Euralarm’s Jon Konz selected on CEN-CENELEC Industry Advisory Forum

by Featured NewsPeople

Euralarm president Jon Könz has been selected as a member of the CEN-CENELEC Industry Advisory Forum. The Industry Advisory Forum consists of 18 members who were selected, based on their specific experiences and knowledge in the identified CEN-CENELEC Strategy 2030 areas and European Industrial Ecosystems.

Via the Industry Advisory Forum (IAF) high-level European industry representatives and CEN and CENELEC can have an open exchange on current standardisation issues and identify and advise on standardisation priority topics for the European industry. Besides the Forum can express suggestions, expectations, and concerns to identify common solutions.

By providing advice to the CEN and CENELEC corporate governing and advisory bodies and proposing medium- and long-term industry-driven standardisation objectives for CEN and CENELEC, the Industry Advisory Forum (IAF) contributes to reaching and successfully implementing the CEN and CENELEC strategic objectives. These objectives support European industry’s priorities, challenges and expectations from standardisation.

Könz said: “We are living in exciting times, with digitalisation and sustainability as both opportunities and challenges. I’m proud that on behalf of Euralarm I can contribute to the synergies between policy and standardisation and the green and digital transition.”

The IAF members are appointed for a 3-year term and are selected based on their high managerial level, relevant know-how on standardisation, expertise in one of the identified priority areas, sectorial balance across CEN and CENELEC, representing both SMEs as well as large industries and adequate geographical and gender balance.

NFPA appoints new board member to Standards Council

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors appointed a new member to the NFPA Standards Council. Chief Randy J. Krause of Port of Seattle Fire Department was appointed by the Board in November 2021. He began serving a three-year term on January 1, 2022.

In addition, three current council members were reappointed to serve additional terms. Jeffrey Foisel was reappointed for a second three-year term, while Kenneth Bush and James Quiter were each reappointed for one-year extensions. All terms began January 1, 2022.

Krause has been a member of the fire service for 36 years. He began his career in 1985 as a firefighter in the United States Air Force (1985-1989) and continued in the private industry at Boeing Company (1990-2010).

Krause left Boeing as a deputy fire chief and is currently the fire chief of Port of Seattle Fire Department where he has been for nearly 12 years providing service to the Sea-Tac International Airport and the surrounding communities.

He has been involved with NFPA Technical Committees since the mid-1990’s, currently serving as chair of NFPA Emergency Responders Occupational Health (ERH-AAA) and Fire Service Occupational Safety (FIX-AAA). Krause is also a member of Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board. Krause earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Washington – Bothell in 1998, and his Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in 2006.

The NFPA Standards Council, appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, is comprised of 13 members. The responsibilities of the council include overseeing NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations and Rules, and serving as the appeals body over matters related to standards development.

UK fire services collect kits for Ukraine firefighters

by Featured NewsPeoplePPEProductsThermal ImagingVehicles

Fire services across the UK are donating thousands of items of kit and equipment to their counterparts in Ukraine.  

UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.   

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/KeepUkraineFireFightersSafe

Following a successful scoping visit to Poland conducted by FIRE AID volunteers this week, an initial convoy of three fire engines and a lorry of PPE and rescue equipment will depart the UK today, led by the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA).  

FIRE AID is then coordinating a subsequent convoy consisting of 15 fire engines and two lorries of equipment, donated by fire services across the UK, which will depart on 19th March. 40 UK firefighters will join FIRE AID volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe, where it will be received by the Polish State Fire Service and transferred to Ukraine.  

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment. They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.  

Claire Hoyland, project manager, FIRE AID said: “FIRE AID and its members have over 25 years of experience responding to requests for aid and support for emergency services in over 50 countries. Following the invasion of Ukraine, our members immediately mobilised to gather equipment and aid to donate to their Ukrainian counterparts. FIRE AID members have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012 and we are proud to be coordinating this unprecedented emergency response on behalf of the UK Fire Sector.” 

Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said: “The British Government and British people are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its citizens during this barbaric invasion. 

“I have been speaking regularly to my counterpart at Ukraine’s Interior Ministry and the Ukrainian Ambassador in London to understand what practical help we can offer. 

“We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated by Fire and Rescue Services will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.” 

Mark Hardingham, chair, National Fire Chiefs Council said: “As the terrible scenes unfold in Ukraine, the UK fire and rescue service is once again doing all it can to support those who urgently need help. The response has been incredible and it is testament to the public, private and voluntary sectors combining resources, enthusiasm and skills in response to the crisis. Thousands of items of kit and equipment – along with fire engines – have been donated to help the Ukrainian emergency services, battling together on the front line, as they strive to save lives and protect people and property.  

“I cannot express how proud I am of everyone who has come together to support this; from getting the equipment together, the hard work which has gone into ensuring the logistics of one of the largest convoys we have seen, to volunteering to be part of the journey itself. This is our sector at its very best – selflessly working together and supporting one other – ultimately helping and hoping to save lives.” 

The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are also key partners in supporting and making the deployment. 

C-TEC launches BS 5839-1 fire detection courses

by Featured NewsPeople

Life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched a new series of BS 5839-1 fire detection and fire alarm system compliance courses.

