From UFC fighter to US firefighter, who is Stipe Miocic?

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeople

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has been sworn in as a full-time firefighter. Miocic has devoted the last 12 years to an American fire station where he works as a firefighter.

The 39-year-old has been made fulltime firefighter after being put through several rounds of tests and checks. He now serves at the Westlake Fire Department in Ohio.

City mayor Dennis M. Clough described the occasion as a “a historic day for the city of Westlake.”

He previously worked part-time for Valley View Fire Department where he cleaned the toilets the morning after his fights.

Miocic last fought in March 2021, where he squared off against Francis Ngannou, which ended in a victory for the later. The loss also meant Miocic lost his heavyweight honours.

Storm Dudley And Eunice to hit UK from Wednesday

by Breaking NewsSafety

The UK Met office has issued two amber warnings for two separate storms that are set to lash the country. Authorities have said Story Dudley and Storm Eunice will commence from Wednesday and last up until the weekend.

Various UK authorities have reinforced the warning about Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice. The storm could lead to damage such as uprooted trees, damage to properties, and automobiles.

The Met Office said: “Strong winds will cross western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, pushing eastward to northern England by evening. 80-90 mph wind gusts are possible on exposed coasts and hills of Scotland with 60-70 mph possible further inland. The worst of the winds are expected to ease through Thursday morning. A yellow warning for wind has been issued for much of central and northern areas of the UK, including Northern Ireland. Embedded within that is an amber warning for southern and western Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland and northern England, where the strongest and most disruptive winds are expected.”

Meanwhile, Storm Eunice will cause the next low-pressure system, which is likely to track across central areas of the UK on Friday. Further impacts are expected from disruptive gale force winds with 60–70 mph winds expected inland.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety, National Highways said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.”

Survitec: Better crew training needed for CO2 firefighting systems

by Active

Survitec is advising the maritime industry to ensure fixed fire-fighting systems are commissioned by their original equipment manufacturers and that crews undergo basic system configuration training, following a spate of incidents where ship fires have been exacerbated through incorrect use or installation of CO2-based extinguishing systems.

While the International Maritime Organization’s FSS Code provides engineering and design standards for all types of fire extinguishing systems, there are no mandatory regulations governing their installation and commissioning, only recommendations. Standards on operation and maintenance have improved over the last years but in many cases, they are still seen as guidelines

Survitec said that although these guidelines should be followed, there have been several incidents in recent times where fixed fire extinguishing systems have failed.

“While it is difficult to put a number on all the fire related incidents where incorrect installation, operation or maintenance of a fixed firefighting system has resulted in system failure, injury or death, the subsequent accident investigations offer a difference perspective on the effectiveness of the current regulations and guidelines,” said Mats Hestmann, Survitec Group QHSE Manager.

“Fire safety systems are inherently designed to protect and save lives. However, if these systems are incorrectly used, installed or insufficiently inspected and maintained, the consequences can be severe,” said Hestmann.

MSC.1/CIRC 1318, the Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspections of Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire-Extinguishing systems was released in June 2009 and have been adopted by most Flag states, but some are still following their own set of standards.

Hestmann, believes that it would be beneficial for MSC.1/CIRC 1318 to become even more structured as is the case with MSC 1432, clearly defining what should be inspected. Once the majority of flag states have adopted an MSC circular, it then becomes a resolution making it mandatory.

He adds: “Great improvements to safety have come as a result of IACS Z-17 Service provider approvals. However, it’s not the failure of the firefighting system that is resulting in so many incidents, but rather the lack of system knowledge and poor operator training.

“There should be more effective rules governing system training; because a crew member is familiar with one firefighting system doesn’t mean they are appropriately trained to use another manufacturer’s system or even a different system configuration. While the product itself might be standard, the layout of the system, the location of valves, cylinders, and vents and so on will differ from ship to ship. Certainly, crews need to be better trained in the use, operation and maintenance of these systems.”

Erik Christensen, Technical Director Fire Fighting said: “We have seen a number of incident reports where human error in the use of firefighting systems is a common factor. Valves have been closed when they should have been open, ventilation flaps left open with main generators still running during the fire.

“Carbon Dioxide is a dangerous gas and any system that has been incorrectly installed, maintained or operated could not only fail to extinguish the fire but be very harmful to the crew.”

As the market leader and a champion of maritime safety initiatives, Survitec is fostering greater fire safety and systems awareness across the industry. It has already issued advice notices and is raising wider awareness of the need to ensure firefighting systems are correctly installed, regularly maintained, serviced and that crew operating the systems are trained and understand how to use the specific system.

“We want to ensure that operators and crews have a much better understanding of how fixed firefighting systems operate and the importance of regular, properly carried-out maintenance. With greater knowledge, they will be able to overcome many of the operational challenges they face and prevent system failure when it is required in an emergency.

