Animal welfare training and guidance extended through renewed NFCC BARTA partnership

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSearch and Rescue

Animal welfare in incident response planning

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building on work first established in 2012.

The NFCC said the MoU reaffirms a shared commitment to safeguarding animal welfare, public safety and safe working practices for firefighters at incidents involving animals.

The MoU sets out continued joint work to establish consistent standards, share expertise and promote training opportunities across the fire and rescue sector.

The NFCC and BARTA said the partnership is intended to embed animal welfare within emergency response planning, including sharing operational learning and best practice nationally.

Guidance, training and sector forum

The agreement continues the role of the Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum (ARPF) as a platform for sharing knowledge and supporting the use of evidence-based guidance and training.

Fire and rescue services will be able to contribute to national learning, take part in working groups and access specialist resources developed with BARTA through the ARPF.

The NFCC said the ARPF will also support involvement from BARTA staff and other stakeholders, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

NFCC Animal Rescue Lead Steve Buchanan-Lee said: “Animals of all kinds, including domestic pets, livestock, equine, wildlife, and exotic or zoo species, play an important role in people’s lives and in the wellbeing of our communities.

“Incidents involving animals can be particularly hazardous and emotionally challenging for both owners and emergency responders.

“Our partnership with BARTA, supported by a network of key stakeholders such as the RSPCA, ensures that UK fire and rescue services have access to the specialist knowledge and guidance they need to prepare for and respond to these situations with confidence.

“Together, we are helping to protect local communities while safeguarding the animals in their care.”

BARTA Director Jim Green said: “Key to supporting communities during emergency or disaster is ensuring that animals are fully integrated into planning and response.

“The UK fire and rescue service is already world-renowned for driving standards in animal rescue.

“BARTA continues to build on these foundations, equipping firefighters for their specialist role in managing incidents involving animals by delivering high-quality training, providing multi-agency awareness, developing resources and enabling wider support through a coordinated network of animal welfare and veterinary specialists.

“With increasing financial pressures and evolving prevalence of climate-related emergencies, this partnership and shared commitment to building resilient communities is more relevant than ever.”

The organisations said they will continue working together through the MoU and the ARPF.

Norfolk fire service rolls out body-worn cameras across 42 stations

by CommunicationsFeatured News

Body-worn cameras rollout across Norfolk fire stations

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has rolled out 160 body-worn cameras across 42 fire stations in the county.

Axon confirmed the rollout involves Axon Body 4 cameras with live streaming, real-time location data and two-way communication.

The company said the capability is intended to support quicker decision-making during complex incidents and improve coordination with other emergency services, including police and ambulance.

Axon said footage is also intended to support transparency, learning and post-incident review, alongside training and development.

Deployment scope, early usage and stated aims

The cameras were rolled out across the service in December, with nearly 100 hours of footage from over 500 video clips already stored.

Axon described the Norfolk deployment as its second-largest body-worn camera rollout with a UK fire and rescue service, following West Yorkshire.

Axon said it works with eight UK fire services on body-worn cameras in daily operations, adding that 55% of UK police forces use the technology.

Alex Lowe, Senior Director for UK and Ireland at Axon, said: “We’re delighted that Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is adopting our cutting-edge body-worn camera technology.

“Our cameras have been invaluable for first responders, and we’re excited to see them play an important role in ensuring fire personnel safety and enhancing public trust in Norfolk.”

Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re keen to utilise technology wherever we can to keep the people of Norfolk safe, and these body-worn cameras are a great demonstration of that.

“The devices will be brought in to support firefighters at all of our stations in Norfolk, helping us with learning at incidents, providing evidence for fire investigations, and enhancing the safety of our staff.

“Our teams have already said they’re benefitting from the technology, so I’m sure this will be a major boost for how our service operates, and for the communities we serve.”

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “I am really pleased NFRS has taken this step to use body-worn cameras.

“This new technology will enhance the fantastic work already undertaken by the service, offering multiple benefits to keep fire staff and Norfolk’s communities safe.”

The rollout is intended to support incident learning, evidence capture for investigations and staff safety during operational activity and routine visits.

Fire and rescue service funding appeal follows surge in bonfire night emergencies

by ActiveAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

Fire Brigades Union calls for emergency funding

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged the UK government to fund the fire and rescue service in the upcoming Budget, saying services are overstretched during one of the busiest times of the year.

According to the FBU, Bonfire Night again exposed a lack of resources across fire and rescue services, with crews responding to a sharp rise in incidents.

The latest government figures show that fire and rescue services in England attended 165,697 fires in the year to June 2025, representing a 28% increase compared to the previous year.

