Needs Assessment survey deadline extended for US fire departments

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsResearch

Needs Assessment survey deadline extension

The deadline for U.S. fire departments to complete the 2025 U.S. Needs Assessment survey has been extended to February 15, 2026.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the extension and said it is intended to increase participation and strengthen the response rate.

Shelby Hall, fire analysis research manager with NFPA’s Fire Analysis and Research Division, said: “The U.S. Needs Assessment survey provides one of the single most effective opportunities for fire departments to make their needs and challenges known amongst the very groups and policymakers that determine where fire department funding and resources are allocated.

“That’s why participation from every fire department across the country is critical to its success and impact.”

Survey scope, changes and how it is completed

The survey is conducted every five years to capture current resources and staffing levels among U.S. fire departments, and to identify where they can meet community needs and where gaps exist.

Hall said: “The response rate for the 2020 survey was the lowest to date across all U.S. Needs Assessment surveys, which was not unexpected given the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Increasing the response rate for the new survey will help ensure that the final 2025 U.S. Needs Assessment report continues to be the impactful resource it has been since its launch in 2001.”

NFPA said it worked with representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to identify current issues and challenges.

The release said more than 40 changes were made to the 2025 survey, including new questions about responses to lithium-ion battery fires and specialised rescue operations, plus updated questions on physical and behavioral health, medical programmes and community risk reduction.

The overall number of questions was reduced to make completion less time-consuming.

The survey can be completed online, and a print version was also mailed out.

The survey must be completed by a fire department chief or an assigned designee and returned to NFPA by February 15, 2026.

Documentary details March 2022 Plainfield warehouse fire at Walmart centre

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Warehouse fire documentary premieres in Plainfield

A new documentary examining the March 2022 Plainfield Walmart fulfilment centre warehouse fire is due to premiere later this month in Indiana.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has announced the release of “When the Sky Turned Black”, produced with Full Vision Productions and the Plainfield Fire Territory.

Two private screenings for members of the Plainfield Fire Territory and their families will take place on 27 January 2026.

The film will then be screened for the wider fire service on 28 January at about 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Plainfield Civic Center, with media invited to attend.

The documentary will also be made available to view after its premiere on the NFFF YouTube channel.

What the film covers

The documentary features interviews with firefighters who responded to the incident.

It sets out a detailed timeline of the fire using visual footage and reenactments.

It also examines the emotional impact of the incident on members of the Plainfield Fire Territory.

Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, said: “When the Sky Turned Black’ not only documents the intensity of that day, but the experiences and emotions of the heroic firefighters who lived it and helped prevent human tragedy.

“This documentary reinforces our commitment to supporting fire departments across the country with the knowledge, training and resources they need to safeguard the communities they serve and promote firefighter survival.”

The film follows the release of the NFFF’s 2025 report, “Inside the Plainfield Mega-Warehouse Fire: Critical Lessons for Firefighters”.

Background on the Plainfield incident

Plainfield is home to more than 60 fulfilment centres and is often referred to as the unofficial “Distribution Center of the Country”.

The Walmart fulfilment centre involved was a 1.4-million-square-foot facility containing more than 20 miles of rack storage aisles.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, the Plainfield Fire Territory responded to a report of a fire inside the building.

The fire originated on the second floor of a multi-story module.

Firefighters initially found the sprinkler system had contained the flames and visible fire was extinguished within minutes.

Cold smoke filled large areas of the building, reducing visibility.

After the affected zone was isolated and the sprinkler system shut down, fire spread through the upper levels of the structure.

Dense smoke rapidly descended to floor level, creating disorienting and hazardous conditions, with three firefighters narrowly escaping.

The facility was destroyed, resulting in $500 million in property loss.

No employees or firefighters sustained major injuries.

Plainfield Fire Territory Chief Brent Anderson said: “The Plainfield distribution center fire was one of the most significant and challenging incidents our brave men and women have ever faced.