“Crews can be better equipped to fight fires more effectively, more safely, but any initiative needs to work in harmony with the rules, some of which could do well to be revised,” said Hestmann.

https://survitecgroup.com/

The Tall Building Fire Safety Conference goes virtual

by Events

The Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, which typically runs alongside FIREX International at ExCeL London, is moving online. The Tall Building Fire Safety Network, in partnership with Informa Markets, has developed a unique opportunity to learn about key issues and trends from high-level international speakers on an accessible, online platform.

The virtual conference will take place across three days: Wednesday 30 September, Wednesday 7 October and Wednesday 14 October, and will coincide with the release of the Building Safety Bill coming into force in the UK, representing an exclusive opportunity to discuss major issues at the very forefront of the fire safety sector.

As such, attendees will be able to enjoy timely and relevant content delivered by both UK and international experts, with a chance to engage and network via the digital platform’s Q&A feature.

Book your ticket here

Each day has a unique theme and a different conference chair drawn from the highest level of the fire safety profession:

Wednesday 30 September – Crisis Management in Tall Buildings Conference

  • This session considers pandemic, drones and terrorism
  • It will be chaired by Andy Baker, QPM, LLB (Hons), AKC and will include preeminent speakers, case studies and threat assessments
  • Magda Popescu from Facebook Dublin to discuss crisis management in a high-profile high rise
  • Shane McMahon from Horizonscan will explore practical pandemic planning

Wednesday 7 October – International High-Rise Firefighting Conference

  • Firefighters from around the world gather to discuss high-rise firefighting techniques and best practice
  • The conference will be chaired by Roy Wilsher, OBE QFSM and will include techniques, case studies, innovation and best practice
  • International speakers including Mark Reilly, Michael Reick and Brent Brooks providing case studies from Australia, Germany and Canada

Wednesday 14 October – International Construction Fire Safety Conference

  • The conference will be chaired by Martin Wilshire and will include expert insights, latest thinking, case studies and networking
  • Sandra Tomlinson HSE Inspector discusses what they are looking for in construction sites
  • Raymond O’Brocki explores the role of building and fire inspectors during construction from a US perspective

To download the brochures and find out more, visit the FIREX website here.

Spanish wildfires force thousands to evacuate

by Active

An out-of-control wildfire is raging in Spain’s southern region of Andalusia, forcing more than 3,100 people to evacuate, authorities said Sunday.

The blaze broke out Thursday in the mountains near the town of Almonaster la Real, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of the city of Seville. It has already scorched 100 square kilometers (38.5 square miles).

Sixteen helicopters and eight planes are helping more than 500 workers tackle the blaze, including firefighters and army emergency personnel who worked around the clock this weekend.

“It is very difficult to say when the wildfire will be under control,” said Juan Sanchez of the Andalusia Forest Fire Department, as weather conditions are playing a key role.

The wind dropped overnight, making their task a little easier, but authorities expect the fire will be fueled by strong winds later Sunday. Crews were also struggling to reach all affected areas because of the rugged terrain, officials said.

A further 70 people were evacuated Saturday because of a wildfire in Mula, a small town in Spain’s southeastern region of Murcia, while firefighters are also trying to extinguish two wildfires in the western region of Extremadura.

Kent Foods warehouse destroyed in huge blaze

by Active

A huge food warehouse has been destroyed by an overnight blaze on Saturday 29 August, with 16 fire crews on scene battling the incident for hours.

A total of 16 crews rushed to the huge blaze at Kent Foods Limited, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon. Firefighters are expected to stay at the scene for most of today.

Aerial videos show the glowing flames as they ripped through the building. Witnesses said large amounts of sugar and oil stored at the site made it tougher to extinguish it.

Craig Still, whose friend works at the firm, said: “After speaking to a firefighter, the warehouse stores mainly sugar and oils for food, and the sugar turned in to a thick black residue and leaked everywhere. It is unknown how the fire started but oils and sugar made it very hard to control.” He captured aerial shots of the fire at the firm.

Residents said nearby firms had to be evacuated due to the incident.

Zara Watson, from Basildon said: “I saw the fire from our house near the Watermill pub. Not knowing whether the fire had been reported or where it was. My husband and I jumped in the car at 11:45pm and headed towards the huge plume of smoke.

“At least six fire engines and multiple police on the scene of Kent food limited. Enormous fire has torn through the building, gutting the roof and it looks like Amazon building opposite has been evacuated. The tree line is alright with the flames of the building.”

Eight appliances and two Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays, were initially in attendance.

However, as the fire took hold fire crews were sent from Basildon, Rayleigh Weir, Billericay, Wickford, Leigh, Corringham and Orsett as well as the two Aerial Ladder Platform crews.

