Pye-Barker expands its footprint with AAA Fire Safety & Alarm acquisition

by AmericasFeatured News

Pye-Barker’s growing presence in Utah

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Utah-based AAA Fire Safety & Alarm, a significant player in the fire protection and alarm sector within the Intermountain West.

The move strengthens Pye-Barker’s market position in Utah, especially in services related to fire sprinklers, fire suppression, and alarms.

Services offered by AAA Fire Safety & Alarm

Located in Layton, Utah, AAA Fire Safety & Alarm delivers a variety of services including 24-hour emergency response, inspection, maintenance, design and installation of fire and security systems.

Additionally, the company provides emergency lighting, exit signs, and fire extinguishers to ensure businesses remain compliant with safety codes.

More details about the company can be found on their official website.

Leaders share their insights

“After 45 years in business, I’m thrilled to join forces with Pye-Barker, a recognised leader in our industry”, stated Scott Shriber, President and Owner of AAA Fire Safety & Alarm.

“This partnership opens new avenues for innovation and allows us to leverage our collective strengths to provide even greater value to our clients and partners.”

“We’re honoured to have them join the Pye-Barker family as we enhance service in Utah” added Bart Proctor, CEO at Pye-Barker.

Customers in Utah can expect continued service from AAA’s highly trained technicians.

IFSJ Comment

The acquisition of AAA Fire Safety & Alarm by Pye-Barker Fire & Safety underscores the growing trend of consolidations within the fire and safety industry.

By aligning with AAA, Pye-Barker not only fortifies its market position in Utah but also enhances its portfolio of services.

Such strategic mergers and partnerships often lead to improved offerings for customers, thanks to shared expertise and resources.

For industry watchers, this move offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of fire safety, with larger entities like Pye-Barker aiming for a broader reach and deeper penetration into regional markets.

Announcing the 2023 Fire Chiefs of the Year recipients

by AmericasEventsFeatured News

Pierce and IAFC recognise outstanding Fire Chiefs

In collaboration with Pierce Manufacturing, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) unveiled the 2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honourees.

The awards ceremony took place at Fire-Rescue International in Kansas City, Missouri, on 16 August.

Volunteer and Career Fire Chiefs celebrated since 1996

Since its inception in 1996, the IAFC annually honours both a volunteer and a career fire chief.

A specially chosen committee by the IAFC evaluates nominations.

The criteria for the accolades encompass significant contributions in leadership, innovation, professional growth, integrity, and public service.

This year, Volunteer Fire Chief Thomas Bell of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania and Career Fire Chief Brian Fennessy of the Orange County Fire Authority in California received the awards.

On this special occasion, Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing, stated: “We are honoured to celebrate the commitment and dedication of these outstanding fire service leaders.

“Chief Fennessy and Chief Bell are more than just fire service professionals: they are community pillars and mentors for future generations.

“Pierce Manufacturing is proud to acknowledge their irreplaceable contributions.”

Spotlight on Volunteer Fire Chief – Thomas Bell

Having dedicated over 30 years to fire service, Chief Thomas Bell’s leadership is characterised by hard work and result-driven strategies.

Chief Bell’s tenure marked a significant time in the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department’s evolution.

Under his direction, the department underwent a transformative phase, prioritising teamwork, skill, and foundational values.

He introduced the ‘Dignity Statement’ policy, which highlights mutual respect and zero tolerance for harassment and bullying.

Such a policy, reinforced by mandatory training, resonated deeply within the community.

Among his other achievements are the rejuvenation of the Junior Firefighter Program which saw a surge in participation, igniting a renewed passion for service among veteran firefighters

Operational enhancements, including: The Red X Program to identify hazardous buildings; A nightly rotating Command Officer shift; Post-fire laundry services for bunker gear; and compulsory radio command and protocol training.

Highlighting Career Fire Chief – Brian Fennessy

Chief Brian Fennessy’s nearly fifty-year career stands testament to his innovative leadership in the fire service realm.

