“What is our actual capacity?” Brent Brooks shares lessons learned from 100 fire departments for improving high-rise fire response

by Breaking NewsIFSJ InfluencersSafetyTraining

By Brent Brooks, Acting District Chief for the Toronto Fire Services

I committed to personally dedicating time and support to 100 fire departments to research best practices.

I’m happy to report that I have exceeded this goal. I will share insights from over 100 fire departments contributing to this research.

This initiative aims to enhance training and tactical practices, specifically focusing on high-rise firefighting operations.

During my visit to these fire departments, I had the opportunity to observe various firefighting equipment and deployment methods.

I noted how the weight of the equipment impacts firefighter deployment and effectiveness.

I witnessed the challenges that firefighters face when recovering from exertion.

It became evident that even the most physically fit firefighters encounter difficulties due to heavy equipment.

This experience inspired me to explore potential solutions to enhance our overall effectiveness.

I sought feedback from the 100 Fire Departments, which provided insights into our realistic response times and helped determine if fire ground assignments could be feasibly completed based on fire and smoke conditions.

This observation prompted me to delve into the scientific principles of ergonomics and firefighter behaviour.

What is our actual capacity to deploy resources faster than smoke and fire spread?

As a firefighter studying high-rise buildings, I analyse and predict how a building will respond when on fire.

I focus on learning the logistical aspects of firefighting operations within buildings and finding ways to improve our strategies for extinguishing fires, evacuating people, and ventilating smoke.

Thanks to the involvement of these 100 fire departments, we have developed specialised nozzles and techniques for water delivery and, most importantly, firefighter deployment models.

Firefighters may have varying opinions based on their education and experiences.

It’s important to share these perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.

We fact-check each other to assess proposed tactics for improvement.

Please keep an open mind; This approach will significantly enhance our ability to respond to emergencies.

I have visited 36 of the world’s 118 tallest buildings and have studied through my membership with the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

This has allowed me to establish valuable connections and maintain regular communication with engineers, designers, and architects specialising in constructing some of the world’s most distinctive buildings.

We collaborate to share insights on retrofitting existing structures and designing future buildings.

This networking has helped me connect the dots by providing different perspectives, giving us all a better understanding of how firefighting operations, evacuation of occupants, and smoke control can work together.

I aim to stay updated with the latest technology and building design and share that knowledge with others.

I am committed to ensuring firefighters can operate safely and effectively to achieve the best possible outcome for the people inside buildings.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Brent Brooks is an Acting District Chief for the Toronto Fire Services with 30 years of experience.

He has dedicated himself to research and development, significantly improving high-rise operations worldwide.

Brent is committed to equipping firefighters with modern tactical approaches and specialised equipment knowledge for standpipe-equipped buildings.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Addressing firefighter safety concerns: Martin Joosen shares insights into advanced training methods and the future of robotic firefighting

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyIFSJ InfluencersSafetyTraining

By Martin Joosen, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, LION EMEA

The fire and safety industry faces ongoing challenges that demand continuous adaptation.

One of the major concerns for fire brigades is adapting to advancements that present new problems that didn’t exist before, like electric vehicles and highly secure buildings that are difficult to enter.

They need to continuously seek new technologies and updated training to help them address these issues.

From a health and safety perspective, there are risks around toxic particles in black smoke, which contribute to high cancer rates among firefighters.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for their protection, but contamination of this equipment is also a challenge.

More rules and regulations are emerging to ensure they are not exposed to harmful particles.

LION Protects is in the business of the training of firefighters, where all these challenges converge.

The real-life challenges need to be incorporated into training environments to prepare firefighters effectively. We see two developments here.

First, as specialists in building training facilities, we aim to provide them with the latest technology for training.

For example, how do you extinguish fires in electric vehicles? We are developing tools and vehicles to enable them to train on procedures specific to electric vehicles compared to traditional ones.

Second, there’s the issue of decontamination. Firefighters are not frequently exposed to real fires due to safety systems and building practices, especially in Europe.

