Posts in category: Americas – Products

America’s first electric fire truck has been displayed in South Bend, IN. This visit comes just as Congress takes up consideration for an infrastructure and jobs plan to dramatically improve the overall quality of American roads, bridges and other critical investments.

In attendance were firefighters and key decision makers from multiple cities, including South Bend, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO. Developed by Rosenbauer America, the Revolutionary Technology (RT) is a concept truck that is safe, powerful and emissions free.

“The Rosenbauer RT is the fire truck of the future,” said John Slawson, CEO and President of Rosenbauer America. “Built from the ground up using the most advanced materials and technologies, the RT is the safest fire truck on the road today – for firefighters, for communities and for the environment.”

The RT is America’s first fully electric apparatus and boasts a high level of safety, excellent driving dynamics and maneuverability, innovative safety features, and is fully networked. These features and more make the RT the most modern emergency vehicle on the market and sets an entirely new standard within the fire industry.

Environmental benefits of the RT include:

• Reduced emissions – The RT’s electric drive is not only extremely powerful, but also noise emission-free. This greatly reduces the noise level at the scene of the emergency, making it easier for the crew to communicate, reducing stress and benefiting nearby residents. The electric drive train ensures that almost no fuel is combusted while driving. The lighting and auxiliary equipment chargers are also powered directly by the batteries. A local power grid can be created with up to 14 kW and can be operated simultaneously via the power outlet.
• Flexible and versatile vehicle – The RT was conceived as a multipurpose vehicle, a pumper first and foremost, a connected mobile command unit, and a vehicle for assistance in wildland fires. This in part is due to its adjustable ride height, and crew cabin concept with its rotating front seats.
• Electric and long lasting – The RT has a charging capacity of up to 150 kW, which means that the built-in batteries can be recharged quickly. Short-range operations are not a problem, even when used frequently in large metropolitan cities. Due to the built-in range extender, the RT can extend its electrical driving range; The RT comprises of a small diesel engine powering a large generator, without any limitations.

“We are honored to introduce the future of firefighting to our country’s fire fighters and decision makers,” concluded Slawson. “Rosenbauer America and its local dealers are committed to supporting the RT electric fire truck in local communities throughout the United States and Canada in the coming years.”

For more information about Rosenbauer America, visit www.RosenbauerAmerica.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today it has sold its 3,000th Pierce^® Ultimate Configuration pumper. Sold through MacQueen Emergency, the apparatus will go into service with the Minnetonka Fire Department in Minnesota, adding to a predominantly Pierce fleet.

The patented PUC product, first introduced in 2007, is available on pumpers, rescue pumpers, tankers, and aerials. It removes the need to build the body around the pump and pumphouse and is the first apparatus that offers the most complete single-source build, from the chassis and body down to the pump. The PUC product eliminates the pumphouse and minimizes vehicular space used for fire suppression while still providing superior pump, foam, and CAFS capabilities.

“Producing 3,000 PUC pumpers is a significant milestone for Pierce and represents the remarkable impact this apparatus has made on fire service capabilities,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “The PUC pumper provides a solution to the shared challenges fire departments face to simplify firefighters’ actions and reduce unnecessary risk.”

Features of the Minnetonka Fire Department’s new PUC pumper include:

• Pierce Enforcer™ chassis
• Cummins L9 450 hp engine
• Allison EVS 3000 transmission
• PUC™ 1500 GPM pump
• 500-gallon water tank
• TAK-4^® Independent Suspension
• Husky™ 3 Foam System
• Pierce CARE™ (Carcinogen Awareness and Reduction to Exposure) cab customization
• Will-Burt light tower
• Low, easy-to-access hose bed with roller cover

The Minnetonka Fire Department is made up of five stations and is located in a suburban community approximately 10 miles west of Minneapolis with nearly 55,0000 residents. When ordering the new fire truck, Kevin Fox, deputy fire chief of the Minnetonka Fire Department, considered the PUC pumper’s safety features that could not have been obtained by continuing to build apparatus on a commercial chassis.