“We thank the NFFF for their ongoing work educating our community.

“The lessons we took away from that day continue to guide how we strengthen our departments, ensuring our crews have what they need should we ever face an event of this magnitude again.”

The documentary expands on lessons identified in the foundation’s earlier report on the incident.

NFPA Skilled Trades survey shows technology plans and workforce worries

by AI & Deep LearningAmericas - Featured NewsBreaking NewsResearch

Skilled Trades report flags gaps and rollbacks

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual State of the Skilled Trades report on 15 January 2026, setting out survey findings on artificial intelligence, labour shortages and concern about rollbacks in codes and standards.

The NFPA said the publication is intended to reflect workforce perspectives, sentiment and anticipated challenges for the year ahead.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, said: “For years, the skilled trades industry has been called ‘automation-proof,’ but AI isn’t here to replace the craft; it’s here to remove the friction,

“We can use technology to both streamline mundane tasks and deliver smarter, more personalized training, unlocking the efficiencies companies need and the upskilling opportunities employees deserve.

“Leaders must show clearly that both priorities are advancing together.”

The announcement also referenced an upgrade to NFPA LiNK, NFPA’s digital codes and standards platform.

It said the new version adds AI-powered capabilities, including CASI, described as an AI assistant trained on NFPA-sourced content.

NFPA said the full State of the Skilled Trades report can be accessed by completing a short form.

Skilled Trades survey shows expected AI impact alongside training preferences

In the State of the Skilled Trades report, NFPA reported results from a virtual survey of 512 U.S.-based workers aged 18 and older across sectors including electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect and design, facility maintenance, fire service, fire protection, inspection and AHJ, government, healthcare, industrial and education.

Sixty-eight per cent of respondents said AI and technological advancements will have a tangible impact on their work in 2026.

Thirty-eight per cent said technology advancements will reduce mundane tasks in 2026.

Thirty-seven per cent cited quick access to relevant information on the jobsite as a benefit of AI and technology upgrades.

Thirty-four per cent cited streamlining project management and communication as a benefit.

Thirty per cent identified resistance to change within the skilled trades industry as a primary barrier to adopting new technologies.

Thirty-four per cent cited the cost of implementing technology upgrades as a barrier.

Twenty-seven per cent cited a lack of training or knowledge of new technologies as a barrier.

Thirty-five per cent expected increased technology deployment to be their organisation’s top focus for the next year.

Twenty-six per cent wanted technology to be a primary focus.

Twenty-nine per cent preferred increased training for a more skilled workforce.

Twenty-one per cent preferred updating manual or outdated equipment.

Fifty-four per cent planned to take part in more training in the next year.

Thirty-eight per cent planned to sit for more certifications in the next year.

Seventeen per cent anticipated their organisations would prioritise training opportunities.

Skilled Trades findings highlight code rollback concerns and labour shortages

In the same report, NFPA reported increased awareness of codes and standards alongside continued concern about workforce capacity and retention.

Sixty-two per cent agreed in some capacity that their understanding of how building codes and standards affect their day-to-day lives increased in the past year.

Sixty-one per cent said they were aware of ongoing changes and deregulation efforts around codes and standards.

Thirty-five per cent said they were not yet feeling the impact of codes and standards deregulation in their industry.

Twenty-six per cent said they were currently experiencing the impact of codes and standards deregulation in their industry.

Respondents averaged a concern rating of 6.4 out of 10 when asked to rank concern about rollback of codes and standards compliance across the U.S.

Forty-one per cent said they had more conversations in 2025 with friends, family and colleagues about codes and standards.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, said: “Skilled professionals depend on codes and standards during every moment of their work.

“Having the right requirements in place at the right time is what protects workers, communities, and the built environment.

“This year’s survey shows growing unease, reinforcing that preserving—not rolling back—codes and standards must remain a top priority.”

Fifty-three per cent said a shortage of qualified candidates will be their biggest challenge at work in 2026.