However, in training environments, they are exposed to real fires more often.

While contamination and black smoke are dangerous, they’re not frequently encountered in real situations, but they are in training.

This is where our NFT program comes in.

By combining the three elements of fire systems – carbonaceous, gas, and digital – we can reduce exposure while still providing 100% effective training with fewer toxic particles, less environmental impact like CO₂ emissions, and better total cost of ownership.

In many industries, human beings are reaching the end of their technological involvement in certain tasks – why would we send real people into a fire when we could use robots in the future? Drones have been developed that can extinguish fires from the outside of a building.

While there are limitations, I foresee a future where firefighters are increasingly replaced – not in terms of their knowledge, but in terms of the physical human presence.

We will always have fires to contend with. We will always need firefighters to some extent, but their roles will evolve.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Martin Joosen joined LION in 2018 leading the Sales and Marketing department.

He is responsible for Europe, Asia, Middle-East and Pacific.

He studied at the Erasmus University and Nyenrode University with a master’s in management and economics.

He has more than 20 Years experience in International Business, 17 of which are in the Fire Rescue Market, and more than 5 years experience in international projects.

He is now the Senior Vice President/Managing Director, LION EMEA.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

 

“We can’t achieve our goals in isolation,”: FEU President Stephan Wevers outlines global collaboration strategies to address future fire service challenges

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Stephan Wevers, President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU)

Looking toward the future of fire safety, it’s clear that we must actively shape the path ahead.

Sitting back isn’t an option; we have the opportunity to make meaningful changes that will benefit our communities and the professionals who serve them.

Thinking several years ahead, we need to identify the challenges that await us and determine how we can address them as a federation.

We’ve outlined three key areas of focus: leadership development, knowledge exchange, and serving as the professional voice in our field.

These are actionable programs designed to equip us for what’s coming. Collaboration is essential here.

We can’t achieve our goals in isolation, so we’re seeking partnerships on a global scale.

By working together, we can tackle significant shared challenges more effectively.

International cooperation and knowledge sharing have never been more important.

Working alone limits our potential, whereas joint efforts lead to better understanding and improved results for everyone involved.

For too long, fire services have operated in silos, missing out on the benefits of shared experiences.

While we have many similarities across borders, small adjustments learned from others can lead to significant improvements in efficiency.

By openly sharing both our successes and our mistakes, we help each other avoid repeating errors and advance more rapidly.

Innovation is another area where collaboration is making a difference.

We’ve been encouraging the industry to develop tools that meet our future needs, rather than just offering what’s already available.

Some companies are now asking what firefighters genuinely require, leading to equipment that’s truly fit for purpose.

It’s crucial that all our personnel have gear that suits them, not just standard items in different sizes.

Health and safety remain top priorities. We must find ways to keep firefighters healthy throughout their careers, considering the risks of diseases, cancers, and toxic exposures.

This means focusing on better protective gear and safer practices, especially when dealing with new technologies like lithium-ion batteries.

Protecting our teams from inhaling harmful substances is key to their longevity in the profession.

The World Fire Congress has been a significant step toward global collaboration in research.

By uniting fire services, universities, and research bodies, we’re establishing a unified agenda that prevents redundant efforts and fosters a cohesive approach to critical challenges.

Only a few countries lead in fire service research, so working together is essential.

We’re setting the topics for the next decade, from addressing climate change impacts to exploring digital advancements, ensuring that our research aligns with the actual needs of fire services.

By embracing these initiatives, we can make lasting improvements for the fire service.

Our collective efforts today will shape a safer and more effective future for everyone involved.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Stephan Wevers is the President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU), reappointed for a second three-year term in November 2023.

Leading FEU through global challenges such as COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and rising wildfires, Wevers has expanded the organisation’s focus on knowledge exchange, leadership development, and advocacy.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

 

Partners in progress: Shane Ray, President of the NFSA, discusses the critical role of fire sprinklers in reducing loss

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Influencers

By Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association

It is an honour to serve such a great industry that saves lives, protects property, ensures business continuity, and minimizes negative impacts to the environment.