“First and foremost, we need an apparatus that can operate in Minnesota’s extreme winter conditions, and having the pump panel and vital components in an enclosed and heated compartment limits freeze up and corrosion due to environmental exposure,” said Chief Fox. “The pump design, low hose bed, short wheelbase, and overall simplicity of operating the apparatus fits the unique needs of a combination fire department such as ours, where up to 80 firefighters need to be proficient with the apparatus.”

Since its introduction, the PUC product has been particularly popular in geographic locations with challenging environmental conditions. An enclosed pump panel and crosslays and the safety attributes of positioning hoses to the left of the operator and free of any interference, make the PUC pumper an optimal choice for many fire departments.

“The position of hose connections and enclosed pump controls are benefits to pump operators dealing with the climate in the Midwest,” said Brad White, sales manager with MacQueen Emergency. “These are instrumental factors that contribute to the high demand for the PUC pumper in our region. As the Minnetonka Fire Department gets ready to add a second PUC pumper to its fleet, our team is honored to once again support the department with a fire apparatus that will serve their community well for many years to come.”

With five stations, 56 full-time personnel, and 10 part time personnel, Rochester Hills, Michigan is putting firefighter and community safety first with a purchase of 50 Bullard TXS Thermal Imaging cameras for the local Fire Department. These TXS Thermal Imagers are the newest life-saving devices from global safety company Bullard, based in Cynthiana, Kentucky.

“We’re pleased to work alongside Rochester Hills Fire Department,” says Wells Bullard, President and CEO of Bullard. “The leaders of this department are forward thinkers, ensuring the department has a thermal imager for every riding seat of their apparatus. With a thermal imaging deployment model like this, the city’s firefighters will be well prepared with the latest technology, helping them more easily find victims and more safely navigate smoke-filled environments.”

A thermal imaging camera detects infrared light to allow firefighters to see better through smoke or darkness, helping them identify victims, hot spots, doorways, and hazards. Rochester Hills Fire Department’s purchase of 50 TXS Thermal Imagers puts the latest thermal imaging technology in the hands of these firefighters. These TXS Thermal Imagers were purchased through Dinges Fire Company, a Bullard authorized distributor.

The TXS Thermal Imager is a lightweight, palm-sized thermal imager, weighing just 1.6 pounds. As the most affordable thermal imager in its class, TXS offers firefighters a clear and sharp thermal image on the camera’s 3.5-inch display and is designed to be easy to use with simple one-button operation. Bullard engineered and built TXS to be tough and durable, even in extreme fire conditions.

“We designed TXS to be a thermal imager that is used on every call, getting more eyes on the fire, and more imagers in the hands of firefighters,” says Martijn Bosch, Bullard Thermal Imaging Product Manager. “By offering a clear and detailed image even in the toughest conditions, firefighters can make decisions based on the details and easy-to-understand temperature colorization TXS provides. It’s an indispensable tool for firefighters.”

Rochester Hills Fire Chief Chief Sean Canto states, “This gives us the ability to have every single firefighter on duty to have a camera available to them. A thermal imaging camera is as important as a fire radio or an axe. It is essential that each firefighter has one for their use while fighting a fire.”

E-ONE®, a subsidiary of REV Group® and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, is pleased to announce the delivery of an E-ONE CR 137 aerial for the Ottawa Fire Department in Canada.

This CR 137 completes the Ottawa order for eight aerials which included six ladders and two platforms. At 13 stories high, the CR 137 is North America’s tallest aerial ladder. 

Key features of the E-ONE CR 137 aerial are:

• Rugged E-ONE Cyclone® cab with roll-cage design, occupant protection air bags and lowered entry steps
• 137′ extruded aluminum aerial with waterway at end of section 4 (110’)
• Crisscross under-slung outriggers with only 13′8” spread
• Integral torque box chassis with Cummins X15 505 HP engine
• 6000 lpm (1500 gpm) pump with all electric valves and enclosed pump panels
• 1135 liter (300 gallon) water tank
• Extruded aluminum body with raised rear perimeter and angled corners for improved maneuverability
• SideStacker® hosebed with pre-connected handlines
• Storage for 158′ of ground ladders including (2) 35′ two-section ladders
• AXIS® Smart Truck Technology

Ottawa worked with E-ONE dealer 1200 Degrees in designing this aerial that would best fit the department’s needs.

