Wildland Fire Service to unify Interior wildfire programmes across bureaus

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking News

Who will lead the Wildland Fire Service rollout?

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) is moving to establish the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with a new leader appointed to oversee implementation, the department said on 12 January 2026 in Washington.

The DOI described the plan as an effort to unify wildland fire management programmes across its bureaus and offices.

Wildland fire responsibilities are currently distributed across the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Office of Aviation Services and the Office of Wildland Fire.

The DOI said the goal is to streamline decision-making, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the department’s ability to respond quickly to wildfire threats.

The department said the service is intended to support protection of lives, communities, critical infrastructure and public and tribal lands through a more integrated wildland fire management approach.

Leadership and implementation

The DOI selected Chief Brian Fennessy to oversee the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, who brings experience leading large wildfire response operations in California.

Fennessy said: “Wildfire response depends on coordination, clarity and speed.

“This initial planning effort is about bringing programs together, strengthening cooperation across the Department and building a framework that better supports firefighters and the communities they serve.

“I want to thank Secretary Burgum for this opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working alongside of the brave men and women of the fire community.”

The DOI said Fennessy previously served as Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and as Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority.

It said he began his career with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and has led wildfire suppression, aviation operations and emergency response.

Administration policy context

The DOI said the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service aligns with the Trump Administration’s approach to modernising wildfire response, mitigation and prevention, as outlined in Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “Wildfire does not discriminate.

“It impacts rural towns and major cities, businesses and families alike.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department of the Interior is taking decisive steps to strengthen coordination and preparedness as we confront an escalating wildfire challenge.”

The department also said wildfires are increasing in size, intensity and cost, with impacts it listed including communities, infrastructure, tribal trust assets, agriculture and local economies.

The DOI said it views wildfires as posing risks to public health, energy systems, water supplies and national security.

The department said the new structure is intended to position it to meet evolving wildfire challenges.

San Francisco Fire Department adopts non-PFAS turnout gear across fleet

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPPE

San Francisco completes fleetwide non-PFAS gear transition with Fire-Dex

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) has become the largest fire department in the United States to transition its entire fleet to non-PFAS turnout gear, according to Fire-Dex.

Fire-Dex said the department is scheduled to receive 1,100 sets of non-PFAS turnout gear by Wednesday 31 December 2025, providing one set for every frontline suppression member.

Fire-Dex said the first shipment was delivered in December 2025.

Fire-Dex said the purchase was funded in part through a $2.35 million Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and matching funds from the department.

Dean Crispen, Fire Chief at the San Francisco Fire Department, said: “As the San Francisco Fire Department continues to lead in innovation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our members.

“Firefighting is inherently dangerous, and our personnel deserve access to the most modern, protective, and safest turnout gear available.

“Transitioning to PFAS-free equipment is a critical step in advancing our mission: safeguarding the public by ensuring our firefighters remain healthy and able to serve at their highest capacity,

“This distribution represents more than new gear, it reflects a strong, coordinated effort among the Fire Department, our elected leaders, SF Firefighters IAFF Local 798, and the SF Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation.

“Milliken and Fire-Dex rose to this challenge, demonstrating what is possible when partners are united by a shared purpose.

“This collaboration is what the residents and visitors of San Francisco expect and deserve.

“A protected workforce is the foundation of a protected community.

“By investing in the well-being of our firefighters, we strengthen the health, resilience, and safety of San Francisco as a whole.”

non-PFAS rollout follows city ordinance

Fire-Dex said the transition follows an ordinance passed in May 2024 that made San Francisco the first city in the country to ban the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighters’ turnout gear.

Fire-Dex said the ordinance set a deadline of Monday 30 June 2026 for the department to complete the switch.

Fire-Dex said department officials moved to procure and test potential options and selected the final gear ahead of that deadline.

Fire-Dex said San Francisco covers 49 square miles and is the fourth largest city in California.

