IT and electrical assets.

Across higher education and commercial real estate, the portfolio is aimed at organisations managing multiple buildings across different sites.

Continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance are intended to help teams maintain consistent protection standards and reduce unnecessary disruption across dispersed estates.

Upgrade path and production details

Peter Nebiker, Head of Fire Safety at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, said: “The launch of our Cerberus Nova fire detection portfolio is a game-changer in ensuring all alarms are accurate.

“By moving from periodic checks to continuous, data-driven, self-supervising systems, we’re laying the foundation for truly human-centric, autonomous buildings.

“By automating testing, delivering real-time insights, and enabling remote action, these solutions protect people while freeing up staff to focus on strategic priorities.

“This shift isn’t just about innovation – it’s about smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.”

The detectors are designed for stepwise upgrades in both green- and brownfield projects.

Existing fire panels remain compatible, with plug-and-play integration and automatic transfer of configured settings intended to reduce installation time and risk.

Siemens said the detectors carry its EcoTech environmental product performance label, are made from recycled plastics and were developed and are produced in Switzerland.