Magirus has reported that 37 new apprentices and dual students began their training with the company and Iveco on 1 September 2025.
Webinar to address fire sprinkler options in schools
American School & University has announced a webinar on fire sprinkler options in schools that will be held on 24 September 2025.
IAFF secures $7 million grant for HazMat response training at nuclear facilities
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced that it has received a five-year grant of $7 million to support HazMat response training at nuclear facilities in the United States.
BAFSA launches online course for fire sprinkler safety
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has announced a new free online course on fire sprinkler systems.
US volunteer firefighters to gain new online learning tools through major funding boost
Motorola Solutions Foundation provides $30,000 grant
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced it has received a $30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to support online learning and new training courses.
According to the NVFC, the funding will be used to expand access to its Virtual Classroom platform and to develop a new in-person behavioural health course.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “We thank the Motorola Solutions Foundation for their continued support of the NVFC’s training programs.
“Training is consistently the number one resource our audience requests, and thanks to this grant we can provide needed training to even more responders both online and in-person.”
The organisation said the grant continues a long partnership with the Foundation, which has supported various responder training initiatives.
Focus of the Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation said it has donated more than $100 million over the past decade to charitable programmes worldwide.
The Foundation explained that its giving priorities focus on first responder programming, technology and engineering education, and initiatives combining both fields.
It added that it also works to support programmes that benefit under-resourced communities.
The Foundation said it seeks to partner with organisations aligned with its values of accountability, innovation, impact and inclusion.
Comments from the Foundation
Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, said: “We are inspired by the impactful work of the NVFC within their community.
“The Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to champion their efforts as they continue to grow and make a positive difference.”
The Foundation confirmed that this partnership continues its aim to invest in safer communities through grants and volunteer programmes.
About the NVFC
The NVFC said it is the national membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services in the United States.
The organisation explained that it provides resources, education, advocacy and programmes to support first responders nationwide.
It added that the NVFC acts as a representative voice for volunteers at the national level.
Further information is available at www.nvfc.org.
About the Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation described itself as the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions.
It explained that it partners with organisations worldwide to support safer cities and resilient communities through grants, employee volunteer work and investment initiatives.
The Foundation added that its strategic grants programme backs organisations focused on responder training and technology and engineering education.
More details can be found at www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This grant provides further training opportunities for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders through online learning.
The new behavioural health course addresses a growing area of need for responders.
The NVFC Virtual Classroom and added in-person training will extend access to education across the United States.
Volunteer fire and EMS personnel will gain greater support in both operational and health-related aspects of their work.
NVFC grant supports online learning and responder training: Summary
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced a $30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
The funding will expand the NVFC Virtual Classroom online learning platform.
The grant will also support development of a new behavioural health training course.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said the grant responds to high demand for training resources.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated more than $100 million over the past 10 years.
Its giving priorities include responder training, technology and engineering education, and combined initiatives.
The Foundation said it aims to support under-resourced communities.
Executive director Wesley Barden Touhy said the Foundation is proud to support the NVFC.
The NVFC represents volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services across the United States.
It provides education, advocacy and programmes for responders.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions.
It partners with organisations worldwide through grants, volunteering and community initiatives.
The NVFC said the grant will enable more responders to access training online and in person.
Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables
Category 3 cables recommended for UK buildings
AEI Cables has reported that using higher-rated fire performance cables can assist firefighting operations in some of the UK’s largest new developments.
The company explained that Category 3 fire performance cables are designed to operate for up to 120 minutes during fire conditions, maintaining emergency power to safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.
According to AEI Cables, this extended survival time supports critical safety circuits that enable evacuation and emergency response.
It noted that the systems supplied by these cables include smoke and heat extraction equipment as well as emergency communication systems.
The company said these systems play an essential role in firefighting support and safe evacuation.
Comparison between cable categories
AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables are rated to 30 minutes and are suited for applications such as emergency lighting.
It stated that Category 2 cables can operate for 60 minutes, making them appropriate for alarm and detection systems.
The company reported that Category 3 cables provide two hours of fire resistance, a duration that it said is necessary when supporting firefighting activities in complex buildings.
According to the guidance, Category 3 Control cables are recommended for installations including evacuation alarms for disabled residents in care homes and voice alarm systems in multi-occupancy structures.
It said this advice applies to both new projects and existing facilities.
Statement from AEI Cables
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements.
“This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.”
Certification and standards
AEI Cables stated that its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 Annex B, Category 3 Control, as well as Category 2 Control.
The company advised that BS8519 provides a code of practice covering six categories of cables.
It explained that the standard includes three categories for power cables and three for control cables.
Each category is defined by survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
According to AEI Cables, compliance with these standards supports effective emergency planning and system reliability during fire incidents.
Safety benefits of high-rated cables
The company explained that higher category cables are designed to limit smoke generation, toxic gas emissions and flame spread.
