Upcoming webinar: From data to decision in the fight against wildfires

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - EventsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesSafetyWildland FireWildland Fire

Electric utilities across North America are facing a growing crisis as wildfire seasons become longer, more destructive and increasingly unpredictable. In response, industry leaders are shifting their strategy from reacting to fires to preventing them.

A new webinar, From Data to Decision: Powering the Future of Wildfire Prevention for Utility Networks, will explore how this transformation is taking shape on April 28.

REGISTER HERE

The upcoming session, hosted by IFSJ sister publication FSJA, will bring together experts and utility professionals to examine how data is being harnessed to reduce wildfire risk and protect critical infrastructure.

At the heart of this shift is a move beyond simple data collection toward actionable intelligence, insights that can guide decisions across operations, risk management and long-term infrastructure planning.

Modern situational awareness platforms and predictive analytics are playing a central role. Utilities are now integrating a wide range of data sources, including localised climate patterns, real-time weather observations, vegetation health and encroachment monitoring, asset condition reports, historical outage trends and wildfire progression models.

These inputs are enabling a more comprehensive understanding of risk across utility networks.

Emerging technologies are also expanding the toolkit available to utilities. Artificial intelligence-powered smoke detection systems, for example, are helping identify potential ignitions earlier than ever before, giving operators valuable time to respond before incidents escalate.

The webinar will highlight how advances in vegetation intelligence, machine learning applied to localised climate extremes, and infrastructure risk scoring are allowing utilities to prioritise mitigation efforts more effectively.

By focusing resources where they are needed most, companies can strengthen resilience while improving public safety outcomes.

Wildfire experts to speak

Among the featured speakers is Chris Waters, a retired Operational Division Chief from CAL FIRE with 25 years of experience in wildfire management. Waters, now Principal of Fireshed Forestry Solutions, brings deep expertise in fire behavior modeling, predictive analytics, and risk assessment, informed by his work on major incidents including the 2021 Dixie Fire.

Joining him is Chuck Parker, Vice President of Sales – Americas at Indji Systems, Inc., and Director of Business Development for the utility industry. With more than two decades of experience, Parker has contributed extensively to industry knowledge through expert papers and conference presentations focused on lightning science, natural hazards, and data-driven solutions for utilities.

As wildfire risk continues to redefine operational priorities, the webinar aims to provide attendees with practical insights into how leading utilities are leveraging data to move from awareness to action. The session underscores a broader industry trend: prevention, powered by intelligence, is becoming the new frontline in wildfire management.

Sign up for the webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/666672836818352474

The future of wildfire technology

by Aerial FirefightingAmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - EventsAviationEventsFire SuppressionWildland FireWildland Fire

The world is making significant investments to rise to the challenge of managing and responding to deadly wildfires. Not only has the US federal government expanded budgets to prevent and defend against wildfires, but it is also evaluating the organisation of its federal wildfire agencies.

Likewise, state and local governments and utility companies are increasing their investments in wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit, taking place on April 21-22, 2026, at the Kona Kai Hotel in San Diego, CA, convenes senior decision-makers from across the wildfire ecosystem to tackle real-world challenges, accelerate modernisation efforts and shape the next phase of wildfire resilience, prevention, and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit agenda

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find in the agenda:

✔️ Timely and high-priority sessions, such as the role of the brand-new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, advancing wildfire capabilities, AI and its role in wildfire intelligence, management strategies, and more!

✔️ Recently confirmed speakers, including Dirk Giles and Jessica Haas from the U.S. Forest Service, Sean Triplett and Mike Falkowski from Earth Fire Alliance and Brian D’Agostino from San Diego Gas and Electric, alongside many new additions

✔️ Networking opportunities with more than 300 senior wildfire experts, all focused on exploring solutions for the prediction, prevention, detection, suppression, and mitigation of destructive wildland fires

Download the agenda to find out more.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis

by Americas - EventsCommunicationsEventsFeatured News

PSBTA announces FirstNet Vision Summit 2025

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has confirmed that the 2025 Vision Summit will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September.

According to the PSBTA, the annual event is the primary FirstNet users summit, continuing from last year’s Vision 2024 in Las Vegas.

The association said the summit will bring together first responders, policymakers, and technology experts to address the future of public safety communications.

It added that the programme will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration.

The PSBTA explained that the event also offers demonstrations of communication technologies designed to support emergency response.

FirstNet developments and policy issues

The PSBTA reported that this year’s agenda will cover FirstNet reinvestment strategies, expansion of 5G coverage, and improvements to interoperability.