The fire was producing large amounts of smoke and residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.

Fire crews battle through the night and at 7am today were still working on scene.

Kent Foods Limited has been contacted for comment.

SAM transforms traditional fire truck pump operations

by Americas - ProductsProductsPumps

SAM manages multiple lines at different pressures and maintains set pressures. It also monitors intake pressure too and switches back to tank if there are any interruptions in the supply lines. After water supply is established, the system automatically refills the tank so it is always full. If there is an issue with the supply lines, SAM will switch back to tank and alert the operator so the issue can be addressed.

SAM will:

  • Maintain set pressure on all active lines
  • Re-fill the tank
  • Monitors intake pressure and switches to tank if intake is lost
  • Keeps the pump cool
  • Alert you if there is a problem with water flow or equipment

The saved presets in the SAM interface allow pump operators to set discharge pressures fast. Even before charging lines, the system automatically opens the tank to pump valve so water is in the pump and it’s ready to go.

With one swipe, SAM:

  • Charges first line to preset pressures
  • Maintains set pressures for each discharge

SAM is an integrated total water control system that manages the truck’s pump, tank, intakes and discharges. The SAM system replaces the pressure governor and takes care of opening and closing valves based on operator settings. Instead of a complex fire truck pump panel, firefighters can have all of the pump controls in a 10″ touch-screen display.

www.samflows.com/

The Robot-TINO firefighting response unit

by Products

The Robot-TINO is a remote-controlled emergency response unit designed to fight or to mitigate fires and other hazardous events.

The unit is specifically designed to support firefighters during firefighting or fire mitigation operations in industrial process areas, tank farms, tunnels or anywhere congestion may create dangerous situations for the fire brigade.

The unit is powered via a compact diesel engine. Robust and sized to overcome difficult conditions such as those that are often found by emergency responders.

The unit is protected against heat radiation with a cooling system which allows the Robot-TINO to get closer than ever to the fire origin to suppress it with higher probability of success.

The unit is mechanically protected by a shell that prevents debris and fragments from entering the engine or control system parts. The roll-bar is also framed within the chassis and can be used to lift the vehicle in complete equilibrium. The frame also features a hooking point structure to lift the vehicle, as well as front and rear hooking systems for the fastening of equipment and optional devices.

The Robot-TINO comes with high-visibility LED headlights and blinkers. The vehicle is remote-controlled including the Fire Fighting Monitor or other accessories which can be installed to allow complete operation from a remote location.

The Robot-TINO is available with a wide array of accessories such as monitors, dry chemicals, foam, gas detectors or Infrared camera systems. All options available can be tailored and adapted to the specific application and requirements of the Emergency Response Team.

https://robot-tino.com/

S-Gard: providing protection for fire and rescue services

by Passive

Current topics are weight reduction, breathability and freedom of movement. Another central topic that has been increasingly brought into focus in recent years is the avoidance of contact with hazardous substances. For example, fire smoke contains carcinogenic toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). But other hazardous substances can also be deposited on clothing. There is an enhanced risk of absorbing the toxins, especially when the operational clothing is taken off. Appropriate operational hygiene is therefore of great importance.

On its YouTube channel S-Gard gives helpful recommendations in a video series. To deepen the knowledge, S-Gard regularly holds seminars on operational hygiene, cleaning and maintenance of protective clothing. S-Gard also has a list of cleaning companies certified specifically for the washing of protective clothing.

Ranger 2.0 – the protective suit for fighting wildfires

S-Gard also has new products available on the market, including Ranger 2.0 – the protective suit for fighting wildfires. During wildland operations, task forces are often exposed to high heat for hours and have to cover long distances on foot. Operational clothing must thus not only protect against heat, it should also be light, breathable and suitable for movement. For such applications S-Gard has developed the Ranger 2.0 protective suit. Jacket and trousers can be coupled with a zipper. In order to save weight, material doublings were dispensed with. Instead, a ceramic coating provides increased protection against abrasion.

S-Gard uses the highly breathable Ecodry from Hainsworth as the outer material. The suit also has ventilation openings on the arm and leg sides. Stretch zones made of elastic Nomex material, pant gusset and stretch pleats at the sleeve base ensure exceptional freedom of movement.

Hero 2.0 – The protective suit from S-GARD has been completely revised

The Hero jacket now features segmented reflective stripes, patch radio pockets and checker plate reinforcements at the elbows, cuffs and flaps. The multi-layer material is absolutely heat-resistant and very durable. S-Gard uses the highly breathable Gore-Tex Airlock membrane as a moisture barrier.

