The Women in Fire Safety Awards: Celebrating Women’s Impact

by Breaking NewsEventsIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

A Conversation with Chloe Vickery, Co-Founder of the Women in Fire Safety Awards

As the Women in Fire Safety Awards swiftly approach, anticipation is building.

This significant event honours the exemplary contributions of women in the fire safety community, providing a platform to redress historical gender imbalances within the industry.

Co-founders Chloe Vickery and Kate Blake, women of merit who have navigated dynamic careers in the field, are dedicated to fostering a more progressive sector, championing women’s accomplishments, and inspiring a new generation to consider fire safety as an exciting career opportunity.

Ahead of the ceremony on 28th September 2023, Iain Hoey caught up with Chloe to delve into the origins, significance, and evolution of the awards.

What inspired you both to establish the Women in Fire Safety Awards and how has the reception been since inception?

We’re currently celebrating our third year of the Women in Fire Safety Awards.

Having dedicated 16 years of my life to this industry, starting when I was just 16, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that women face here.

Kate and I often discussed the lack of platforms that specifically recognise and champion the role of women in our field.

One day, inspired by a collective passion and a bit of spontaneity, I proposed the idea of establishing these awards to Kate.

The aim was first to encourage more women to consider a career in fire safety by showcasing the exemplary work of their peers, and secondly, to provide much-deserved recognition to the remarkable women already breaking barriers in our community.

The creation of the awards was not influenced by external events like COVID – it came from a simple and genuine desire to give back to an industry that has enriched my life in countless ways over the past 16-17 years.

An important, yet sometimes overlooked, aspect of our mission was to promote unity among women in our sector.

There are moments, as is the case in many industries where minorities exist, when competition can overshadow collaboration, leading to an underlying tension.

We wanted to address this by emphasising the importance of supporting one another, championing successes, and working together to build an even more inclusive and thriving community.

Why do you think it is essential to have an award ceremony specifically for women in the fire safety industry?

Women are significantly underrepresented in the fire safety industry.

For instance, membership percentages for women in fire industry institutes are typically below 10%.

It’s commonplace for women to attend meetings and be the only female representative on dozens or even hundreds of occasions.

This isn’t just about numbers within the industry.

As a fire risk assessor, I’ve encountered numerous instances where clients or site workers expected a man, creating an implicit need for me to prove my competence.

This means, even if I’m more skilled than a male counterpart, I may spend three times as long just to establish my credibility.

The goal of our awards isn’t merely to raise awareness within the industry or to inspire prospective female professionals, but also to signal to the broader community that competent women actively excel in these roles.

How have the entries for this year’s awards reflected the growing impact of women in the industry?

From our inaugural awards ceremony, the response has been remarkable. Starting out, we were uncertain about the reception, thinking, “Let’s see how it goes.”

At that first event, we hosted around 70 attendees in a modest venue and live-streamed the proceedings.

Following that, the next ceremony saw a jump from 70 to roughly 350 participants.

This swift growth underscores the evident need and demand for such recognition in the industry.

When an initiative like this gains visibility, people resonate and engage with it eagerly.

This year, we’ve only seen the enthusiasm and participation expand further.

Are there any new award categories or major changes introduced to the awards this year? If so, what was the reason behind these changes?

While many award categories remain consistent, we’ve made some adjustments.

Our goal is to ensure the awards align with the industry’s needs.

We’re responsive to feedback and, if a category doesn’t fit right, we modify it. So, there’s potential for more changes next year.

What advice would you give to women who might be interested in entering next year’s awards?

Kate and I consistently emphasise one piece of advice: think outside the box regarding award categories.

While many gravitate towards “Woman of the Year”, consider other categories that might be more tailored to your specific role.

This year, the three most sought-after categories were “Woman of the Year”, “Rising Star”, and “Administrator of the Rising Star Award”.

Widening the scope your nominations can be beneficial.

Moreover, when nominating, ensure you provide comprehensive information.

Judges base their decisions on the details in the nomination form to ensure fairness.

Simply stating “Jane is great” isn’t enough; elaborate to strengthen the nomination.

Could you shed light on the process of shortlisting nominees for the awards? How do you ensure it’s fair and represents the diversity of talent in the industry?

Our approach to judging the awards is rooted in equal opportunity.

Nominees are scored individually, and the scores are aggregated.

The nominee with the highest cumulative score is the winner.

Unlike some award processes where there’s a discussion about shortlisted candidates, our method is purely quantitative.

Judges are given score sheets to evaluate the shortlisted nominees, and the highest scorer prevails.

Kate and I initially weren’t event or award experts and a supporter once asked about ensuring fairness in our judgment process.

They suggested a method they have seen work well in other awards.

We took this advice to heart and implemented it.

This process ensures different perspectives are considered, allowing for a more comprehensive and equitable assessment.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s ceremony? Are there any highlights we should look out for?

We pride ourselves on authenticity, setting our ceremony apart.

Unlike other award events, we prioritise promoting talent within the fire safety industry.

For instance, our performers, including the singers, are from the sector.

We’re dedicated to showcasing homegrown talent over externally sourced entertainers.

It’s something we’re deeply passionate about.

How do you hope the Women in Fire Safety Awards will continue to influence and shape the future of the fire safety industry?

The Women in Fire Safety Awards have gained significant traction in the UK, and there’s international interest, like from the US.

Our vision extends beyond the UK; we aim to collaborate globally.

Through platforms like LinkedIn, we’re exploring seminars in Europe.

Ultimately, our goal is to continuously promote fire safety, connecting women worldwide to share knowledge and collaborate.

The ceremony will be held on 28th September 2023 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London E1 8GP.

Read the full shortlist of nominees here.

Engage early to solve puzzle of the Building Safety Act

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

Supplying good information helps to build compliance

Three Gateways signpost the way to getting it right

The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 start to become enforceable from October 1st, 2023.

Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, looks at how early engagement can help engineers and those in the supply chain negotiate their way through the challenges it presents.

The new Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) has been developed as a new framework for the design, construction and occupation of ‘higher risk’ buildings.

These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises.

These new regulations require that all existing occupied high-risk buildings should be registered with the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) from April 6, 2023 and no later than October 1, 2023.

The BSR is an independent body which forms part of the Health and Safety Executive, which aims to raise building safety standards and the performance of buildings whilst also monitoring the competence of regulators and industry professionals.

The reality of this new legislation is that under the terms of the Act, a Principal Accountable Person who fails to register an occupied higher-risk building ‘without a reasonable excuse’ will be liable to either a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

The Principal Accountable Person is described as the organisation or person who owns, or has responsibility for, the building.

It may also be an organisation or person who is responsible for maintaining the common parts of a building, for example corridors or lobbies.

Engaging multiple stakeholders is key

At Sherwin-Williams, our policy of early engagement and collaboration between all parties aims to clarify any points up front before they become a problem with the subsequent knock-on effect on time and cost.