The association stated that discussions will also focus on the reauthorisation of FirstNet, due in 2027, and spectrum management policies including the 4.9 GHz band.

It added that these topics are central to ensuring continued access for public safety agencies across the United States.

According to the PSBTA, participants will hear from national officials involved in FirstNet governance and operations.

The organisation explained that these include representatives from FirstNet Authority and AT&T, alongside senior emergency communications personnel.

Technology sessions and future trends

The PSBTA said that the Vision Summit will feature sessions on emerging technologies relevant to public safety.

It reported that these include Internet of Things applications, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, drone deployment, and NG9-1-1.

The association explained that the sessions are intended to provide end users with practical information about integrating new technologies.

It added that the aim is to ensure first responders can adopt these tools in ways that enhance safety and coordination.

According to the PSBTA, presentations will also highlight the role of technology in health and wellness initiatives for responders.

Keynote speakers confirmed

The PSBTA confirmed that keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

It reported that Dr John Delony, host of The Dr John Delony Show and co-host of The Ramsey Show, will also address delegates.

The association stated that Thomas Chenworth, Deputy Chief, and John Donnelly, Chief of the Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department, will present on the D.C. plane crash.

It added that public safety leaders from Southern California will give a keynote presentation on wildfires in Los Angeles.

According to the PSBTA, additional speakers from across the public safety community will be announced.

Networking and collaboration opportunities

The PSBTA said that Vision Summit attendees will have opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration throughout the event.

It reported that informal discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions will provide a forum for sharing operational experience.

The association explained that the event is designed to help agencies learn from each other’s use of FirstNet and related technologies.

It added that networking opportunities also include access to policymakers and technology vendors supporting public safety communications.

According to the PSBTA, the summit’s format aims to support both structured learning and informal professional exchange.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The PSBTA explained that FirstNet is the dedicated nationwide broadband network designed for first responders in the United States.

It stated that developments discussed at the Vision Summit could affect how fire services access and share mission critical information.

The association noted that sessions on 5G expansion, spectrum management, and interoperability are directly relevant to fire and rescue operations.

It added that technology demonstrations and case studies will provide practical insights for agencies looking to enhance emergency communication capabilities.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis: Summary

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has announced the 2025 Vision Summit.

The event will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September 2025.

The summit is described as the main FirstNet users event in the United States.

The programme includes panels, keynotes, technology demonstrations, and peer collaboration sessions.

Topics will cover FirstNet reinvestment, 5G expansion, interoperability improvements, and spectrum management.

The reauthorisation of FirstNet by 2027 will also be discussed.

Emerging technologies featured include IoT, AR, AI, drones, and NG9-1-1.

Keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb, Dr John Delony, and Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS officials.

Public safety leaders from Southern California will present on wildfires in Los Angeles.

The summit will also provide networking and collaboration opportunities for attendees.

Fire and safety professionals may gain insights on communications systems relevant to emergency response.

The PSBTA stated that these developments are directly relevant to fire and rescue services in the United States.

Rapid City firefighters receive Ben Franklin Award for Valor after high-risk rescue

by Americas - EventsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

IAFC recognises firefighters for high-risk rescue

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has named four members of the Rapid City Fire Department as recipients of the 2025 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

According to the IAFC, firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton, along with Fire Chief Jason Culberson, were honoured for their actions during a vehicle extrication and high-risk gas leak.

The IAFC said the incident took place on 9 April 2024 at 10:41pm in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Emergency crews were dispatched after a vehicle, travelling at an estimated 117 miles per hour, became airborne for more than 50 feet before colliding with a three-storey apartment building.

The IAFC reported that the crash damaged the building between the second and third floors and struck the main gas line, causing a leak at explosive limits.

Actions taken by first responders

The IAFC said Steen, Jasnoch and Helton, collectively known as M1, were among the first to arrive at the scene.

It stated that they identified the severity of the gas leak and the condition of the surviving occupant in the vehicle.

The IAFC noted that the team removed the passenger and delivered life-saving treatment without protective gear or breathing apparatus.

It added that the passenger’s survival was due to the quick response of the firefighters.

The IAFC said Culberson coordinated the evacuation of 50 residents from the building, working with Pennington County Emergency Management and other agencies.

Recognition from IAFC leadership

IAFC president and board chair Chief Josh Waldo said: “The Ben Franklin Award for Valor, named after Benjamin Franklin, our nation’s first volunteer fire chief, is our most prestigious award, honouring firefighters who go above and beyond in the name of public safety.

