Hundreds evacuated following Perth bushfire

by Active

The largest Perth bushfire the region has seen in six years has forced hundreds of Australians to evacuate their homes.

Six fire fighters have been injured as they struggle to contain the blaze, which has destroyed 71 homes and spread through 9,000 hectares.

The fire started on Monday, and due to high winds has spread over the last two days. Officials are now expecting the coming days to present further challenges to the fire and rescue services, and are urging people to evacuate.

WA fire commissioner Darren Klemm said: “”The important thing is the preservation of life. So, if you’re quarantining and you’re required to evacuate, you should just evacuate. A full lockdown and raging bushfires. It will test us all.”

Bushfires in Australia are common, with 11,264 hitting the country between July 2019 and February 2020.

Emergency One launches the E1 Ev0, the world’s first fully electric fire engine

by ActiveProducts

Emergency One has announced the immediate availability of The E1 Ev0, enabling customers to place orders and enquire about the product.

“We are excited to unveil our E1 Ev0 – the world’s first all-electric Pumping Appliance and our innovative contribution towards a low-carbon economy. We look forward to seeing the reaction from our customer base and the wider public,” said Mike Madsen, Managing Director at Emergency One Group Limited.

Positive customer impact

Designed with the protection of fire fighters and the environment in mind, Emergency One has exceeded expectations by delivering a world first of its kind.

However, with zero emissions comes zero compromise in terms of innovation and safety. Not only does the E1 Ev0 produce zero emissions for a positive impact on the environment but customers will benefit from a range of improved safety features including clean cab filtration systems that addresses the health issue of residual particulates. The development of a product that plays such a pivotal role in public safety was a sizeable task, but as a manufacturer of emergency service vehicles, it was a task that was necessary.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “Alongside our ambition to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, we have set out ambitious targets for the Scottish Public Sector to decarbonise their vehicle fleets. It’s great to see Emergency One innovating to bring a cutting edge zero emission fire appliance to the market, manufactured here in Scotland. 

“I look forward to seeing further innovations in the zero-emission marketplace as we work towards our net-zero targets and air quality objectives.”

Linda Hanna, Managing Director at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “Emergency One is a fantastic example of a Scottish manufacturer with export ambitions. We want to inspire more businesses to explore innovation, sustainability and exporting because we know this will help both their business recovery and Scotland’s green economic recovery. Scottish Enterprise is proud to have worked with this company over many years and to have supported this project to create the world’s first net-zero fire engine built in Cumnock, that will not only save lives in the role it will serve but also contribute to Scotland’s wider low carbon targets.”

The E1 Ev0

The E1 Ev0 has been developed due to the increased concern of the effects that carbon and other emissions, have on the planet and our health. The use of fire appliances is an essential tool in keeping the public safe, hence the importance placed on reducing the environmental impact of these vehicles. The result of this product shows Emergency One’s continued commitment to deliver the latest in product development and the desire to protect future generations in more ways than just one.

The E1 Ev0 is not a concept vehicle but a fully functioning frontline protection, prevention and intervention tool.

To receive more information on the E1 Ev0, visit e1group.co.uk or contact info@emergencyone.co.uk

E-ONE kits out Daytona Beach Fire Department with two Custom Pumpers

by ActiveAmericas - ProjectsProjects

E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group and a manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced the delivery of two E-ONE Custom Pumpers to Daytona Beach Fire Department in Florida. With the recent addition of these two pumpers, Daytona Beach now has an all E-ONE fleet.

Key features of Daytona Beach Fire Department’s E-ONE Custom Pumpers include:

  • Typhoon cab with 12″ vista roof, severe duty interior and dark tint glass
  • Galvanized and powder coated frame for corrosion resistance
  • 188″ wheelbase with 18,000 lb front axle and 27,000 lb rear axle
  • Cummins 450 HP L9 engine with Allison EVS 3000 transmission
  • Extruded aluminum rescue pumper body with full height compartments and ROM roller shutter doors
  • Enclosed ladder tunnel for 24′, 14′ and 10′ ladders and pike poles and pry bar
  • Wide upper roof-top compartments for additional storage space
  • Waterous 1250 GPM pump with 780 gallon tank (750 water / 30 foam)
  • V-MUX electrical system with driver and officer colour displays, integrated A/C controls, integrated tire pressure monitoring and left, right and rear cameras
  • Whelen LED warning and scene lighting
  • AXIS Smart Truck Technology

“These custom pumpers are the newest members of our fleet for a total of six all-matching E-ONE Typhoon pumpers. This provides our crews with the latest and greatest tools that meet NFPA compliance so they can be successful on the fire scene,” said Daytona Beach Fire Chief Dru Driscoll. “We hope to continue our relationship with E-ONE and REV Technical Centre for years to come as our needs continue to grow as Daytona Beach grows.”