Bruce Griffin, captain of Ottawa Fire Department, said crews are excited to get the 137. He said the rig is ideal for urban downtown areas, suburban apartments, and even rural barn fires.

“While we have lots of high-rise buildings where the added reach will allow upper floor rescues, we feel this unit will be highly beneficial at garden apartments or any building with a setback,” Griffin said. “A hundred feet away from the side of the truck, we can still hit the 8th floor. Since we send two aerial apparatus to fires, testing has shown even if the 137 is second in, it will be able to hit the same target areas as the first in ladder and sometimes reach farther!”

“E-ONE has a longstanding relationship with Ottawa Fire Department, and we are excited to be their aerial apparatus supplier,” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE Director of Sales. “The vast E-ONE aerial model product line and our ability to customize our configurations to meet the unique needs of Ottawa Fire Department have allowed E-ONE and 1200 Degrees to support this department as they protect and serve the citizens of Ottawa.”

Seek Thermal, the leading supplier of thermal sensors for the public safety market, today announced the Reveal FirePRO X, the latest version of its high-resolution personal thermal imaging camera (TIC) for firefighters. The upgraded, handheld thermal imaging camera features a new charging port, which makes it even more durable and easier to access when needed. Additionally, a new four bay multi-charger is available, allowing for compact housing and versatile mounting options for placement in the fire station, mounted on a wall, or anywhere appropriate power is available.

With a high-performance 320 x 240 thermal sensor, durable IP67 rating, a wide, 32-degree field of view, and a powerful 300-lumen LED light, the Reveal FirePRO was already ideal for locating victims, personal navigation, and identifying hazards in seconds. The new Reveal FirePRO X combines the same impeccable thermal functionality with an improved seal for the charging port, a magnetic quick attach cable for easier connection than micro-USB and a multiple unit charging capability with the new Seek Thermal Multi-Charge dock.

The Multi-Charge dock charges one to four FirePRO X TICs simultaneously and allows for desktop or wall mounting to help fire departments keep its units organized, secured and charged so they’re ready whenever – and wherever – they’re needed at a moment’s notice.

“The Seek Thermal Reveal FirePRO is the fastest-growing personal fire TIC in the world, and now – based on feedback from firefighters on the job – we are excited to unveil the FirePRO X, which includes upgraded charging features to make it more durable than ever,” said Matt Nelson, Senior Product Manager, Seek Thermal. “We’re proud to offer firefighters across the country with the smallest, lightest, highest-resolution firefighting TIC on the market for under $1,000.”

When every second counts and lives are on the line, firefighters need every tool possible to increase their operation speed and enhance their situational awareness to plan and execute their missions. The compact size of the lightweight Reveal FirePRO X makes it easy to carry and manage in tough conditions, while its high resolution and fast frame rate deliver images superior to any other camera in its price point, making it the go-to TIC for firefighters everywhere.

Key features of the FirePRO X include:

• 320 x 240 High-Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Wide, 32 ̊ Field of View
• -4 ̊ to 1022 ̊ F (-20 ̊ to 550 ̊ C) Temperature Detection
• IP67 Rating
• Simple, Sealed and Secure Magnetic Charge Port
• Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery (up to 3.5 hours)
• 300 Lumen LED Flashlight

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Priced to outfit every firefighter, the Reveal FirePRO X is available for $799 from authorized distributor MES Fire.

The FirePRO X Multi-Charge kit, available for $399, includes:

• Four (4) bay charger housing
• Wall mount plate with (4) screws
• Wall mount matching bracket (wall anchor screws not included)
• Elastic retention strap
• AC-DC (100-240V in, 5.5V 6.0A out) switching power supply with US/EU/UK plug adapters

For more information, visit: www.thermal.com/firefighting.htm.

Over the decades, milestones in firefighter safety technology have included the open-circuit breathing apparatus, flame-resistant fabrics, thermal imaging cameras, and Bluetooth communications. Today, global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated announced the availability of LUNAR, a new multi-purpose search and rescue device that promises to join that list of breakthrough innovations.