“We are grateful to this year’s winners.

“Your training, leadership and bravery are a tremendous inspiration.”

Comments from Motorola Solutions

Frank Galvin, vice president of Motorola Solutions, said: “The heroes of the Rapid City Fire Department chose to put themselves at great risk to save lives in an extraordinary display of selflessness.

“The challenges M1 faced are a reminder of how complex and dangerous firefighting is as a profession.

“One issue can quickly escalate into another, requiring first responders to be observant, adaptable and quick to act.

“On behalf of everyone at Motorola Solutions, thank you for your bravery and congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”

Presentation of awards

The IAFC said medals of honour were given to Steen, Jasnoch and Helton on 14 August 2025.

It stated that the presentation took place during the Fire-Rescue International conference in Orlando, Florida.

The IAFC confirmed that Culberson received a plaque recognising his leadership during the incident.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFC’s account of this incident highlights the operational risks faced when structural damage is combined with a hazardous materials release.

The response illustrates the importance of rapid situational assessment and coordinated action when managing multiple simultaneous threats.

The incident also shows the role of leadership in directing multi-agency cooperation during high-risk evacuations.

Recognition events such as the Ben Franklin Award for Valor may contribute to knowledge-sharing and awareness among emergency services.

Rapid City firefighters receive Ben Franklin Award for Valor after high-risk rescue: Summary

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced four Rapid City Fire Department members as recipients of the 2025 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

The IAFC said firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton, along with Fire Chief Jason Culberson, were recognised for actions during a vehicle extrication and gas leak.

The IAFC reported that the incident occurred on 9 April 2024 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

It said a vehicle crashed into a three-storey apartment building at high speed, damaging the structure and striking the main gas line.

The IAFC stated that Steen, Jasnoch and Helton removed a passenger and delivered treatment without protective gear.

It confirmed that Culberson coordinated the evacuation of 50 residents.

The IAFC said medals were presented to the firefighters on 14 August 2025.

It stated that Culberson received a plaque recognising his leadership.

Fire Service Cultural Competency Certificate Program – Washington, D.C.

by Americas - EventsAssociations and OrganisationsEventsHealth and SafetyHealthcare

We are excited to invite you to the Fire Service Cultural Competency Certificate Program in Washington, D.C., presented by FSPA and the DC Fire & EMS Department. This UNIQUE and immersive program offers 7 Continuing Education (CE) credits, making it an invaluable opportunity for psychologists and masters-level mental health clinicians to gain unique insights into the world of firefighting and emergency medical services. The program will take place in conjunction with FSPA’s 7th Annual Conference, but attendance at the conference is not required for enrolment in this comprehensive training.

The program will take place in conjunction with FSPA’s 7th Annual Conference on October 3&4, but attendance at the conference is not required for enrolment in this comprehensive training.

Program Schedule:

Day 1: Fire Operations 101
• Date: October 2nd
• Location: DC Fire & EMS Training Facility
• Time: 0800-1600 hrs. EDT
Participants will experience realistic firefighting scenarios, including live fire, search and rescue, aerial ladder operations, and medical emergencies such as overdose response.

Day 2: Understanding Fire Service Culture
• Date: October 5th
• Location: DC Fire & EMS Training Facility
• Time: 0800-1600 hrs. EDT
This classroom session will provide a deeper understanding of the unique cultural aspects of the fire service, including performance standards, trauma exposure, and psychological demands.

Participants will also have the opportunity to complete 40 hours of ride-alongs with DC Fire & EMS and receive additional consultation hours to ensure proficiency in fire service psychology.

FSPA’s Cultural Competency Training is unique from other programs because participants will also have the opportunity to complete 40 hours of ride-alongs with fire departments near their practice and receive additional consultation hours to ensure proper support and proficiency as they learn to work with firefighters.  

Space is limited! Click Here to sign up today and secure your spot. For any questions or special accommodation requests, please contact us at info@firepsychology.org.  

We look forward to seeing you in D.C.!

Best regards, Kristen Wheldon Founder, Fire Service Psychology Association

NFPA, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Joey Gase Motorsports drive home fire safety awareness at community event and Watkins Glen Speedway NASCAR race

by Americas - EventsAssociations and Organisations

Gase and car wrapped with Sparky the Fire Dog® will be featured at The Yard FLX community event on September 12, NASCAR Xfinity Series race on September 14.

