Case Study: Norfolk school deploys Hochiki fire detection systems

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

Hochiki, a fire and life safety products manufacturer, has been selected to deliver on a UK-based project in an educational establishment.  

Based in Norfolk, the Fred Nicholson school meets the educational needs of 162 pupils who have Educational Health and Care Plans identifying learning difficulties and a range of associated complex needs, including some children who receive specialist Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) provision.

Offering a personalised curriculum with high staff to pupil ratios, the school offers national curriculum and learning experiences that are relevant to their pupils needs which enables them to achieve. The school also offers residential provision to help further the life skills of certain pupils.

Following scheduled servicing, the need to update the existing conventional and 2-wire systems was identified, and the school underwent an upgrade to an addressable life safety system. TP Fire & Security was enlisted to help with the design and installation of the new system, and Hochiki, a manufacturer of life safety products, was chosen to deliver on the project.

Across the school L2 safety coverage was required, whereas ‘live-in’ areas such as dormitories required complete L1 coverage (much the same as a hospital or hotel) which included automatic fire detection.

Hochiki’s ESP addressable range was installed, due to its quality, reliability and diverse range of intelligent products including high performance sensors, flexible input and output modules and an assortment of ancillaries, perfect for a school environment where the fire detection system needs to have a bespoke and flexible design. Hochiki’s Ekho hybrid-wireless fire detection range was also installed and would interface with the main panel via a loop-powered translator module, for the schools mobile and outdoor classes.

As an educational setting with children with learning difficulties and ASC, it was extremely important to the school to keep disruption to an absolute minimum to avoid distressing the pupils. The flexibility and ease of installation of the Hochiki products was key to the success of the project as explained by technical design manager Kevin Harris.

He said: “A big plus with Hochiki products is how simple they are to install – it’s why they’ve become our go-to supplier for the past 20 years. Many other manufacturers only offer hardwire solutions, and for locations such as schools and care homes, keeping the installation simple and reducing on-site time is a huge win as this helps ultimately to reduce the disruption to both staff, and the day-to-day occupants.”

Magirus launches range of firefighting equipment at Spain’s SICUR

by Featured News

Magirus has launched a portfolio of technology-packed firefighting products at the SICUR trade fair in Spain.

One of the highlights will be the Magirus M32L-AT NB with SmartControl is its telescopicing arm, the articulated turntable ladder opens up areas of application that conventional ladders cannot reach. The intelligent, particularly intuitive control is carried out via technically and ergonomically redesigned operating elements that ensure precise and safe maneuvering even in the most stressful situations.

The Wolf R1 enable even more effective and safe operations, with a completely electric drive. Magirus says the Wolf R1 been designed to meet the increased requirements of complex, high-risk operations.

The robot allows firefighters to stay out of harm’s way in conditions of intense heat, collapse dangers, hazardous materials investigations or poor visibility, while persevering on the spot with complete precision.

The multifunctional robot enables all-round visibility thanks to special camera systems which, thanks to a particularly stable data transmission solution, reliably provide the operations command with live images for situation assessment. Particularly in conjunction with the Magirus TacticNet mobile tactical operations network and drone support, the Wolf R1 creates transparency for mission command and enables a new level of safety.

Magirus is also displaying its AirCore TAF60 and debuting the new AirCore TAF35-C firefighting robots. The robots have a remote-control range of up to 300 metres. Both AirCore TAFs are compact and, with a height of less than 2 metres.

Nittan launches visual alarm base for photoelectric smoke detector

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Nittan Europe, a manufacturer of fire detection products sold globally, has launched the EV-PYSVAD Visual Alarm Base for use with its EV-PYS Photoelectric smoke detector.

The new EV-PYSVAD is a Type A Indoor Beacon Base VAD with enhanced performance. It features 12 high power white LEDs which provide the required light output to meet the EN 54-23 Category C (Ceiling) certification requirements with a rating of C 3.0 x 5.0. As a slave device taking its commands from the EV-PYS detector, the EV-PYSVAD does not require an individual loop address.

The EV-PYSVAD has been designed to be a backward compatible drop-in replacement for its predecessor, the EV-PSBCN Visual Indicator Base, without the need for panel upgrades or type code changes.