Delivered at C-TEC’s training centre in the north west of England, the courses include both theoretical and practical activities. Thoroughly covering BS 5839-1 Foundation, Design, Installation & Commissioning and Maintenance, the courses can culminate in a regulated qualification in BS 5839-1 through FireQual, the specialist awarding body for the fire protection sector in the UK.

Brian Foster, UK sales manager, C-TEC said: “C-TEC is on a mission to lift industry standards and the quality of fire installations across the UK. We’ve always provided free educational CPD-certified seminars and product training to promote best practice and raise awareness, but the launch of our BS 5839-1 ‘Train-to-Gain’ courses signals our intention to take it to a new level.

“We’re confident the courses will attract a high level of interest as they’re reasonably-priced, centrally-located and specifically designed to encourage people working in the fire industry to embark on a journey to boost their competency, expertise and professional performance – and achieve an industry-recognised qualification in the process.”

Each course will be delivered by experienced and qualified trainers in line with the technical requirements of the awarding body. Delegates will undergo hands-on practical assessments to ensure they understand the subject matter and display the necessary competence to attain the regulated qualification. Successful delegates will be issued with CPD certificates for each module and those who pass a final exam will be awarded a regulated qualification certificate from FireQual.

Brian added: “High-quality training is vital in the fire industry. Whether you’re an industry newcomer or an established company looking to educate new personnel, our new BS 5839-1 courses are designed to equip delegates with the knowledge, expertise and confidence they need to be among the best in the business.”

Bookable over multiple weeks or as an intensive week-long cluster, the courses will prepare delegates for the FireQual regulated qualification examination to allow them to design, install, commission, and maintain fire detection and fire alarm systems to BS 5839-1 and confidently sign fire certificates where necessary.

C-TEC is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of world-class life-safety systems. The company’s latest innovations include its new CAST protocol fire detection and fire alarm systems; Hush, a revolutionary new BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire alarm system and Evac-Alert, a new evacuation alert system to BS 8629.

FireQual is the specialist awarding body for qualifications within the fire protection sector within the UK. Established by BAFE, FireQual works through a network of Approved Training Centres to provide competency-based qualifications to support the further development of knowledge and skills within the industry.

Irish firm Writech acquires Compco fire systems

by Featured NewsPeople

Writech, an Ireland-based fire protection company, has made its first acquisition since securing a multimillion-euro investment last year.

The company has snapped up Compco Fire Systems, a British provider of automatic fire suppression systems. While no details surrounding the deal value have been disclosed, industry sources estimate Writech paid just over £16.6m (€20m) to acquire the company, Irish Times reported.

Writech managing director Ted Wright told the news outlet the deal would add £33.2m (€40m) to revenues and cement its position as one of Europe’s largest fire protection companies.

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Worcester, Compco employs over 200 people across six offices. Wright, whose parents Mary and Thomas Wright founded Writech in 1981, said the deal for Compco was just one of a number of acquisitions the company was looking at as it looked to scale. Ted Wright and his brother Alan Wright took over the business in 2008.

The company expansion comes after private equity firm Waterland took a majority stake in Writech last year and signed off on plans for it to accelerate its UK and European growth strategy and double capacity at its design and innovation centre in Mullingar.

Wright said expansion was focused on acquisitions outside of the State, with a deal for a company in the Nordics expected to close shortly. “With expansion we’re creating 40 jobs now in Mullingar, 30 of which are design engineering roles,” he told Irish Times.

Among the projects the company has worked on include the Department of Heath’s headquarters in Mieseian Plaza in Dublin.

RECOM to open new fire training academy

by Featured NewsPeople

RECOM Solutions is set to open a new training academy, as part of a significant investment from the Trafford Park fire protection services firm.

The move is in response to huge growth in demand for its fire protection services, which has seen the firm increase its specialist operatives from five to 30 in the past 18 months, the BusinessDesk.com reproted.

This is in addition to its team of surveyors, contract supervisors and project managers in its fire protection arm. The academy will offer a live environment for training staff in the latest fire protection measures, legislation and products which are new to the market, such as new laws concerning cladding on structures of multiple occupancy, including high rise apartment blocks.

RECOM, a UK-based firm, works with a range of clients, ranging from the residential, to care home, healthcare, commercial, leisure, education, heritage buildings and industrial sectors.

The business is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS), and director, Jason McKnight, said the academy is due to be launched in the spring ahead of the implementation of the Fire Safety Act in England, which seeks to improve fire safety in multi-occupancy buildings.

McKnight said: “We have positioned ourselves ahead of the field by being able to provide a holistic approach to projects, linked to the new legislation.

“We act in both client side and contractor roles, utilising innovative cloud-based software to ensure clients have up to date relevant information on fire safety. This is the ‘golden thread’ of information that will become a legal requirement for building owners, developers and the like.”

He added: “The new academy will further demonstrate our commitment to retaining our leading market position in the provision of fire safety services.”

RECOM acts as a construction project manager and main contractor in addition to its role as a fire protection and cladding replacement specialist.

