Dahua’s new technology reduces Chinese mountain wildfire by 80%

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProductsThermal Imaging

At the beginning of 2020, Dahua Technology provided an intelligent forest fire prevention monitoring system for Rizhao. This solution gives an automatic early warning of fire, real-time fire control and closed-loop response through digital intelligence technology, significantly improving forest fire prevention and dispatch.

Mountainous regions, like Rizhao in Shandong Province of China, are vulnerable to forest fires. Recognised by the United Nations in 2009 as one of the most habitable cities in the world, this city consists of 4,358 mountains, with a forest area of 1,400 square kilometers that account for 70% of the region.

Up until now, forest rangers have manually scouted and monitored the area, walking nearly 10 kilometers of treacherous trails for several hours a day.

The Illegal wood burning in the area, if not controlled properly, can lead to a disastrous wildfire. According to a World Health Organization report, in 50% of wildfires recorded, the cause that triggered them is unknown.

At present, high-altitude dual-lens thermal imaging cameras cover the main mountains in the city, carrying out 360 ° remote monitoring 24/7. This solution also offers real-time sensing and intelligent management of people and vehicles coming in and out of the forest areas.

Furthermore, to reduce false alarms, the system adopts algorithms for deep smoke and mountain scanning, thus improving the accuracy of real fire alarms and saving manpower and material resources.

After half a year of operation, the system has detected more than 30 real mountain fires. The average number of fires found every day during fire season has significantly decreased by 80% compared with the initial stage of the project. This reflects the effectiveness of the solution in fire monitoring and the increasing awareness of villagers regarding fire safety.

Overall, this solution helps guarantee the safety of 1,400 square kilometers of forest resources in Rizhao.

Major fire forces road closure in Wiltshire

by ActiveFeatured News

A fire in an large home caused a major road to be closed in Wiltshire, with plumes of smoke covering the skyline in the nearby area. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the property in the Westbrook near Bromham, just off the A3102.

An official statement from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 6.59pm this evening our Service Control Centre received the first of multiple 999 calls to report a property fire in Westbrook near Bromham.

https://twitter.com/DWFireRescue/status/1494408374917775365

“Initially crews were dispatched to the incident from Calne and Melksham. Firefighters quickly requested support and we currently have 15 fire engines, three water carriers and an aerial ladder platform at this incident (approx. 75 firefighters).”Crews are dealing with a significant fire in a large property. The A3102 has been closed and will remain closed overnight while we deal with this incident.”

An update earlier today from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have reduced our attendance at this incident over night. 20 firefighters remain on scene. The A3102 remains closed to allow us to deal with the incident. The road will remain closed for some time yet. A fire investigation into the cause of this incident will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Triangle Housing awards SPIE fire and security maintenance contract

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry SectorsProducts

SPIE UK has been awarded a fire and security reactive maintenance and serving framework contract by Triangle Housing Association, a major provider of supported living, resettlement accommodation and support for people leaving hospitals in Northern Ireland.

SPIE UK will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of fire safety equipment. This includes fire alarm systems, domestic smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, smoke vents, door access controls, nurse call systems, warden call systems and other specialist fire safety equipment in accordance with Fire Safety Regulations.

On top of this, SPIE will provide a 24-hour reactive response and repairs service across all of Triangle Housing’s properties. The framework contract has been signed for an initial 36 months, with the option to extend it by a further 36 months if both parties agree to.

Andrew Fleming, property assets manage, Triangle Housing Association said: “We feel confident that SPIE UK will help to guarantee that safety over our large and varied estate and support our vision of building better lives together.”

Jim Skivington, divisional managing director, SPIE UK said: “We are delighted that Triangle Housing Association has given SPIE UK the responsibility of maintaining the fire and security equipment and systems across its estate. Our highly skilled team takes its responsibility to Triangle Housing and its tenants very seriously and we look forward to a productive future working relationship.”

The 36-month contract will see SPIE working across Triangle Housing’s 1,000 property estate and provide 24-hour reactive response.

Drager partners with the Fire Service College

by Featured NewsHealthcareIndustry Sectors

Dräger, a medical and safety technology company, has partnered with Fire Service College (FSC). Together furthering technical innovation through the optimisation of SCBA product development, firefighter training and communications. 