It is proven that engaging multiple stakeholders – including designers, fabricators and applicators – early and consistently throughout the process is key to delivering a successful, safe and cost-efficient solution.

Working together, we share knowledge and help our clients to reach their goals, after all we are all now part of this renewed responsibility.

We want to help our customers to capture relevant data on the use of our intumescent coatings so that they can provide information digitally on safety and quality to their own customers.

This information also provides a sound basis for future decision making.

The Golden Thread will be a digital record of all aspects of the fire protection installed, including application records, theoretical product thickness, data sheets and anything relevant relating to the steel’s fire protection provision.

By following the requirements as set out in the Golden Thread, those involved can be assured that they are creating a safe, efficient building.

Under the terms of the act, the term competence is a core requirement.  As part of this part of the act, the BSR has introduced an Industry Competency Committee whose role will be to monitor and improve industry competence.

This will be done by regularly publishing guidance and advice available to the industry.

Building Safety Act: The three Gateways provide evidence

The Golden Thread runs through what is known as three gateways of the process.

All of the three gateways are important from the outset to completion and occupation so that end users can be assured of compliance, quality and safety and have confidence in the products used to provide fire and life safety – in particular ‘safety critical’ components.

For the protection of structural steel with intumescent coatings, the different parts of the engineering community and the supply chain will need to understand more detail of certain gateways than others.

For example, structural engineers, designers and specifiers will be more concerned with the requirements under gateways one and parts of two.

Applicators will need to understand parts of gateway two and gateway three, while fabricators will need to understand the wider picture across all three gateways.

Gateway 1 – covering the planning stage. This has been in force since August 1, 2021 and sets out the framework for the second and third stages.

Applicants need to demonstrate that fire safety matters have been incorporated into the planning stage for all buildings.

If a fire statement is required to be submitted with a planning application it will be an issue for consideration for the Local Planning Authority (LPA) when reaching its decision on the application.

Contractors should take note that if the LPA considers the statement inadequate it can refuse the application.

Gateway 2 – submitting building control approval to the Regulator to enable construction to start.

This should include written declarations covering the competency of the main contractor, designer, a description of works and plans and a planning statement from Gateway 1.

Importantly, there should be information about how evidence is being captured to maintain the Golden Thread.

The Regulator has a 12-week period to approve or reject these Building Control applications or to approve subject to fulfilment of certain requirements.

Gateway 3 – providing information to ensure the building is safe for occupation. There is a requirement to submit a completion certificate application and provide updated plans.

These plans should reflect the scale of the higher-risk building, key building information, a list of mandatory incident reporting and signed declarations from the main contractor and principal designer that the works and building comply with Building Regulations.

Finally, confirmation that the all-important information for the Golden Thread has been handed over to the accountable person should also be declared.

We all have a responsibility

Remember – responsibility lies with us all. Nobody in the supply chain can absolve themselves.

The Accountable Person must have assessed all building safety risks and taken all reasonable steps to control them, give the safety case report to the Regulator on request and apply for a building assessment certificate.

Remember, the information required for the Golden Thread needs to be accurate, easily understandable, up-to-date, readily accessible and in a digital format.

We should emphasise that it is the responsibility of each Principal Accountable Person to provide the right information to the supply chain – including those bidding the intumescent fire protection package – who in turn are then responsible for all information being passed onto us being accurate if we at Sherwin-Williams are to provide guidance.

Also, bear in mind that this commitment to best practice and gathering of evidence of compliance is not just for the short term but for the lifetime of a building and will be highly valuable should anything happen during its occupation. Think of it as future-proofing life safety.

Moral injury: The unspoken struggle

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsHealth and SafetyIFSJ Exclusives

Jeff Dill, founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, sheds light on the growing concern of Moral Injury among firefighters and EMS workers

Let me clarify from the start. I know Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a real issue.

Within my thirty years in the fire service I have seen our brothers and sisters struggle with it for years.

The point of this article is to state my belief that Moral Injury might be just as prevalent or even greater than PTSD for first responders.

As founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) we have been keeping data on firefighter, EMS and dispatcher suicides.

The tracking and validating has currently given us a number of 1,920* losses of our brothers and sisters to suicide.

This number unfortunately, changes weekly as new reports our sent to us.

I am a retired fire captain, licensed counselor and currently the Behavioral Health Administrator for a large fire department in the West.

I have travelled over a million miles speaking on behavioral health and suicide but no by no way am I an expert – this subject matter is so difficult to understand.

When we started talking about PTSD in 2010 we took a hit from so many saying “PTSD is a military issue” or “You are making up the numbers of suicides”.

Now, in 2023, we know differently don’t we?

I am now stating and believing that Moral Injury is a term we need to know and train on.

Not only our people, but chaplains and clinicians as well.

So what is Moral Injury?

According to Dr. Jonathan Shay, who is credited as naming Moral Injury, describes it as “a betrayal of what’s right, by someone who holds legitimate authority, in a high stakes situation.” 

Dr. Brett Litz, of Boston University, and creator of the Moral Injury Outcome Scale (MIOS), defines moral injury as “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.”

In my words, it is the belief we are born to do good, to help others.

Then we are trained in the fire and EMS world to save lives.

Unfortunately, our percentages of saving lives is very low due to the nature of our victims injuries or medical emergency.

This begins to lead to emotional feelings of failure to do good, shame, guilt, lack of confidence and other emotional impacts upon our morals.

One large aspect of Moral Injury is betrayal.

Betrayal by management, others or even ourselves.

When Moral injury was brought to my attention by two firefighters I work with.

I advised them I had heard of Moral Injury but there was not an emphasis on it due too Moral Injury is not a diagnosis you will find in the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-IV).

After doing research on the subject I felt it was worthy of a White Paper.

With the help of two very good friends, Dr. Elizabeth Anderson Fletcher and Chaplain Mark Schimmelpfennig we produced Wounds of the Spirit: Moral Injury in Firefighters.

The main connection for me emerged when examining the aspect of betrayal within Moral Injury, and the number one reason identified in FBHA’s data for why people are taking their own lives.

When FBHA validates a suicide, it is done by me personally speaking to a Chief officer or a family member that contacts us.

Of the 1,920 documented suicides I have spoken to approximately 1,880 people to validate the data.

The number one reason is Unknown.

They just don’t know why they killed themselves.

The Number One Known reason is Relationships.

This can be either personal or work relationships.

PTSD is fear or trauma based whereas Moral Injury is an attack on our emotions.

The heart of makes us perform this difficult task in the first responder world.

One can struggle with both PTSD and Moral Injury.

The problem comes from the treatment aspect.

If a brother is sister is being treated for PTSD but not on Moral Injury then our member will struggle still especially to the point of suicide.

FBHA sees this in our data.