While production will begin in the coming weeks, LUNAR is available to order now. Resulting from years of working directly with Firefighters, LUNAR uses Cloud technology to deliver breakthrough fire-scene management capabilities for incident commanders. According to Nish Vartanian, MSA Chairman, President and CEO, the introduction of LUNAR delivers on the company’s vision of being a leader in introducing new-to-world technology that protects lives.

“We’ve always viewed LUNAR, and its many potential applications, as a major leap forward and game-changer when it comes to enhancing firefighter safety,” Mr. Vartanian said. “Based on firefighter feedback that our team gained through months of LUNAR testing and evaluations with hundreds of firefighters around the world, we believe LUNAR has genuine potential to change the way fires are fought.”

Mr. Vartanian added that LUNAR is a great example of how MSA has continued to invest in R&D and technology to advance its vision to protect firefighters from head to toe. “We understand our customers at a deep level. We listen, watch and learn from them. With this knowledge, we then look for ways to use new and advanced technology to help keep them safe, solve their problems and simplify their day.”

Versatile in design, LUNAR can be used as a stand-alone device or as part of an MSA SCBA system. Key features include:

• Exclusive Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (FAST), which combines distance and direction data enabling firefighters to locate separated teammates faster, when every second counts;

• Personal thermal imaging enhanced with edge detection for improved situational awareness;

• Direct cellular cloud connectivity to send real-time stats, including estimated air pressure, time remaining, and battery life, to Incident Command and remote monitoring personnel for a complete safety point-of-view; and
• A unique LUNAR-to-LUNAR network that automatically keeps each device connected to all others on-scene.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there has been a 35% increase in Mayday calls during the COVID pandemic, with more than 40% of Mayday calls never making it to Rescue Teams due to radio communication challenges.

Jason Traynor, MSA’s General Manager of Global Fire Service Products says that LUNAR will help alleviate that burden. “The ability to stay connected to your team can make all the difference during a rescue mission,” Mr. Traynor said. “To be prepared for a day that is more unpredictable than ever, firefighters need advanced tools that can help connect those who are on- and off-scene, and support the safety of the entire team with accountability, technology, and data-driven insights. LUNAR will do
that and more.”

Connected Technologies Helping Keep Firefighters Safer Than Ever Before
LUNAR is designed for every firefighter on-scene, both those on air and off,
and represents the latest addition to a suite – or ecosystem – of MSA products the company has branded as “Connected Firefighter.” When used together, MSA’s suite of Connected Firefighter products create greater visibility, increase efficiency, promote situational awareness, and enable accountability, all while creating an enhanced network of safety.

“Accounting for all firefighters on a fire ground has been a consistent need expressed by the fire service profession, but it’s also been a challenge for many manufacturers to solve,” said Mr. Traynor. “When we looked at what we could do to enhance firefighter safety, we used a holistic approach to build a connected ecosystem of products where the sum of the individual components is the key to keeping firefighters better connected – and safer – than ever before.”

Other products comprising MSA’s Connected Firefighter platform include:

• The company’s industry-leading G1 and M1 SCBA;
• The MSA HUB, a small, modular device that enables on scene data and asset
  management;
• FireGrid, which gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage
  multiple situations at one time from any location; and

The company’s ALTAIR 4XR and 5X portable multigas detectors with embedded Bluetooth technology to provide complete scene management.
Responding to Increased Demand During a Pandemic With Live Virtual Demos. Despite the ongoing global pandemic, LUNAR has already generated high interest and demand from across the globe.

To respond to this growing need, the company also announced today the
launch of a live, virtual demo experience that will allow firefighters to learn
more about LUNAR from the comfort of their own fire station, at a time that
works best for them.

The launch of this immersive, online experience is another example of the company’s ongoing investment in a go-to-market strategy that delivers a unique experience in a way today’s customer expects. “As we continue to deliver on our mission of protecting people at work, I feel we are uniquely positioned to exceed the expectations of those who put their trust in the MSA brand and do so in a way they’ve come to expect from MSA – with speed, agility and customer-driven innovation,” concluded Mr. Vartanian.

