IFSJ Influencer Insight: Francesca Boeris, Managing Director Comelit-PAC

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘As the demand for flexible and scalable solutions continues to grow, our emphasis on wireless systems becomes integral to this approach. ‘

One of the focal points for 2024 is Comelit-PAC’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fire safety.  Through a significant investment in research and development, we are entering the year with an innovative product portfolio and new solutions to meet evolving requirements.

We’re conscious of the growing trends towards integration, where security and fire safety systems operate from one building management resource. 

As the demand for flexible and scalable solutions continues to grow, our emphasis on wireless systems becomes integral to this approach. Launching our wireless solution with either an addressable or conventional receiver gives the flexibility to adapt to customer needs. It ensures our clients can implement fire safety measures without the constraints of traditional wired systems.  Delivering to our installer customers the ability for ease of installation, saving time and budget.

The launch of FIRE2VIP stands we believe as a unique product to the market, developed to integrate fire safety systems with IP door entry. It provides early notification of an evacuation event via the door entry monitor and push notification.

The addition of cloud capability and remote monitoring using Mysites via the Comelit app is a great asset for our LogiFire solution. This enables users to interrogate and manage the fire system remotely, with the servicing and maintenance time reduced on-site, saving valuable resources.

Our aim becomes to support customers and allow for the opportunity to utilise IoT and data-driven insights, all providing the optimal resources to evaluate risk, respond, remediate and potentially avoid evacuation, damage or loss.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Comelit-PAC’s strategy for 2024. We continue to actively engage with industry partners and fire safety experts to drive innovation and address emerging challenges.

Embracing the Comelit-PAC group of opportunities, we are working with new panels and award-winning detectors, enabling our specification team to seamlessly blend fire safety with its surroundings in a number of applications.

By facilitating an open dialogue and knowledge exchange from initial design through to project completion, Comelit-PAC aims to contribute to the collective efforts aimed at enhancing fire safety practices.  It’s going to take continued learning, regulatory change and strict enforcement of compliance.

This will be implemented into our dedication to enhance training within the industry.  Here, we believe we have a duty of care and responsibility to support installers and their customers looking to stay ahead. 

We have evolved our courses from initial introductory levels to installation through to commissioning and fault finding.  Aiding installers at every stage of the process is just part of our pledge to be “with you always.”

2024 is an exciting and ambitious year for Comelit-PAC as it is for the fire safety sector.  With a commitment to innovation, compliance, sustainability, collaboration, and advanced technologies, we are working in partnership to shape the future, focusing on style, compliance and smart technology.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, Comelit-PAC remains committed to providing dedicated solutions that prioritise the safety and security of the spaces where people live, work, and gather.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Francesca Boeris is the Managing Director of Comelit-PAC. She is responsible for the strategic direction of Comelit-PAC UK and ROI. Boeris embraces inclusion and innovation in the smart technology realm for both fire safety and security, while championing women in industry, empathy and understanding.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Milan Dubravac, President, CTIF

by Featured NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘We are dedicated to advancing research and developing resources to ensure the health and safety of our front-line defenders against fire hazards.’

As President of the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF), I am privileged to extend my insight into the pressing challenges and forthcoming advancements within the fire and safety sector as we forge ahead into 2023.

 Established in 1900, CTIF has long been at the vanguard of fostering international collaboration amongst firefighting professionals. In response to the escalating climate crisis, we have urged for a unified global effort, emphasising the necessity for greater funding, cooperation, and comprehensive education to better equip those confronting the increasing risks posed by nature’s forces.

The coming year poses significant challenges that reflect the intersections of climate change and technological evolution. CTIF has recognised four main areas of concern.

1. Forest Fires: The frequency and intensity of forest fires are escalating, spurred by climate change. It is crucial to advance our strategies and methods to mitigate this growing threat.

2. Electrical Vehicles/Devices: The proliferation of electric vehicles and devices presents new challenges for fire and safety protocols. Firefighters must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle potential hazards associated with these technologies.

3. Firefighter Health: The wellbeing of firefighters is paramount. We are dedicated to advancing research and developing resources to ensure the health and safety of our front-line defenders against fire hazards.