Overall incident attendance reached 628,764, marking a 25% increase over the past decade.

The FBU said the rise was largely driven by a 52% increase in outdoor primary fires, which are incidents causing harm to people or damage to property.

Fire-related fatalities also rose to 279 deaths in the same period, up 21% on the previous year, with 208 of those occurring in house fires.

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: “The fire and rescue service is on its knees after another round of deadly funding cuts, and firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever.

“It also allows us to coordinate better with neighbouring services.

“Latest figures show a dramatic increase in serious fire incidents, with outdoor fires rising by over 50%.

“We have seen fire and rescue services pushed beyond limits responding to major wildfire incidents throughout the year, which are only predicted to worsen with the climate crisis.

“The loss of 1 in 5 firefighter posts since 2010 means fire cover and resilience have been decimated across the UK.

“The outcome is that it takes longer for fire engines to arrive at incidents, when every second counts.

“Political decisions to cut funding are tragically reflected in rising fatalities.

“The FBU is calling on the government to tax the ultra rich to fund our vital public services.

“To save lives, Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget must include a progressive wealth tax to rebuild the fire and rescue service.”

Attacks on firefighters condemned amid bonfire night incidents

Alongside calls for funding, both the FBU and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) condemned reports of attacks on firefighters during bonfire night incidents.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “It is appalling to see firefighters and other emergency service colleagues come under attack while doing their duty and protecting their communities.

“Their bravery should never be met with violence or abuse.

“Attacks on firefighters, like all emergency workers, are serious criminal offences that can carry custodial sentences.

“Those responsible for these disgraceful acts must be held accountable and brought to justice.”

In Scotland, the FBU said firefighters were pushed “far beyond safe limits” as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported more than 700 calls on 5 November.

The London Fire Brigade recorded 821 calls on the same night, the highest since 2016.

The union said attacks included a Merseyside crew targeted with fireworks while tackling a tower block fire.

Steve Wright said: “Firefighters are humanitarian workers, dedicated to saving lives.

“The last thing they need while fighting fires on the busiest night of the year is to come under attack.

“Fire and rescue services are severely under-resourced and overstretched.

“In the last decade, we have lost 1 in 5 firefighters to cuts.

“This means that fewer firefighters are responding to more incidents, and are pushed far beyond safe limits during periods like bonfire night.

“Cuts to fire and rescue service’s community outreach, and the axing of youth centres and services, are contributing to this chaos.

“The government must reverse austerity and fund public services to keep firefighters, and the public, safe.”

Union rejects political remarks on firefighter pensions

The FBU also criticised comments from Reform UK about potential changes to public sector pensions.

Steve Wright said: “Reform UK are a party led by millionaires.

“Firefighters will be shocked that the multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform UK wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other public sector workers.

“Firefighters put their lives and their health on the line day-in and day-out to protect the public.

“Farage and Tice are threatening firefighters hard earned pensions.

“The FBU will fiercely resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.

“Firefighters’ pensions have been systematically attacked by various governments over the years, and Reform UK while professing to be different are clearly demonstrating that they are no different at all from those who have previously attacked firefighters’ pensions.

“In fact they intend to go further than previous governments ever did by getting rid of defined benefit pensions for public sector workers.

“In the forthcoming Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves must urgently introduce a wealth tax to properly fund public services, pensions and increase pay for all workers.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The FBU’s call for increased funding highlights operational strain across UK fire and rescue services.

Rising incident numbers, particularly outdoor and residential fires, indicate heavier demand on response capacity and equipment readiness.

Fire and rescue leaders may review staffing, coverage and community engagement strategies in light of these trends.

The growing frequency of attacks on firefighters also underlines the need for stronger safety measures and coordination with law enforcement during public events.

For policymakers, the data provides evidence of service pressure and potential areas for future resource allocation in the upcoming Budget cycle.

The Three C’s of Suppression, with HEN Nozzles   

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Ray McCormack, Director, Business Development at HEN Nozzles, explains how coverage, cooling and contraction enhance suppression and how modern nozzles improve efficiency and firefighter safety 

Rapid fire suppression is governed by three fundamental principles—coverage, cooling and contraction. Each “C” represents a critical component of the suppression process that must be delivered in rapid succession to effectively suppress a fire. However, few stream patterns possess the intrinsic ability to achieve all three simultaneously.  

Instead, successful suppression with traditional streams often relies on coordinated manual nozzle manipulation to achieve the necessary performance. In other words, the stream can’t do much by itself because it cannot interact with the fire environment at a rate that provides rapid suppression. The reason is one or more of the C’s are difficult to obtain using traditional streams. 