His journey began as a helitack captain for the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to prestigious roles, including that of the fire chief for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and most recently the OCFA.

Chief Fennessy’s vast contributions span incident response, firefighter health, diversity, and grant activity.

His recent securing of significant funding for the Wildland Hand Crew Station and vegetation management initiatives underscores his forward-looking vision.

Notably, the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS), initiated in 2017, stands out among his projects.

Thanks to the success of FIRIS, it gained $30 million state funding last year, marking it a crucial tool for wildfire intelligence in California.

A few more of his achievements include: Launching the Quick Reaction Force in partnership with Southern California Edison; Initiating various initiatives at OCFA, emphasising diversity and health; Receiving accolades like Fire Chief of the Year by the California Fire Chiefs Association; and being named as one of the nation’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers”.

Both Chiefs Thomas Bell and Brian Fennessy’s extraordinary dedication and vision make them fitting recipients of the 2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award.

For additional details about Pierce Manufacturing and the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award, kindly visit their official site.

IFSJ Comment

Recognising the accomplishments of individuals who make significant strides in fire safety provides an opportunity for reflection and inspiration.

The annual Fire Chief of the Year award is more than just an accolade – it’s a testament to the evolving nature of the fire safety profession.

By acknowledging the exceptional efforts of individuals like Chiefs Thomas Bell and Brian Fennessy, we offer a glimpse into the future of fire safety, shaped by innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

About Pierce Manufacturing

Pierce Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, is a renowned name in the fire apparatus industry.

With a legacy of innovation and reliability, Pierce is committed to delivering top-tier fire and rescue apparatus, underpinned by unrivalled customer support and service.

Their collaboration with institutions like the IAFC exemplifies their commitment to supporting and uplifting the fire safety community globally.

Behind The Fire Element: Nightstick Answers Common Firefighter Questions

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

What are the advantages of lithium-ion over nickel-metal hydride and nickel cadmium batteries?

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries present notable advantages over Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (Nicad) batteries.

Nicad batteries are recognized for their durability and extended potential lifespan under appropriate usage conditions.

However, their primary drawback lies in the occurrence of the “memory effect,” whereby the battery’s capacity is restricted to the charge level of the last cycle, leading to a substantial reduction in its overall longevity.

NiMH batteries, on the other hand, offer enhanced energy density compared to Nicad batteries, albeit at the expense of increased weight.

These batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, but they may encounter an issue referred to as “weak-cell syndrome,” where certain cells lose their charge rapidly despite displaying a fully charged status.

In contrast, Li-ion batteries have emerged as the preferred choice for contemporary LED devices due to their superior energy density.

A key advantage of Li-ion batteries is their immunity to both the memory effect and weak-cell syndrome.

However, their engineering complexity demands meticulous attention to safety measures, as a lack of properly designed safety circuitry could lead to “thermal runaway” incidents, causing potentially hazardous fires.

Developing products suitable for usage in hazardous environments requires profound knowledge, significant financial investment, and substantial time commitments.

Is there a difference between Intrinsically Safe and Explosion Proof?

When considering LED lighting procurement geared for safety, it is essential to grasp the differences between Explosion-Proof (Ex) and Intrinsically Safe (IS) lighting products.

Explosion-Proof (Ex) lighting is constructed with robust enclosures made from materials like stainless steel or aluminum alloys.

These fixtures are designed to contain and endure an explosion safely within the equipment itself.

On the other hand, Intrinsically Safe (IS) equipment aims to prevent an explosion from occurring.

It achieves this by restricting the energy and temperature within the device, thereby mitigating the risk of sparks or ignition in hazardous environments.

IS devices necessitate significantly lower energy levels compared to EX-protected equipment.

Although IS and EX are often used interchangeably, they operate in entirely different ways.

While EX contains and releases the resulting gases from an explosion at a safe temperature, IS devices prevent explosions by managing available energy to eliminate potential sparks and thermal effects in hazardous environments beforehand.