It added that this reduces risk to building occupants and assists firefighters by preserving visibility and air quality during evacuation.
According to AEI Cables, maintaining the function of extraction and communication systems under fire conditions directly contributes to safer outcomes.
The manufacturer said the deployment of these cables supports both firefighting operations and life safety protection.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire safety professionals, the guidance provides detailed information on the performance levels of different cable categories.
The recommendations emphasise the role of Category 3 cables in supporting extended firefighting operations and safe evacuation procedures.
The clarification of British Standards categories offers a reference point for specifiers, engineers and installers working on projects that require compliance with fire performance regulations.
The advice also underlines the link between cable selection, system resilience and emergency outcomes.
Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables: Summary
AEI Cables has advised on the use of Category 3 fire performance cables in UK buildings.
The company said these cables are designed to withstand fire for 120 minutes.
It reported that Category 3 cables support safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.
AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables provide 30 minutes of protection for lighting.
It added that Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of protection for alarm systems.
The company said Category 3 cables maintain emergency power for two hours to assist firefighters.
It reported that guidance applies to evacuation alarms for disabled residents, emergency voice communications and voice alarm systems.
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said the cables meet compliance requirements.
The company stated that its Firetec Enhanced range has been certified to BS8519 Annex B.
It added that the BS standard defines six categories of cables covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
AEI Cables explained that higher-rated cables also reduce smoke, toxic gases and flame spread.
It said these features help firefighters and support safe evacuation.
BESA Academy launches heat network training for new UK regulations
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that its BESA Academy has launched the first official training course to support the government’s Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).
Can storage height decide fire safety? NFPA 13 webinar sets out the answers
Telgian has announced that it will host a webinar on high pile stock requirements for sprinkler design under NFPA 13.
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training
ASFP confirms CPD certification for training courses
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has confirmed that all its passive fire protection training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
According to ASFP, the certificates will record learning hours and contribute directly to professional development records for participants.
The organisation stated that the certificates will be recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes, providing formal acknowledgement of skills gained.
ASFP explained that the change applies to all courses, whether delivered online or in a classroom setting.
It added that the certificates will allow delegates to record training hours and evidence their development activities in line with industry expectations.
Training hours assigned to courses
ASFP reported that its training programme now specifies the number of hours attached to each course.
For classroom-based training, Level 2 accounts for 30 hours, and Level 3 covers 42 hours.
In online delivery, awareness training is recorded as 1 hour, and introductory training is recorded as 3 hours.
The Firestopping for Installers course carries 3 hours, Level 2 options count as 8 hours, Level 2 single modules total 4 hours, and Level 3 includes 16 hours.
The association said these allocated hours ensure that delegates can consistently record progress toward CPD requirements.
Range of ASFP training courses
ASFP stated that its courses cater to both new entrants and experienced professionals working in passive fire protection.
The organisation explained that training begins with introductory online modules before progressing to qualifications that support candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 exams.
It added that courses cover the design, installation, and inspection of passive fire protection systems, providing a comprehensive learning framework.
The association noted that in-house training is also available for organisations that wish to train multiple employees together, with delegate numbers capped between 10 and 20.
It advised that bespoke courses can be arranged to meet company-specific needs across the sector.
Alignment with industry standards
ASFP explained that its training structure is designed to support industry-wide competence and aligns with the Building Safety Act.
The organisation stated that short courses such as Building Safety Act awareness and Firestopping for Installers are included in the CPD certification programme.
It confirmed that the certification framework ensures that both introductory and advanced learning achievements are formally recognised.
ASFP added that this approach supports professional accountability and ongoing compliance with competence frameworks.
Connection with IFE examinations
ASFP reported that its Level 2 and Level 3 classroom courses prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) examinations.
The organisation said that the training is structured to cover the full syllabus required by the IFE while also providing additional learning resources.
It noted that candidates must book their IFE exams separately, and advised scheduling training courses in advance to ensure preparation time.
ASFP added that delegates may also complete transitional e-learning modules to move from Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications.
The body explained that these pathways reinforce the role of ASFP training in supporting formal professional certification.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The introduction of CPD certificates for ASFP training provides fire safety professionals with documented evidence of continuing education.
It ensures that both short and extended training activities can be accurately recorded in CPD logs.
For employers, this provides a verifiable measure of workforce competence in passive fire protection.
It also allows professionals to demonstrate compliance with competence requirements under the Building Safety Act and other regulatory frameworks.
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced that all training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
The certificates will evidence learning hours and contribute to individuals’ professional development records.
ASFP confirmed that the change applies to both classroom and online training programmes.
Delegates will receive certificates listing the hours assigned to each completed course.
Classroom training includes Level 2 at 30 hours and Level 3 at 42 hours.
Online courses include awareness at 1 hour, introduction at 3 hours, Firestopping for Installers at 3 hours, Level 2 options at 8 hours, Level 2 single module at 4 hours, and Level 3 at 16 hours.