We have seen at least 40 of our brothers and sisters who went into in-patient treatment centers for PTSD, Addictions or Depression.

Yet, when they were released, they still took their lives.

Speculation only, but could they have been suffering from Moral Injury but it was not addressed?

We will never know. That is the point of this article: for treatment centres and clinicians to keep Moral Injury in their mind when working with their client.

Our second White Paper will address the treatment modalities of Moral Injury.

Moral injury reminds us that we are still humans first.

We suffer when we see others suffer.

Talking is our greatest gift to ourselves.

Do not bury what burdens you. The process of forgiveness for ourselves is a key factor for treating Moral Injury.

Remember, we are doing great work but we will never have the final decisions on who is to live and die.

All we can do is rely on our training and our compassion to help others. We need to always keep in mind the greatest life you can save is your own.

Seek help, listen to others when they have noticed changes.

Listen to your body when it tells you that you are hurting, you need sleep, work on reducing your stress and anxiety.

Coping skills

Internal Size-Up: Ask yourself two questions every day

  • Why am I feeling this way?
  • Why am I acting this way?

Listen to others, they see you better than you see yourself.

With Internal Size-up, begin working this with your support person.

Whether it is a spouse, partner, child, family member or friend.

At the end of the night build your communications by discussing “what emotions did I display?”, “how did it effect you?” and “what steps can I take to avoid these future behaviours?”

Opening up builds a bond with your loved ones.

It is has always been my belief at FBHA that I want you to have a great career but we want you to have a better retirement.

A retirement you can share with loved ones for many, many years.

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

*Figure at time of article publication

Decontamination innovation

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyIFSJ Exclusives

Exploring De-Wipe’s ongoing research and product development that are enhancing decontamination practices in the fire safety industry

Decontamination has never been more vital in the fire sector.

Recent studies have shed light on the alarming risk of cancer among firefighters due to exposure to harmful carcinogens and bacteria found in fires.

The need for quick, effective, and eco-friendly decontamination has led to a renewed focus on innovative solutions.

De-Wipe is at the forefront of this fight, creating scientifically formulated products that not only remove contamination risks but are also 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Jo Taylor, Director of De-Wipe, to discuss the importance of decontamination.

Why is decontamination a focus for the fire sector?

Decontamination has become a focal point in the fire sector due to growing awareness of the risks associated with carcinogens present in fire situations.

There have been many studies, such as the one conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in 2018, in collaboration with the Fire Brigades Union, that have demonstrated the risk of skin absorption of carcinogens during a fire.

We conducted our own study with a doctor from Manchester Metropolitan University, who had already spent eight years investigating this issue in the USA.

With over 50 worldwide studies that have arrived at the same conclusions, the evidence underscores the very real risks from hazards, leading us to see the importance of addressing these concerns.

It’s great to see the UK Fire and Rescue Services are starting to take this research into account.

What range of decontamination products are on offer from De-Wipe?

Our product range is comprehensive and tailored to various needs.

We offer wipes suitable for hands, face, and other body parts in two sizes: an extra-large single wipe and a large wipe.

The large wipe is also available in a 40-pack flow pack, a popular choice for many, while the single packs are convenient for fire investigators and officers at the scene.

Additionally, we provide equipment wipes that have been tested on major brands like FLIR, Drager, and MSA, targeting the prevention of cross-contamination.

Cleaning is vital, and handling contaminated equipment can transfer toxins back onto your hands.

The growing awareness of cross-contamination is something that we’re addressing with these products.

Our hair and body wash, scientifically proven to remove toxins, has the unexpected yet revolutionary benefit of eliminating the smell of smoke.

This was an unintended outcome, but we’ve received feedback from firefighters that after just one wash, the smoke odour was gone.

This has even led to some firefighters’ partners questioning whether they’d been to work since they come home smelling so fresh.

Finally, we’ve introduced dispensers that complement the hair and body wash.

These can be installed in showers or shower cubicles, making the washing process more convenient and efficient.

Do you have any new decontamination products on offer?

We are currently trialling an equipment wash aimed at cleaning heavily contaminated items like thermal imaging cameras and breathing apparatus.

We’ve been testing it within the construction industry, particularly with companies that clean and hire out breathing apparatus, and the response has been very positive.

This equipment wash will soon be available.

Additionally, we are in the development stages of a laundry wash that can be used both at home and within fire service stations, further expanding our decontamination offerings.

Why is being eco-friendly and derma-approved important to you?

Since our inception, we’ve been committed to sustainability, leading the post-fire decontamination market with a strong environmental consciousness.

We offer the world’s only biodegradable, derma-approved, and alcohol-free product in this space, and we intend to continue this ethical approach with any new products we develop.

Our offerings are not just scientifically and dermatologically tested to be kind to skin, but also environmentally friendly and safe to use on all equipment.

We’ve been certified as derma-approved, showcasing our dedication to values that align with the needs and desires of our customers.

How do you work with manufacturers to ensure efficacy?

Ensuring efficacy in our products begins with rigorous testing. We initially tested the De-Wipes on materials such as EPDM, silicones, composite plastics, carbon fibre, glass, and Perspex to confirm that they were effective without degrading these materials.

We commissioned a scientific study and worked closely with leading manufacturers, providing them with our products for their independent testing and due diligence. The results have been positive.

Not only do our products reduce the risk of cross-contamination, but they also prevent the degradation and damage of expensive operational equipment.

This was initially a significant concern, as substances like alcohol can degrade plastic and rubber over time.

Our carefully formulated products circumvent this issue, ensuring that costly equipment remains functional and intact.

Finally, what’s next for De-Wipe?

De-Wipe is committed to ongoing research and the development of new products, combined with educational initiatives that set us apart.

While we are continually educating, we’re also selling and evolving our product range.

Currently, we are engaged in two significant initiatives.

The first one, a collaboration with Motorola, marks a pivotal milestone for us, having received their endorsement as a global equipment cleaner.

This alliance signifies not only a validation of our product but a promising avenue for future growth.

The second initiative is a partnership in the aviation and airport sector, the details of which are yet to be unveiled.

What we can say is that it promises to be an exciting advancement in the field of decontamination, aligning with our vision of innovation and excellence.

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

The changing landscape of fire safety

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

Navigating the maze of new fire safety regulations, FR Consultants’ Managing Director Dorian Lawrence sheds light on adaptive compliance strategies

The introduction of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022 has significantly altered the landscape of fire safety compliance in England.

These new standards present a complex challenge that requires diligent navigation and understanding.

FRC, under the leadership of Managing Director Dorian Lawrence, has been actively engaging with this shifting terrain.

By offering tailored services, conducting informative webinars, and providing essential guides to meet these regulations, FRC demonstrates a commitment to assisting clients in meeting and exceeding these new compliance standards.

In this exclusive interview, Lawrence outlines FRC’s strategies, challenges, and unique approaches, offering valuable insights into the evolving world of fire safety.