4. Recruitment: The sustainability of firefighting forces rests on our ability to attract and train new recruits, adapting to the changing landscape of volunteerism and professional engagement.

Our commitment to these concerns is not isolated to theoretical analysis. In 2022, one of our most significant achievements was the collaboration with EURO NCAP on enhancing vehicle safety standards. This partnership exemplifies our proactive engagement with industry stakeholders to influence the design and implementation of safety measures.

Innovation is at the core of our mission. Through the CTIF’s Commissions and working groups, we have made significant strides in various domains, including advocating for the use of non-fluorinated foams and pioneering new techniques in combating wildfires. Our New Technologies Commission remains a pivotal entity, spearheading initiatives that not only follow but also set industry trends for the health and safety of operational staff.

With over 40 member countries, CTIF is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and collective effort. We convene annually to reflect on our achievements, strategise for future endeavors, and elect leadership that champions our founding principle of knowledge exchange. Our diverse activities are channeled through 17 commissions and working groups, with all findings disseminated through our website and annual global fire statistics report.

Looking ahead, CTIF’s synergy with over 70 associate members, primarily from the fire industry, is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We recognise that the challenges faced by the fire and safety industry are intrinsically linked to those encountered by fire services worldwide. As such, it is mutually beneficial to persist in our collaborative pursuits.

The evolution of the fire and safety domain is rapid and boundless. In unison with industry partners and fire services globally, CTIF is dedicated to pioneering the innovations and responses required to safeguard society against the ever-changing tapestry of risks it faces. It is in this spirit of cooperation and forward-thinking that we step into 2023, ready to address the challenges ahead with resolve and readiness.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Milan Dubravac, President of Comité Technique International de prevention et d’extinction de Feu (CTIF) and senior fire officer from Slovenia, boasts 36 years in fire service leadership. Joining CTIF’s HazMat Commission in 2001 and ascending to President by 2020, he’s an IAEA lecturer and co-authored their top manual, with expertise in EU civil protection and forest fires.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Ajit Raghavan, President of the Fire & Security Association of India

by Featured NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘The path ahead is complex, but with concerted effort, the future of fire and safety is bright and hopeful.’

As the National President of the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), I have witnessed first-hand the turbulence that pervades our industry—shaped by shifting market shares, stringent cost reductions, and a strong bias toward rule compliance over quality performance standards. Our challenges are many, not least the persistence of diverse assumptions in fire engineering solutions, which affect fire authority actions and field-level staff efficacy.

The evolving landscape of fire safety is marked by dramatic economic impacts, where disasters can leave families displaced and businesses devastated. The profession’s response necessitates adherence to a development path that prioritizes fire hazard identification, detection, measurement, and control with an uncompromising commitment to risk management.

Regional disparities accentuate these challenges, with economically underdeveloped areas suffering from poor awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and a deficit in professionalism and skill. Concurrently, there’s an urgency to adopt modern technologies over obsolete ones and a general impatience with the pace of R&D yielding safer, more innovative solutions.

The forecast is promising for the fire protection system market, expected to grow to over USD 109 billion by 2027, embracing advancements like flame detectors, smoke evacuation systems, halon alternatives, and water mist technologies. These user-friendly and eco-compatible innovations are setting new standards in automated fire protection, particularly for unattended high-value asset storage areas.

India’s fire market is responding to the push for safety with the rise of smart buildings and intensified scrutiny following fire incidents. The National Building Code of India 2016—Part 4, ‘Fire and Life Safety’—provides a robust framework for fire prevention and protection. Yet, with fire service as a state responsibility, there’s a discernible lack of uniformity in fire safety legislation across different regions, leading to a patchy safety landscape and exacerbated by urban congestion and insufficient fire station coverage.

Emerging sectors, including high-hazard industries, warehousing, transport, and densely occupied public spaces, are poised for significant growth in fire safety investment. Maharashtra’s recent bill mandating IoT-based fire systems for critical public infrastructures is a testament to the innovation uptake in safety measures.

Developments in standardization, such as the BIS harmonizing with ISO standards and accreditation of testing facilities like UL-JFL, offer a glimmer of hope. Yet, issues persist, including a disconnect between design criteria across international and Indian standards, under-specification of fire-rated cables, and a lack of effective pre-formatted checklists and trained personnel for system performance evaluation.