The report described that figure as a 3 per cent increase from 2025 expectations.

Thirty-nine per cent cited workforce retention as a top challenge in 2026.

The report described that figure as up 8 per cent from 2025 data.

Thirty-three per cent cited a lack of knowledge sharing and collaboration on the jobsite.

Nineteen per cent anticipated their organisations would increase hiring or add jobs in the next year.

Nineteen per cent wanted their organisations focused on hiring.

Seventy-eight per cent reported membership of a professional organisation or trade association.

Forty-three per cent cited benefits from networking opportunities with industry professionals, plus professional development and training programmes.

Thirty-nine per cent valued access to industry resources and publications through memberships.

Thirty per cent cited advocacy around industry-related issues and regulations as an important membership benefit.

Armstrong appoints Danfoss product leader Chintan Kharche to global role

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Armstrong Fluid Technology appointment covers five product lines

Armstrong Fluid Technology has named Chintan Kharche as Global Director of Offering Management, a role linked to five product lines.

The appointment was announced on 9 January 2026.

In the role, Kharche will lead work across the product lifecycle, including market research, competitive analysis, product planning and product launches.

His remit includes working with product line leaders to accelerate innovation, optimise lifecycle performance and scale energy-saving building mechanical solutions for customers worldwide.

Kharche said: “I’m excited about Armstrong’s approach – using Envelope solutions to reduce energy consumption at both the subsystem and entire system levels.”

“Armstrong has demonstrated impressive results over many years, and I look forward to building on this momentum as we deliver on the company’s vision.”

Background and recent roles

Kharche has more than 18 years of global leadership experience across HVAC, renewables, industrial automation and power electronics, with a focus on sustainability.

He joins Armstrong from Danfoss, where he served as Senior Director of Product Management for HVACR & AQUA Drives.

At Danfoss, he led portfolio strategy, product roadmaps and agile-driven development.

He previously served as Head of Strategic Portfolio Management & Strategy Excellence at Danfoss, where he worked on the strategic direction of AC drives and led initiatives focused on energy-efficient solutions.

Charles Armstrong, Executive Chairman at Armstrong Fluid Technology, said: “Chintan brings a wealth of experience that will accelerate innovation across our product lines.”

“His appointment underscores Armstrong’s commitment to advancing intelligent, energy-saving fluid-flow solutions for a more sustainable future.”

The company said Kharche will collaborate globally with product line leaders in the new role.

New bipartisan bill would create FEMA wildfire resilience grant programme

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Wildfire resilience grant programme proposed through FEMA

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Tim Sheehy have announced bipartisan legislation to establish a new Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Act grant programme aimed at helping local communities reduce wildfire damage.

In a 7 January 2026 press release from Padilla’s office, the senators said the bill would create a new community hardening grant programme within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and invest $1 billion per year.

The senators said the funding would support Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Plans developed with community members, first responders and relevant state agencies, covering actions such as early detection technology, alerts and warnings, evacuation planning and execution, access for first responders, and measures for vulnerable populations including the elderly and people with disabilities.

The plans would also include hardening critical infrastructure and homes, applying community-scale defensible space across contiguous areas, building local capacity to implement and oversee plans, deploying distributed energy resources such as microgrids with battery storage, strategic land use planning, community education, and coordination with existing wildfire plans including a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

What the bill would fund and how grants would be prioritised

The press release said the bill would provide grants of up to $250,000 to develop a Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Plan and grants of up to $10 million to implement a plan.

It said grants would be prioritised for low-income communities at high risk for fire or wildfire and communities recently impacted by a major wildfire.

The bill would also require a report on federal authorities and programmes to protect communities from wildfires, a study on whether a plan could be used as a certification tool for insurance companies assessing community resilience, ongoing updates to wildfire hazard maps, and an assessment of impediments to emergency radio communications across departments and agencies.

The senators said the bill would also add home hardening as an allowable project under the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant programme and allow structure hardening to be covered under existing community wildfire protection programmes.