Apart from their distinctive operational methods, IS equipment offers several advantages, including cost savings, reduced weight, and portability.

However, ensuring the quality of IS equipment is crucial in potentially explosive environments.

Therefore, it is essential to acquire lighting products from reputable companies with documented experience in creating IS devices, as the engineering and production process requires specialized knowledge and an added expense.

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

Waterproof and water-resistant are commonly misunderstood to have the same meaning.

However, these are two distinct terms. Understanding the difference is crucial to safeguarding your device.

To determine the level of water protection, the IP rating scale is used, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

This rating indicates the device’s resistance to freshwater, dirt, dust, and sand and can be found on the product’s packaging or in the instruction manual specifications.

The IP ratings are as follows, from lowest to highest:

  • IPX0: No protection
  • IPX1: Protection against vertically dripping water for a short time at normal orientation.
  • IPX2: Protection against vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15° from normal orientation.
  • IPX3: Protection against water spray rotated up to 60° from normal orientation.
  • IPX4: Protection against a splash of water from any direction.
  • IPX5: Protection against a stream of water from any direction.
  • IPX6: Protection against a strong stream of water from any direction.
  • IPX7: Protection when submerged up to a 1-meter depth (often with a specific time duration listed).
  • IPX8: Object suitable for continuous immersion in water at a depth of more than 1 meter (often with a time duration listed).

Nightstick’s MagMate™ charging technology offers a waterproof method for recharging portable LED lighting.

By utilizing a hermetically sealed charging port and a magnetic connector, the need for ports or rubber caps is eliminated, reducing the risk of water entering the product during recharging.

What are the advantages of Dual Light?

The advantages of the Dual-Light system lies in its ability to address several key issues associated with traditional flashlights.

Traditional flashlights cause the pupils to constrict, reducing peripheral vision and increasing the risk of accidents in hazardous work environments.

In contrast, dual-light flashlights feature both a forward-facing beam for distant illumination and a secondary downward-facing floodlight that restores lost peripheral vision.

This floodlight also provides a soft area light, preventing blinding glare when working up close as well as providing wide, even illumination that fills in shadows created from using a spotlight alone.

Additionally, opting for lighting products from a single source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across the product line, which is especially crucial when purchasing intrinsically safe lighting.

Nightstick, the original creator of Dual-Light flashlights, offers a comprehensive range of over 50+ intrinsically safe LED lighting products, exceeding industry standards in performance, quality, and user safety.

For more information and to locate a dealer, visit www.nightstick.com.

Fire Protection Research Foundation to host their 26th annual symposium in September

by AmericasAmericas - EventsEventsFeatured News

Foundation’s symposium set to discuss suppression, detection and signalling

The Fire Protection Research Foundation, also known as the FPRF, has announced they will be hosting their 26th annual Suppression, Detection and Signaling Research and Applications Symposium from September 12-14, 2023.

The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook in Northbrook, IL. For more details on this, visit the official announcement.

Pioneering the symposium since 1997

Since its inception in 1997, the annual SUPDET conference has been a leading platform for experts in fire protection engineering.

Attendees range from designers and manufacturers to installers, bringing them all together to discuss the latest in research and development.

This year’s symposium promises 30 insightful presentations, with topics touching on energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries, emerging technologies like AI, and much more.

Key topics to be addressed at the symposium

Among the highlighted discussions are:

  • The impact of Modern Vehicle Hazards in Parking Garages & Vehicle Carriers by Kevin Carr of NFPA and Victoria Hutchison of FPRF.
  • Jerry Back from Jensen Hughes will delve into the Final Validation Testing of the Lading Fluorine-Free Foams for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Applications.
  • Discussions on Mitigation of Runaway and Propagation in Lithium-ion Battery Packs will be led by J.G. Quintiere from Q dot LLC.
  • Other significant sessions will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Smoke Detector Spacing on High Ceilings, and a panel discussion about Evaluating Data & Voice Signals in Pathway Survivable Cables for Life Safety Systems.