Fire-Dex said the San Francisco Fire Department is the 10th largest fire department in the United States and serves an estimated 1.5 million people.

Fire-Dex said the department operates 45 stations and responds to an average of 180,000 annual emergency calls.

Testing, UL certification and NFPA standards

Fire-Dex said the selected gear went through performance and safety testing, including a 90-day wear trial with 50 firefighters.

Fire-Dex said the trial included live fire training at the San Francisco Division of Training burn rooms.

Fire-Dex said the turnout gear is UL certified.

Fire-Dex said it meets the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971-2018 and 1971-2025 standards.

Fire-Dex said non-fluorinated fabrics have existed for turnout gear outer shells and thermal liners, while moisture barrier alternatives remained a technical challenge.

Moisture barrier and supply chain partners

Fire-Dex said Milliken & Company introduced Milliken Assure in October 2024 as a non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier.

Fire-Dex said this enabled Fire-Dex to provide a solution that met the department’s requirements.

Marcio Manique, SVP and Managing Director of Milliken’s apparel business, said: “A non-PFAS moisture barrier was the missing piece for departments wanting to move away from fluorinated chemicals.

“With Assure, we refused to trade one hazard for another.

“It meets the strictest performance standards without adding weight or compromising breathability – giving firefighters exactly what they asked for.”

Fire-Dex said the San Francisco Fire Department worked with MES Life Safety to order the garments from Fire-Dex and to size each firefighter individually.

Jeff Koledo, Vice President of Sales at Fire-Dex, stated: “Fire-Dex is honored to supply the San Francisco Fire Department with AeroFlex turnout gear featuring a non-fluorinated moisture barrier,

“We’re grateful to work alongside Milliken and MES in delivering this solution.

“Our goal has always been to provide fire departments across the country with options that meet their needs – and ultimately ensure they have the essential protection required to keep their communities safe.”

What this means for PPE procurement

The San Francisco Fire Department’s timeline sets out how quickly a large urban department can complete a non-PFAS turnout gear changeover when a city ordinance includes a fixed compliance date.

The sourcing approach described by Fire-Dex links grant funding, matching departmental funds and a structured sizing programme delivered through a distributor.

The testing details, including a 90-day wear trial during live fire training, provide a reference point for training officers and equipment specifiers considering how to validate new PPE before full rollout.

The UL certification and NFPA 1971-2018 and 1971-2025 compliance claims provide a standards-based checklist for procurement teams comparing options.

The moisture barrier requirement, described as a key technical constraint, frames why some departments may focus evaluation on barrier performance, weight and breathability alongside shell and liner fabrics.

Siderise curtain wall firestop system named Architectural Record Product of the Year

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsConstructionSafety

Siderise system wins Architectural Record award

Siderise has announced that its CW-FS Firestop and CW-CB Cavity Barrier system has been named a 2025 Architectural Record Product of the Year in the Building Systems & Materials category.

The recognition comes from the New York based architecture and design publication Architectural Record, which highlighted innovation, performance integrity and contributions to the built environment.

The award relates to the CW-FS and CW-CB configuration for modern curtain wall façades and perimeter joints.

Siderise introduced the system to the US market in January 2025 after an extended programme of testing, research and refinement.

The company presents the solution as a passive fire protection option for projects that must accommodate façade movement and complex geometry at the slab edge.

Curtain wall firestopping engineered for movement

According to Siderise, the CW-FS and CW-CB combination is built around its Lamella vertical fibre stone wool construction.

This material arrangement is described as maintaining form, fit and fire performance as the façade and structure move over time.

The company sees this behaviour as especially important at the perimeter joint, where deflection and changes in joint width can be pronounced.

The system is intended for use with curtain wall assemblies where maintaining a reliable fire resisting seal under service movement is a design requirement.

Siderise states that the Lamella construction supports long term perimeter fire containment where traditional firestopping approaches may be challenged by movement.

Modular system and technical support package

The CW-FS Firestop and CW-CB Cavity Barrier system is offered as a modular solution to simplify specification and installation.