The FSC, owned by Capita, delivers training to all UK fire and rescue teams, as well as defence, national resilience and critical national infrastructure, and is recognised as an international leader with delegates from across the globe regularly utilising its expertise and facilities. Located on a 320-acre former Royal Air Force airfield, more than 7,000 delegates a year train using every scenario imaginable across domestic and industrial buildings, a ship, aircraft, motorway, train set/station and high-rise buildings – all of which are used for real fire and rescue scenarios on a daily basis. The FSC puts a strong emphasis on interoperability and large-scale exercises.

Dräger’s relationship with the FSC spans more than three decades, and includes the provision of SCBA sets supported by bespoke training. FSC instructors are in an ideal position to provide feedback that supports product development, and to act as product ambassadors to demonstrate the manufacturer’s commitment to firefighter safety.   

As part of the new partnership, Dräger will provide the new PSS AirBoss Connect SCBA kits including telemetry, face masks, communications, and cylinders. And in reinvigorating the relationship there will be further joint activities to ensure delegates are provided with the latest developments and industry insight.

Dominik Wellmann, MD, of the FSC, said the partnership supports the college’s goal to use market leading, technical innovation. He said: “A key part of our responsibilities as a world-leading provider of emergency services training is investing in state-of-the-art kit that delivers optimum safety to all of our delegates. As the global leader in fire safety equipment, we recognise Dräger as the ideal partner to support this goal.”

Matthew Bedford, managing director sales and service added: “We’re very pleased to see the new AirBoss SCBA being utilised at the FSC and look forward to receiving feedback. The partnership enables us to support our industry and learn from it. It’s an invaluable long-standing relationship from which everyone wins.”

New fire standards launched in England

by Breaking NewsSafety

The Fire Standards Board has launched a new professional standard for fire and rescue services in England, it’s ninth such professional standard.

The Safeguarding Fire Standard aims to ensure that fire and rescue services are doing all that they can to support safeguarding. Its desired outcome is that services work proactively to promote the safeguarding of those within their communities as well as employees and volunteers, reducing the risk of abuse, harm, and neglect.  

The Safeguarding Fire Standard outlines what a fire and rescue service must and should do to achieve the standard.

The standard states that a service must have a designated Safeguarding Lead, and that it should work collaboratively with partners to share learning and experiences to contribute to the continual improvement of safeguarding. Full details of what services need to do to achieve this standard are detailed in the How to Achieve section of the standard.  

Lord Greenhalgh, Fire Minister said: “…Fire and rescue service staff play a vital part in protecting communities and it’s crucial that they use the tools at their disposal to do so.” 

Whilst it is not mandatory for services to comply with the Fire Standards, the National Fire Framework makes clear that services are expected to pay due regard to Fire Standards as will the HMICFRS in their inspections.

The Fire Standards Board are confident that in many cases services are already achieving the outcomes which are the foundation of each Fire Standard. Where they are not, they accept services will need to implement any changes to enable them to achieve the standards in a way that fits with their strategic planning, improvement work and timetable. 

This is the ninth professional Fire Standard and aims to help drive continuous improvement across England’s fire and rescue services. 

The Fire Standards Board published eight standards in 2021. These are on:

  • Emergency response driving,
  • Operational preparedness,
  • Operational competence,
  • Operational learning, and
  • Code of Ethics
  • Community Risk Management Planning
  • Prevention
  • Protection

Exclusive: A new horizon for the ASFP

by ConstructionIndustry Sectors

IFSJ catches up with Steve Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection 

Associations are a vital part of many industries. From the rail, aviation, security, construction, or hospitality industries, they all utilise support given by associations in their respective fields. Whether it is providing training, advice on practice or helping companies to remain compliant with the latest regulations affecting them, the support they give helps keep whole sectors working. In the background of this are experts with the knowledge and experience to know what is needed for their members.  

Historically, associations have been at the centre of many important sectors, and its own importance has not only maintained, but it is also growing. In a world where rules and regulations can change at a pace due to technological advancements or political hurdles, continued support is essential, and this is no different for the fire safety sector. For those in the fire protection sector, the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) brings together passive fire protection manufacturers, contractors, distributors and testing/certification bodies to encourage, develop and give guidance on essential standards in passive fire protection. The ASFP helps to increase the quality of installed fire protection within all forms of construction. To find out more about the associations ongoing relations with the industry, IFSJ caught up with Steve Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Association.  

Technical experience 

When taking the role of CEO last year, taking over from former CEO Niall Rowan, Davies brought with him years of experience working with a number of trade associations. Since 2006 Davies has worked in membership organisations in various sectors, working in technical or engineering based industries from power generation and more recently his previous role as the CEO of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA). In terms of experience, the fire safety industry to Davies is relatively new. On this, he believes this has been one of the main challenges he has faced. He comments: “One of the challenges I have been faced with is getting to grips with the technical and political aspects of the sector. My appointment initially is about modernising and bringing the ASFP as a trade association forward and developing the services that they offer, whilst building my own technical expertise to be able to contribute at all levels.” 