The EV-PYSVAD Visual Alarm Base has been introduced specifically for use with Nittan’s EV-PYS Photoelectric smoke detector, which comes with a sounder.

The EV-PYS features an advanced smoke sensing chamber designed for maximum effectiveness. A spherical feature incorporated within the chamber provides superior light scattering, plus an orange LED is used, which significantly improves response across the fire spectrum.

The shape of the ‘PY’ smoke chamber is optimised to minimise the effect of dirt/dust contamination, plus a fine stainless-steel micromesh prevents the ingress of even the smallest insects which can create false alarms.

Northampton industrial fire to be investigated

by Featured NewsIndustrialIndustry SectorsUncategorized

A huge fire broke out in Northampton Industrial estate which was heroically fought off by the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service. Now, an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched which gutted one industrial unit on Connaught Street.

Authorities were first called to the blaze at 3.33am on February 20, Northants Live reported. Firefighters used breathing equipment to tackle the fire and a 45mm jet and hose reel jets were also used. The area was cordoned off and locals were told to keep their windows and doors closed to protect them from the fumes.

It took more than four hours to bring the fire under control, and thankfully there were no casualties. A spokesperson for the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at an industrial premises on Connaught Street in Northampton at 3.33am on Sunday (February 20).

“Fire engines from The Mounts, Moulton, Mereway, Brixworth and Earls Barton were called to the incident, as was the aerial appliance from Corby. “Members of the Fire Investigation Team attended the scene this morning (February 21), found no remaining hotspots, and have started to investigate the possible cause of the fire.”

Improvements approved for Isle of Wight fire stations

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProductsProjects

Fire stations across the Isle of Wight are to set to recevie improvements to the tune of £1.7m. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) approved the spending at a meeting last week.

The money follows on from a £1.1m investment in its Isle of Wight estate in 2021 (Phase one improvements) which saw the Island’s 10 stations fitted out with new and improved vehicle exhaust extraction kits and upgraded fire alarm systems.

Following the Fire Authority’s decision to invest further, all 10 sites will now receive electrical infrastructure updates and surveys to bring the stations in line with those in Hampshire.

Other work will include:

• Roof replacements at Newport, Cowes, Bembridge, Ventnor and Freshwater
• Kitchen upgrades at Ryde, Newport, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin and Freshwater, to make life better for our colleagues and attract partner agencies to these locations
• The appliance bay door at Shanklin will be upgraded
• A four-bed dormitory and bathroom will be created at Bembridge, providing accommodation for colleagues travelling to the Island, at no cost to HIWFRS

Rhydian Vaughan, Councillor and chairman of HIWFRA, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of the formation of the Combined Fire Authority, it is pleasing to see the progress that has already been made to improve fire stations across the Isle of Wight. The investment of a further £1.7m will now allow more essential maintenance work to be carried out, making life better for firefighters, support staff and our communities.

He added that council charges one of the lowest taxes in England, yet continues to be committed to providing good value for money to its residents. “Proactively investing in our estate is important because it ensures that our buildings are fit for purpose and can meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service,” Vaughan added.

Dahua’s new technology reduces Chinese mountain wildfire by 80%

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProductsThermal Imaging

At the beginning of 2020, Dahua Technology provided an intelligent forest fire prevention monitoring system for Rizhao. This solution gives an automatic early warning of fire, real-time fire control and closed-loop response through digital intelligence technology, significantly improving forest fire prevention and dispatch.

Mountainous regions, like Rizhao in Shandong Province of China, are vulnerable to forest fires. Recognised by the United Nations in 2009 as one of the most habitable cities in the world, this city consists of 4,358 mountains, with a forest area of 1,400 square kilometers that account for 70% of the region.

Up until now, forest rangers have manually scouted and monitored the area, walking nearly 10 kilometers of treacherous trails for several hours a day.

The Illegal wood burning in the area, if not controlled properly, can lead to a disastrous wildfire. According to a World Health Organization report, in 50% of wildfires recorded, the cause that triggered them is unknown.