Siderise manufactures pre cut sections in a range of widths to tight tolerances for repetition in standard details.

The firm also supplies sheet material for adaptation on site when façade joints or cavity conditions fall outside typical configurations.

To support accurate specification, Siderise provides Digital Specification Packs that collate current technical datasheets, certifications, BIM objects and specification clauses.

Project teams can receive detailed technical submittals that align with particular building geometries and stated performance criteria.

Design stage guidance is available for architects, façade engineers and fire consultants working through curtain wall interface details.

The company also refers to site services delivered through the Siderise app, including training, benchmark constructions and installation inspections.

These tools are presented as a way of helping project teams align in service performance with the results achieved in laboratory testing.

Siderise comments on Architectural Record recognition

Brad Davis, Head of Commercial, Siderise North America, welcomed the Architectural Record Product of the Year award for the curtain wall system.

Brad Davis, Head of Commercial, Siderise North America, said: “We are honored to receive this recognition from Architectural Record,”

“The CW-FS and CW-CB system for curtain walling reflects our commitment to engineering passive fire protection solutions that are not only robust and resilient, but that support design teams with transparent, specification-ready information.

“This award reinforces the importance of providing movement-tolerant systems that safeguard perimeter fire containment over the entire design life of the building.”

AFSA names regional directors and officers for 2025–26 leadership term

by Americas - Breaking NewsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeople

AFSA confirms 2025–26 board officers

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has confirmed its 2025–26 board of directors and officer appointments following elections held at the board’s October 2025 meeting in the US.

AFSA reported that Paul DeLorie of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, has been elected chair.

Jay Strickland of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety in Forestville, Maryland, has been elected first vice chair.

Chris Johnson, president and co-founder of Piper Fire Protection, a Fortis Brand in Clearwater, Florida, has been elected second vice chair.

AFSA stated that Jeff Phifer of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, in Lugoff, South Carolina, will serve as secretary.

Tommy Clements, president and Chief Executive Officer of VSC Fire & Security in Richmond, Virginia, has been elected treasurer.

DeLorie is Senior Vice President of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., which AFSA described as one of the largest merit shop fire sprinkler companies in New England.

A 1984 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, DeLorie has more than 40 years of experience in sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management and senior management.

AFSA noted that DeLorie previously served as a board member and treasurer of the AFSA Patriot Chapter, now known as the New England Chapter.

He has also served on the Associated Builders and Contractors New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter board, including a term as chair.

AFSA confirmed that DeLorie joined its national board in 2014 and has chaired several national committees.

He served as the board’s treasurer for four years before his election as chair.

Paul DeLorie, Senior Vice President at Hampshire Fire Protection Co. and AFSA Chair, said: “I am honored to be chair and work alongside dedicated and talented board members who have great industry experience and passion for our cause.

“Our directors make a lasting impact on our communities and the success of our members.

“They are championing fire safety and supporting our industry’s growth, innovation, education and training.

“That’s what AFSA is all about.”

AFSA board structure and regional directors

AFSA stated that DeLorie will lead a board of directors that includes regional directors, at-large directors and the immediate past chair.

The organisation said the regional structure is organised into ten areas, with each director linked to a specific part of the US and their company affiliation.

Region 1 is represented by Brooks Bayne, co-owner and Vice President of Operations at AFP Systems, based in Tualatin, Oregon.

Region 2 is represented by Wayne Weisz, President of Cen-Cal Fire Systems, based in Lodi, California.

Region 3 is represented by Don Kaufman, President of Kaufman Fire Protection, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Region 4 is currently vacant.

Region 5 is represented by Linda M. Biernacki, founder and President of Fire Tech Systems, based in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Region 6 is represented by Jay Strickland, Vice President of Business Development at Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, based in Forestville, Maryland.

Region 7 is represented by Chris Johnson, President and co-founder of Piper Fire Protection, a Fortis Brand, based in Clearwater, Florida.