The Fire Protection Research Foundation is the research affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Those interested in joining the symposium can register on the NFPA website.

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Protection Research Foundation’s annual SUPDET symposium serves as a pivotal gathering for experts and professionals in fire safety.

With the evolving challenges and advancements in technology, such a platform ensures that best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions are shared widely, ultimately aiming for enhanced safety and protection.

Columbia Southern University collaborates with the IAFC for new development program

by AmericasFeatured NewsTraining

In a recent announcement, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have initiated a transformative partnership. This collaboration aligns with the key goal to “educate” as outlined in the IAFC Board’s Strategic Initiative Plan, which was adopted earlier this year.

A step forward in officer development programs

Through this alliance, CSU has been named the “Officer Development Program (ODP) Educational Partner of the IAFC”.

The two organisations have shown their dedication to offering fire service professionals, both new and experienced, a comprehensive virtual learning platform.

This aims to make education more attainable for all members of the IAFC.

Furthermore, a 15% discount on CSU academic courses has been made available for IAFC members and their immediate families.

Introducing the ODP – Leadership Development Certification Series

Central to this partnership is the introduction of the ODP – Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS).

This innovative program is tailored to foster forward-thinking leaders capable of addressing the demands of the contemporary fire service. The series merges the expertise of industry leaders from the IAFC with CSU’s esteemed educational pedigree.

This fusion brings together the best of academic knowledge and practical experience.

Course delivery is flexible, available online and in-person at IAFC Fire-Rescue International events and through IAFC Division and State regional programs.

Moreover, after passing an online examination, participants can opt for a 100% online route or a mix of online and onsite courses.

Notably, upon completion, graduates can earn undergraduate college credit hours for the first time.

Building on its predecessor, the ODP Leadership Development Symposium Series (LDCS) emphasises new competency-based standards.

This reinforces the IAFC’s unwavering dedication to uplift training and education within the fire service profession.

With this structured professional growth path, students can enhance their leadership capabilities, decision-making skills, and strategic expertise.

Additionally, they can earn continuing education units, which act as a testament to their professional development pursuits.

A future bright with potential for fire service education

The synergy between IAFC and CSU is poised to reshape fire service education’s future.

The newly introduced Leadership Development Certification and Symposium Series stands as a beacon of excellence.

Its aim is to empower the next wave of fire service leaders, ensuring safer and more resilient communities around the globe.

By coming together, both institutions hope to light the path for progress, envisioning a brighter future for the fire service domain.

IFSJ Comment

The fusion of two prominent entities like IAFC and CSU not only underscores the increasing emphasis on professional development in fire service but also showcases how strategic alliances can enhance accessibility and standards of education.

This collaboration is set to benefit communities at large by cultivating a generation of fire service leaders armed with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

Teledyne FLIR releases a new radiometric thermal camera module

by AmericasFeatured NewsProductsThermal Imaging

Teledyne FLIR unveils the Lepton 3.1R thermal camera module

Teledyne FLIR, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has launched the Lepton 3.1R, which they describe as the world’s first radiometric thermal camera module boasting a 95-degree field of view, a 160 x 120 resolution, and a scene dynamic range up to 400 degrees Celsius.

This latest model retains the compact, energy-efficient design which has established the Lepton range as a top choice for mobile devices, compact electronics, and uncrewed systems.

For more about the Lepton series, visit here.

A legacy of innovation and practical application

Mike Walters, vice president of product management at Teledyne FLIR, remarked: “The innovative Lepton was the world’s first thermal micro camera module integrated into a wide array of devices from ruggedised smartphones to drones.”

He further added that the “Lepton 3.1R can now drive progress in cost-saving and potentially lifesaving autonomous products, including early fire detection in essential machinery, electrical gear, and data centres, as well as IoT products for smart factories, home automation, smart devices, and elder care solutions.”

The Lepton 3.1R offers enhanced compatibility, serving as an easy upgrade for current Lepton-based products.