“With apparatus built to Daytona’s specific requirements, E-ONE is grateful that the department now has an all E-ONE fleet to serve its community,” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE’s Director of Sales. “We are honoured that Daytona continues to trust E-ONE for all of its fire apparatus needs.”

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service goes for gold with new structural firefighting PPE

by ActiveProducts

Firefighters across Cornwall are wearing brand new PPE, procured through the UK Collaborative PPE Framework. All 560 firefighters in the county have been equipped with two sets of new gold-coloured structural coats and trousers, along with flash hoods and a set of both structural and rescue gloves.

The new PPE, designed and manufactured by Bristol Uniforms, benefits from the very latest in fibre and fabric technology, along with ergonomic styling for ease of movement.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS), as part of its commitment to firefighter safety, also engaged with staff about the provision of additional PPE to meet the demands of non-structural fire situations, such as road traffic collisions and wildfire control. This supports the specific needs of Cornwall’s remote rural risk profile. As a result, an order has also been placed for lighter-weight, more breathable rescue jackets which are compatible with the structural trousers and other essential PPE, providing the most suitable level of protection.

Mark Salter is Group Manager at CFRS, with responsibility for Assets, Health and Safety and Wellbeing. He comments: “Feedback from our firefighters has been very positive. The cut of the jacket is more fitted than our previous kit, which is better for movement and manoeuvrability and the extra padding on the knees means the trousers are more comfortable when kneeling or crawling. The wide range of male and female sizes ensures that every member of the crew can get a good fit.

“The firefighters have found that the new lighter colour shows up dirt and soot, but that is a helpful indicator of when the kit needs cleaning.”

Cleaning PPE

CFRS is continuing its Maintenance and Care arrangement with Bristol, for regular cleaning and repairs and decontamination if necessary. Dirty kit is collected by Bristol Uniforms and taken to one of two in-house Service Centres where it is washed and thoroughly examined before being returned within seven days.

A service that is reassuring for Mark Salter and his firefighters: “The robust care provision is very important to us, particularly given the current risk of coronavirus and concerns around carcinogens in smoke particles. Bristol’s in-house cleaning and repair service means we can always have full confidence that our PPE is fit for purpose and providing the right protection.”

Mark Salter continues: “As a fairly small FRS, the Collaborative Framework offered us the best possible efficiencies and we’re very pleased with the result. Bristol Uniforms has provided excellent support and guidance throughout the process, as have Kent FRS who were particularly helpful in the early stages of the procurement process.”

Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director at Bristol Uniforms, comments: “It is very rewarding to see the Cornish firefighters out on the job in their smart new PPE, knowing that they are benefitting from a state-of-the-art design featuring advanced technologies, enhanced comfort and maximum protection.”

Mark Hewitt, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall FRS comments: “The safety and welfare of our staff is of paramount importance, so ensuring that our firefighters are provided with quality Personal Protective garments is essential. I am assured that this new PPE from Bristol Uniforms meets our specific requirements. My thanks and acknowledgement also go to Cornwall Council for supporting our Fire and Rescue Service with a 15 year capital replacement programme, which enables significant investment in safety critical areas such as our PPE procurement and also our internal technical services team who have worked with the collaboration and Bristol Uniforms to deliver this project.”

www.bristoluniforms.com

Dräger helps reduce Firefighter’s risk of exposure to carcinogens

by ActiveProducts

Dräger has launched a range of solutions for cleaning breathing apparatus, respiratory masks and PPE equipment that reduce the risk of carcinogen contamination within emergency teams as part of its Health for the Firefighter campaign.

Dräger

Dräger has worked in partnership with Harstra instruments, a Dutch manufacturer of cleaning and drying equipment. The launch follows a study undertaken by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which demonstrated a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn and evaluated as fully operational will be contaminated within 25 minutes of use in firefighting situations.

Currently, most masks and SCBA are cleaned by hand, which is a lengthy and inconsistent process. It can also pose potential hazards for personnel. Dräger has therefore developed a package of solutions comprising of cleaning products, logistical support and consultancy services that enable fire services to mitigate firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens through every step of attending an incident.