His perspectives provide a thoughtful examination of the industry’s response to the regulatory transformation, and how FRC contributes to the collective effort of building a more resilient and compliant future.

How is FRC helping clients navigate the shifting terrain of fire safety regulations?

First and foremost, FRC is there to understand and explain the regulations.

Working closely with industry experts and joining government panels and forums, we can be at the forefront of new developments and advisories so that we can feed back the latest developments to our clients.

Once we understand something, we try to make it as accessible as possible, and we regularly conduct webinars, undertake certified continuing professional development sessions and send out fact sheets and newsletters, all with the aim of breaking down the very technical guidelines into simple, actionable steps and providing the necessary information on how to meet compliance.

We also offer services tailored to what the market needs in order to meet the new regulations, such as the recent launch of our abbreviated site inspection service to confirm whether a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW), as specified by PAS 9980, is required.

What are the biggest challenges in adapting to the new legislation?

The biggest challenges are probably the short time frame and the cost.

The sheer scale of this legislation – in a relatively short time, the industry has gone from self-regulation to complete external regulation that brings in the fire services, government bodies and consultancies – has meant that many things are being introduced without a long lead-in or time to adequately prepare and produce documentation.

It leads to a large degree of ‘learn by trying’ as everyone tries to grapple with the exact requirements of the all-new legislation.

This isn’t helped by cases in which legislation overlaps itself and – in some cases – even contradicts itself.

To some degree, this is to be expected with such a huge change of legislation, but it does present challenges.

What strategies FRC has implemented to assist clients in adapting to new regulations?

The biggest thing we’ve done is develop a full, end-to-end service from report to completion of building safety case, with every step in between provided.

For clients who want complete compliance and peace of mind, we can take care of every step in-house.

For those who need only a helping hand, we have produced easy-to-read guides on different routes to compliance and a legal notices service, and, most recently, our abbreviated site inspection provides an economical solution for those who need assurances on whether a FRAEW is needed.

How is FRC pioneering the adaptation to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022?

FRC believes in the power of the new legislation to make the UK’s buildings safer, and we are doing everything we can to ensure the implementation is a success. That starts with education: webinars with partners to combine and share knowledge and ensuring that our clients can understand what is required of them.

We create as much collateral as is needed and try to leverage visual aids such as building information charts and fact sheets to condense and simplify the requirements.

Along with having staff undertake the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Level 6 diploma to prepare them for looking after the day-to-day management of fire and structural safety in higher risk buildings and establishing a clear point of contact for residents for fire- and safety-related issues, we’ve spoken to legal partners for advice on how to ensure correctness on all points.

What insights can you provide to property owners or managers on how to stay ahead of the curve?

There are two main routes you can go, depending on how confident you are.

The first is, as mentioned, to use an all in-house, end-to-end service such as the one we provide; then you know without a doubt that everything is up to scratch and will meet compliance.

If you manage the process yourself, prioritisation is key: understand what you need to do, break it down into steps and tackle tasks one at a time.

There are also lots of things that will take time, so get things rolling straight away.

It’s always worth getting advice, though, and the most important thing is to ensure that you are listening to qualified, experienced professionals.

How has FRC’s approach aided clients in navigating new fire safety regulations?

Our approach to diligence and detail, combined with our goal to improve fire safety, means we are 100% committed to backing the legislation.

This has been proven on several occasions, but one recent example is when we provided a client, the property manager, with a PAS 9980 report.

The pledge developer of the building then sought out their own report, as is their right, but when this came back the property manager noted dissimilarities and asked us to peer review the report.

The new report that had been obtained by the pledge developer was absolutely non-compliant and suggested remediation proposals that were wholly inadequate, including that combustible materials be left in place on a high-risk building above 18 metres in height.

We were able to challenge the new report, and the developer’s suggestion that BS 8414 testing had been carried out, and to ensure that the unsafe measures proposed were not undertaken.

Unfortunately, in this instance, the developer was not forthcoming with their pledge and caused a series of delays, so we instead supported the property manager to find alternative means of funding for the life-critical safety remediations to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Utilising our own report and the expertise of our fire engineering and building surveying teams, we helped to secure an alternative settlement offer from the building’s construction warranty provider that protected the leaseholder’s best interests while ensuring remediation proposals were carried out to provide a safe and fully compliant building.

We must remember the ultimate goal is to obtain a Building Assessment Certificate from the Building Safety Regulator.

Many works being undertaken by developers will not meet these requirements.

Be careful.

How is FRC helping clients prepare for the October 2023 registration deadline?

It’s important to me and FRC that the new legislation is a success that prevents fire disasters in high-rise and medium-rise buildings in the future.

We can provide an end-to-end solution to get them completely prepared for the October deadline, in which we guide and manage the whole process, step by step, to ensure all requirements are met and that the building is safe.

We also know that not everyone wants such a comprehensive service and have developed various single products to help people with only the advice they need, whether that is an abbreviated site inspection, a safety case report or a gap analysis to help them get back on track.

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

The Golden Thread: Beyond bricks and mortar

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIFSJ ExclusivesPassiveSafety

Dan Rossiter, Built Environment Standards Lead at BSI, delves into the implementation, benefits, and challenges of the Golden Thread

Can you provide an overview of what the ‘Golden Thread‘ of information is in the context of building safety?

When I communicate about the golden thread, I often start by signposting to the definition that the then Building Regulation Advisory Committee (BRAC) published in their Golden Thread Report: “The golden thread is both the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep both the building and people safe, now and in the future.”

This means that the golden thread of information encapsulates both the content (i.e. information and documents) as well as the process of keeping the content up to date (i.e. information management).

Within the BRAC Golden Thread Report there are also several helpful principles such as: Secure, Understandable, Accessible, and Longevity.

What is your perspective on the importance of having up-to-date premises information, particularly in high-stake situations?

What I have noticed is that over the past few years publications, such as The Vision for the Built Environment and Flourishing Systems, have conveyed a new narrative of considering the built environment as a system of systems.

This mindset demonstrates the level of interconnectivity needed for the overall system to operate effectively.

In this new mindset housing, for example, is considered social infrastructure. As infrastructure, they have their own outcomes to benefit society (one for example would be to protect occupants from the elements).

Up-to-date information is needed so that robust decisions can be made to realise such outcomes.

In a high-stake situation, there will likely be several immediate outcomes to realise.

Up-to-date premises information such as: materials used in the external wall and structure; the number of storeys and staircases, as well as Details of the evacuation strategy.

As requested by The Higher-Risk Buildings (Key Building Information etc.), Regulations will be pivotal in making robust decisions to realise these immediate outcomes.

Can you delve into the specific standards that can support the Golden Thread of information?

There are a myriad of standards that can support the Golden Thread of Information, the first being BS 8644-1 (Digital management of fire safety information). Whilst BS 8644-1’s scope extends beyond higher-risk buildings, it outlines an information management process that enables fire safety information to be managed and exchanged.