It’s an honour to be the President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

It is a lot of responsibility to preserve and enhance a 119-year-old institution, but I love every day of the challenge.

The fire sprinkler industry has experienced 5 record years and while it looks like it may be flattening, we still see it remaining steady.

Since 1980, NFSA has tracked fire sprinkler shipments in the United States by our member manufacturers, which are Viking, Victaulic, Reliable, and Johnson Controls Inc.

With our partner organisation the International Fire Suppression Alliance, founded by NFSA in 1999, we also track all the fire sprinkler shipments around the world by our members.

We have seen a 300% increase in fire sprinklers shipped in the US since 1980.

This is because there has been a 70% increase in building occupancies required to be protected with automatic fire sprinklers in the same time period.

Thanks to our efforts in trying to protect the single-family dwelling and townhouse, in 2019 the total numbers of fire sprinklers shipped reached 25% being residential fire sprinklers.

The modern fire environment has changed so much in the past 30+ years that fire departments struggle to keep up and our codes and standards too often lag in responsiveness to the environment they are supposed to protect.

Improvements in the buildings fire protection systems have struggled to keep pace with the size, contents, and configuration of modern buildings.

The volume of unregulated material in our homes coupled with energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV) is making the fire problem in America worse.

From homes to high-rises, mega-warehouses and ever-increasing big box stores that support our lifestyles, the unintended consequence is a modern fire environment that is overwhelming some of the best staffed, equipped, and trained fire departments in America.

The extremely large loss fires are not new, but they are certainly becoming more frequent, but with the same cause for the past 150 years, which 2024 is the 150-year anniversary of the patent of the automatic fire sprinkler by Henry Parmalee.

The primary cause is closed valves or prematurely shutting the water supply off.

The modern fire environment requires fire sprinklers and firefighters to be partners in progress to save lives and protect property.

The modern fire environment requires firefighters and fire officers to understand fire protection features of the building, especially active fire protection systems.

Fire sprinklers and Firefighters equal an unbeatable team.

It is an honour to be on a quest to bring the fire protection industry and the American fire service together before, during, and after the fire.

NFSA’s team across the country works hard every day to promote, defend, and enhance the fire sprinkler industry.

Our mission is pure and it is exactly what I’ve dedicated my entire professional career to, even before working here.

That mission is to save lives and protect property from fire through the widespread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Shane Ray serves as President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, an association established in 1905 to be the voice of the fire sprinkler industry.

Shane has 35+ years in the fire service.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the Eastern Kentucky University Fire Protection Program Advisory Board.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Immersive education: William (Bill) Koffel highlights how VR and AR technologies address global challenges in fire protection engineering

by Breaking NewsIFSJ InfluencersTraining

By William (Bill) Koffel, P.E., FSFPE, SASHE, Director, Undergraduate Fire Protection Engineering  Online Program, University of Maryland

Graduates from fire protection engineering programs routinely receive multiple job offers as the number of available positions in the discipline significantly outpace the number of graduates from the undergraduate and graduate programs.

 Employers often need to hire graduates from other engineering programs and incur the cost of on-the-job training to provide the employee with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to practice fire protection engineering.

In the USA, graduation from an ABET-accredited BS program in engineering is one of the easier paths for engineers to achieve status as a Professional Engineer.

The new online undergraduate fire protection engineering program now makes earning a BS in FPE from an accredited program available to students globally.

 One of the challenges associated with offering the courses to an international student population is to replicate the experiential learning opportunities that are available to on-campus students.

 For that reason, virtual reality (VR) systems are being developed as an alternative to traditional education opportunities.

 Research has shown that virtual reality can improve the learning process (Cicek, Bernik, & Igor, 2021).

The following three hypotheses were proven by Cicek: Respondents prefer to use VR over two-dimensional displays; Respondents believe the use of VR systems will increase interest in certain teaching content; and respondents believe that interactive media into the curriculum will improve learning outcomes.