Fire streams background 

Traditionally, two types of nozzles have been used for delivering fire streams: the smoothbore nozzle and the combination fog nozzle. The smoothbore nozzle generates a solid stream consisting of large water droplets in a tight, cylindrical pattern. In contrast, the combination fog nozzle can produce either a wide fog pattern or a straight stream, both of which consist of small droplets. 

Recent advances in nozzle technology have introduced the combination smoothbore nozzle, also known as the combination blade nozzle. This innovative design can deliver either a wide blade stream or a solid stream. Notably, the blade stream features large droplets arranged in a concentrated linear edge, providing enhanced performance in fire suppression. 

Coverage 

Coverage refers to the ability of a stream to blanket the fire area effectively. Straight and solid streams must be intentionally broken up to provide coverage beyond their flow shape. Whereas a pre-broken stream like the HEN BLADE provides a linear pattern of large droplets that inherently offers wider coverage. A fog stream is a hollow conical stream shape that is broken into small droplets and provides a circular band of coverage. 

For standard streams, nozzle movement plays a crucial role in optimizing coverage. With straight, solid or fog* streams movement is typically provided using a given letter pattern like O or Z or a wall ceiling wall approach to maximise their area of effect. In contrast, the blade stream offers enhanced coverage with simpler nozzle movements, such as up-and-down or side-to-side sweeps.

This not only centers the stream more effectively minimises nozzle fatigue, allowing firefighters to maintain effective coverage with less effort.

Ray McCormack

The streamlined application methods associated with the blade stream can raise the operational proficiency of the department’s firefighters, offering an intuitive approach that ensures extensive coverage of the fire space. 

Achieving broad coverage is imperative for rapid knockdown of the fire. A straight or solid stream relies on contact with a surface to break apart and cover a larger area. In contrast, the blade stream is designed to deliver a pre-broken, large-droplet, linear stream that naturally covers a wide area without depending on external factors. Its application is straightforward and replicable, making it an attractive option for both seasoned firefighters and those in training. 

Cooling 

Modern fires are characterised by high heat release rates that can quickly overwhelm suppression efforts. Effective cooling is therefore paramount and the blade stream addresses this need by delivering cooling benefits in two distinct locations simultaneously.

As the blade stream expands from the nozzle, it forms a triangular pattern that intensifies cooling near the nozzle team. This expansion not only interacts with and pushes heat away from the firefighters but also contracts the heated gases toward the nozzle, a phenomenon that can be initiated early in an operation for a distinct safety advantage. 

The expanded stream pattern of the blade stream allows it to interact with a larger volume of heated space than narrow streams.

To visualise the difference, consider a broom: a narrow stream is akin to the broom’s handle, providing minimal cooling effect, whereas the brush represents the blade stream with its wide coverage.

Ray McCormack

This broad interaction zone results in more effective cooling, as the large droplets absorb heat more efficiently and deliver it across a greater area. 

The efficiency of the blade stream reduces the need for repetitive nozzle movements, particularly in expansive or corridor-type environments. With floor-to-ceiling coverage easily achieved, the blade stream not only cools the fire environment but also creates a safer zone for firefighter operations. Its design minimises the application rate required to cool the space, thus expediting fire knockdown and reducing water consumption. 

Contraction 

Contraction refers to the process by which heated gases are condensed or “contracted” faster than new steam is generated. Effective contraction is essential to reducing the fire’s intensity and preventing the rapid generation of steam, which can impede firefighter operations. The blade stream’s broad, linear pattern allows it to interact with a more substantial volume of gases, promoting rapid contraction through efficient heat absorption. 

As the blade stream projects from the nozzle, its large droplet composition allows it to penetrate the gas layers effectively. By absorbing heat from these layers, the droplets survive the high-temperature environment and descend onto burning materials, thereby aiding in the cooling and contraction of the gases.

In scenarios where heated gases accumulate above the firefighting team, a well-placed, long-range blade stream can effectively contract these layers, improving both safety and suppression efficiency. 

Ray McCormack

A critical aspect of achieving gas contraction is the initial targeting of the extreme gas layer, often by aiming the stream high to capture the hottest gases first. The blade stream, through its progressive capture from the lower to the upper reaches of the fire space, maximises gas contraction bilaterally across different layers. This not only enhances suppression efficacy but also serves as a force multiplier, reducing the overall water usage by rapidly stabilizing the fire environment. 

Conclusion 

When coverage, cooling and contraction are delivered in rapid, coordinated fashion, fire suppression becomes significantly more effective. The blade stream stands out as a superior tool in achieving these goals. Its design—characterised by an inherently broken, wide linear pattern—ensures extensive coverage, effective cooling and efficient contraction, all while minimizing the physical demands on firefighters. 