They include: simple-to-use washing machines that clean using high pressure water; drying cabinets in various shapes and sizes to accommodate each fire service’s space and equipment; and testing facilities to ensure products are decontaminated before going back into operation.

The final part of the new solution is an improved logistic and workshop capability to quarantine contaminated kit, clean it and then replenish with sanitised PPE to maintain operational capability. Dräger can design and engineer new infrastructure or work within an existing facility to provide optimum protection and cleaning of equipment.

UK Marketing Manager for Engineered Solutions at Dräger, Andy Taylor said it is now well known that job-related exposures to carcinogens increases the risk of illnesses such as cancer: “Employers owe their employees a duty of care and are therefore looking to provide additional protection during training, post incident and in day-to-day equipment handling operations.

“A new standard operating procedure, which incorporates comprehensive training, must be established by the Fire and Rescue Service including comprehensive training for emergency teams on how to decontaminate themselves following an incident in which exposure was likely.

“Standardising processes not only minimise the risk of contamination for workshop personnel, but also reduce the exposure of carcinogenic substances for the wearer. The consistency of cleaning also extends the lifetime of PPE.”

Within Harstra’s product portfolio are a range of washing and drying solutions. These include The Wash4 and Wash6DR models which can accommodate between four and six SCBA respectively, including cylinders and up to 18 breathing masks. The Wash4 model provides the user with a choice of cleaning times from 5 minutes wash, 10 minutes or the recommended 22 minutes under pressure. The Wash6DR washes at the same intervals, but without the need for Compressed Air cylinders, instead taking pressure from a high powered air external source.

Essential to the process is the requirement that cleaned equipment is dried correctly in a drying cabinet or drying room to remove moisture. The Dräger portfolio is configurable and allows easy transfer of equipment using compatible baskets in the cleaning and drying cycle, for example the Wash9 facemask washer and the M18/45 cabinets. Once these have been clean and dried, they can then be checked and tested, Air Cylinders refilled and the SCBA is ready for operations all using Dräger workshop equipment.

https://www.draeger.com/en_uk/Home

Survitec: Better crew training needed for CO2 firefighting systems

by Active

Survitec is advising the maritime industry to ensure fixed fire-fighting systems are commissioned by their original equipment manufacturers and that crews undergo basic system configuration training, following a spate of incidents where ship fires have been exacerbated through incorrect use or installation of CO2-based extinguishing systems.

While the International Maritime Organization’s FSS Code provides engineering and design standards for all types of fire extinguishing systems, there are no mandatory regulations governing their installation and commissioning, only recommendations. Standards on operation and maintenance have improved over the last years but in many cases, they are still seen as guidelines

Survitec said that although these guidelines should be followed, there have been several incidents in recent times where fixed fire extinguishing systems have failed.

“While it is difficult to put a number on all the fire related incidents where incorrect installation, operation or maintenance of a fixed firefighting system has resulted in system failure, injury or death, the subsequent accident investigations offer a difference perspective on the effectiveness of the current regulations and guidelines,” said Mats Hestmann, Survitec Group QHSE Manager.

“Fire safety systems are inherently designed to protect and save lives. However, if these systems are incorrectly used, installed or insufficiently inspected and maintained, the consequences can be severe,” said Hestmann.

MSC.1/CIRC 1318, the Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspections of Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire-Extinguishing systems was released in June 2009 and have been adopted by most Flag states, but some are still following their own set of standards.

Hestmann, believes that it would be beneficial for MSC.1/CIRC 1318 to become even more structured as is the case with MSC 1432, clearly defining what should be inspected. Once the majority of flag states have adopted an MSC circular, it then becomes a resolution making it mandatory.

He adds: “Great improvements to safety have come as a result of IACS Z-17 Service provider approvals. However, it’s not the failure of the firefighting system that is resulting in so many incidents, but rather the lack of system knowledge and poor operator training.

“There should be more effective rules governing system training; because a crew member is familiar with one firefighting system doesn’t mean they are appropriately trained to use another manufacturer’s system or even a different system configuration. While the product itself might be standard, the layout of the system, the location of valves, cylinders, and vents and so on will differ from ship to ship. Certainly, crews need to be better trained in the use, operation and maintenance of these systems.”

Erik Christensen, Technical Director Fire Fighting said: “We have seen a number of incident reports where human error in the use of firefighting systems is a common factor. Valves have been closed when they should have been open, ventilation flaps left open with main generators still running during the fire.