An alternative to virtual reality, augmented reality (AR) will also be explored based upon a study conducted by a group affiliated with the University of Maryland (Childs, et al., 2023).

 It has been noted that perceived immersion, technical quality, enjoyment, learning, and social influence all affected the adoption of AR technology in the learning process (Ghobadi, Ghiai, & Tahmasebinia, 2023).

Another research study involved a control group who only had access to traditional two-dimensional schematics and an experimental group who had access to a three-dimensional model (Hain & Motaref, 2023).

 The students were all enrolled in an entry-level engineering course in Mechanics of Materials, although almost all students were considered to be in their third year of higher education.

 Both groups took an exam at the beginning of the research so that the improvement in scores could be evaluated on a post-research exam.

The exam results indicated that: Students who had access to 3D models performed better in identifying failure modes and project geometry; Students who had access to 3D models felt more comfortable and confident in understanding the project geometry; Neither the control group or the experimental group performed better with engineering problems that relied heavily on engineering concepts rather than visualization.

The benefits of VR and AR technology to facilitate immersive learning for students that do not have access to physical facilities have been well documented.

 It has also been documented that the investment in VR and AR laboratories is also a good investment for an institution of higher learning (Marks & Thomas, 2022).

This is especially true if the laboratory is also used for demonstrations, other training activities, engagement of industry, and high-school student visits.

 The faculty at the University of Maryland has acknowledged that the investment in VR/AR technology will also enhance the learning process for on-campus students.

About the IFSJ Influencer

William (Bill) Koffel, P.E., FSFPE, SASHE is the Director, Undergraduate Fire Protection Engineering Online Program, University of Maryland.

Prior to his Faculty Appointment, Mr. Koffel was the President of Koffel Associates, a fire protection engineering and code consulting firm, and remains with the firm as Senior Director, Special Projects.

He is also a Partner with Koffel Fire and Safety Consultancy with offices in the UAE.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Shaping safer spaces: Honeywell’s Steve Kenny discusses advancements in fire safety

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Steve Kenny, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Fire, Europe at Honeywell Building Automation

As we approach 2025, the building landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by new technological advancements and the pressing need for enhanced fire prevention solutions.

Honeywell has been a longstanding player in the fire and safety industry, through brands such as Gent, Esser, NOTIFIER and VESDA, in Europe.

Our primary goal is to shift from traditional fire detection to proactive fire prevention.

This transformation is crucial, especially as fire risks in modern environments become more complex, with new materials and technologies adding to the challenge.

The importance of early detection

One of the most significant innovations in the industry is the development of early fire detection technologies.

Traditional smoke alarms operate by waiting for smoke to rise to the ceiling, which can delay detection.

However, aspirating smoke detection technology changes this paradigm.

Instead of waiting for smoke to reach a detector, the system continuously samples air within a room, detecting smoke particles early and allowing for faster response times.

This is critical in environments like data centres, hospitals and hyper distribution centres, where life and asset protection through early detection can be the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.

Equally important is a new technology addressing lithium-ion battery fires.

These batteries, ubiquitous in applications from renewable energy to electric vehicles, pose a unique fire risk due to very quick progression from smoke to fire and explosion.

Innovative products based on off-gas detection enable pre-emptive measures that can help prevent battery fires.

This is a significant, particularly as large batteries get deployed across buildings to support energy transition.

Integration and compliance

Fire detection systems no longer operate in isolation.

Today, they can be integrated with building management systems, security systems and even HVAC systems, providing building operators with a holistic view of their facility’s safety and operations.

This integration is not just about convenience; it plays a vital role in helping remain compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.

Digital records of maintenance and sensor testing streamline compliance processes, moving away from outdated analogue methods like paperwork.

The introduction of self-testing sensors is another game-changer.

These sensors can help reduce maintenance time by automating the testing process, producing a small amount of smoke to verify functionality.