By simplifying nozzle movements and enhancing overall application efficiency, the blade stream not only improves suppression outcomes but also elevates firefighter safety. Its intuitive application makes it accessible for both experienced personnel and new recruits, ultimately contributing to a more responsive and effective fire suppression strategy. In modern firefighting, where every second counts, the blade stream provides a critical advantage in rapidly controlling fires and protecting lives and property. 

*Note: UL-FSRI does not endorse using 30-degree or larger fog cones for interior structural fire operations. 

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

NIOSH guidance sheds light on firefighter safety during strip mall fires

by Breaking NewsSafetyTraining

A deeper look into strip mall fires

The National Institute for Occupation safety and Health (NIOSH) has recently released a guidance document highlighting the dangers firefighters face when combating strip mall fires.

The report states that due to unique construction features, such fires are categorised as low frequency but high-risk incidents.

Features such as limited entry and egress, high heat release rate, and a potential for entanglement add complexity to firefighting operations.

Understanding the risks in strip malls

Strip malls can greatly vary in terms of their construction.

Many strip malls, particularly in the United States, are one-story buildings housing diverse businesses like restaurants, stores, medical offices, and sometimes even residential spaces.

Often, even if businesses are separated by walls, they might share common attic spaces.

This architectural design can lead to a rapid spread of fires. In addition, not all strip malls have adequate fire protection systems in place.

Firefighting in these malls comes with challenges such as potential entanglement in drop ceiling assemblies, maze-like conditions, risk of collapsing roofs and walls, and limited access due to security measures.

Moreover, some malls may store hazardous materials, posing further risk.

Strategies and tactics for battling strip mall fires

Fire departments need to account for several non-alterable factors when responding to strip mall fires, including the building’s design, age, size, and type of occupancy.

However, incident commanders should utilise initial information, such as the fire’s location and the conditions of the surroundings, to formulate a comprehensive incident action plan (IAP).

This plan should focus on:

  • Completing search and rescue operations.
  • Managing fire control and preventing its spread.
  • Efficiently preserving property whilst reducing firefighters’ exposure to harmful combustive products.

In the age of technology, the use of aerial footprints or maps, possibly obtained via drones, can assist the incident commander in understanding the structure better.

Such insights can show access points, hydrant locations, heavy objects on roofs, utility shut-offs, and more.

Considering the layout and packed nature of strip malls, firefighters need to be cautious.

The obstruction caused by shelving, stock, and displays can hinder movement and hose deployment. In such scenarios, firefighters may become disoriented or trapped.

It is also vital for the incident commander to coordinate fire attacks with ventilation and forcible entry.

The doors, especially on Side Charlie of strip mall units, which typically lack windows, require a higher level of forcible entry.

For a more detailed understanding, interested parties can read the full NIOSH guidance here.

IFSJ Comment

The release of NIOSH’s guidance on strip mall fires is timely and sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of firefighting.

The unique challenges posed by strip malls, from their construction to the variety of businesses they house, make understanding these environments crucial for firefighters.

This guidance not only emphasises the importance of preparedness but also highlights the role of technology, like drones, in ensuring the safety of our brave

Congress passes bipartisan Bill to protect firefighters from PFAS chemicals

by Breaking NewsSafety

A bipartisan bill to provide guidance for federal, state, and local fire departments to prevent firefighters from being exposed to harmful PFAS chemicals that are frequently used in firefighting equipment has been passed by the US House of Representatives.

The bill passed the Senate last summer, where it was authored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), and co-sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.

Once this legislation is signed into law, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) will have one year to publish training guidance.

The curriculum is required to include ways to reduce or eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and PPE, strategies for preventing the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment, and provide emergency personnel with information on alternatives to PFAS equipment and foams.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) expressed its support for all efforts to reduce exposures to PFAS and other carcinogens. IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “PFAS is all around us. It is in our bunker gear, our PPE, and training foam. Until PFAS can be removed and replaced with safer alternatives, we must incorporate all preventative measures. I am grateful that our elected officials are taking action and look forward to continuing to work with them to extinguish cancer from the fire service.”

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) applauded the House for passing the bill. Jay Lucey, EWG’s legislative director for government affairs commented: “Firefighters are among those most exposed to harms from PFAS, but many local fire departments lack the resources and guidance to switch to PFAS-free alternatives.”

Clifton firefighters launch statewide gear collection for counterparts in Ukraine

by Americas - ProductsAmericas - ProjectsBreathing ApparatusFeatured NewsFirefighting EquipmentPPEProducts

Firefighters in Clifton, North Jersey have started a statewide gear collection drive to help their counterparts in Ukraine. 