As an industry influencer, my vision encompasses robust growth supported by enlightened policy-making, innovation, and education. The FSAI’s Fire Suraksha Index (FSI) is a step toward empowering building owners with a tangible safety metric, promoting a broader culture of compliance and safety.

In conclusion, media outlets like IFSJ can play a pivotal role in this paradigm shift, disseminating knowledge, sharing best practices, and fostering a collective commitment to the safety of our communities. The path ahead is complex, but with concerted effort, the future of fire and safety is bright and hopeful.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Ajit Raghavan, with over 30 years in Fire, Security, and Engineering across Asia and the Middle East, has held directorial roles at Tyco and Nohmi Bosai. As National President of the Fire & Security Association of India, he shapes fire safety standards and currently leads Ramcro’s sales in Asia.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Georgina Gilbert, Antarctic Fire Angel

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘The disparity in equipment design, particularly in crucial industries like firefighting, underscores the need for inclusive design considerations.’

In today’s modern world, design inclusivity should be a standard, not a luxury. However, across various industries, there remains a gap between products designed for men and those tailored for women. This discrepancy is not just in sizing, but in the very foundational approach to the creation process.

Shackleton, an expedition clothing specialist, specifically designed by women for women, shines a spotlight on this ongoing issue. They’ve collaborated with explorers at various stages, from novices to seasoned professionals. This seems to be missing in the fire service arena right now, where clothing designed by women specifically for women is scarce.

Companies that supply fire protective clothing offer a wide variety of sizes, some even boasting over 90 different size categories. However, the origin of these sizing categories remains unclear. A common design practice, often referred to as “shrinking and pinking,” involves modifying a men’s product by making it smaller and colouring it in stereotypically female colours. This, in part, is true for fire protective clothing – typically men’s designs have been the basis for women’s designs, rather than the other way around.

For firefighters, this extends to the design of breathing apparatus sets as well. Some of these sets have straps that are too wide for many women’s shoulders meaning that many women find them uncomfortable or challenging to use. There needs to be a focus on design features that account for these differences. I’ve yet to hear of women’s firefighting equipment influencing the design of men’s equipment on a global scale.

There needs to be a shift in the industry. To achieve this, we need more women in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and maths. With more female participation in these areas, the next generation of equipment, such as fire kits or breathing apparatus, will be better suited for all.

Designs have historically been male-centric and later adjusted for women, rather than being truly inclusive from the outset. Looking forward, we should aim for more female representation in design teams. A comprehensive, perhaps even global, survey could help us better understand what women truly want and need in various equipment, from fire kits to other tools. For instance, the design of a chest strap on a breathing apparatus might be uncomfortable for many women. By addressing such specific needs, we can ensure a more inclusive future in equipment design.

The disparity in equipment design, particularly in crucial industries like firefighting, underscores the need for inclusive design considerations. It would be beneficial for designers to engage with fire service professionals, from rookies to veterans with decades of experience, to truly understand their needs and envision the future of equipment design. The aim should be to co-create and evolve design ensuring that they serve everyone.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Georgina Gilbert, a 20-year firefighting veteran and co-founder of the Antarctic Fire Angels, leads Wales’ WAFA team. Advocating for gender equality, she’s a triathlete for Great Britain, a mountaineer, ‘HeForShe’ spokesperson, and nominee for ‘Most Influential LGBT individual in Fire Service’ for her dedication to breaking career stereotypes.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Sinclair Duffie, Senior Fire Department Support Supervisor

by Featured NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘Becoming engaged with the team and allowing them room to develop is one sure way to build and strengthen the dynamic for success and the never ending road towards excellence.’

I have spent many years observing the plethora of leadership methods used by individuals as they clamber their way up the promotional ladder to aspire to the greatness that is embodied in the title of Chief Fire Officer or Fire Chief. Most of these methods have been carefully cultivated using a combination of guidance and mentoring from peers already undertaking a similar journey and from what can be taken from the many publications and literary masterpieces from the likes of Jack Welch, Patrick Lencioni and the internationally recognised father of all, Abraham Maslow.