Region 8 is represented by Jeff Phifer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, based in Lugoff, South Carolina.

Region 9 is represented by Tommy Clements, President and Chief Executive Officer of VSC Fire & Security, based in Richmond, Virginia.

Region 10 is represented by Paul DeLorie, Senior Vice President of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

At-large, ex-officio and retiring AFSA directors

AFSA reported that several individuals will serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the board.

These non-voting members are Dwight E. Bateman of VSC Fire & Security in Houston, Don Becker, AFSA Life Member based in Dallas Center, Iowa, and Bob Rees of API in High Point, North Carolina.

They also include Manning Strickland of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, based in Forestville, Maryland, and Willie Templin of American Automatic Sprinkler, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

The list of ex-officio members continues with Larry Thibodeau of Hampshire Fire Protection Co. in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and Jack Viola of JFV Engineering in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Ted Wills of Anchor Fire Protection/Sciens Building Solutions in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, is also an ex-officio member.

AFSA stated that the at-large directors are Hunter Brendle, President of Brendle Sprinkler Company, based in Montgomery, Alabama, and Mindy Buckley, Chief Financial Officer and co-owner of Allsouth Sprinkler Company, based in Buford, Georgia.

Michael F. Meehan, Chairman of VSC Fire & Security, based in Richmond, Virginia, also serves as an at-large director.

AFSA confirmed that at-large director and Immediate Past Chair Jack A. Medovich of Summit Companies, based in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, has retired from the board as of Monday 30 September 2025.

Region 4 Director Rod DiBona, Executive Vice President at Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, has also retired from the board as of the same date.

Wildfire Alerts app brings real-time wildfire information to all US states

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Nationwide Wildfire Alerts reach every US state

Watch Duty has expanded its Wildfire Alerts platform from 22 US states to nationwide coverage, providing verified real-time wildfire information to communities across the country from 1 December 2025.

The nonprofit organisation said it launched just four years ago to serve a small number of counties in California and has since built a wider presence in public safety.

According to Watch Duty, its core public service focuses on actionable wildfire updates and also includes air quality index readings, wind direction information and red-flag warnings delivered through the Watch Duty app.

The organisation stated that these core services remain free, ad-free and open to all users.

Alongside the free offer, Watch Duty has developed subscription-based tools that provide deeper operational detail for users who need enhanced intelligence.

These tools include advanced mapping, extended weather information, aircraft tracking, utility infrastructure overlays and satellite-based detections, which the organisation positions as a professional-grade feature set at lower cost than traditional commercial platforms.

John Clarke Mills, Co-Founder and CEO of Watch Duty, said: “We’re transforming how disaster information is shared by putting people, not profit, at the center.

“This nationwide expansion ensures no one faces disaster in the dark, like I was in 2021 when I founded Watch Duty.

“By bringing first responders and technologists together, we’re solving long-standing problems in public safety and we’re doing it better, faster, and together.”

Platform functions and wildfire risk context

Watch Duty stated that wildfire is no longer confined to local fire seasons or narrow geographic areas.

The organisation reported that nearly one in three people in the US now lives in an area that faces elevated wildfire risk and that smoke from distant fires can affect people far beyond the fire perimeter.

It highlighted research reported by The Washington Post which estimates that wildfire smoke contributes to more than 40,000 premature deaths in the US each year.

According to Watch Duty, these health impacts make wildfire smoke one of the most serious environmental hazards facing the country.

The organisation argued that, despite the availability of detection technology and suppression resources, critical data about fast-moving incidents often reaches the public slowly or in uneven ways.

It said that many warning signals sit inside fragmented systems that were not designed to share information directly with the public.

Watch Duty stated that its service is designed to close this gap by collecting, verifying and translating complex information streams in real time.

The platform then presents this information as plain-language, map-based updates so that users can understand changing conditions and act more quickly.

Recent wildfire use and role in operations centres

Watch Duty reported that its service was heavily used during the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County in California.