The information management processes within relate heavily to the ISO 19650 series, as well as the UK BIM Framework more generally.

In addition, there are standards which support the documentation that will likely be needed within the Golden Thread of Information.

These include: PAS 79-1 and the forthcoming BS 9792 (Fire risk assessments), ISO 7519 (General arrangement and assembly drawings), and BS 8587 (Facility Information Management).

Finally, there are standards relating to document management such as EN 82045-2 (Document management metadata) which can complement the BS EN ISO 19650-2 file naming convention to aid with the structure, management, and discoverability of information.

How can organisations begin to implement these standards and ensure they are maintaining the Golden Thread?

An effective way of doing implementing these standards would be to consider how their practices can be integrated into an organisation’s quality management plan.

Similar to when Building Information Modelling (BIM) was first introduced, it was ineffective for an organisation to have two ways of working (i.e. BIM projects and Traditional projects).

In the same manner, an organisation shouldn’t look to have “golden thread projects” but, instead, look to provide information aligned to the golden thread definition and principles on all projects. In doing so, regardless of the type of project, better information may be produced, managed, and exchanged as a result.

From a fire safety perspective, can you detail the benefits of being able to exchange fire safety information seamlessly?

As described within BS 8644-1, there are several instances across a project life cycle where fire safety information should be exchanged.

This can be as early as the briefing stage, where the fire safety outcomes and objectives should be identified, to the later stages, where risk assessments associated with the design and construction should demonstrate how risks have been captured and mitigated.

Being able to exchange such information with as little friction as possible will ensure that the right people have access to right information, to ensure that decision-making is done robustly.

In the context of emergency response, how might the Golden Thread facilitate faster and more effective action?

As opposed to having to access information on arrival (e.g via a premises information box), information can be accessed via the golden thread in transit or via remote colleagues who can inform the emergency responders of any pertinent information.

For example, this can include details of the fire evacuation strategy as well as the location of the assembly point.

What are some common challenges organisations might face when trying to implement the Golden Thread?

The biggest challenge will likely be that there are a wealth of software vendors who are trying to sell a “golden thread of information solution”.

Whilst their technology may enable the exchange of information and documents, without a more holistic organisational view, there is a risk of providing information that isn’t maintained; which would fail to meet the statutory instruments and the law.

As such, it is vital that organisations consider both how their processes need to change as well as what competencies are needed to realise the golden thread of information before investing in a solution.

What is the current status of the Golden Thread Regulations?

We have yet to see the Golden Thread Regulations themselves.

There is no doubt that the publication of this instrument will provide clarity around what is required in relation to the golden thread of information.

In the meantime, built environment professionals should engage with their respective professional institutions to keep up-to-date on relevant building safety activities as well as ensure that they continue to hold the competencies expected of someone performing their professional function.

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

The first line of defence against wildfire

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesWildland Fire

Gabriel Reza discusses the crucial role of community and infrastructure in the face of growing wildfire threats

With wildfires intensifying their frequency and ferocity, communities globally are grappling with the realities of evacuation, loss, and recovery.

However, proactive measures, from community education to home hardening, offer a beacon of hope.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Gabriel Reza, an expert in the field, to shed light on the techniques used by professionals to combat this escalating hazard and share strategies that individuals and communities can employ to enhance their safety.

Can you tell me about yourself and your background?

I’ve been with the Glendale Fire Department for about 17 years, serving a city of roughly 200,000 within Los Angeles County, California.

I hold the title of Senior Environmental Safety Specialist.

This role is versatile in our department; one day I might be reviewing plans at the front desk, the next I could be out on a construction inspection or at a wildfire scene.

It’s a multi-functional title unique to our area.

During my time with Glendale Fire, I’ve served on numerous committees spanning both fire and building safety.

I firmly believe these professions should communicate regularly, as they share the common goal of ensuring safety.

I’ve also been the past president of the Southern California Fire Prevention Officers and am currently the Chair of the International Code Council, LA Basin chapter, Fire Life Safety committee.

Additionally, I participate in Wildland Fire Committees and the NFPA Committee.

What’s the significance of wildfire prevention in the current global climate?

Over the last decade, we’ve amassed significant data on wildland fire cycles.

Our objective is to break these cycles using active management in fire-prone areas.

This includes thoughtful planning to avoid placing homes and cities in danger zones.

We aim to predict the trajectories and spread of fires to ensure safety.

The State Fire Marshal’s office in California is extensively processing data to understand wildfire patterns.

The main importance lies in understanding the cycle, and then mitigating risks through vegetation management, home hardening, etc.

How has wildfire prevention and management changed in the past decade?

While wildfires are a natural occurrence with a history spanning centuries, the difference today lies in the legislation and policies.

Compared to the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, we now see unprecedented levels of legislative activity around wildfires.

Every three years, the US revises building and fire codes through national discussions.

Wildfire-related topics have now surged to the forefront of these discussions, affecting a range of codes from mechanical to plumbing.

Over the past decade, with the influx of data and legislation, there’s been a shift from national to state to local levels in ensuring homes are fire-resistant, a trend likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

What strategies effectively create defensible spaces around homes and communities?

Traditionally, a defensible space is maintained up to 100 feet around a property.

The first 30 feet is the most critical, emphasising proper brush clearance and yard maintenance.

Beyond those 30 feet, the focus shifts to pruning larger trees and shrubs.

During our inspections in the city and neighbouring counties, we’ve noticed the significance of this initial 30 feet.

It’s essential to be conscious of the vegetation type near your home, as well as any items or structures, like trash bins or sheds, which might increase fire risk.

There’s upcoming California legislation introducing a “zone zero,” targeting plants directly against homes that pose high fire threats.

This could result in mandatory removal of certain plants, underscoring the state’s focus on minimising fire hazards.

How is technology being used in wildfire prevention and management? Can you discuss any advancements?

Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in bolstering wildfire prevention and management efforts in recent years.

One such improvement is in our Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

This system’s ability to intricately map terrains aids in strategising preventive measures.

As cities and insurance companies leverage this data, it not only allows for a more proactive approach but also assists in forecasting fire patterns based on historical data.

Drones, too, have revolutionised our approach, particularly in the realm of enforcement and inspection.

Previously inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas are now within our grasp.

These devices provide us with real-time imagery and videos, enabling local authorities to comprehensively assess regions for potential hazards or breaches in safety protocols.

This has not only optimised the inspection process but has also been instrumental in formulating preventive strategies.

The exciting frontier, however, lies in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Collaborative projects in California are now harnessing AI to develop sophisticated algorithms.

These algorithms aim to predict the onset of fires and their subsequent spread, taking into account an array of variables from wind patterns to topography.

Given the unpredictable nature of fires, having an AI system that can analyse vast amounts of data, including offshore wind flows or ocean breezes, marks a significant leap in pre-emptive fire management.