Many of these up-and-coming officers place their faith in being able to adapt their persona to a particularly admired style whether it be from a colleague who has already achieved or is on their way to stature or from a publication which has been adopted by their organisation with many of its prophecies cut and pasted into PowerPoint presentations and used as an influencing tool.

Leaders in Fire Service circles are faced with many dilemmas whether it be directing movement and operations at incidents, motivating and encouraging performance improvements for skills or providing counselling and advice to team members in support of their activities to name but a few.

To do this they have to be engaged with those they lead and not be remote and unavailable for valuable enabling and direction setting. Leading by interface and engagement is far more productive than distant commanding and puts the leader in the center of the situation to provide that valuable advocacy. This philosophy works through all levels of the Fire Service organisation by each leader understanding the required mindset for effective engagement.

The leader who engages with their subordinates is the leader who understands the issues which affect the organisation through their people and can differentiate between the varieties of work and the messy reality of what is actually going on.

In my experience it is common that some less engaged leaders have a perception that work as imagined is an accurate reflection of what their teams are busy with in line with the work as prescribed. In fact, generally the case is that the work as disclosed ends up as the work as done and differs from the former which puts the non-engaged leader in a situation where whilst he thinks he knows what is going on, he actually doesn’t.

In practice, a leader who cares about and provides support to his teams is a people centric leader who sees the bigger picture and makes sure they understand what is facing their teams. Even if their style is rough and or abrasive the fact they appear to be interested enough in what’s going on provides the teams with confidence to achieve results. In the face of adversity, when stress levels are high during fire incidents a people centric leader has established trust and rapport with the team which fills them with the belief in their abilities to succeed.

This leader knows when and how to coach individuals and provide them with support and advocacy instilling desired levels of confidence to push the boundaries of accomplishment which in turn will lead to safe, effective operations resulting in saved lives, protected property and mitigation of damage by fire.

Of course, some may argue that this “touchy, feely” way of leadership may lead to lack of discipline or too much emphasis on how the needs of the team is put above the needs of the task. This type of traditional approach or autocratic style should have its place in leadership traits and values but in my opinion, which is based on experience gained over a number of years, this type of approach has produced much more successful results than a traditional observer centric leader.

One of the defining skills of a people centric leader is to be able to decide when it is appropriate to challenge his team both courageously and effectively. This skill is not found to be easy amongst many aspiring leaders but is essential to maintain both trust and reputation in the leader and to maintain positive motivation within and outside the team.

Nobody ever said the journey to successful leadership was easy, however, becoming engaged with the team and allowing them room to develop is one sure way to build and strengthen the dynamic for success and the never ending road towards excellence.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Sinclair Duffie, currently serving as Team Leader at Nawah since 2018, has a distinguished career beginning in 1983 with the Scottish Fire Service. He transitioned to ADNOC in 2012, focusing on incident response planning. A veteran with over three decades of experience, Duffie is active in the Middle East conference circuit and resides in Al Dhannah city, Abu Dhabi.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Peter Stephenson, Director of Hydrock Fire Safety Division

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘The development of smart cities will create opportunities for companies specialising in integrated fire safety systems.’

Looking forward to 2024, several challenges and opportunities are shaping the landscape within the fire sector. In this overview I express my views relating to the current state of the industry, pressing challenges, potential responses, emerging technologies and potential growth sectors in 2024.

Current challenges

Climate Change: The frequency and intensity of wildfires and extreme weather events due to climate change pose a significant challenge for the fire sector and built environment. Addressing these risks requires better preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies.

Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation leads to increased population density which in turn requires investment and development of the infrastructure, making fire safety in cities a major concern. It is important that buildings and associated infrastructure meets stringent fire safety standards.

Potential Responses

1. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure at all levels of government must be fully resourced. This includes the use of innovative building materials, advanced warning systems, and more efficient firefighting equipment and emergency response.

2. Regulatory Updates: Governments should regularly update and enforce fire safety regulations to ensure that new and existing buildings comply with the latest safety standards. Examples of this include the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

3. Public Awareness: Promoting fire safety awareness among the public is crucial. Education campaigns and drills can help individuals and communities better prepare for emergencies and should form part of the wider assessment of risk within a community.

Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven systems can assist with the prediction fire outbreaks and their potential location, manage firefighting resources more effectively, and improve evacuation plans.