According to the organisation, more than 8,000,000 people used the platform in a single week during that period.

The company said its live feed was displayed inside the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center as a primary source of ongoing intelligence.

Watch Duty stated that this operational use case demonstrates how its service can support both the public and decision-makers during active wildfire events.

With the shift to nationwide coverage, the organisation said it is aiming to build a system where verified updates can move at the same speed as emergencies in any US state.

It added that the goal is to give every user information that can help them protect people, property and other assets that matter to them.

To support its work, Watch Duty invited users to download the app for free through the App Store or Google Play, to share it with friends and family and to consider donating, partnering or volunteering.

Operational value of nationwide wildfire intelligence

Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers can use information from Watch Duty’s nationwide rollout to assess how public alerting tools may support situational awareness during fast-moving wildfire incidents.

Emergency and disaster response managers may examine how map-based wildfire information, air quality index data and weather details from a single national platform could feed into control rooms and operations centres.

Government departments with responsibility for public alerting and warning systems could evaluate whether the reported use of Watch Duty as a live intelligence feed in the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center offers a model for closer collaboration with nonprofit data providers.

Risk assessors and fire engineering consultants may consider how estimates reported by The Washington Post on wildfire smoke-related premature deaths interact with existing health risk frameworks and long-term planning.

Facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors can review whether nationwide access to consistent wildfire information and smoke impacts may support continuity planning, evacuation decisions and air handling strategies for their sites.

The new platform changing first responders communications

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsCommunications

AT&T launches Fusion platform for unified first responder communications

AT&T has announced Fusion, a new mission-critical communications platform designed to connect first responders across virtually any radio system or US wireless carrier.

According to the company, Fusion is built for all first responders, whether they subscribe to FirstNet individually, through their agency, or use another network provider.

The platform will integrate features such as push-to-talk, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) dispatch and connected devices in a single interface.

AT&T said the goal is to reduce the time and complexity of communication during emergency response, improving coordination between agencies and cutting seconds from response times.

Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet at AT&T, said: “FirstNet is in a league of its own – and Fusion further reinforces our unwavering commitment to providing all first responders with the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.”

“It also allows us to set a new standard for how America responds to emergencies and coordinates operations.”

The company added that unlike competitors that declined to partner with public safety when invited, FirstNet remains the only dedicated nationwide broadband network designed for emergency responders.

Fusion Link to connect with any public safety radio system

AT&T said Fusion will include Fusion Link, a universal gateway allowing the system to integrate with nearly any traditional land-mobile radio (LMR) used by public safety.

The company explained that while existing bridge solutions often require proprietary hardware or software, Fusion Link adheres to 3GPP and APCO P25 open standards to support wider interoperability.

This approach, AT&T stated, will allow agencies to extend their communication infrastructure more affordably while improving coordination during multi-agency operations or large-scale incidents.

Fusion will also enable first responders to create custom talkgroups and channels in seconds rather than the hours or days needed on conventional systems.

Integration with other public safety technologies

AT&T said Fusion will serve as an open platform capable of integrating with wider emergency response ecosystems, including situational awareness and call-handling systems.

The company is working with Axon and Carbyne to link Fusion with Axon’s Fusus situational awareness platform and Carbyne’s APEX 9-1-1 call-handling system.

According to AT&T, this integration will allow dispatchers to transmit caller information, such as location and video, directly to incident commanders without needing to relay messages by radio.

The Axon integration will also enable responders to access live body-worn camera feeds and view Fusion-enabled device locations, improving operational visibility and safety.

AT&T said further partnerships with public safety technology providers are in development.

Availability and pricing details

AT&T confirmed that Fusion will be introduced to selected agencies in November as part of a controlled rollout before wider availability early next year.

The company said the platform will be the most affordable mission-critical push-to-talk solution currently available once fully launched.

Agencies and responders can learn more at the FirstNet booth during the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) event in Denver or by contacting FirstNet consultants.