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Joey Gase Motorsports, LLC are teaming up to drive home the importance of fire safety for communities in Upstate New York. The collaboration between NFPA, Gase, and fire officials is part of an ongoing, collaborative effort to promote Fire Prevention Week™, October 6-12, 2024 and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.™”

On Thursday, September 12, from 4-7 pm, NFPA and Gase, along with local and state public safety officials, are hosting  a community event at The Yard FLX go-kart track. Open to the public, area residents will have the opportunity to meet Gase and check out his race car on display while enjoying fire safety activities that reinforce the importance of working smoke alarms and having a home escape plan, including a fire safety house provided by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Sparky the Fire Dog®, the official NFPA mascot, will also be on-site to greet guests and take pictures together. Some attendees will also get the chance to race against Gase during the festivities.

NFPA is sponsoring Gase in a series of NASCAR race events, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at the Watkins Glen Speedway on Saturday, September 14 at 3:30 pm.

“Our work with Joey has demonstrated the value and impact of delivering potentially life-saving fire safety messages to thousands of NASCAR fans and surrounding communities,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Continuing our work together helps further these messages and maximize the reach and impact of Fire Prevention Week, our biggest public awareness campaign of the year.”

Over the past few months, NFPA has also sponsored Gase at races in Newton, IA and Daytona Beach, FL. Additional races and community events will be sponsored in Talladega, AL and Charlotte, NC, and in surrounding communities in the weeks ahead.

“We are pleased to partner with NFPA on this family-friendly event,” said New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable. “Helping educate the community about fire safety, especially in the home, can go a long way to prevent the devastation that can come with a fire.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” focuses on the importance of having working smoke alarms. According to NFPA’s latest smoke alarms report, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by more than half (60 percent). However, the majority of U.S. home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. 

“It’s an honor to work with NFPA and help remind people that home fires can and do still happen, and that they need to be prepared in the event of one,” said Joey Gase, owner and driver for Joey Gase Motorsports. “My hope in working together is that we can motivate people to take action around home fire safety, which includes taking simple but important steps like making sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes and testing them regularly.”

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

9/11 – We will Never Forget

by Americas - EventsPeople

As the word reflects on 9/11, we honor the 343 brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day. Their courage, selflessness, and dedication serve as a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face daily. The events of 9/11 highlighted the unwavering commitment of the fire service to protect lives, even in the face of unimaginable danger. As we remember those we lost, we also reaffirm our pledge to carry forward their legacy – continuing to train, respond, and serve with the same bravery and resilience that defined the heroes of that day.

Firefighter Health, Wellness Research gets big role at US Fire Administration Summit

by Americas - EventsAssociations and Organisations

Science to the Station partners with the First Responder Center of Excellence in conjunction with the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control for their 2nd annual conference on firefighter health, wellness and science.

In only its second year, the Science to the Station firefighter health and wellness conference will be co-located with the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. The conference runs Oct. 5-6. A meeting of currently funded FEMA researchers is Oct. 7; it is open to the public. The USFA Summit is Oct. 8.

Science to the Station, Powered by FRCE will feature more than 25 recognized fire service health and wellness experts covering a variety of topics including health messaging, concussions, reproductive health, personal protective equipment, lithium ion batteries, heat stress and more.

“When we started Science to the Station, we knew there was a need to better disseminate health and wellness information to the fire service,” says Kepra Jack, owner of HeartFit for Duty and vice president and founding member of Science to the Station. “We just didn’t know if the fire service understood that need. But our membership numbers, our conference attendance and now this co-location with the Summit shows that the fire service does get it. There’s a real hunger out there for evidence-driven information on how to stay healthy in this job.”

Yet, organizers see this as a victory, not as a victory lap.

“We are living through an exciting and crucial moment in fire service history,” says Sara Jahnke, Science to the Station founder and president. “Health and wellness research and outcomes matter. This conference will be bigger and better than our maiden voyage last year. We couldn’t be more grateful to USFA and the First Responder Center for Excellence for giving Science to the Station such a huge gust of wind in our sails. We will build on this momentum to keep bringing the best scientific information to firefighters using regional and national platforms.”

Use this link to register for either Nerdstock, the Summit or both. USFA is making free housing available on the NFA campus. Space is limited with more than a third of the spots already taken. Registration is free.  

“This is a tremendous opportunity to learn about how research is changing firefighter wellness, and do it at such a beautiful and historic setting,” Jahnke says. “as well as attend the Summit, one of the most important fire service events of the year.”