IoT and Sensors: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors can monitor fire safety equipment and provide real-time data for early detection and response. This information can be provided through the design process and throughout a buildings life cycle with key information being captured on BIM.

Drones: Drones provide a vast range of applications that can assist in detecting and assessing the extent of fires using thermal cameras, search and rescue, monitoring hazardous situations and supporting command and control operations.

Growth sectors

Renewable and Smart Energy Systems: As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, the fire and safety industry will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of renewable and smart energy installations like solar farms, wind turbines, Battery Energy Storage Systems and other innovative power systems.

Emergency Management Services: Companies specialising in emergency response and disaster management are likely to see increased demand as climate-related disasters become more frequent.

Smart Cities: The development of smart cities will create opportunities for companies specialising in integrated fire safety systems and data-driven emergency response. The fire and safety sector faces numerous challenges in 2024, primarily driven by climate change, urbanisation, and aging infrastructure. Responding to these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. As the industry evolves, growth sectors in renewable energy, emergency management

About the IFSJ Influencer

Peter Stephenson is a Director in the Hydrock Fire Safety Division based in Dubai. With over 40 years of experience, he oversees international projects in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and UK. He has a strong record of delivering projects globally, focusing on collaborative design and international best practices.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Steve Hamm, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers

by Featured NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘The fire service must maintain its commitment to excellence, constantly seeking ways to improve.’

As we step into 2024, the world of fire safety is facing a multitude of challenges and new opportunities. As the CEO of the IFE, I’d like to share our priorities for the year ahead and our visions for the future of the global fire sector.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of our top priorities is nurturing the next generation of fire professionals. We are committed to paving the way for new talent to enter and thrive in the field. Our approach to attracting, training, and retaining the best and brightest minds must evolve as the industry does. This year, we’re focusing on developing innovative and inclusive career paths within the fire service, because the sector, like many others, must reflect the diverse communities it serves. We believe in developing a workforce that reflects society in all aspects. The IFE will continue to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in 2024, working to raise the voices of underrepresented professionals in the fire service. Their distinct perspectives and experiences can spur innovation, resulting in safer and more effective fire prevention and response.

The first step is to thoroughly identify and document the protected characteristics of our membership. To accomplish this, we’re requiring our global cohort to actively participate in this endeavour. We will seek input and feedback from our members in order to better understand their perspectives on diversity and to identify priority areas for change. This feedback will serve as the foundation for developing our EEDI strategy for the coming year.

Demonstration of competency

The need for rigorous competency assessment has never been greater in the post-Grenfell Inquiry world. The fire risk associated with cladding and building materials has rocked our industry to its core and to address these concerns, we emphasise the importance of third-party accreditation via Fire Risk Registration. This essential tool will not only improve transparency and accountability but also enable professionals to demonstrate their expertise. We will continue to work in 2024 to ensure that the Fire Risk Register remains an important tool for protecting people and property.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The fire service industry is constantly changing. It is critical to stay up to date on the latest advancements, regulations, and best practises. As a result, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting ongoing professional development. We encourage all fire professionals to participate in CPD to improve their knowledge and skills, thereby making society safer and more resilient.

2024 holds tremendous promise for the fire profession, and through laser focus on the next generation, embracing diversity, and upholding competency standards, the IFE is determined to lead the way in shaping a brighter, more inclusive, and safer future.

Recent events highlight the critical importance of collaboration and shared responsibility. The fire service must maintain its commitment to excellence, constantly seeking ways to improve.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Leveraging over 25 years’ experience in fire and rescue Steve Hamm is committed to ensuring the IFE’s ongoing evolution meets the future needs of its members. His primary focuses include leading internal change initiatives and fostering collaboration across the global fire industry.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Steph Rotarangi, Deputy National Commander for Fire and Emergency New Zealand

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘If we are truly committed to preventing fire, sometimes we need to take calculated risks.‘

You’re Cooked (slang) inebriated: drunk, high, stoned; or hungover.

Using limited fire service budget to create a cookbook for a satisfying meal after a night out, might seem like a left field idea.  Filming intoxicated people making their meals while under the influence is potentially career limiting.   We initially thought it was a bad idea too but that’s the point – firefighters aren’t the target audience.   