AT&T added that individual first responders can subscribe to FirstNet through AT&T retail outlets, with family members eligible for discounts on commercial plans.

Implications for emergency communication and coordination

Fusion’s introduction has direct implications for emergency communication leaders, command officers and technical coordinators responsible for public safety networks.

By enabling seamless communication across carriers, devices and jurisdictions, Fusion could reduce dependence on single-network radio systems and simplify multi-agency collaboration during large-scale incidents.

Integration with NG 9-1-1 and situational awareness systems may also enhance coordination between dispatchers, incident commanders and field responders, reducing communication gaps during critical moments.

The platform’s adherence to open standards will be relevant for public safety technology planners, procurement officers and network engineers assessing interoperability between existing land-mobile systems and broadband platforms.

If widely adopted, Fusion could become a foundation for future emergency communication networks linking voice, data and real-time visual information.

AGF Manufacturing launches AGFConnect remote monitoring for auxiliary drains

by Americas - Breaking NewsAmericas - ProductsBreaking NewsFire DetectionFire Suppression

AGFConnect system offers real-time alerts for fire sprinkler drain servicing

AGF Manufacturing has announced the launch of AGFConnect, a wireless monitoring system for auxiliary drains used in dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems.

The company said the product was designed to simplify maintenance, improve visibility and prevent costly freeze damage.

AGFConnect combines a sensor and gateway setup to alert users when drains need servicing, providing real-time status updates and notifications via an app or web-based dashboard.

The manufacturer added that by offering early alerts, the system helps contractors and facility managers prevent accidental system trips and avoid unnecessary site visits.

Independent cloud-based connectivity

According to AGF Manufacturing, AGFConnect operates independently of the fire alarm panel or building management system.

The gateway communicates directly with the AGFConnect cloud platform, where users can view drain status, receive alerts and access maintenance history from any connected device.

Two gateway models are available: an Indoor Gateway with Ethernet connection for conditioned spaces, and an Outdoor Gateway with cellular connectivity for exposed environments.

Both include a backup battery to maintain communication during power outages and connect to a standard 120-volt power supply.

Designed for contractors and facility managers

AGF Manufacturing explained that AGFConnect enables contractors to remotely monitor client drains and schedule proactive maintenance.

For facility managers, the system provides immediate alerts when drains require attention, reducing maintenance time and the likelihood of water or ice damage.

Jim McHugh, President at AGF Manufacturing, said: “AGFConnect brings smart technology to one of the most overlooked components of fire sprinkler systems, the auxiliary drain.”

“It’s a simple, cost-effective way to improve maintenance efficiency, reduce risk, and protect property.”

Availability through distributors

AGFConnect is now available through AGF Manufacturing’s authorised distributors.

The company said the system aims to make auxiliary drain management more reliable while helping reduce overall maintenance costs.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

AGFConnect introduces a practical monitoring option for contractors and facility managers responsible for maintaining dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems.

The system’s ability to send real-time alerts helps reduce the risk of freeze damage and water discharge from neglected drains, improving equipment reliability and service efficiency.

By allowing remote visibility of auxiliary drains through cloud-based monitoring, it can reduce unnecessary travel for inspection teams and streamline scheduling for maintenance contractors.

Facility managers in cold-weather regions or sites with extensive dry pipe installations may benefit from reduced repair costs and faster response to drainage issues.

What HEN Technologies’ new Foundation means for firefighter wellbeing

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsHealth and Safety

HEN Technologies launches HEN Foundation to strengthen firefighter safety

Initiative to empower US fire departments

HEN Technologies has announced the launch of the HEN Foundation, a nonprofit organisation aimed at supporting fire departments across the United States.

According to the company, the Foundation will provide equipment, resources and training designed to improve firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

The initiative builds on HEN Technologies’ ongoing work in fire suppression and safety innovation.

Sunny Sethi, Chief Executive Officer of HEN Technologies, said that the Foundation marks the next step in the company’s commitment to those serving on the front line.