ASFP stated that the new framework ensures training achievements are recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes.
The association explained that the initiative supports competence standards in the fire protection sector.
It confirmed that its courses also prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 examinations.
ASFP added that in-house and bespoke training options are available for companies seeking group learning.
The body said that the certification framework aligns with the Building Safety Act.
It added that training achievements can now be clearly documented and verified.
This provides fire safety professionals with evidence of CPD activity for compliance and career development.
Inside the Harlem lithium-ion battery fire: FDNY firefighters relive rescues and Medal Day honours
New FDNY Pro episode covers Harlem fire response
The FDNY Pro podcast has released a new episode on lithium-ion battery fire operations.
In the programme, Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo recounted their actions at a February 2024 lithium-ion battery fire in Harlem.
The incident occurred in a six-story, non-fireproof apartment building where a battery ignited and spread rapidly through the hallway and stairwell.
The fire created extreme smoke and heat conditions that trapped dozens of residents on the upper floors.
The episode highlights how FDNY companies carried out rescues under near-zero visibility while engines fought to contain the spread.
Backgrounds of the podcast guests
The episode was hosted by Battalion Chief Jason Cascone, who interviewed Brito and Kotzo.
Brito joined the department in 2008, serving in several companies before being promoted to Battalion Chief in 2025.
He was Captain of Ladder 34 at the time of the Harlem fire.
Kotzo entered the FDNY in 2003 and has served in multiple companies, including his current assignment at Ladder 28.
Their backgrounds provided context for the perspectives they brought to the incident.
Inside operations and rescues
During the conversation, Brito explained how Ladder 34 advanced inside the building when fire blocked the stairwell.
Engine 69 stretched a line to hold back the flames, allowing ladder crews to climb and begin searches.
In blackout conditions, Brito located two unconscious civilians in a fourth-floor hallway.
With assistance from other firefighters, they removed both victims despite worsening smoke and heat.
He added that his team re-entered to continue searches in a cluttered apartment, supported by suppression efforts from engine companies.
Roof rescues by Ladder 28
Kotzo described on the podcast how he coordinated roof operations during the fire.
He and his roof partner performed rope rescues after finding civilians trapped at top-floor windows.
One rescue required him to descend with a victim clinging to him, who released his hold mid-descent.
Kotzo bore the victim’s weight until they reached the ground safely.
The discussion noted that Squad 41 also conducted rope rescues, supported by roof guides and ground units treating victims on descent.
Medal Day recognition
The podcast highlighted that six members received medals for actions at the Harlem fire.
Chief Brito was awarded the Henry D. Brookman Medal.
Firefighter Kotzo received the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. Medal, the FDNY’s highest honour for fire operations.
Other recipients included Firefighter Jason Lopez, Firefighter Matthew Nolan, Firefighter Mark Douglas and Firefighter Dwayne Davis.
Brito and Kotzo said the recognition represented collective company work rather than individual achievement.
Training and culture lessons
The guests stressed during the episode the importance of training and coordination.
They said rope rescues and search techniques are drilled extensively, enabling instinctive action under stress.
They also highlighted the department’s culture of accountability, with crews returning to suppression after rescues were complete.
Both guests described Medal Day as a reinforcement of family pride and collective morale across the FDNY community.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This podcast episode provides operational insight into lithium-ion battery fire response.
It shows how rapid fire spread in non-fireproof structures can trap residents quickly when doors are left open.
It outlines the value of rope rescue capability in dense urban areas where occupants may be cut off.
It also demonstrates how suppression and rescue functions must be integrated for life safety outcomes.
FDNY Pro podcast highlights lithium-ion battery fire operations: Summary
The FDNY Pro podcast has released a new episode on a lithium-ion battery fire.
The fire occurred on February 23, 2024, in a six-story non-fireproof apartment building in Harlem.
Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo were featured guests on the episode.
Brito described leading inside searches under heavy smoke and heat.
Kotzo recounted rope rescues from the roof involving multiple trapped civilians.
Six FDNY members later received medals for actions at this incident.
The fire originated from a lithium-ion battery on the third floor.
An open apartment door allowed smoke and fire to spread into the public hall.
Engine companies contained the spread while ladder companies performed rescues.
The episode is hosted by Battalion Chief Jason Cascone.
It also reflects on the guests’ career backgrounds.
The episode aired on August 26, 2025.
The guests emphasised the importance of training for rope rescues and search operations.
They highlighted FDNY’s culture of accountability and collective duty.
The Medal Day 2025 ceremony was described as recognition for both families and firehouses.
The episode provides lessons for handling lithium-ion battery fires in non-fireproof structures.
It outlines the operational challenges and coordination required in such incidents.
It demonstrates integration of suppression and rescue functions.
It outlines the role of rope rescue in dense urban environments.
The FDNY Pro podcast episode is available through FDNY channels.