Unattended cooking has remained New Zealand’s leading cause of both house fire and fire related injury, despite years of campaigns and interventions trying to stop the behaviour.  For the team at Fire and Emergency New Zealand it was clear that our current messages weren’t resonating with the people they needed to, and we needed to try something different to achieve a reduction in this particularly risky behaviour.

What became apparent through our research was that while over half of the New Zealand population understands the risk of fire and is prepared to take steps to manage this, there are still significant pockets that either don’t see fire safety as a risk or understand the dangers and are still happy to take risks.

Creating initiatives that are disruptive and test the status-quo can be an effective way to create change, however our interventions had to be well informed by evidence and data and tested with the audiences we wanted to influence.   Creating a cookbook, filming ‘cooked’ chefs and spending our advertising budget on dating apps was going to draw plenty of attention. 

With solid foundational research we looked at creative ways to address the problem of unattended cooking in the hardest group to reach, who we labelled our “disengaged” audience.  What we know about this audience is that they’re often younger, seeking a care-free lifestyle and don’t want to be burdened by addressing yet another risk in their already busy lives.  We also know that they frequently cook food on the stove following a night out when they might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or distracted.

For this audience we needed to frame cooking safety with a positive approach to make it relevant and relatable. We shifted focus from stopping them making food, to encouraging them to make food in a safe way that didn’t involve the stove, oven or any other heat source that could create a house fire or injury.

We used a local chef with a cult following to create a collection of recipes brought together in a virtual cookbook, entitled ‘You’re Cooked, Recipes to Avoid Disaster’, featuring a selection of dishes easy (and safe) enough to cook while you’re intoxicated or impaired.  Rather than telling the disengaged not to do something, we gave them an alternative, safe behaviour that was just as good.

We then took our mobile kitchen out on the streets late at night, and test drove the recipes with willing participants to create content for our campaign.  The campaign has gone on to win numerous awards for not only the creative way it’s addressed a serious fire safety issue, but the results it has achieved. We have had over 14 million impressions, but more importantly it has led to a noticeable drop in the unattended cooking fires our crews are attending.  At the time of writing, we have had a 7.5% reduction in the incidence of unattended cooking fires.

If we are truly committed to preventing fire, sometimes we need to take calculated risks.  You can find out more about how we use data and insights to drive change at https://www.fireandemergency.nz/yourecooked/

About the IFSJ Influencer

Steph Rotarangi is Deputy National Commander for Fire and Emergency New Zealand.  With a background in fire and emergency, Steph has held senior operational roles in both New Zealand and Australia.  She is passionate about reducing unwanted fire and believes no-one should be harmed by fire regardless of their circumstances. 

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Bob Caputo, President of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Influencers

‘When immediate action is essential, fire sprinklers stand out as a pivotal, economical defense.’

In the ever-changing landscape of fire protection, the urgency to shield life and property from fire’s damage is amplified by new technologies and innovative practices. The fire protection field adapts to combat the increased risks posed by modern construction materials and combustible interior furnishings. When immediate action is essential, fire sprinklers stand out as a pivotal, economical defense, delivering prompt suppression at a fire’s outset, minimiding damage more effectively than traditional responses that come into play much later.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is a key player in promoting these systems in the US and globally. Since its inception in 1981, the AFSA has been at the forefront of fostering expertise in automatic fire sprinkler usage. With 30 chapters nationwide, the association offers education and advocacy, keeping fire protection professionals current with evolving standards and technologies through a range of training and networking opportunities.

The fire protection industry is keenly focusing on technological advancements, such as smart sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), to advance detection, suppression, and monitoring systems. AI is set to refine protection strategies, particularly in storage facility management. Additionally, the AFSA plans to launch Spanish-language webinars by mid-2024, reflecting this trend towards international and accessible education.

Sustainability is also a significant concern, prompting the development of greener suppression agents and tackling the increased threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate volatility. Water scarcity for firefighting purposes is becoming an imminent challenge that the industry must address.

Labour shortages are compelling the sector towards automated inspection, testing, and the use of robotics, especially in complex storage facilities. In response, the AFSA is working to educate and attract the next generation to the field. Meanwhile, the construction industry’s supply chain issues are expected to extend into 2024, affecting the availability and costs of fire protection materials.