Pat Trentacost, fire chief, Passaic said: “What I’m seeing is nothing less than miraculous as they’re working to remove victims with limited resources, regardless of the potential of being killed by Russian attack.”

Clifton’s fire chief Frank Prezioso reached out to enlist his help to collect surplus fire equipment for Ukraine’s fire service. Trentacost had seen photos of firetrucks and apparatus buried in rubble after Russian attacks.

Prezioso said the idea came from third-year Clifton firefighter Oleg Skachko, who emigrated from Ukraine when he was 14.

Skachko’s first thought was to gather personal protection equipment, also known as turnout gear, for Ukraine’s firefighters. He had been contacted by friends in Ukraine who knew he was a firefighter, and their requests resonated, first with him and later with his peers. 

In Ukraine, Skachko lived next to a fire station and when he moved to the US in 2022, he lived just down street from a Paterson fire station. He wanted to be a firefighter for as long as he could remember, he told NorthJersey.com. 

Clifton is taking the lead in organising the effort to collect equipment and has reached out to fire departments across the region. The aim is to get departments from around New Jersey to contribute equipment to help their firefighters in Ukraine. 

The worry is that as the war continues and resources are destroyed, firefighters would be forced to work in their street clothes.  

Passaic discovered that neck collars, backboards, bandages and other supplies would soon be in high demand. In terms of shipping, the heavy, bulky equipment is being shipped to nearby areas which will then be transported to Ukraine. This is because several airports in Ukraine were targeted by Russians forces early on in the invasion.  

LGA calls for tougher sentences after huge rise in attacks on firefighters

by Projects

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for harsher sentences after a “sickening” rise in attacks on Fire & Rescue crews. Latest government figures show that attacks on firefighters in England have surged by an astonishing 66 per cent in four years.

It comes at a time when attacks aimed at members of the emergency services have increased in general over the last 18-months. In the period 2014/15 there were 578 attacks on Fire & Rescue Service crews alone, but this shot up to 961 in the period covering 2018/19.

The number of firefighters injured after being attacked whilst on duty during the 2018/19 period jumped by 175% from 24 to 66. In one incident, a large tree trunk was thrown through the windscreen of a fire engine, and bricks were thrown at fire crews from Cleveland Fire Brigade as they tackled a large garden blaze that threatened to spread to other properties.

In another shocking incident, a firefighter for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service needed hospital treatment after being hit in the head by a stone thrown at him as he dealt with an emergency call.

Pebbles and planks of wood were also hurled at crews as they tackled a tree fire in Eastbourne. A firefighter from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was badly injured after fireworks were aimed at him and a colleague by a group of around 15 youths as they tackled a bonfire in Crumpsall Park.

A firework became lodged under the back of his helmet, burning his hair and right ear, meaning that he had to be rushed to A&E to be treated for his injuries.

The outrageous attacks, which have increased during the lockdown in some areas, put firefighters at risk of serious injury, can stop them attending an emergency call where lives may be at risk, and can cause an emergency vehicle to be withdrawn from service.

Attacks on emergency workers became a specific crime in 2018. Yet only 17% of the 9,000 offenders who have since been sentenced for this offence have received an immediate jail term, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.

The LGA, which represents councils and fire and rescue authorities in England, is calling for harsher sentences for anyone who is convicted of assaulting a firefighter.

It says the current maximum sentence of a year’s imprisonment should be increased to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

Attacks on firefighters include harassment, verbal and physical abuse, and objects – such as bricks, stones and fireworks – thrown at firefighters and fire engines. Eight firefighters required hospital treatment following assaults in 2018/19.

Typical incidents include drunk people assaulting firefighters on Friday and Saturday nights, and ambushes being set up on housing estates, leading to fire crews having missiles thrown at them upon arrival.

More serious incidents involve firefighters being attacked with weapons.

Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:

“It’s completely unacceptable for emergency service workers to be subject to attacks, aggression or acts of vandalism while protecting the public. The rising trend in violence towards firefighters is sickening.

“Our firefighters, like all emergency service workers, do a fantastic job in protecting our local communities and saving lives and should deserve our completely respect.

“The senseless violent actions of a minority of people puts firefighters at risk of injury or even worse and can also stop them from attending an emergency where lives may be at risk.

“Firefighters deserve complete protection. Increasing the maximum sentence for assaults on firefighters will show that these attacks will not be tolerated.”

Fire & Rescue Service bosses have called for the introduction of body cameras which can be worn by firefighters.

Bodycams are already used by the police and by some Ambulance Trust’s owing to the sheer number of assaults which are inflicted upon emergency workers.