To learn about LUNAR, or schedule a virtual demo, visit https://us.msasafety.com/connected-firefighter

Rackspace Technology have worked with Qwake Technologies, a provider of revolutionary visual communication technology for firefighters, to accelerate Qwake’s cloud native approach. The company’s product allows firefighters to more effectively navigate and communicate in low visibility environments through its local and connected platform which leverages the use of an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture. In addition, Qwake secured a government contract with DHS to commercialize the C-THRU Visual Communication integrated hardware and software solution.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fires claim over 180,000 lives each year. The long-term impacts of fires also include property damage, lost productivity, and disruption to the environment. To help minimize danger and damage, Qwake Technologies set out to develop the world’s first IoT-enabled, wearable solution, to support the C-THRU breakthrough Visual Communication technology. 

“Most of the technologies introduced to the fire service only incrementally improve what we already do. C-THRU is one of the first technologies that could literally change the game for us by giving our crew the ability to navigate significantly faster while visually communicating over a shared operating picture and providing a tremendous impact in our performance and ability to save lives and property, said Chief Marty McCormack Boston Fire Department. “Firefighters are understandably practical when it comes to new tools and our members were very impressed with the technology as our guys immediately saw the value in being able to navigate, communicate and coordinate visually. Bottom line, C-THRU will help our crews get the job done safer, faster and with less resources so it is a clear no brainer for us.”

Qwake piloted the C-THRU Visual Communication with the Boston Fire Department, Menlo Park Fire Department, and several other forward leading fire departments.

The augmented reality (AR), helmet-worn device includes cellular and WiFi connected technology that helps firefighters navigate and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Data is transmitted to a tablet application that provides the incident commander real-time video feeds and accountability tools to coordinate their efforts. Finally, a cloud archive provides real-time incident analytics, damage assessment, and training forensics to better understand the incident, both during and after it has concluded.

To make this technology a reality, the company partnered with Onica, a Rackspace Technology company and AWS Premier Consulting Partner, to implement the cloud-native ecosystem required to support this cutting-edge IoT and augmented reality device.

“Working with the experts at Rackspace Technology allowed us to leverage cloud native with confidence,” said, Sam Cossman, CEO at Qwake Technologies. “We had the idea, vision, and overall augmented reality solutions in place, but Rackspace Technology took us to the next level with their deep IoT and cloud native expertise.”

Qwake Technologies’ AR Navigation and Visual Communication platform is the first and only cloud-enabled firefighting solution of its kind and represents a significant technological advancement for a segment that hasn’t seen much technology innovation. The device, which enables two-way visual communication and personal navigation, allows an otherwise smoke-filled house to appear clear and direction able. It has already been piloted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Boston Fire Department.

“Qwake Technologies is creating life-saving devices that are transforming the way firefighters do their jobs,” said Jeff DeVerter, CTO Solutions at Rackspace Technology. “With so much on the line, a tech failure simply isn’t an option. In working with Qwake, the Rackspace Technology team knew cloud native and top-tier IoT connectivity was pivotal to the project’s success. We’re proud to support Qwake in its journey to improve the lives of both firefighters and citizens.”

Task Force Tips revolutionised portable monitors over 20 years ago with the introduction of its innovative BLITZFIRE. Today, the BLITZTAC joins TFT’s product offering with fire service best features that include:

• SAFETY of your crew. Unlike competitors’ models, the BLITZTAC has a standard integrated safety valve that engages if there is unintentional movement, yet minimizes any water hammer.  Once engaged, the firefighter can quickly and easily re-align the hose line in an instant and regain full flow rate.
• AGGRESSIVE and EFFECTIVE firefighting capability because the BLITZTAC has an attack angle range from a 10-degree manned attack angle up to 50-degrees.  That unrivaled range offers the ability to attack fire through a front door, a basement window, or even into a second story window.
• QUICK, HIGH GPM, fire attack in a defensive or offensive position depending on the fire department’s tactical operations.  One firefighter with one hose line can be quickly deployed and used to deliver up to 2000 l/min (500 gpm).
• A COMPACT, and LIGHT WEIGHT solution that allows easy storage on the fire truck, and insures QUICK deployment by a firefighter.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Brian Podsiadlik at bwp@tft.com