It supports the same visual object and space perception interface (VoSPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and retains the electrical and mechanical shape of earlier Lepton models, simplifying the development process.

Moreover, the Lepton continues its legacy as the most affordable focal plane array-based thermal sensor available.

Superior thermal radiometric capabilities

All Lepton modules offer unrivalled thermal sensitivity for a non-cooled micro thermal camera.

The Lepton range incorporates several advanced technologies, such as wafer-level detector packaging, wafer-scale micro-optics, a tailored integrated circuit, and an economical, integration-friendly camera package.

Additionally, the Lepton series can determine the temperature of every pixel within a scene, thanks to its built-in digital thermal image processing and radiometry capabilities.

Support and tools for integrators and developers

In a bid to reduce costs and fast-track product launches, developers have access to an online Lepton integration toolbox, complete with application guidelines and source code for testing across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone.

The Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team stands ready to assist customers with licensing the MyFLIR application software and other image-enhancing tools, ensuring optimum performance while minimising technical risks.

IFSJ Comment

The Lepton 3.1R’s potential in early fire detection and monitoring critical machinery cannot be understated.

The integration into smart devices and home automation means better safety protocols for a range of environments, from industrial sites to domestic settings.

Maui wildfire: A devastating blow to Hawaii

by AmericasBreaking NewsWildland Fire

Update on the Maui wildfires

According to a recent report on CNN, crews in west Maui are painstakingly sifting through the remains of homes and landmarks destroyed by the most lethal wildfire the US has witnessed in over a century.

The death toll has reached 96. Several individuals are still missing, with search teams and cadaver dogs scanning the razed neighbourhoods.

Hawaii’s unprecedented natural disaster

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green commented on the tragedy: “This is the largest natural disaster we’ve ever experienced.”

He further noted: “It’s going to also be a natural disaster that’s going to take an incredible amount of time to recover from.”

Although the Federal Emergency Management Agency hesitated to place a financial estimate on the damage in Maui, the governor suggested that the losses could be around $6 billion.

Despite efforts to evaluate the damage, the firefight continues.

Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura revealed on Saturday that, while significant progress has been made against the three main wildfires, the deadly fire in Lahaina remains not fully under control.

Gov. Green highlighted the intense speed of the Lahaina wildfire in a video update, stating: “When the winds rose up – winds gusting as high as 81 miles per hour – fires spread rapidly.”

He added: “We believe between 60 miles per hour and 81 miles per hour across that part of the island, and that meant that fire travelled one mile every minute.”

A red flag warning was previously declared by the weather service on Monday, pointing out the critical fire weather conditions created by the combination of dry lands, gusty winds, and low humidity levels.

By Tuesday afternoon, winds from the powerful Hurricane Dora, which was hundreds of miles south of Hawaii, exacerbated the already raging wildfires leading to multiple evacuations in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.

As of Sunday 3 p.m. local time, the Lahaina wildfire had consumed 2,170 acres and was 85% contained, whereas the Upcountry or Kula fire covered an estimated 678 acres and was 60% contained.

Communication breakdown during the crisis

Even as fires advanced quickly into neighbourhoods, the world’s largest siren system remained silent.

Residents mainly depended on mobile phones and broadcasters for emergency updates during times when most power and cell services were down.

When questioned about the lack of siren alerts, Green elaborated, “There were multiple fires at the same time, and the circumstance was greatly complicated also by the heat and the speed with which the fire spread, destroying a great deal of infrastructure.”

He assured that a comprehensive review would be undertaken to determine potential improvements in safeguarding residents in future.

NFPA’s perspective on the global wildfire issue

The NFPA draws attention to the global issue of unprecedented wildfires, emphasising both human and natural causes.

Jim Pauley, the President and CEO of NFPA, stated: “This painful and tragic reality was on full display in Maui as wind-driven fires overwhelmed the small island.”