Additionally, California’s initiative to install cameras in the most fire-prone areas provides a continuous stream of data.

When this real-time data is processed by AI, it can highlight potential high-risk zones, offering an alert system to Fire Authorities even before a fire might break out.

This combination of AI and real-time monitoring ensures that responses are quicker, and preventive measures are more data-driven than ever.

Could you clarify the concept of home hardening and its importance in wildfire prevention?

Home hardening refers to the use of specific building materials and techniques that reduce the chances of a home igniting during a wildfire.

It doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul of your home; instead, incremental changes can make a significant difference.

For instance, shifting to metal or non-combustible clay roofs, or various fire-resistant tiles, can offer considerable protection.

Similarly, opting for metal gutters with shields prevents the accumulation of flammable debris, while switching to dual-pane windows can guard against radiant heat, which has been known to pass through older, single-pane windows, causing interior fires.

In California, you can even get professionals to assess your home’s vulnerability to fire.

The objective is to make your home as fire-resistant as possible, step by step.

How vital is community education in wildfire prevention?

Public awareness is crucial, and unfortunately, for many, wildfires aren’t on their radar until they experience one first hand.

Early education, starting with schools, is pivotal.

Our outreach has evolved from merely teaching children to dial 911, to now informing them about evacuation procedures and emergency preparedness.

Engaging not only with schools but also communities and homeowners’ associations ensures everyone understands the risks and precautions.

When sharing information, we aim for simplicity and clarity.

Avoiding technical jargon and providing easy-to-understand guidance ensures everyone can actively participate in safeguarding their homes and neighbourhoods.

How can communities prepare for wildfire season?

I’d strongly recommend visiting your local fire station. Check if your city or county has an emergency mass notification system.

Many cities are now adopting such systems that alert residents through emails, text messages, or voice-recorded phone calls about incidents in their vicinity.

Additionally, check if there are any committees or training sessions in place for neighbourhood evacuations.

While many departments conduct evacuation drills, often, the notifications go unnoticed in mailed flyers.

Active participation in these drills may not always be high, but they are available in several places.

My primary suggestion would be to get in touch with your local fire department or city administration.

They can provide insights into available programs, especially since there’s an increasing focus, backed by grant funds, on public education, community outreach, and mass evacuation.

What should be prioritised when it comes to wildfire prevention?

The enforcement and awareness of proper vegetation management are paramount.

While the topic of enforcement can be sensitive, there are times when legal interventions become necessary to clear hazardous vegetation from private properties.

If homeowners don’t undertake the necessary precautions, fire departments might be compelled to intervene directly, using legal avenues if required, to manage the vegetation.

While our aim is always increased awareness, for authorities, a lot rests on the enforcement process.

Some fire departments may hesitate to strictly enforce these measures, but I believe it’s essential.

If we don’t address the risk in our most vulnerable regions, especially with habitual offenders, we are potentially inviting danger.

Addressing these issues proactively is crucial for everyone’s safety.

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

Women in Fire: In her element

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringIFSJ Exclusives

Namrata Moharana talks finding her feet in the fire industry and how other young women can do the same

With an academic grounding in chemical engineering, it was only when she came across a job advert for a fire safety engineer position that Namrata Moharana identified the career opportunities the industry presented.

The rest as they say is history and these days Namrata is a senior fire safety consultant.

Now, Moharana wants to share her story to encourage other young women to consider a career in fire and talks about how to break down the barriers that currently hinder the incoming female talent.

Can you tell us about your current role?

I am currently based in Perth, Western Australia, working as a fire safety engineer at Warringtonfire Australia.

My day-to-day responsibilities frequently change depending on the type and stage of projects I am involved in.

For example, on new projects, it’s all about engaging with and providing advice to the design team and project stakeholders.

Whereas, during the construction phase, continuous inspection activities need to be undertaken.

Once construction is complete, a fire safety engineer is responsible for the final compliance inspections and the witness testing of active fire safety systems.

In general, my duties centre around developing appropriate and cost-effective fire safety strategies for various buildings. This comprises of liaising with local fire brigades to discuss proposed performance solutions and the overall fire safety strategy.

I also complete fire safety assessments and prepare fire engineering reports for both existing and new buildings, which often includes fire and smoke modelling or occupant evacuation simulation.

What is your career highlight to date?

One of the most interesting projects I have worked on was a waste-to-energy plant – the first of its kind in Australia.

The Warringtonfire Perth team was engaged to provide a range of fire safety solutions, which included rationalising the building fire ratings and the provision of targeted suppression systems and performance based natural ventilation.

Given that the building was not considered a ‘typical’ building (under the building code), it was important to think outside the box and consider the property from a first-principles basis.

There were also multiple stakeholders with different requirements and expectations, so it was important to balance these, to ensure the proposed fire safety strategy was appropriate, considered, and practical.

How did you get to where you are today?

Like many fire safety engineers, I didn’t initially set out to work in fire safety – I didn’t really know it was an option until I spotted the Warringtonfire recruitment advert for the position I now hold.

My education background is chemical engineering. I completed a combined bachelor’s and master’s course in this subject.

Alongside my studies, I gained experience in the oil and gas industry but, after completing my qualifications, I wanted to explore different career paths as an engineer.

This is when I spotted the opportunity to be a fire safety engineer with Warringtonfire and was intrigued.

When I started out, I had very limited understanding of fire safety engineering, but my graduate role gave me hands-on experience across a variety of projects within the first few months.

For that, I am extremely glad I took the risk and tried something out of my comfort zone.

It continues to pay off and I am now approaching my five-year work anniversary this October.

Working at Warringtonfire has allowed me to be a part of various real-life projects on all scales, which has resulted in an exciting and fulfilling career so far.

This has also allowed me to improve my technical expertise and fast-track my career.

How has your experience been as a woman in the fire industry?

Since university, the consistent challenge is frequently being the only female in stakeholder meetings.

This can create an intimidating environment that is challenging to navigate.

Fortunately, while growing up and through my school and university, I have had female role models excelling in their career, despite working in male-dominated industries, and these women have always motivated me.

I’ve been extremely lucky with the support from various mentors and have received equal opportunities.

Sadly, I know that not everyone has this experience. A friend told me that her mother worked as an engineer in an office where there were no female toilets.

Given that just around 13% of the Australian engineering workforce is female, women are still significantly underrepresented in the industry.

There is certainly a long way to go in terms equal representation, however I believe we are heading in the right direction.

What do you think are the challenges in attracting new talent into the industry? And how can we raise awareness of engineering as a vocation for women?

Given that fire safety engineering cannot be studied at undergraduate level in Australia, this could be one barrier preventing people from entering the fire industry.

Drawing from my own experience, it wasn’t until after graduating that I discovered it as an option.