Backers in Congress and endorsements cited in the release

Padilla and Sheehy described themselves as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus and said Representatives Jared Huffman and Jay Obernolte are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Padilla said: “One year ago today, Pacific Palisades and Altadena families lost loved ones, homes, businesses, places of worship, and so much more as their neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.

“These catastrophic disasters serve as a stark reminder that megafires can devastate both forested and urban areas.

“That’s why I’m working across the aisle with Senator Sheehy to deliver lifesaving federal support to help mitigate the growing risk of catastrophic wildfires and harden our communities and critical infrastructure against disasters.”

Sheehy said: “To keep American cities and towns from burning to the ground and save lives, we must be proactive in aggressively hardening communities against the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.

“The Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Act delivers the tools needed to better safeguard people, homes, and property from disaster, and I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense effort to make America more wildfire resilient.”

The press release said the bill is endorsed by groups including CalWild, Earthjustice, the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Silvix Resources, Trust for Public Land, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), The Wilderness Society and John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute.

Insight Training shares thermal dollhouse teaching method

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsThermal ImagingTraining

Thermal imaging lessons using a thermal dollhouse

Insight Training has published guidance explaining how instructors can use a Palmer dollhouse to teach thermal imaging concepts during firefighter training.

In a blog article by Andrew Starnes, the organisation describes the dollhouse as a controlled demonstration tool for showing how thermal imaging cameras respond as a fire grows and heat moves through a structure.

The guidance says the dollhouse should be built from 3/8-inch plywood, assembled with screws and sealed with caulk to improve durability and contain heat for longer demonstrations.

The lower left compartment is identified as the fire room and should be lined with drywall so students can see how that material initially hides heat signatures before heat transfer becomes visible.

Students can then observe thermal bridging through screws before heat passes through the drywall and later through the plywood.

The room directly above the fire compartment is recommended as an isolation space that remains tightly sealed during the burn so instructors can show how closed doors reduce heat transfer and limit fire spread.

At the end of the exercise, removing the front panel allows students to view the burn pattern and see that the sealed second-floor compartment above the fire has been affected far less than the fire room.

Thermal camera operation and fire behaviour teaching points

Insight Training also recommends reviewing basic thermal imaging camera operation before ignition, including how students switch between TI Basic mode and other application modes.

Starnes notes that this operational knowledge forms part of the requisite knowledge required by NFPA 1010 for new firefighters.

During the incipient stage, three or four students can kneel and observe the fire compartment through their cameras so instructors can demonstrate high sensitivity, low sensitivity and mixed gain settings.

Students can compare how heat affects their ability to see cooler objects and structural features as conditions change inside the structure.

Different camera models can also be placed side by side so students can compare thermal colourisation and see how application modes alter colour thresholds.

The exercise is also intended to show convection currents and thermal layers as heat moves into adjacent rooms and rises through the dollhouse when the floor door to the second floor is opened.

After several minutes of fire growth, students can carry out a 360-degree size-up around the structure to identify irregular heat patterns and thermal bridging around screws or nails.

The training outline also includes exercises on distance, target recognition and scanning so firefighters can see how colourisation changes with range and how background heat affects image interpretation.

Suppression phase and thermal imaging limits

Insight Training says the Palmer dollhouse can also be used to show limits in thermal imaging by simulating reflective surfaces with aluminium tape and by showing how smoke and glass can affect image interpretation.

The demonstration can also be extended to fire behaviour topics including flow paths, ventilation effects and fire spread, linking those observations to what firefighters see through the camera and with the naked eye.

In the final phase, instructors can use a garden hose, water extinguisher or small hose line to demonstrate stream placement and show how cooling changes surface readings on the thermal camera.

Once visible flames have been knocked down, students can scan the structure for remaining heat and identify areas that still need cooling during overhaul.

The outline presents the Palmer dollhouse as a way to connect thermal imaging use with fire behaviour, suppression and overhaul decisions during training.