He concludes: “I am very familiar with how to develop a trade association and how to make it a success and Niall has been very supportive during the handover process. He has helped me get around the table with other stakeholders to smooth the transition as much as possible. Going forward I think the main challenge for me will be making sure I am as technically competent as I possibly can be. I have made it a point to get involved with as many ASFP committees as possible, not only for my own education but also for my own interest as well. I want to be able to contribute to those discussions.” 

Times are changing

In terms of timing, Davies joins as there are a number of changes happening in the industry. Of course, this could be seen as a further complication, but the role of Passive Fire Protection and the ASFP is more critical than ever. ASFP needs stay on top of that change and shape the future of knowledge and education of the industry. Changes in attitude to passive fire protection measures have been in the pipeline for some time and there is real momentum in how the industry meets that change.

Davies comments: “I have joined, whether by design or by sheer luck at a time of huge change for the sector, not just passive fire but the construction sector as a whole. There has been lots of things that have happened prior to this that have been in the news and continue to be in the news but what that has driven is a huge appetite for people to know more about passive fire. We run a variety of Passive Fire Safety courses and the demand for them has significantly increased. Some of that is due to the pandemic with more people working from home who are trying to maintain their CPD but since people have returned that demand has continued to grow.  

He continues: “So, in looking backing at 2021 I have been trying to keep up with that demand and shape it to see what bits of education we might be missing so that we can fill those gaps.  There are lots of bodies that pass information around passive fire which is great. I hope to get the ASFP to the forefront of that in which we will be the first port of call and if we don’t offer what you’re looking for, we can point you in the right direction. I would say that is what we have spent most of 2021 doing, building that pathway of knowledge and education.” 

Rebrand  

His appointment also marked a new dawn for the organisation in terms of forward thinking within itself. Towards the end of 2021 they decided to undergo a rebranding which has come off the back of new introductions to the ASFP team. Davies reveals what the rebranding means for the organisation in the long-term: “Last year we underwent a small rebranding exercise on the back of having a new team and new ideas to mark a change in the association.

“However, it was also to pre-empt that we have a new CRM platform that is due to go live in the next couple of months. That has the new platforms for information, whether they’re documentation, online courses or webinars. We have been really busy planning, but we are coming to the end of that process now. It was the start of a plan as to how we start to promote ourselves online. The rebrand gave us an opportunity to put a marker in the sand and say, from this point on a new logo, the way we present ourselves to be more structured and professional will show that we are changing.” 

Improving competency 

As we usher in a new year, like so many of the companies it supports, the ASFP will be keen to ensure that the start is as seamless as possible, and with a structured plan in place that they have set out and key goals that they want to meet, it promises to be an interesting year for them. Part of these plans are to improve competency and networking. Davies comments on how this has resulted in what they are anticipating being a busy but productive year: “Our plans to develop competency in passive fire in the construction sector has been at the forefront of our activity as a whole. We budgeted this year to spend a lot of time developing a competency framework for passive fire.

“We already have an introduction course, Level 2 and 3 which is supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). What we have acknowledged is that we have a void between the online 3-4 hour course and then going up to the full five day level two course and then level three. We are filling that gap with various learning opportunities that will be CPD based .with specialist sections to suit the different parts of the construction sector from architects/designers through our typical audiences such as Contractor to facilities managers and landlords. 

He concludes: “We spent a lot of time in discussions at the end of last year, as COVID restrictions began to ease, about how we can create a wide-ranging networking calendar for the sector that gets us where we want to be. 2022 so far has been about what bodies we want to influence and how we wish to engage with them. We have a role here in not only an influencing and lobbying role but also one of bringing our members together from a networking and engagement perspective to learn from each other. You may have noticed an upturn in our marketing and social presence and that has been part of what we have been planning and developing for this year. 2022 will be a very busy year for us.”  

With regulations continuing to change the landscape for those in passive fire, it seems that it won’t just be this year that will be busy for the ASFP. Whilst a new CEO and a rebrand has set out a new era for the organisation, it is worth keeping a keen eye out for future developments that they will be mapping out.  

Chris Higgins appointed Vice President, Customer Service of Telgian

by People

Telgian Fire Safety have announced the addition of Chris Higgins as Vice President, Customer Service. Higgins will be responsible for the management of all aspects of the company’s customer support department, as well as for developing new strategies and initiatives to maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction possible.