With a shortage of skilled labour in the fire safety industry, this innovation helps buildings remain compliant while helping to optimise the personnel required for manual testing.

Looking ahead

Emerging smart technologies will play critical roles in helping make buildings safer and more efficient.

Meanwhile, integrating fire detection with other building systems will help enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

Ultimately, I hope to see a future where early fire prevention is the norm, enabled by cutting-edge technologies and smarter building management systems.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Steve Kenny is the VP and General Manager of Commercial Fire, Europe at Honeywell Building Automation.

Previously, he held VP and GM roles in Honeywell’s Building Management Systems and Electrical Products, overseeing major brand growth like MK by Honeywell.

With 25 years at Honeywell, Steve has led significant integrations and initiatives, backed by a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Psychology from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Leadership, legacy and lifesaving tools: Nish Vartanian highlights MSA Safety’s tech-driven firefighting solutions

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Nish Vartanian, Non-Executive Chairman, MSA Safety’s Board of Directors

For my entire 39-year career, I’m proud to say I worked at MSA Safety, a company that’s mission is to help keep people safe at work.

While I retired earlier this year as President and CEO, I continue serving as the company’s non-executive Chairman, and remain connected – and committed – to the MSA mission.

The same passion I have for the mission continues today with the new MSA leadership team, as they carry on this same mission that started 110 years ago.

Part of fulfilling this mission includes helping to keep firefighters safe when they’re on the job and answering calls for help.

During my career, I witnessed many changes in the fire service, from how fire protective equipment was designed, manufactured, and utilised by firefighters, to how new technologies were developed and revolutionised firefighting.

The fire service has come a long way, but the one thing that I never saw change was the strength of and respect for the traditions of the fire service.

Currently, the fire service faces many challenges, as the market and environment are constantly evolving.

New construction materials and the way firefighters tackle automobile fires, especially with the rise of electric vehicles, are examples of these changes.

There’s a growing need for solutions related to incident command, remote monitoring, and asset management, and these are areas where technology is improving.

We’re also seeing the emergence of data and its importance for training and education, how it can help fire departments make quicker, safer decisions on the fire scene, and even help manage firefighter health and wellbeing.

As we look to the future of firefighting, I believe the focus will be on the user experience and how new innovations in technology can provide data and insights without being obtrusive or add complexity.

It’s showing the impact of leveraging data effectively and integrating it into existing tools, but also means developing intuitive technology tools that are not burdensome to firefighters and can be adopted across various scenarios and departments.

It will remain important to honor the traditions of the fire service, but it will be more important not to let those be a hinderance to innovation and advancing technology.

Ultimately, no matter where in the world firefighters are doing their jobs, in a large city or a small town, prioritising their safety through innovative solutions that are developed and tailored to their needs will be key to advancing the fire service in the years to come.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Nish Vartanian serves as Non-Executive Chairman of MSA Safety’s Board of Directors.

Nish recently announced his retirement from MSA Safety, serving most recently as Chief Executive Officer, after first joining the company in 1985.

Nish also serves on the board of Koppers Holdings, Inc., the Board of Trustees for the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI); the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation; and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Protecting the grid: Jim Foran, CEO, PV Stop International discusses how solar safety solutions are shaping first responder protocols

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Jim Foran, CEO, PV Stop International

Heading into 2025, the fire and safety industry faces a transformative landscape, dominated by the rapid expansion of renewable energy ecosystems.

At the heart of this revolution are solar PV systems, serving as the primary power generators for an interconnected network that includes Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).

This eco-system, while crucial for our sustainable future, presents unprecedented challenges for fire safety.

BESS and EVs, along with electric micro-mobility devices, introduce complex fire risks that the industry is still grappling to address.

However, amidst these challenges, PVSTOP has emerged as a game-changer by offering a solution that targets the source: the power generators themselves.

Our innovative light-blocking technology allows for the rapid de-energisation of solar PV systems, effectively cutting off the power supply at its origin.