He stressed the necessity for stronger policies, saying: “While voluntary actions to mitigate property have proved successful to an extent, the sheer volume of communities at risk requires changes to where we build, how we build, and what we do to existing properties.”

Recent statistics show that wildfires over the past five years have obliterated nearly 63,000 structures in the U.S., the majority being homes.

Officials are predicting more wildfires in the upcoming months due to persistent dry heat and elevated storm activity, urging residents to take preventative measures.

IFSJ Comment

The increasing prevalence and intensity of wildfires globally underscore the urgency of proactive community planning, improved infrastructure resilience, and comprehensive emergency response strategies.

The Maui wildfire serves as a poignant reminder of the risks many regions face and the need for ongoing education, prevention, and preparedness.

IFSJ Exclusive: Eco-friendly innovation with Ultra Fog

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ ExclusivesSustainability

Unravelling Ultra Fog’s innovative and sustainable high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems with Marketing Director Mihaiela Bocancea

For over three decades, Ultra Fog has been at the forefront of advancing fire safety technology.

Born in Sweden and now a global entity, the company specialises in the manufacturing of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems, offering a blend of superior quality, environmental sustainability, and innovative design.

With a rapidly expanding international presence, Ultra Fog is not only changing the way we approach fire safety but is also setting new standards for the sector.

IFSJ spoke to Mihaiela Bocancea, Marketing Director at Ultra Fog, to find out more about the company’s story, unique offerings, commitment to sustainability, and future plans.

Can you provide a brief overview of Ultra Fog, its history and mission?

Ultra Fog holds an esteemed position as one of the trailblazers that catapulted water mist fire protection systems into the realm of industry standards back in 1990.

What began as a humble endeavour has blossomed into a global presence, safeguarding a vast array of environments such as land, offshore, marine, rolling stock, and vehicles with our advanced water mist fire protection systems.

Our unwavering mission is to continuously enhance our products through annual fire tests while ensuring the utmost quality and reliability in everything we offer.

What kind of fire suppression solutions does Ultra Fog offer and how are they developed?

At Ultra Fog, we take pride in producing, installing, and servicing high-pressure water mist fire protection systems.

Our dedicated facilities around the world serve as hubs for the relentless research conducted by our expert team, many of whom have been with Ultra Fog since our inception in 1990.

It is through their tireless efforts and expertise that our exceptional fire suppression solutions come to life.

Can you explain what a high-pressure water mist fire suppression system is and how it works?

Ultra Fog’s water mist fire suppression systems offer robust, effective, and meticulously engineered solutions for applications that demand optimal fire suppression while minimising water consumption.

The magic begins with our high-pressure pumps, which forcefully propel water through our stainless-steel Ultra Fog water mist nozzles.

As a result, the water is transformed into millions of minuscule droplets typically ranging from 30 to 200 μm in diameter.

A single litre of water in this mist form generates around 4 billion droplets, covering a total surface area of 75-sq m.

When the system is activated, this deluge of water mist creates a protective blanket that maximises heat absorption from the fire, while the subsequent evaporation and expansion of the mist into steam effectively displaces oxygen.

Unlike traditional sprinkler systems, our water mist solution leverages the mist’s ability to present a significantly larger water surface area, facilitating rapid heat absorption.

Moreover, the mist remains suspended in the air for an extended duration, granting more time for heat absorption to take effect.

As a result, Ultra Fog systems cool and suppress fires while utilising considerably less water than conventional sprinkler systems.

Ultra Fog conducts yearly fire tests. Can you elaborate on what these tests involve and why they are important?

Our R&D department is bustling with activity, as our brilliant minds continuously develop nozzles that utilise even smaller amounts of water.

We proudly hold the title of the world’s top-performing company in terms of RO/RO garage area coverage.

But it doesn’t stop there: these fire tests are vital as they allow us to ensure that all our products adhere to environmental regulations while providing top-notch performance.

We are dedicated to extinguishing fires and minimising water consumption, all while staying ahead of the curve.

Can you explain how the high-performance nozzle in Ultra Fog’s systems works and what kind of spaces it can protect?