Pierce Manufacturing invests $150m to cut fire apparatus lead times across US

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Pierce invests in Appleton capacity

Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new round of facility upgrades at its manufacturing operations in Appleton, Wisconsin, with work described as part of a modernisation initiative launched in 2022.

The company said the changes are intended to expand production capacity and support faster delivery of fire apparatus to fire departments.

Pierce Manufacturing said the Appleton work sits within more than $150 million it is investing across manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Tennessee.

The manufacturer said around $60 million has already been invested.

Pierce Manufacturing said its recent investments have included expanding manufacturing space by 28% and adding 500,000 square feet of facility space.

The company added that it has hired 800 new American workers over the past several years.

Lead times and production targets

Mike Pack, Executive Vice President and President, Vocational at Oshkosh Corporation, said: “These technologies reflect our dedication to continuous improvement and safety, as well as our commitment to delivering fire apparatus to firehouses faster while maintaining the same exceptional level of quality that defines our products.

“We have already reduced lead times by over three months from their peak.

“With these sustained investments, we are continuing to work to return to pre-pandemic lead times.

“The investments across our operations reflect a unified focus on quality, efficiency, innovation and reducing lead times for critical fire apparatus for communities throughout the United States.

“Every new machine, expansion, and workflow improvement enables us to deliver fire apparatus faster and with the exceptional craftsmanship customers expect from Pierce.”

New fabrication and welding technologies

Pierce Manufacturing said new automation and precision technologies are being introduced across fabrication and assembly processes at its Appleton campus.

The company said each investment is intended to increase production flow, reduce manual touchpoints and improve safety for team members.

Pierce Manufacturing said the newest additions include a Penta 30K laser capable of cutting up to two inches of steel with beveled edges, alongside an automated panel bender designed to complete multiple bends faster than traditional presses.

The manufacturer added that a semi-automated folding machine is intended to allow a single operator to complete complex bends, and that automated rail welding systems are expected to reduce welding time by up to two-thirds.

Pierce Manufacturing said hand-held laser welding technology is also being added, with the company describing it as delivering precise results with minimal material warpage.

Surface preparation and paint expansion

Pierce Manufacturing said buffing robots and an AI-enabled sanding system are being used to prepare metal panels for paint with greater consistency.

The company said a 26,000 square foot paint facility expansion in Appleton is nearing completion.

Pierce Manufacturing said the expansion includes new paint booths and curing ovens, which it said will boost capacity.

Workflow and parts handling changes

Pierce Manufacturing said it has relocated its manufacturing release line to improve production flow and quality control.

The company said it has also modernised its parts facility to centralise warehousing.

Pierce Manufacturing said the cab and chassis lines have been relocated and reformatted within a larger 224,000 square foot space, and that this has freed manufacturing capacity.

What this means for fire apparatus procurement

For procurement teams and fleet managers, the company’s reported reduction of lead times by more than three months from peak levels is a concrete indicator of recent manufacturing throughput changes.

For Fire Chiefs and senior officers planning replacement cycles, the stated aim of returning to pre-pandemic lead times may affect how departments sequence apparatus specifications and delivery windows.

For engineers and equipment specifiers, the described additions, including the Penta 30K laser, automated panel bending, rail welding systems and laser welding, point to changes in how parts are fabricated and assembled within the Appleton operation.

For workshop and maintenance planning, the nearing completion of a 26,000 square foot paint facility expansion and the relocation of production lines and warehousing centralisation indicate updates to finishing capacity and internal workflow.

Project funding applications open for NFPA and State Farm Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

$10,000 project funding for Wildfire Community Preparedness day

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm have opened applications for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day project funding for activities planned on Saturday 2 May 2026.

Eligible nonprofit organisations can apply for $10,000 to support wildfire risk reduction projects delivered on the day.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 13 February 2026 to be considered.

NFPA said the initiative is aimed at groups and individuals living in wildfire-prone areas completing projects intended to help make homes and communities safer from wildfire.