Board members bring decades of service experience

The HEN Foundation’s Board of Directors includes Ray McCormack, Frank Leeb and Tonya Hoover, all retired senior leaders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA).

The company said their combined experience will guide the Foundation’s three strategic pillars of work – equipment, education and renewal.

Through its Equipment programme, the Foundation will supply National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant gear to departments identified as needing safety upgrades.

Under the Education pillar, departments will have access to research-based, practical training focused on confidence and performance on the fireground.

Frank Leeb, national fire service leader and Foundation training advisor, said: “Education and training are essential for the fire service.

“It also allows us to provide world-class instruction to departments nationwide through the HEN Foundation, which is incredible.”

Supporting families through renewal

The Renewal pillar will provide funded retreats for the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Each experience, including travel, lodging and meals, will be covered in full through Foundation funding.

Tonya Hoover, national fire service advocate, said: “Left behind with the loss of a fallen hero is a family whose world is forever changed.

“Renewal is our promise to help those families find peace, support, and space to work through the journey of healing.”

Funding and mission outlook

The Foundation is supported through donations from individuals and organisations committed to improving firefighter safety and community resilience.

According to The Wjo Foundation and the O’Neil family, an initial grant of $1.5 million will fund early programmes and outreach.

The donors said: “We are proud to make a $1,500,000 foundational grant to the HEN Foundation to help advance its mission of service and protection.

“We’re honoured to support the efforts of firefighters across America who work every day to make our communities safer.

“We believe in translating innovation into lifesaving impact and strengthening the resilience of communities everywhere.”

Ray McCormack, President of the HEN Foundation, said: “Now more than ever, the fire service needs access to safe, reliable and modern tools.

“We established the Foundation to ensure every department, regardless of size or budget, has the equipment and education necessary to protect their firefighters and the communities they serve.”

According to the Foundation, its goal is to equip, educate and renew the fire service so every firefighter and family can access the support they need both on and off the fireground.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The creation of the HEN Foundation offers practical value for fire chiefs, training officers and procurement managers across the United States.

Its Equipment programme could assist departments with limited budgets by providing NFPA-compliant gear and resources that meet national safety standards.

For training officers, the Education pillar introduces structured, research-informed instruction intended to enhance operational performance during emergency response.

The Renewal programme also addresses the long-term impact of firefighter fatalities, offering structured support to bereaved families within the fire service community.

These developments align with current efforts to reduce firefighter risk exposure while strengthening national preparedness through shared training and equipment access.

Colombia partners with OroraTech to launch national wildfire detection programme

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

The satellite partnership changing how Colombia tackles wildfires

Colombia has become the first country in Latin America to introduce a national wildfire detection programme using satellite technology.

The initiative follows a new partnership between the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and OroraTech, supported by local representative GeoSpatial.

According to OroraTech, the pilot programme deploys the company’s Wildfire Solution (WFS) platform, which combines thermal satellite imagery with artificial intelligence to detect and track wildfires in near real time.

The system will deliver continuous monitoring across Colombia to help protect ecosystems, shorten emergency response times and reduce risks to affected communities.

Ana Milena Prada, Deputy Director for Risk Knowledge at UNGRD, said: “With this partnership, Colombia strengthens its risk knowledge capabilities through investment in a modern wildfire detection and monitoring infrastructure that will help protect our population, environment and biodiversity.

“It also enhances the work of institutions by enabling early threat identification and more timely response, even in the most remote areas of the country.”

Training and implementation across Colombia

More than 700 members of the National Disaster Risk Management System have been trained to use the WFS platform.

OroraTech’s Customer Success team led in-person training in Bogotá in May 2025, delivering practical sessions based on real case studies tailored to local wildfire conditions.

UNGRD has also conducted over 15 virtual and in-person sessions nationwide to support regional adoption and improve operational understanding of the platform.