Its highlight: small silicone buffers provide space between the membrane and the outer fabric. This improves insulation in extreme situations, and the layer structure is also more flexible and less bulky. The three-dimensional special fabric DR3Lite is used for the lining.

www.s-gard.de

Haix Group interviews firefighter Bec Meachin

by People

Firefighter, Bec Meachin is on a mission; to consistently better herself, mentally and physically, and to support those training to be Firefighters in doing the same. Part of HAIX sponsored Team GB in last year’s British Firefighter Challenge, Bec has continued training even during the Covid-19 lockdown in order to keep pushing to be the best. We spoke to her about her approach to training her body and mind for both endurance challenges and the trials of her ‘day job’.

  • Can you tell us a little bit about your background in the Fire service?

I joined Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 2016 as an on-call firefighter. In January 2018 I relocated and joined Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. During my time at Notts I have helped lead and teach on a Fire and Police Cadets Programme and I am the Women in the Fire Service’s rep, helping to encourage and promote women in the fire service. I’ve managed to secure a new position with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service as a Wholetime Firefighter Training Instructor, which I start in June, so I’m very excited about that!

  • Which Firefighter endurance events have you competed in in the past, and what was the most recent one?
    In 2019 I did my first Firefighter event, at the Cheshire Firefighter Challenge, the first regional British Firefighter Challenge (BFC). I then went on to do the main BFC in Watford later in the year. This year I competed in a charity stairs run, the Lorus Stairs Run, 20 floors, and was the first female firefighter to complete this since it’s been running.
  • What drives you to compete in such gruelling events?
    As a firefighter, we never know from day to day what we are going to have to deal with. We might be asleep in bed one minute, and fighting a fire the next. I’m only 163cm tall, and weigh 59kg, so have to work on my fitness every single day to be able to achieve the standard the fire service requires to be able to carry out all the activities I need to. The firefighter challenges really help focus my training, and cover all aspects of what we might need to do at a real incident. As a woman, I do find people ask how I would be able to rescue them in a fire, how I’d be able to be strong enough and fit enough to do the work. Well these challenges help prove to both colleagues and the public that I can do this, and I can achieve.
  • Is there a particular event stage (e.g stair run, casualty dummy rescue) that you find the most challenging?
    That dummy drag has to be the most challenging! The dummy in the BFC weighs 11kg more than me, and with a BA set on your back and all your kit, it’s very difficult to pick up, let alone drag it 50m! The challenges always put the dummy drag at the end of the event, so you are already exhausted from the rest of it! I practice a lot of deadlifts and squats to try and improve this area!
  • What do you think the benefits of Fire endurance events are, both for the competitors and the wider firefighting community?

Everyone who competes in these events are the fittest people I know. They push themselves every day to be better. The camaraderie is amazing, and you are encouraged so much to compete and achieve. It doesn’t matter where you come on the leader board, the fact that you have stepped up to the challenge earns you a lot of respect. The more firefighters who do the challenge, the more others are encouraged to do it. Places go extremely quickly for the challenges, and there are a lot more women competing too, which is great to see. In the end we are doing a job that requires us to be very fit, so practicing for competitions is always going to help with that.

  • Can you tell us a little bit about what sort of training you undertake for each event?

I am always training, no matter when the next event is, trying to get stronger and fitter! I have my own gym in my back garden, and I’m in it most days! I am lucky enough to have a great coach, who sets me workouts to do. They are a mixture of strength training (I love a good deadlift!), endurance workouts and cardio workouts. A little look at my diary this week, and I have a tyre workout, legs session, deadlifting session, chest and arms session and finish the week off with some more legs! I have a stair master in my gym, so I regularly do some interval training on that, mixing it up with gym kit, fire kit and weight vests. When it gets closer to an event, the best way to practice is to get the actual equipment out and practice the elements of the circuit. Adding just fire kit makes a big difference, so it’s important to practice with the gear.

  • Has the ongoing lockdown situation affected your training regime? Are you still training while at home?

I am so happy I invested in my own gym! I’ve got everything I need to keep training, and pushing myself. I have also been training at the fire station with the actual kit. The thing I have missed is having the one to one sessions with my coach, or just having someone to spot you so you push yourself a bit further. But I don’t think it has stopped me working hard and pushing myself every day. We can always do bodyweight work, so there’s no excuse really to keep fitness up!

  • Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you, your training or your job as a firefighter?

When I first started in the fire service, I only weighed 52kg, and really struggled with the fitness tests, especially the strength side. I struggled to deadlift my own bodyweight. But I’ve worked hard every single day on my fitness, and never stopped. I’ve got fitter, and so much stronger (I can almost deadlift double my weight now, and I weigh a lot more!) I think the competitions have really pushed me to keep working hard at my training so I can be the best I can possibly be. I am a big believer that if you have the perseverance to work as hard as you can at something you want, then you can achieve it. I encourage all men and women to push themselves every day to be better.