What the funding is for

Michele Steinberg, Director of the Wildfire Division at NFPA, said: “Preparedness Day presents an ideal opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day and complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire.

“Funding for the 2026 Preparedness Day campaign supports organizations with thoughtful, community-driven plans that help homeowners take meaningful steps to protect what matters most from the threat of wildfire.”

NFPA said Preparedness Day is designed around science-based steps to reduce or remove potential fire hazards from a home and its immediate surroundings.

It said the steps are intended to help protect against embers and radiant heat from wildfires.

Examples of wildfire risk reduction work

NFPA said typical activities can include simple, low-cost home improvement projects to reduce wildfire exposure.

Examples listed include clearing dead leaves, debris and pine needles from roofs and gutters.

It also cited keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.

Another example given was removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn.

State Farm support for the campaign

Rasheed Merritt, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President, said: “At State Farm, part of our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life.

“State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger, better educated communities.”

Merritt said Preparedness Day aims to motivate people to take action, and he said that was why State Farm continues to support the campaign each year.

What this means for wildfire prevention planning

Fire and rescue chiefs, emergency and disaster response managers and local government departments may use the May 2026 date as a fixed point for coordinating community-facing wildfire risk reduction activity.

Fire safety officers, risk assessors and fire engineering consultants may see applications that reference practical measures around ember exposure and heat, based on the examples NFPA set out for work around homes and immediate surroundings.

Procurement officers and facility managers responsible for community sites may need to align any support offered to local nonprofits with the $10,000 project funding limit and the Friday 13 February 2026 application deadline.

Training officers and instructors involved in public education may also use the campaign framing to support consistent messaging about specific, low-cost actions that can be completed in a single day.

Jensen Hughes acquires Safety Management Services to expand process safety expertise

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Acquisition brings process safety firm into Jensen Hughes group

Jensen Hughes has acquired Safety Management Services, a process safety hazards analysis and energetic materials consulting firm based in West Jordan, Utah, expanding its capabilities in high-risk operational environments.

The company announced the deal on Tuesday 9 December 2025 from its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland.

Jensen Hughes described Safety Management Services as an internationally recognised engineering firm focused on process safety hazards analysis and energetic materials consulting and testing.

The acquisition is Jensen Hughes’ second mergers and acquisitions transaction in 2025.

According to the company, the move aligns with its wider purpose of making the world safe, secure and resilient.

Jensen Hughes is backed by middle-market private investment firm Gryphon Investors.

Safety Management Services profile and service portfolio

Safety Management Services was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in West Jordan, Utah.

The firm works with commercial clients and government agencies, including national laboratories and defence operations.

Its technical services span process hazard analysis, energetic material characterisation testing and interpretation, and facility siting and design for explosives operations.

Safety Management Services also undertakes regulatory compliance work and develops and audits Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety programmes.

The firm’s activities include accident investigation, decommissioning, decontamination and demolition operations, training and other risk management services.

In addition, Safety Management Services manufactures energetic materials testing equipment for clients seeking in-house capability for sensitivity, in-process simulation and United States Department of Transportation classification testing.

Jensen Hughes outlines strategic rationale for the deal

Jensen Hughes stated that adding Safety Management Services will enhance its position in process safety and testing.

Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, said: “Adding SMS to the Jensen Hughes family not only strengthens our expertise in process safety and testing, but opens up new and innovative ways that we can serve clients and create industry-leading service offerings.

“Together, we will advance our shared mission of protecting lives, property and reputations through risk-informed solutions.”

The company indicated that the combined offering will support the development of new service lines for organisations working with energetic materials and complex hazards.

According to Jensen Hughes, the transaction reflects a continued focus on expanding risk-informed engineering and consulting services.

Global client base and integration plans

Safety Management Services reports a global portfolio that includes projects across the US, Europe, the Middle East, India, South Korea and Australia.