Protecting biodiversity and building capacity

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, with nearly half its land located in the Amazon rainforest.

The national WFS platform will centralise wildfire intelligence, delivering alerts and data to emergency services, park rangers and government agencies.

Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech, said: “We are protecting the Amazon rainforest for the future in ways that weren’t possible before deploying our technology.

“We are supporting and partnering with UNGRD to roll out our capabilities nationwide, marking a milestone in wildfire management for Latin America.”

The WFS platform integrates data from more than 30 public and private satellites.

It delivers low-latency alerts and maps emerging fires to create a real-time common operating picture for emergency coordination.

This enables faster prioritisation of threats, fewer false alarms and improved response planning across affected areas.

Reinforcing national disaster management systems

By introducing this programme, Colombia has strengthened its National Disaster Risk Management System with new tools for prevention and early detection.

The collaboration positions the country as a regional leader in space-based environmental protection and wildfire mitigation.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development holds practical value for wildfire management agencies, emergency response coordinators and disaster risk managers.

The adoption of a satellite-based early detection system introduces a model for integrating real-time thermal data and AI analytics into operational decision-making.

For professionals involved in wildfire control and environmental risk management, Colombia’s programme demonstrates how space technology can be scaled to national-level systems.

It also provides a case study in capacity building, showing how local authorities and emergency responders can be trained to use complex digital tools effectively.

Fire and safety professionals monitoring regional cooperation or seeking to apply similar detection technologies elsewhere may find Colombia’s partnership with OroraTech a relevant example of international technology transfer in disaster risk reduction.

Bill Webb ends 30-year tenure leading CFSI and advancing US fire services

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeople

Bill Webb announces retirement from CFSI after 30 years

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has announced that Executive Director Bill Webb will retire on Wednesday 31 December 2025 after 30 years in the role.

Webb shared the news during a reception attended by members of the CFSI National Advisory Committee and long-time associates.

In his remarks, Webb said: “A friend of mine recently summed up his career by saying you never have to work a day in your life if you enjoy what you’re doing.

“For the most part, those words describe how I feel about my work.

“I did not look at my days in the office as work, but more as an opportunity to serve others and by doing so, contribute a little something to the safety of our great nation.”

Leadership through six Administrations

During his tenure, Webb worked with six presidential Administrations and ten United States Fire Administrators.

CFSI said his contributions included the creation of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in 2000, support for the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Academy, and continued advocacy for fire safety and prevention.

He also maintained close relationships with members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, helping to preserve its bipartisan approach to advancing fire and emergency service issues.

According to CFSI, these efforts have shaped legislative engagement on key fire service priorities for more than two decades.

Estepp praises Webb’s legacy

CFSI President Jim Estepp acknowledged Webb’s leadership, quoting former US President Harry Truman: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Estepp said: “At times a quiet force, Bill has undoubtedly proven himself as a pivotal fire service leader over the past 30 years, influencing important issues in Washington, DC, that have greatly benefited our nation’s fire and emergency services.

“We will miss his leadership.”

Michaela Campbell appointed as successor

Estepp confirmed that Michaela Campbell, currently CFSI Director of Government Affairs, will succeed Webb as Executive Director.

Campbell has previous experience working in Congress for Senator Susan Collins, as well as serving as a lobbyist and legislative assistant.

Estepp said: “Throughout the years, Michaela has demonstrated herself to be a strong leader and effective voice for our nation’s fire services.

“I am confident that she will continue the legacy of strong leadership set by Bill Webb as our next Executive Director.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The leadership change at CFSI marks a major transition for US fire service policy engagement.

Bill Webb’s tenure coincided with key legislative milestones, including the establishment of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which has provided funding to departments nationwide for training, equipment and safety improvements.

For senior officers, policymakers and association representatives, the appointment of Michaela Campbell ensures continuity in federal advocacy for fire and emergency services.

Her background in congressional affairs and lobbying positions her to maintain CFSI’s established role as a bridge between legislators and the fire service community.