So, I certainly feel that more could be done to increase awareness of the opportunities.

There is also a lack of understanding about what engineering encompasses – the different professions and skillsets that come under that umbrella.

When I say I’m a fire safety engineer, for example, most people have no idea what the profession involves.

Unfortunately, for young women starting out in their working lives, not having this knowledge often means they won’t consider engineering as a career choice.

It’s important to increase awareness of engineering as an option for girls, at a younger age – to dismantle gender stereotypes.

One way to attract more women to the industry would be to increase the visibility of female role models within the industry.

Having female role models is something that’s truly inspired me, and I believe it helps foster an environment where women feel welcome.

I also feel it would be invaluable to have a support system within the industry where women can interact and share experiences with one another.

This ongoing support is crucial, and Warringtonfire does it extremely well.

We get the opportunity to connect with colleagues at other offices across Australia, with internal training opportunities, which provide knowledge about the local regulations and recent projects.

For more information about fire engineering and Warringtonfire, visit https://www.warringtonfire.com/fire-engineering

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

The Emergency Services Show: Where technology meets emergency response

by Breaking NewsEventsIFSJ Exclusives

From the Lessons Learned Leaders Summit to the Innovation Theatre, there’s a wealth of insight on offer at The Emergency Services Show 2023

The Emergency Services Show 2023 is among the most eagerly awaited events in the calendar for emergency professionals.

This annual exhibition gathers thousands of professionals from all blue light services, renowned industry speakers, and experts from around the globe to exchange ideas, demonstrate innovative products and services, and engage in comprehensive training and educational sessions.

The 2023 show will take place on 19-20 September at the NEC in Birmingham.

With over 16,000 industry professionals expected, The Emergency Services Show offers an incredible opportunity for attendees to foster strong industry relationships, learn from other departments about their challenges, and bring back new insights to their organisations.

The event features engaging hands-on training sessions and pre-conference workshops.

Conference sessions across several theatres will be presented by esteemed industry experts introducing new areas of interest within the emergency services, as well as updated content on vital topics.

Attendees can gain insights about the latest tactics, techniques, and technologies designed to elevate their expertise.

The Emergency Services Show 2023 also boasts special events, including the Lessons Learned Leaders Summit, which provides a platform for sharing valuable experiences from significant events, and the Innovation Theatre, an exhibiting destination for the latest tech enabling a more efficient, effective, and life-saving blue light sector.

The European region is projected to dominate the emergency technology market at the event.

The exhibition will highlight advancements in technology for emergency services, such as AI-powered and IoT-enabled communication systems.

With its focus on learning, sharing, and innovation, The Emergency Services Show 2023 is an unmissable event for anyone involved in the emergency services industry.

Learn, engage, network

This show offers a range of free-to-attend seminar sessions and workshops, with over 90 CPD-accredited sessions across six theatres: the Lessons Learned Leaders’ Summit, Innovation Theatre, Resilience & Recovery Theatre, Policing Conference, Health & Wellbeing Theatre, and the College of Paramedics Theatre.

Attendees can witness live demonstrations that breathe life into the latest products and solutions.

Beyond the world-class exhibition and learning opportunities, networking is a key pillar of the Emergency Services Show.

The event brings together professionals from police, ambulance, fire & rescue, search & rescue, and voluntary sectors.

It offers an ideal platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, thereby redefining the future of the field.

The Networking Party at the end of day one and the Networking Café at the centre of the show provide great opportunities for informal interactions.

For an elevated networking experience, an exclusive VIP Lounge is also available by invitation.

The Emergency Services Show 2023 is not just an exhibition; it’s an opportunity to improve the safety and security of the public by enhancing the capabilities and connections within the blue light sector.

With over 10,000 products and solutions on display, 16,000+ visitors, and more than 500 leading exhibitors, it is the ultimate event for anyone working or involved in the emergency services sector.

The Emergency Services Show: Shaping future leaders and innovators

ESS will provide unparalleled learning opportunities, from delving into vital lessons from significant incidents over the past year, to unveiling future life-saving technologies.

As a unique feature of this year’s show, the Lessons Learned Leaders Summit will take centre stage.

This forum is designed specifically for leaders within all emergency services and associated agencies.

The summit aims to delve into the valuable lessons drawn from significant incidents over the past year.

With a broad range of relevant topics to all blue light services, attendees will be engaged in discussions about the importance of diversity in leadership, how to sustain review recommendations, insights from specific incident reports like the Manchester Arena attack, and strategies to address challenges like ambulance handover delays.

Simultaneously, the Innovation Theatre will provide an extensive overview of the areas of equipment and life-saving techniques on display at the Emergency Services Show.

It will encompass everything from PPE to medical equipment, vehicles, training, operational kit, and communications technologies.

Attendees will also be privy to exciting revelations about the future of emergency services, such as the digital ambulance of the future and advances in automatic external defibrillation technology.

Building resilience and recovery skills

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Emergency Planning Society, the Resilience & Recovery Theatre will be introduced for the first time.

It will offer an agenda aligned with the government’s Resilience Framework document.

This includes a commitment to developing a new Resilience Academy, a ‘reinvigorated’ national exercising programme to test preparedness throughout the resilience system, and the introduction of a new system of Emergency Alerts in 2023.

The Resilience & Recovery Theatre will host several expert speakers who will share best practices, discuss the importance of emergency preparedness, and outline key strategies to mitigate impacts.

Notable sessions include “Crisis comms and culture: where to start”, which examines the challenges of reputational management, and “Delivering a modern, competency framework in a multi-agency Local Resilience Forum”, offering insights into the development of comprehensive programmes that bolster confidence in Local Resilience Forums.

Other compelling sessions feature in-depth discussions on topics such as the role of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch in responding to commercial wide-body aircraft accidents, the design and delivery of the Resilience and Emergencies Professional (REP) degree apprenticeship, and the role of the private sector in resilience planning.

The agenda also presents a host of expert-led sessions scheduled for the following day.

Sessions such as “Culture, reputation, and handling media scrutiny” explore preventative steps to identify behavioural issues that could risk the services’ reputation.

Meanwhile, sessions like “Engaging communities through emergency contact hubs” highlight the pivotal role of community-owned and operated hubs in an emergency.

With a lineup of engaging speakers and insightful sessions, the Emergency Services Show 2023 is geared to provide an exceptional learning experience for those within the emergency services sector, advancing their professional development and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of emergency response and resilience.

The Emergency Tech Show

As the emergency services field evolves, so does the technology that supports it.

A new addition to the Emergency Services Show 2023 is the new co-located Emergency Tech Show.

This segment promises to unveil the most cutting-edge developments in emergency service technologies and highlight the innovations that are shaping the future of the sector.

A primary focus of the Emergency Tech Show is on digital advancements that have the potential to revolutionise emergency response and management.

These include digital communication technologies, advanced medical devices, enhanced PPE, and state-of-the-art training tools.