“Chris is an outstanding addition to the Telgian Fire Safety team,” says company President Larry Lacefield. “His ability to identify short- and long-term goals, combined with his strategic, results oriented approach to improving customer relationships, satisfaction and response time, make him an incredible asset to our rapidly growing company.”  

With more than 29 years of experience, Higgins specialises in team building and leadership development, maximising the use of employee engagement strategies. These initiatives result in high performance teams, a strong organisational culture and exceptional customer service, driving both employee and customer satisfaction to new levels.

Previously, Higgins has worked with multiple global customer care and technology companies, providing tech-enabled and human assisted digital solutions. Higgins was directly responsible for daily oversight of 300+ employee teams and achieving targeted client deliverables.

A US Navy veteran, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with Navy accredited courses from Texas Tech University.   And, in addition to his position at Telgian Fire Safety, Higgins is also lifetime member of AMVETS Post IL 14. 

Case study: Moray Fire Protection

by Products

Moray Fire Protection provides personal and comprehensive fire detection and protection services to companies, government organisations and individuals throughout Scotland. The company is BAFE registered and operates under industry recognised standards.

Located in Elgin, they are ideally situated to service clients throughout the whole of Scotland including Moray, the Highlands, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Moray Fire Protection have recently taken over a contract to maintain eight care homes across Moray and the Highlands.

Having inherited these sites from a previous contractor, Moray Fire Protection decided to upgrade and replace the installations with new equipment including the latest alarm signalling.

With analogue telephone (PSTN) lines soon to be redundant, Moray Fire Protection reached out to CSL as they felt that the DigiAir Pro Fire was the best suited signalling product for these installations.

CSL-Web-1024x480
Moray Fire Protection are working with CSL

DigiAir Pro Fire is a SP3 graded, radio only single path signalling solution, utilising all mobile networks via our WorldSIM to signal an alarm. As a tailor-made fire signalling solution, DigiAir Pro Fire also offers the faster catastrophic failure reporting time of 31 minutes.

With EN54 certified monitored signalling, they now have a fully compliant system, that can report any faults or issues in a much shorter period, providing peace of mind for their customers.

The UDL functionality available with DigiAir Pro Fire, plus the addition of the My Base App for remote configuration changes, allows Moray Fire Protection to manage their devices for their customers and
ensure the service is always working correctly.

IWMA introduces The Matrix to its website

by Featured News

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) introduced The Matrix to their webpage. The document is a visualisation of all current water mist applications and associated fire test protocols that have been published by certification/test agencies. IWMA board member Jonathan Carpenter of FM Approval explains: “The intent is to showcase that water mist systems are a fire protection option in many applications that have avenues for testing and certifications from third party agencies.”

The Matrix lists applications where water mist is a fire protection option for different hazards and occupancies, in both land and marine segments, and the associated fire test protocols available for each. It will be useful for all parties involved in the fire protection industry, particularly for those not directly involved such as insurance companies, architects and end users.

The Matrix will be updated quarterly or more frequently based on the amount of requests and changes in the industry.

Member of the board Alex Palle of VID Fire-Kill says: “We have now made it easier to define which solutions are suited for a given risk – knowledge that typically can be found in codes and standards covering more standardized firefighting technologies, but for water mist has been difficult to describe as each water mist solution is somewhat unique.”

www.iwma.net

CertAlarm announces new Chair of Technical Advisory Group

by People

CertAlarm, an organisation offering a pan-European quality mark in the fire protection and security systems industry, has appointed Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx as new Chair of its Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG is CertAlarm’s organ to provide technical guidance on issues such as the interpretation of the respective standards or on the monitoring of the competence and integrity of the participating certification bodies and test laboratories.

Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx, who is Technical Manager of Euralarm, the European trade association representing the fire and security Industry, was until recently Head of Division Laboratory at ANPI, a Belgian association in the field of fire and theft prevention in which all industrial federations and professional associations as well as the government are represented. He is also an expert in several working groups within CENELEC TC79 and has a long experience within CEN TC72.

“I have always been convinced that a pan-European certification based on mutual recognition can benefit the whole fire and security market and I look forward to contributing further to this objective”, says Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx.

“Dr. Stockbroeckx has many years of experience in the field of fire protection and security system products certification. He is also a proven expert in the field of alarm transmission systems. We are therefore delighted to be able to build on his experience in the future”, adds Anja Kinsky, General Manager of CertAlarm.

https://certalarm.org/