This capability is transformative, providing a critical tool for firefighters and first responders dealing with incidents involving this new energy ecosystem.

By neutralising the ‘DC Danger Zone’ created by active solar panels, PVSTOP significantly reduces risks during emergency responses, whether the primary concern is the solar array itself or connected BESS and EV systems.

As we move into 2025, we anticipate continuing exponential growth of such technologies across the globe.

Fire departments and energy companies are increasingly recognising the need for specialised solar safety measures as part of a comprehensive approach to managing risks in renewable energy systems.

Emerging technologies continue to revolutionise our industry.

The integration of AI and smart sensors in fire detection and suppression systems will enhance response times and accuracy.

Our ongoing development of drone-based delivery systems for PVSTOP exemplifies how technology can overcome challenges in high-rise buildings and large-scale installations.

We expect the role of these drone systems to continue to grow in importance as part of the expanding fire safety landscape in urban environments into and beyond 2025, particularly for tackling complex incidents.

Education and training will be critical in this evolving landscape.

Our e-learning platforms and virtual reality training modules are at the forefront of preparing firefighters and technicians for the unique challenges posed by modern energy systems.

As we move towards 2025, we anticipate that specialised training in solar PV safety and its role in the broader energy ecosystem will become a more integrated part of firefighter education globally.

Looking ahead, a significant growth sector for 2025 will be in specialised safety solutions for renewable energy installations.

As countries accelerate their transition to clean energy, the demand for products like PVSTOP and comprehensive safety training programs will surge.

We’re already seeing this trend with major energy companies and fire departments worldwide adopting our solutions.

While the challenges posed by BESS, EVs and micro-mobility devices are complex and ongoing, PVSTOP’s ability to safely de-energise the power source of this ecosystem represents a significant leap forward in fire safety.

As we move into 2025, our focus remains on innovation, education and collaboration to create a safer, more resilient world in the face of these evolving energy technologies.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Jim Foran is the co-founder and CEO of PVSTOP International, pioneers in solar energy safety technology.

With 20+ years in global industry leadership, Jim drives innovation addressing the critical “DC Danger Zone” associated with renewable energy systems.

PVSTOP’s game-changing solution protects first responders and PV system owners globally.

An international lecturer, Jim champions safer, sustainable energy futures across the world.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

“Let us seize this opportunity to set new standards”: Terry Johnson, IFE GCC UAE Branch President calls for a new era in fire safety

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Terry Johnson, President, Institution of Fire Engineers GCC UAE Branch

As President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) GCC UAE Branch, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound evolution of the fire and safety industry.

As we approach 2025, the landscape is primed for transformation, driven by technological innovation, regulatory advancements, and an increasing focus on sustainable development.

Reflecting on these trends, it’s clear that this moment represents both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity to shape a safer, smarter future.

The role of technology in the fire and safety sector cannot be overstated.

Emerging technologies—AI, IoT, and big data analytics—are redefining our operational capabilities and enhancing our response strategies.

AI-driven predictive analytics, for example, are enabling us to forecast incidents more accurately, allowing for a pre-emptive approach to fire safety.

This predictive capability, combined with real-time data from IoT-enabled sensors, means that our sector can detect potential hazards well before they escalate, saving lives and preserving property.

Sustainability is emerging as a key driver of innovation within our field, particularly in regions like the UAE where green building standards and net-zero targets are taking centre stage.

The IFE GCC UAE Branch is collaborating closely with regulatory authorities to ensure the evolution of fire safety regulations in alignment with environmental standards.

This includes the assessment of fire protection systems, specifically automated fire suppression systems that assert sustainability, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness.

 The objective is to establish a synergistic relationship between sustainability and fire safety, ensuring that neither aspect is compromised to the detriment of the other and that appropriate regulatory frameworks are established.

While technology and regulatory advancements are essential, the human element remains at the heart of our industry.

Innovation must always serve our frontline personnel, empowering them with the tools and training needed to excel.