“Carbon Dioxide is a dangerous gas and any system that has been incorrectly installed, maintained or operated could not only fail to extinguish the fire but be very harmful to the crew.”

As the market leader and a champion of maritime safety initiatives, Survitec is fostering greater fire safety and systems awareness across the industry. It has already issued advice notices and is raising wider awareness of the need to ensure firefighting systems are correctly installed, regularly maintained, serviced and that crew operating the systems are trained and understand how to use the specific system.

“We want to ensure that operators and crews have a much better understanding of how fixed firefighting systems operate and the importance of regular, properly carried-out maintenance. With greater knowledge, they will be able to overcome many of the operational challenges they face and prevent system failure when it is required in an emergency.

“Crews can be better equipped to fight fires more effectively, more safely, but any initiative needs to work in harmony with the rules, some of which could do well to be revised,” said Hestmann.

https://survitecgroup.com/

Brazil’s Pantanal tropical fires causes wildlife devastation

by Active

There have been more than 15,000 fires in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands so far this year, causing widespread devastation. That is triple the number recorded in the same period in 2019, according to data collected by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (Inpe).

Since the middle of July, a fire has been burning in the wetlands of west-central Brazil, leaving a burned area that is larger than New York City.

The wetlands, known as the Pantanal, are smaller and less-known than the Amazon jungle. But the area attracts many different animals because of where it is in South America. It is between the rainforest, Brazil’s grasslands and Paraguay’s dry forests.

The fires are now threatening one of the most diverse environments on the planet, biologists say. The Pantanal is about 150,000 square kilometers in size. The wetland is home to 1,200 vertebrate animal species. Thirty-six of those species are close to dying off completely.

Fire is not new there, but the current fires are historic. The biggest ones in the Pantanal this year are four times the size of the largest fire in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, NASA satellites show.

A record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through September 6. A study by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro said that represents nearly 16 percent of the Brazilian Pantanal.

The Pantanal is known for being wet, not dry. The world’s largest floodplain normally fills with water during the rainy season, which lasts from November to April.

This year, the floods never came. The Paraguay River, which crosses the Pantanal, fell to its lowest level since 1973. That estimate comes from Julia Arieira, a climate researcher at Brazil’s Federal University of Espirito Santo.

Scientists blame the dry weather on warming in the Atlantic Ocean. That warming takes moisture away from South America and sends it north where it can form hurricanes.

Doug Morton is a scientist with the U.S. space agency NASA. He said this process is caused by changes in ocean temperatures. These changes are known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation.

This weather event is to the Atlantic Ocean what El Niño is to the Pacific Ocean. Unlike El Niño, however, which usually happens every two to seven years, the oscillation changes between hot and cold every 30 to 40 years.

Changing ocean temperatures are “a likely driver of the dry conditions we’ve seen so far this year in the Pantanal,” said NASA’s Morton.

Morton is concerned global warming could change the Oscillation and leave it permanently warm – possibly leading to more fires.

Even if that does not happen, scientists fear global temperature increases could make large fires more common.

Philip Fearnside is an ecologist at Brazil’s National Institute of Amazonian Research. He said destruction of the Amazon rainforest is worsening dry conditions in the Pantanal over the long-term. He said jungle trees take rain and push the moisture back into the air. This moisture is then carried by winds to nearby areas.

Amazon deforestation – the act of cutting down forests – has increased 34.5 percent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year earlier. That increase comes from early estimates released by the government space research agency Inpe.

Lancashire firefighters battle blaze at former Co-op bank building

by Active

Eight fire engines and police attended a huge fire at the former Co-operative bank building on High Street in Skelmersdale at around 7.30pm yesterday evening (September 15).

Lancashire Police closed a number of roads in the area and people were asked to avoid the scene and keep windows and doors shut.

Pictures from the scene show the building well alight and thick smoke rising into the sky as firefighters battled to bring the fire under control.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Service said: “We have eight fire engines from Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside at a derelict building fire on High Street, Skelmersdale. We were called around 19:30 and crews are battling to bring the fire under control.

“Lancashire Police have closed a number of roads in the area and the public are advised to stay away from the scene. If you can see or smell the smoke, please keep your windows and doors shut.

The fire service confirmed at 12.20am today (September 16), the blaze was brought under control.

Firefighters have remained at the scene all night and the cause of the fire is currently unknown. A joint police and fire investigation is underway.