About Science to the Station

Science to the Station is a membership-driven group with a mission to foster collaboration and communication between subject matter experts and frontline public safety personnel to translate and disseminate evidence-informed health, wellness, and safety education and interventions. The group aims to become the key resource where science informs practice and practice informs science for public safety. Learn more about the group and how to join here.

North American Rescue to exhibit at EMS World Expo

by AmericasAmericas - EventsEMSEMSFeatured NewsHealth and SafetyNews Categories

North American Rescue (NAR), a leading provider of survivability and casualty-care medical products to the defense and public-safety markets and a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), is showcasing its latest innovations in emergency medical services (EMS) at the EMS World Expo.

From September 9 through September 13 in Las Vegas, the NAR booth (#2317) will feature live demonstrations of the Quantum™ Blood & Fluid Warming System, the Delta Ice Smart Blood Cooler, and the Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit (APRU). These products are designed to help EMS professionals enhance patient outcomes by delivering blood and blood supplies in austere environments. The blood warming, cooling, and refrigeration solutions meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies standards for temperature storage.

“Blood warming, cooling, and refrigeration products are essential tools in helping EMS professionals preserve blood in the field, enabling timely and effective treatments for patients,” said David Davis, Executive Director of Public Safety Sales at North American Rescue. “Being able to meet with the EMS community and demonstrate these latest solutions at the EMS World Expo is extremely important to us. We value connecting with the industry and learning how we can help EMS professionals deliver the highest quality care, even in the most challenging environments.”

NAR’s blood warming, cooling, and refrigeration solutions include the following features:

• The Quantum™ (Blood & Fluid Warming System) from Life Warmer™ is lightweight, compact, and has a warm-up time of 24 seconds1. The system is indicated for warming blood, blood products, and intravenous solutions prior to administration in adult and pediatric patients greater than 28 days old and of normal birth weight. It is intended for use by health care professionals in hospitals, clinical field, and transport environments to help prevent hypothermia.
• The Delta ICE 2L Smart Blood Cooler includes a durable, rugged design with insulation protected from drops and punctures. It records and stores internal temperature, displaying real-time temperature readings. It also has Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, with alerts warning of temperature excursions.
• The Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit (APRU) – also known as “The Delta” – is transportable, waterproof, and dustproof. It records and stores internal temperature and has 95 hours2 of refrigeration on a single battery charge.

North American Rescue has supported the EMS World Expo for more than 15 years. The Company provides casualty care solutions to uniformed soldiers, first responders, health care professionals, and security forces both domestically and abroad in foreign combat zones. For more information about North American Rescue, please email info@narescue.com or call 888-689-6277.

1 Life Warmer.™ Quantum-Introduction-and-Training-REVB.pdf (lifewarmer.com)
2 Delta Development Team, Inc. APRU 6L – Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit – Delta Development Team, Inc (deltadevteam.com)

Clarion Events promotes Erin Moriarty to Vice President of Sales

by Americas - EventsEventsFeatured NewsPeople

Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group promotes Erin Moriarty to Vice President of Sales

Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group has promoted Erin Moriarty to the position of Vice President of Sales, effective from the 1st of May, 2024.

The promotion reflects Moriarty’s significant leadership, dedication, and strategic insights, which have been instrumental in her rise within the company.

Moriarty’s career at Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group has been marked by her crucial role in fostering a culture of consultative selling and developing strong client relationships.

Her efforts have not only gained her respect from peers and clients but have also significantly contributed to the group’s success.

New responsibilities

In her new capacity, Moriarty will oversee the FDIC Exhibits and Sponsorships, aligning event management with digital and printed media strategies to enhance client engagement and marketing outcomes.

Her proven leadership skills and deep organizational knowledge are expected to drive the integration of media brands with the prestigious FDIC event, further enhancing value for clients and stakeholders.

Eric Schlett, Executive Vice President of Clarion Fire & Rescue Group, praised Moriarty’s appointment, stating: “Erin has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strategic mindset throughout her tenure with our company.

Her promotion is a testament to her outstanding contributions and the invaluable role she plays in driving growth and innovation.

Her vision and leadership will be instrumental in elevating the value proposition for clients and stakeholders, as Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group continues to set new standards of excellence in the industry.”

IFSJ Comment

The promotion of Erin Moriarty to Vice President of Sales marks a strategic move by Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group.

Moriarty’s promotion is expected to bolster the company’s market position by enhancing operational capabilities and client services, thereby reinforcing its commitment to excellence and innovation in the fire and rescue sector.