The high-performance wonder, known as our stainless-steel nozzle, is an ingenious piece of engineering that can safeguard spaces of up to 48-sq m.

With wider nozzle spacing, we offer not only superior protection but also reduced installation costs and labour.

What’s more, the patented design of our Ultra Fog nozzle boasts a unique feature—the ability to test the system’s functionality without breaking the frangible glass bulb.

Thanks to our innovative patented nozzle test tool, we’ve made it a breeze to ensure optimal performance without any costly mishaps.

Ultra Fog’s products are known for being eco-friendly. Can you explain what this means and how the systems contribute to protecting the environment?

When we say our products are eco-friendly, we mean business.

By harnessing the power of pure, drinkable water to extinguish fires, we’ve bid farewell to hazardous chemicals.

And here’s the icing on the cake: our high-pressure pumps allow us to use a staggering 90% less water compared to traditional sprinkler systems.

We firmly believe that saving water means saving our precious planet and safeguarding valuable assets.

After all, who wants to survive a fire only to find their valuables soaked beyond repair?

Luckily, with Ultra Fog, we’ve put an end to that soggy nightmare.

What types of industries or sectors typically use Ultra Fog’s fire suppression solutions?

At first, we dipped our toes into the marine field, protecting all types of vessels from fire.

But as time went on, we realised our mission was too grand to be confined to a single industry.

Now, we proudly serve an array of sectors and industries.

Whether it’s safeguarding trains, tunnels, high-rise buildings, aircraft hangars, various vehicles, data centres, offshore, or even cultural heritage sites, Ultra Fog’s fire suppression solutions are ready to rise to the occasion.

Ultra Fog has a strong international presence. How does this global reach impact your service delivery and customer relationships?

Our global reach is a source of great pride for us.

Our expanding footprint year after year allows us to establish meaningful connections with new distributors, agents, and clients worldwide.

It’s the secret ingredient that enhances our service delivery and strengthens our customer relationships.

By being closer to our present and potential clients, we can cater to their unique needs with greater efficiency and understanding.

What does the future hold for Ultra Fog?

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our grandest headquarters yet, located in the enchanting city of Viareggio, Italy.

This monumental step forward will solidify our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

As visionaries, we see water mist as the undeniable future of the fire protection industry, given its unrivalled eco-friendly nature.

That’s why we’re determined to expand our range of applications and continue blazing trails.

And rest assured, we’re leaving no stone unturned—we’re on a mission to complete all approval fields with esteemed entities like FM and VDS.

Ultra Fog is ready to conquer the fire protection world, one misty innovation at a time.

This exclusive article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

WFCA unveils Applied Sciences Center for Resilience Studies to bridge research and practice

by AmericasFeatured NewsResearchWildland Fire

A pioneering effort for resilience

The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) has revealed a significant initiative to support and enhance resilience across various sectors.

In a landmark move, WFCA has launched the Applied Sciences Center for Resilience Studies (ASC), aimed at creating a connection between research and practice.

The ASC is envisioned as a collaborative platform involving communities, government bodies, industries, and academia.

Its purpose is to foster resilience within society through focused research and development initiatives.

Resilience against wildfires: the inaugural research

Backed by funding from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate’s Earth Science Division, the ASC’s first research project is centred on improving wildfire technology and decision-making processes.

This effort aims to create a flexible decision matrix and model to assess investments in wildland technologies, doctrine, and operations.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the first responders’ ability to adapt to the evolving challenges of increased wildfire threats.

The vision for this project has been jointly developed with the Moore Foundation and former State Fire Marshal of California, Chief Kate Dargan, in reaction to the mounting threats of wildfires and the difficulties of acquiring actionable intelligence.

Dr. Katelynn Kapalo and co-investigator Brian Collins are leading this initiative.

They are focusing on identifying essential technology investments for the initial 24-hour response to wildland-urban interface fires.