We must emphasise the importance of continuous professional development and mental well-being, providing our teams with both the technical skills and resilience required to face today’s challenges.

As we look toward 2025, the IFE GCC UAE Branch is committed to championing innovation while staying true to the fundamental values of protection and service.

I urge all industry professionals to embrace these emerging trends proactively, as they represent not only the future of our industry but also our collective responsibility to create a safer, more resilient society.

Let us seize this opportunity to set new standards and inspire a new era in fire and safety that will serve as a benchmark for years to come.

Together, we can drive meaningful change, ensuring that the fire and safety landscape of 2025 and beyond is characterised by innovation, sustainability, and, above all, human-centred resilience.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Terry Johnson FIFire E, is a seasoned emergency services professional and the current President of the GCC UAE Branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Specialising in fire emergency response, risk management, and regulatory code alignment, he is dedicated to advancing fire and rescue standards across the GCC region.

With in-depth knowledge of Civil Defense and NEOM developments, Terry is committed to enhancing public safety and resilience in the communities he serves.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

“The perfect solutions may not exist yet”: Kevin Sofen talks navigating the known and unknown challenges ahead

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Kevin Sofen, Founder, Sofen Consulting Group

While emerging technologies promise a better future, the fire service often overlooks today’s tools that can empower our operations.

The perfect solutions may not exist yet, but effective options are already at our fingertips.

As we face resource shortages and evolving challenges, it is imperative that we do not remain passive regarding new technology adoption.

A proactive and courageous change management strategy is essential.

We must adopt new technologies that allow us to move beyond ingrained traditions and steer the fire service in the right direction.

Many organisations encounter two significant technological obstacles.

The first is underutilisation of existing resources: We fail to fully utilise free off-the-shelf technologies and prepaid contracted resources available today.

The second is misguided purchases: We acquire tools that don’t meet our operational needs due to poor planning and insufficient purchasing insight.

Part of the problem lies in our mindset; we tend to do what we’ve always done.

Another issue is impulsively purchasing new technologies based on slick sales pitches or compelling marketing messages without fully understanding our needs.

To address these challenges, we must integrate a thorough problem-solving approach and conduct detailed vendor technology analyses to identify what is required.

This process is critical to ensuring we select the right tools for the right jobs.

Numerous free technologies are available, such as GIS mapping, common operating pictures, and pre-planning tools.

Many industry players can facilitate crawl-walk-run pilot programs, which mainly require time and effort from our teams.

Additionally, microgrants under $10,000 can be secured through public-private partnerships, covering modest costs in the early stages of implementation.

To overcome these challenges, the fire service community must find its voice.

We want to collaborate with industry partners and allocate our resources wisely, but this must happen on our terms.

Engaging in open discussions within the industry via tradeshows, virtual events, podcasts, and local demonstrations can help ensure that vendors develop solutions addressing real-world problems.

This collaboration is essential to avoid “shiny object syndrome,” where departments chase technologies that don’t actually exist today and collaboratively work with industry to create and implement solutions that meet the intended needs.

By being intentional and strategic in identifying needs and purchasing decisions, we can invest in the right tools that serve our objectives.

It is also vital to recognise the climate-induced challenges we face.

Weather changes are increasing the severity of wildfires and hurricanes, leaving first responders to manage these crises in the heat of the moment.

We cannot simply hope for the best; proactive measures are required.

New technology initiatives from programs like XPRIZE Wildfire, such as earth observation from space, can enhance our early detection capabilities for environmental threats, enabling us to respond with autonomous robotic solutions to suppress fires and mitigate damage.

It is exciting to watch the fire and safety industry evolve through this technology.

By embracing an open-minded technology adoption process and making informed purchasing decisions, we can navigate the known and unknown challenges ahead.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Kevin Sofen is a fire service innovator dedicated to advancing technology adoption.

With a focus on collaboration and community building via SmartFireFighting.com, he leverages his expertise in product development and change management to empower first responders.

Kevin champions impactful solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and the future of firefighting.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.