The objective is to demonstrate how technology can facilitate more efficient, effective, and life-saving responses within the ‘blue light’ sector.

Of particular interest is the much-anticipated launch of the ‘digital ambulance of the future’.

As emergency response services increasingly rely on digital technology, this showcase will provide a glimpse into how this trend will be reflected in the core tools and vehicles used in the field.

In addition, the Emergency Tech Show will highlight significant strides in the development of automatic external defibrillation technology.

This crucial life-saving tool has seen numerous improvements in recent years, and the show will delve into the most recent advancements and their implications for first responders and the communities they serve.

Moreover, the Emergency Tech Show will cover an array of equipment areas pertinent to emergency services, including operational kits and communications technologies.

By examining the latest technologies in these areas, the show will provide invaluable insights into how these developments can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response services.

With a focus on both the present and future of emergency services technology, the Emergency Tech Show is set to be a compelling and enlightening part of the Emergency Services Show 2023.

It will provide attendees with an invaluable opportunity to explore the latest advancements, gain deeper insights into their implications, and better understand how they can be integrated into their own practice to enhance service provision and save lives.

Why you should attend The Emergency Services Show

The Emergency Services Show 2023 is an event that should be a priority for all professionals in the fire industry.

With a wealth of networking opportunities, learning experiences, and exposure to the latest technological advancements, this show has the potential to shape the future of emergency services.

By bridging the gap between the industry’s leaders and practitioners, it offers an unparalleled platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Whether you are seeking to stay abreast of industry trends, looking to source new equipment or simply want to connect with like-minded professionals, this show provides an invaluable opportunity.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be at the forefront of the emergency services sector, shaping its direction and improving the safety and security of our communities.

International Fire and Safety Journal will be exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show in Hall 5/L186.

A new era in wildfire response

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesWildland Fire

IFE CEO Steve Hamm highlights the global imperative to combat increasing wildfires across the globe

Increasing wildfires are posing a profound threat to communities, tourists, and the local environment.

Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense wildfire occurrences, emphasising our need to take a proactive stance.

As I delve into this pressing issue, it’s clear that fire and rescue services need to re-evaluate and enhance their strategies to confront this escalating crisis directly.

The devastating wildfires in Greece finally subsided at the end of July after burning for nearly a fortnight, with popular travel spot, Rhodes, being the worst affected by the blazes.

More than 20,000 tourists and locals were forced to flee seaside hotels and houses, and around 10 per cent of the island was scorched.

Additionally, August saw more than 1,000 people evacuated in southern Portugal, where a wildfire spread across huge swathes of land in one of the country’s popular tourist destinations.

Around 800 firefighters tackled the blaze. Scorching 16,560 acres of land, the local fire and rescue services were forced to evacuate people in its path as a precautionary measure.

Wildfire response: Fire mapping and technology utilisation

With wildfires escalating globally, it’s crucial for fire and rescue services (FRS) to harness advanced technologies to map and monitor fire incidents more accurately.

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and satellite imagery can significantly improve fire mapping capabilities.

Integrating these tools allows responders to have real-time access to crucial data, including fire spread, hotspots, and areas at risk.

Accurate fire mapping empowers responders to allocate resources strategically, ensuring timely and effective action to protect lives and local infrastructure.

Additionally, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones can revolutionise wildfire management, and drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect hidden fires and provide situational awareness in remote areas.

Working alongside artificial intelligence (AI), we can enhance the analysis of fire patterns and predict fire behaviours, allowing responders to stay one step ahead of the flames.

With the UK experiencing soaring temperatures over recent years, wildfires are becoming an increasing threat and forcing FRSs in rural locations to develop and trial new training materials.

Northamptonshire FRS saw a large number of grass and crop fires last year, placing a huge demand on responders, resulting in a 76 per cent increase in wildfire incidents during July and August.

The service reviewed its response to wildfires and has introduced new wildfire backpacks on all frontline appliances.

The backpacks can carry up to 20 litres of water and can be used in areas that are inaccessible for a fire engine.

Responder Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As wildfires grow in intensity, responder safety becomes paramount. Ensuring that firefighters have access to state-of-the-art Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.

Traditional firefighting PPE may not provide adequate protection against the extreme conditions in wildfire environments and calls for enhanced breathing apparatus.

Competency and training

To respond effectively to the increasing scale and complexity of wildfires, FRSs must prioritise ongoing training and competency development for their personnel.

Wildfires demand a unique set of skills and expertise that go beyond conventional firefighting techniques.

Training should encompass various aspects, including wildfire behaviour, incident command systems, and wildfire-specific suppression strategies.

Responders must be educated on the importance of collaboration and integration with other agencies, such as forestry services and local authorities, to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response.

Community outreach

Beyond the efforts of fire and rescue services, fostering community awareness is essential in mitigating the impact of wildfires.

Educating residents about fire risks, evacuation procedures, and defensible space measures can significantly reduce vulnerability.

Fire departments should actively engage with communities to conduct drills, workshops, and information sessions on wildfire safety.

Encouraging the adoption of Firewise principles and community-based fire prevention initiatives can create a more resilient society capable of responding proactively to wildfire threats.

The surge in wildfires due to climate change demands a shift in how fire and rescue services prepare and respond to these events.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing training and competency, we can create robust response methods to protect lives, property, and the environment.

Additionally, fostering community engagement and preparedness will create a united front against the escalating threat of wildfires.

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) remains committed to driving global professional competency and advocating for measures that safeguard our communities from the challenges posed by climate-driven wildfires.

Together, through collaboration and innovation, we can build a safer and more resilient future.

To learn more about the IFE visit www.ife.org.uk.

IFSJ perspective

In recent times, the wildfire narrative has escalated from isolated events to global crises.

As a leading voice in the fire and safety sector, IFSJ recognises that climate change has played a role in the irrevocably altered the wildfire paradigm.

Events in Hawaii, Canada, Greece and Portugal are emblematic of the widespread devastation wildfires can wreak, impacting both ecosystems and economies.

The demand for innovation in fire management has never been more acute. Cutting-edge tools, such as GIS technologies and UAVs integrated with thermal imaging and AI, can significantly reshape our response strategies. However, technology alone isn’t the panacea.

We commend Northamptonshire FRS for their forward-thinking adaptations and underscore the imperative of specialised training, equipping responders with nuanced skills tailored to the multifaceted challenges of wildfires.

Yet, an often under-emphasized pillar in our arsenal against wildfires is community engagement.

Fostering a culture of preparedness, awareness, and proactive defence at the grassroots level can drastically mitigate risks.

Our collective response to this escalating crisis should be as interconnected and pervasive as the fires themselves.

Only through holistic strategies can we hope to counteract this incendiary threat to our global community.

The IFE’s commitment reflects the urgency of this global imperative, emphasising the necessity of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient future.

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