At present, high-altitude dual-lens thermal imaging cameras cover the main mountains in the city, carrying out 360 ° remote monitoring 24/7. This solution also offers real-time sensing and intelligent management of people and vehicles coming in and out of the forest areas.

Furthermore, to reduce false alarms, the system adopts algorithms for deep smoke and mountain scanning, thus improving the accuracy of real fire alarms and saving manpower and material resources.

After half a year of operation, the system has detected more than 30 real mountain fires. The average number of fires found every day during fire season has significantly decreased by 80% compared with the initial stage of the project. This reflects the effectiveness of the solution in fire monitoring and the increasing awareness of villagers regarding fire safety.

Overall, this solution helps guarantee the safety of 1,400 square kilometers of forest resources in Rizhao.

Major fire forces road closure in Wiltshire

by ActiveFeatured News

A fire in an large home caused a major road to be closed in Wiltshire, with plumes of smoke covering the skyline in the nearby area. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the property in the Westbrook near Bromham, just off the A3102.

An official statement from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 6.59pm this evening our Service Control Centre received the first of multiple 999 calls to report a property fire in Westbrook near Bromham.

https://twitter.com/DWFireRescue/status/1494408374917775365

“Initially crews were dispatched to the incident from Calne and Melksham. Firefighters quickly requested support and we currently have 15 fire engines, three water carriers and an aerial ladder platform at this incident (approx. 75 firefighters).”Crews are dealing with a significant fire in a large property. The A3102 has been closed and will remain closed overnight while we deal with this incident.”

An update earlier today from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have reduced our attendance at this incident over night. 20 firefighters remain on scene. The A3102 remains closed to allow us to deal with the incident. The road will remain closed for some time yet. A fire investigation into the cause of this incident will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Triangle Housing awards SPIE fire and security maintenance contract

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry SectorsProducts

SPIE UK has been awarded a fire and security reactive maintenance and serving framework contract by Triangle Housing Association, a major provider of supported living, resettlement accommodation and support for people leaving hospitals in Northern Ireland.

SPIE UK will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of fire safety equipment. This includes fire alarm systems, domestic smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, smoke vents, door access controls, nurse call systems, warden call systems and other specialist fire safety equipment in accordance with Fire Safety Regulations.

On top of this, SPIE will provide a 24-hour reactive response and repairs service across all of Triangle Housing’s properties. The framework contract has been signed for an initial 36 months, with the option to extend it by a further 36 months if both parties agree to.

Andrew Fleming, property assets manage, Triangle Housing Association said: “We feel confident that SPIE UK will help to guarantee that safety over our large and varied estate and support our vision of building better lives together.”

Jim Skivington, divisional managing director, SPIE UK said: “We are delighted that Triangle Housing Association has given SPIE UK the responsibility of maintaining the fire and security equipment and systems across its estate. Our highly skilled team takes its responsibility to Triangle Housing and its tenants very seriously and we look forward to a productive future working relationship.”

The 36-month contract will see SPIE working across Triangle Housing’s 1,000 property estate and provide 24-hour reactive response.

Fire breaks out on ship carrying Volkswagen and Porche vehicles

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPorts & Maritime

A 650-foot-long cargo ship carrying Porche, and Volkswagen cars caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship’s 22 crew members fled the scene thanks to rescue works carried out by the Portuguese Navy.

Built in 2005 Felicity Ace can carry up to 4,000 cars. The vessel was on its way to a port in Davisville, Rhode Island, having set sail from Germany’s Emden.

The ship sounded the alarm after a fire broke out in the hold, the Associated Press reported.

Portugal’s navy said one of its patrol boats and four merchant vessels were helping with the rescue. Portuguese air force aircraft were also mobilized.

Both Volkswagen and Porche released separate statements, acknowledging an incident had taken place on a vessel that was carrying their vehicles among the cargo on the ship.

Porche in its statement said that ‘it’s thoughts were with the 22 crew members of the merchant ship’. The statement also reaffirmed that the Portuguese authorities had rescued the crew members.

The Portuguese Navy has said there are no further details about the recovery operation, but the ship is said to be drifting eastwards.