Despite these challenges, the US construction market’s economic forecast is positive, with expected growth into the next year. However, the industry’s success is subject to a plethora of global influences that leaders must monitor to remain competitive.

Looking at specific fire protection challenges, new types of buildings like automated storage facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and parking structures necessitate innovative fire safety measures. The push for urban development and mixed-use buildings, particularly in emerging economies, underscores the need for practical fire protection solutions, such as sprinklers, for all types of dwellings.

Internationally, investments in infrastructure are surging, with the European Union aiming to renovate millions of buildings by 2030 under the Green Deal for a climate-neutral future. Sprinkler systems contribute to this vision by improving fire safety in energy-efficient structures, which are often more susceptible to fire incidents.

In summary, while the fire protection industry faces an array of new and complex challenges brought on by dynamic environmental and economic changes, these obstacles pave the way for ingenuity and growth. The future holds promising prospects for industry innovation, making it an exciting time for fire protection professionals and stakeholders as they navigate the road to meet these demands.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Bob Caputo, President of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and NFPA Technical Committee chair, has vast experience in fire protection education globally. His accolades include San Diego’s “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year,” “Man of the Year,” and the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee award. A Navy veteran, he’s also an esteemed speaker and author.

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

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Carlene York, Past AFAC President

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

‘Investing in our people is an investment in the future of our sector and our collective resilience to disasters.’

For professionals across the fire and emergency services sector, primacy of life is the major motivator in the actions we take and decisions we make. Saving the lives of the public, emergency staff and volunteers dominates all aspects of our business. In short, people are at the heart of what we do.

The AFAC Membership comprises of organisations spanning fire, emergency service and land management agencies who lead a workforce of more than 288,000 paid and volunteer staff across Australia and New Zealand. Each of these people contribute to the safety and resilience of their communities.

This commitment to community safety and protection of people demonstrated across the fire and emergency services must be reflected in the professional development pathways and recognition of the people within our sector. Continuing to innovate in the ways that we recruit, retain and develop the workforce is crucial to ensure we have the relevant skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the future.

There is already a valuable breadth of skills demonstrated across the sector that play a role in managing incidents and building our resilience to disaster. One way we are recognising this is through the AFAC Emergency Management Professionalisation Scheme (EMPS) that credentials practitioners in emergency management and benchmarks individual skills against published professional standards. Through this, AFAC EMPS provides assurance to individuals, fire and emergency service agencies and the public that their qualifications and experience meet nationally agreed requirements.

As we trend toward a future of increasingly larger scale disaster events, we are also building our sector’s capability and interoperability to respond to them through the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS). By applying AIIMS in training, exercising and incident response, we reinforce the mutual confidence and trust that allows agencies to come together and resolve incidents through an integrated response. Having this commonality of language and practice is one of our strongest assets to work collaboratively and cohesively as a sector.

Navigating a changing disaster risk landscape requires strong leadership. AFAC is supporting current and emerging leaders of the fire and emergency services through initiatives such as the Senior Leaders Cohort that provides focused discussion on the challenges and capabilities of the future. Investing in professional development occurs at all levels of the sector, with a calendar of knowledge events, masterclasses, doctrine development and the flagship AFAC Conference and Exhibition focussed on improving our workforce capability.

Ensuring these opportunities are available to all members of the fire and emergency services opens pathways to leadership and supports our commitment to achieving greater representation and diversity through our ranks. When agencies reflect their communities, they are better placed to serve them. Through participation in the Champions of Change Coalition, AFAC is working with its members to progress more inclusive workplaces. This supports a cultural shift to attract a broader cross section of the population to consider positions within the fire and emergency services and bring with them a diversity of new experience and expertise.

By recognising the unique skills and qualities of each individual in our workforce and supporting their development, we allow our people to contribute in the most meaningful way possible. Investing in our people is an investment in the future of our sector and our collective resilience to disasters.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Commissioner Carlene York, leading NSW SES since 2019, manages storm, flood, and tsunami responses. A former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner with vast emergency management experience, York’s honored with the Australian Police Medal, the Audrey Fagan Memorial Award, and the 2017 Australian HR Director of the Year.

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