“Our central goal is to support incident management teams making decisions in dynamic and changing environments where intelligence gathered and resource management is critical to the decision-making process,” said Collins and Kapalo.

For this venture, ASC will partner with Processus and Obsidian, leveraging data and decision science expertise used across military, training, and medical fields.

Commitment to innovation and resilience

ASC Director, Chief (ret.) Bob Horton, voiced his enthusiasm for the approach: “We are proud to have the confidence of NASA to conduct this important work.

“Our role is to connect the research community and experts from other domains to practitioners on the ground.

“This initiative will directly benefit our firefighters and offer guidance to academia and industry alike, spurring innovation and progress.”

WFCA President Mark Niemeyer marked the occasion, saying: “The WFCA is expected to bring innovation into the fire service.

“The ASC shows our commitment to doing just that, and we are excited to be unveiling it, and looking forward to announcing our new partners and projects in the coming weeks.”

For more details about the Applied Sciences Center for Resilience Studies and the Western Fire Chiefs Association, please visit here.

IFSJ Comment

The launch of the Applied Sciences Center for Resilience Studies by WFCA signifies a remarkable step in unifying practical application with scientific research.

By targeting both wildfire technology and broader resilience strategies, this effort promises to drive innovation and contribute significantly to the knowledge base, empowering communities, firefighters, and first responders.

The power of water mist

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire Suppression

Bettina McDowell, General Manager of the IWMA, looks at the applications, advantages and standards of water mist systems

When it comes to the different classes of fires, water mist ticks more boxes than any other kind of fire suppression system.

This is due to the way smaller droplets interact with fires.

Evidence is the list of applications that – over the years – has grown to considerable length and includes – amongst others – tunnels, cable tunnels, data centres, shopping malls, trains, train stations, hotel rooms, high-rise building, industrial oil cookers, saunas and timber buildings.

Water mist systems use up to 85 per cent less water than traditional sprinkler systems.

The significant reduction of water means water damage is reduced to an absolute minimum.

This also means that after a fire there is less debris that has to be disposed of.

A particular concern are fires in hazardous environments as this can result in the release of many different toxins and chemicals from the fuel of the fire or gases.

The firewater gathers these substances and therefore needs to be picked up and disposed of once the fire is extinguished.

This job is easier the less water there is.

Two additional (environmental) factors: the components – like pipes and tanks – are smaller which means that less material is required and fewer truck loads have to be delivered to the sites.

Other advantages of water mist are the cooling effect that prevents re-ignition, there is no fear factor (water mist does not harm humans) and there is also the room filling effect: due to the size of the droplets water mist is well distributed, fills many nooks and crevices within seconds of activation.

Water mist can be carried around with the air flow and is therefore not depending on hitting the fire directly.

It is therefore able to control or extinguish even concealed fires.

When it comes to smoke control water mist will efficiently cool the smoke layer preventing the hot gas layer to contribute to further fire spread.

Water mist will also cleanout some of the smoke particles.

And: The technology is proven to international standards and guidelines and is therefore ready to use.

The first standards were published in the Mid-1990s (IMO A800 + MSC 265, FM 5560 and NFPA 750). There are also national and regional standards like the Danish guideline and the Nordic Standard.

However, a big step for the water mist industry was indeed the publication of the European Standard EN 14972. The first part (design, installation, inspection, maintenance) was released in late 2020.

Some of the other 17 parts (all test protocols) have also been published.

Experts from all over Europe are working hard to complete the remaining parts.

Although EN 14972 is a European Standard, it could well have a worldwide impact. Based on the Vienna Agreement – which stipulates the exchange of information and increased transparency – standardisation bodies can adopt standards which have been created in other parts of the world which means that the European Standard can be used globally.

About IWMA

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) supports the development, research and applications engineering of generic water mist systems.

IWMA is involved in the work of CEN TC 191 / WG 10, NFPA 750 and 25, VdS 3188, IMO (International Maritime Organization) and EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency of the European Commission).

This exclusive article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.