“The need for robust fire protection measures in buildings has been brought into sharp focus in recent years, and we are proud to be playing our part in helping to improve building safety and create smart, safe and sustainable places where people thrive, across the North West and beyond,” McKnight added.

The academy will enable RECOM to train and develop new employees and to educate its clients on the importance of fire protection measures within buildings. “We fully expect that the Fire Safety Act will lead to further expansion of our fire protection operations.”

University of New Haven’s Fire Science programme featured in crucial fire safety video

by Americas - ProjectsFeatured NewsPeople

Left to right: Matthew Brown, Patrick Ethier, Bruce Varga, Sierra Hawkins, Robert Healey, Mckenzee Juratovic.

Several students from the University of New Haven’s Fire Science Program were featured in a new video on importance of fire safety and fire codes. The video highlights a lesser-known fire that claimed the lives of more than 200 people in the 1940s. They hope it fosters education and interest in fire safety and its history, while highlighting how the University is training the fire safety professionals of tomorrow.

Patrick Ethier ’22 has been an active member of his local fire department since he was 16 years old. Passionate about giving back to his community and keeping others safe, he was recently featured as part of a new fire safety video, filmed, in part, at the University, that he hopes will promote public safety.

A fire protection engineering major at the University, Ethier is looking forward to designing fire protection systems that, he hopes, will “help provide a safer tomorrow.” He also hopes the video, titled “Safety INsight,” will do that as well. The title is a play on words, of sorts, since the film offers important insight into one’s surroundings – including what is hiding in plain sight.

“Being part of the shoot was an amazing experience,” said Ethier. “I am very grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of it. I really enjoyed spending most of that day with my classmates and some of the fire science faculty talking about what we do in our field. We were also able to show off the equipment that students are working with at the University of New Haven.”

Ethier was one of several students and faculty members who are part of the video, which was filmed at the University shortly after the Spring 2021 semester ended. It focused on the importance of fire safety, fire science education, and fire codes through the lens of a lesser-known fire: the Rhythm Club Fire in Natchez, Mississippi. More than 200 people were killed in the fire, which occurred in 1940 in a predominantly Black community, and the tragedy did not gain national attention.

The hope is that by educating the public about that tragedy, the film will honour those who were killed while educating the public. That’s something that Sierra Hawkins ’22, whose father is a career firefighter and whose mother is a volunteer EMT, is passionate about.

The video highlights important fire-safety protocols, including ensuring that building exits are not blocked and are easily accessible. It discusses what has been learned from tragedies such as the Natchez Rhythm Club Fire and how these lessons are being applied to keeping the public safe today, since today’s fire codes are influenced by yesterday’s tragedies.

Jing Li, Ph.D., an associate professor in the University’s Fire Science and Emergency Management Department, said: “The student and faculty participation in this video not only highlights the strengths of the University’s Fire Science and Emergency Management Department, it also brought to the public attention that fire safety can be studied fundamentally in the lab to limit the possibility of fire risk,” he said.

Christopher Garrigues joins Vacaville Fire Department, California

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Christopher Garrigues has joined the Vacaville Fire Department after serving more than nine years at the Georgetown Fire Protection District, in Georgetown, California. Garrigues was one of 41 GEOFire Family members that comprised of career and volunteer firefighters.

Garrigues joined the GEOFire Family in 2012 as a volunteer and over the last nine years became an integral part of the department’s daily operations. The GEOFire Family has wished Garrigues the best as he has taken a position with the Vacaville Fire Department.

Garrigues has worked full-time for the department for the last year as a firefighter / paramedic. Garrigues assisted the department in several different ways, the Georgetown unit said in a press statement. His quick wit, honesty, professionalism, listening ear and true ability to care for others were an inspiration to everyone at the station, the news release added.

Climate change to impact extreme wildfires by up to 50%

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustry SectorsPeopleProductsSafetyUncategorized

The UN has warned that forest wildfires can increase by almost double by 2100 due to global warming and impacts of climate change.

A report by the UN pointed out that regions that were previously not affected by fires, such as the Artic, are at an elevated risk due to climate change.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) scientists have evidence that certain fires that burn for weeks are already becoming hotter and burning longer where wildfires are a regular occurrence. However, they are now beginning to flare up in remote northern areas, in drying peatlands and on thawing permafrost.

This study has also revealed that extreme fires could jump up to 14% by 2030, compared to the number recorded in 2010-2020. The increase could reach 30% by 2050 and 50% by the end of the century.

Dr Andrew Sullivan from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Canberra, Australia said: “The analysis was based on the definition of a catastrophic fire being one that would occur once every 100 years, so it’s a very low frequency fire event. The result was that the potential for that sort of fire would increase by a factor of 1.3 to 1.5 times, based on global analysis of fire frequency.”

The study calls for a radical reallocation of financial resources from fighting fires to prevention.

Even though these figures are projections on extreme events, scientists believe that lesser incidents of wildfire will increase as land use changes and populations increases across the world. This could have significant implications for climate change as the extra burning will increase the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere.

The authors are calling on governments to change their model of spending on large fires. It is estimated that planning and prevention receives less than 1% of funding while firefighting takes over half of the available budget.