The firm stated that its work supports organisations aiming to protect people, processes and the environment in dynamic high-risk settings.

Gary Dodds, President of Safety Management Services, said: “We’re proud to join forces with Jensen Hughes.

“Our team’s deep technical expertise and hands-on history in energetic materials safety, hazard mitigation and training will complement Jensen Hughes’ broad platform and global reach, allowing us to better serve our clients and scale our impact worldwide.”

Jensen Hughes confirmed that integration work is already under way.

Leaders from both organisations are collaborating to manage the transition for employees and clients.

The companies stated that they intend to maintain continuity of services while combining capabilities.

Staffing shortages prompt IAFF backing for Amherst call to add 18 career firefighters

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Major Amherst fire prompts staffing warning

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has warned that staffing shortages in Amherst, Massachusetts are putting firefighters and residents at risk after a November fire displaced more than 200 people, most of them University of Massachusetts Amherst students.

According to the IAFF, the fire began in a building under construction at 47 Olympia Drive on 7 November before spreading to an off-campus apartment complex.

The organisation said other Amherst Fire Department crews were already handling separate incidents, leaving the crew of Engine 2, staffed with four career firefighters, to take initial command of the fire with limited resources.

The IAFF reported that only nine firefighters were on duty in Amherst at the time of the incident.

Ambulance 1 remained at Baystate Medical Center with a critical patient and three firefighters, while two further firefighters were committed to another call on the south side of the town.

Staffing shortages highlighted by Amherst fire

Local 1764 President Sarah Forsaith said the November fire reflects a broader pattern of low staffing at serious emergencies in the town.

Sarah Forsaith, President of Amherst, MA Local 1764, said: “The department had nine fire fighters on shift that night.

“Ambulance 1 was still at Baystate Medical Center with a critical patient and three fire fighters, and two fire fighters were committed to another call on the south end of town.”

She said Amherst firefighters are frequently dispatched to calls with fewer personnel than they need.

Forsaith said: “There are many times when only one fire fighter responds to a fire call because everyone else is out of town on ambulance transports.

“These incidents are going to continue happening, and relying on mutual aid or outside companies to provide responses to get us resources is just an unsustainable practice.”

The IAFF stated that research links short staffing to faster fire growth, more firefighter injuries at incidents and greater loss of life and property during emergencies.

Forsaith added that the outcome in Amherst could have been very different if residents had not been able to leave quickly on their own.

Sarah Forsaith, President of Amherst, MA Local 1764, said: “The only reason we didn’t see a tragedy is because those residents, mostly able-bodied college students, were able to self-evacuate.”

IAFF push for safer minimum staffing levels

The IAFF said affiliates across North America are reporting similar staffing pressures, making it clear that structured solutions to minimum staffing cannot be delayed.

In response, the organisation is launching a coordinated effort to help local affiliates secure minimum staffing levels that allow firefighters to operate safely and effectively at emergency incidents.

IAFF 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert said the Amherst case shows the operational limits of sending apparatus with only one firefighter on board.

Jay Colbert, IAFF 3rd District Vice President, said: “When a fire engine or ladder truck shows up on a fire scene with only one fire fighter on it, that is not the fire department coming to the rescue.

“That is one individual driving a piece of apparatus to a scene who, alone, is ill-equipped to safely perform the necessary functions of firefighting –such as simultaneously attacking the seat of the fire with water, conducting search and rescue, and completing ventilation – without endangering the fire fighter and the general public.

“The residents of Amherst and the brave men and women of Local 1764 deserve much better.”

The IAFF noted that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard recommends a minimum of four firefighters per apparatus for low-hazard structure fires.

Local 1764 is asking the town to add 18 career firefighters so that Amherst fire crews can meet international staffing standards for incident response.

Forsaith said this request will be taken forward during the next local budget cycle.

Sarah Forsaith, President of Amherst, MA Local 1764, said: “That will be our continued ask going into the next budgetary season.”