The site had been earmarked for a new Aldi after the discount retailer submitted an application in 2019.

That application is still pending and no decision has been made by West Lancashire Borough Council.

CLM Fireproofing highlights the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry

by ActiveHospitalityIndustry Sectors

Fire poses a significant risk to the hospitality sector – apart from causing costly damage and bringing operations to a halt, CLM Fireproofing claims it can seriously undermine an organisation’s brand. The evidence suggests fire is fairly commonplace in the industry; according to the government’s latest figures, hotels are one of the most vulnerable types of buildings, with 263 out of every 1,000 experiencing a fire in the period September 2012 – September 2019. Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways fared slightly better, with 89 fires per 1,000 buildings during the same period – yet the figure remains unacceptably high.

So, what are fire risks behind these statistics? In this article, CLM Fireproofing highlight the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry, and how effective passive fireproofing can help to prevent them.

Cooking Equipment

One of the most common places for fires to start is in the kitchen. Risks arise from the use of combustible materials (frying medium), faulty or unsupervised equipment, and human error. According to the London Fire Brigade, 44% of all restaurant fires in the capital during 2015-2017 started from cooking. Kitchen fires are also more likely to develop into serious blazes which cause significant damage. Worldwide insurer, AIG, estimates the average loss per significant

Cigarettes 

Despite a decrease in the total number of smokers in the UK cigarettes and other smoking materials still pose a significant fire risk both to the hospitality industry and elsewhere. The latest data (from 2018/19) shows that they accounted for 8% of all accidental dwelling fires. More significant, however, is that fires caused by cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco are more fatal; 34% of fires ignited by smoking materials in 2018/19 resulted in at least one fatality.

Electrical appliances

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are full of electrical appliances. From lamps and kettles, to hairdryers and irons, there are many appliances that pose a potential fire risk. Whilst not relating specifically to their use in the hospitality sector, the number of electrical appliance fires has increased dramatically in the past decade; in 2019/20 there were 21% more instances than in 2010/11, probably as a result of the increased number of electrical appliances in circulation.

How to mitigate fire risk in the hospitality industry

The effective management of fire risk for hotels, bars, and restaurants requires thorough fire risk assessments, regular and properly-documented checks, and the stringent implementation of policies in line with current fire safety regulations. Just as important (if not more so) is passive fireproofing; whether through compartmentation or intumescent painting, passive fireproofing helps to stop the spread of fire, limiting the damage it causes and giving occupants more time to escape safely. With limited fire damage and minimal risk to occupants, your business can return to operations sooner and negate any reputational harm.

https://clmfireproofing.com/

Public encouraged to honour emergency service workers on ‘999 Day’

by Active

Emergency Services Day, also referred to as 999 Day, begins with a two minutes’ silence at 9am on September 9, to represent the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month.

The public are being encouraged to fly the flag of 999 Day and to share and promote an emergency services charity on social media.

Organisers said the event is an opportunity to pay tribute to the two million people who work and volunteer across the NHS and emergency services, including more than 250,000 first responders.

It also aims to educate the public on using the services responsibly, as well as raising money for charities and to highlight the different career and volunteer roles in the emergency services.

Now in its third year, Emergency Services Day is backed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and has been promoted by members of the royal family.

Mr Johnson said: “It takes a very special kind of person to put your life on the line for a complete stranger, yet that is what we see day in, day out from the remarkable men and women of our emergency services.

“You protect us from harm, deliver us from danger, and tend to us in our hours of need. And you do so without hesitation or complaint – if we dial 999, we know you will be there for us.

“I know the dedicated men and women of the emergency services did not get into this line of work for the accolades or applause.

“You are heroes of British life, doing what you do not for the plaudits but out of a sheer sense of duty and a determination to serve the public.

“All of us in this country owe each of you a debt of gratitude.

“So, it is only right that, on Emergency Services Day, we celebrate your work and, as a nation, say a huge thank you for doing so much for so many.”

Organisers said a main national “open day” style event is held on the nearest Sunday, but this year’s event, which was scheduled in Belfast, was cancelled due to coronavirus.

Last year, the Duke of Cambridge visited the Fire Fighters Charity’s centre at Harcombe House in Chudleigh, South Devon, to mark the event.

Tom Scholes-Fogg, founder and chief executive of Emergency Services Day, said: “As we saw earlier this year with people clapping at their doors, the UK is united in its support for those who put others before themselves.

“I encourage everybody to support our emergency services personnel all year round, not just on 999 Day.”