NFPA join ‘Billion Readiness Initiative’ led by Dubai Civil Defense

by Breaking NewsPeople

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that it will be an active member and contribute to the “Billion Readiness Initiative” led by Dubai Civil Defense.

This global initiative seeks to enhance fire safety awareness and reduce fire-related incidents worldwide. It aims to educate and train 1 billion people across the globe from 2025 to 2027, encouraging communities to respond effectively and safely to fire emergencies.

A total of 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations, including the NFPA, are involved in the effort.

Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA, Dana Kamal’s statement

Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA said: “As a global leader in fire and life safety, NFPA is proud to be part of the Billion Readiness Initiative, the largest of its kind. We are excited to share our expertise to help raise fire safety awareness worldwide.

“Working alongside Dubai Civil Defense, our goal is to use our knowledge, information and expertise to create a safer, more resilient future. We achieve this by empowering individuals with the resources and tools they need to prevent fires and protect lives on an unprecedented scale.”

Collaboration and communication

As part of this initiative, NFPA will continue to collaborate and communicate with governments and regulatory bodies throughout the region to promote its codes and standards, encouraging their use and effective implementation through workshops and training sessions aimed at reducing fire-related incidents and the emissions that they cause.

It will also support countries in developing policies that align with the campaign’s objectives while addressing emerging risks and technological advancements.

In addition to policy adoption, NFPA will encourage subject matter experts to stay updated with code requirements and technical developments in their fields.

In addition, NFPA is also a member of the World Fire Emission Reduction Alliance (WFERA), launched at COP28, which aims to reduce global fire-related emissions by 80% by 2050.

This initiative unites countries and firefighting organizations in a global effort to tackle the environmental impact of fires and improve fire safety worldwide.

`Billion Readiness Initiative’ joined by NFPA: Summary

The NFPA has joined Dubai Civil Defense’s `Billion Readiness Initiative’, a global initiative designed to promote fire safety awareness and reduce fire-related incidents worldwide.

Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA said the goal is to use knowledge, information and expertise to create a safer, more resilient future.

NFPA gears up to shape the future of fire and life safety at Intersec Dubai 2025

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Events

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will be participating in Intersec Dubai 2025, the world’s largest business event addressing the future of security, safety and fire protection.

Scheduled for January 14-16, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Dubai, the event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. NFPA will take center stage on the second day of the event at the NFPA Theatre, a dedicated area showcasing a series of presentations and panel discussions led by global and local fire and life safety experts.

NFPA’s presence at Intersec Dubai 2025

NFPA will host the Day Two agenda at the Fire and Rescue Conference, taking place in Hall Two of the Dubai World Trade Center. The program will bring together a wide array of stakeholders, including prominent government representatives and private sector leaders from throughout the GCC region.

The day will feature a series of dynamic panel discussions and expert-led sessions, addressing crucial topics such as life safety in residential buildings, fire safety in healthcare environments, and the role of IoT in smart buildings.

One of the highlights of the event will be a panel discussion on emergency preparedness and response, providing invaluable insights from industry leaders. In addition, attendees will have the chance to engage in interactive workshops, demonstrating the pioneering VR/AR technologies that are transforming fire safety training.

Another highlight of the day will be a keynote presentation and panel discussion titled “From Tragedy to Triumph – What Grenfell Means for Leading in Fire, Life, and Electrical Safety” delivered by Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy. This session will explore lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower fire, the UK’s deadliest residential fire, and how fire and life safety experts can apply these insights to improve safety practices, especially in high-rise buildings.

NFPA’S Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy, Lorraine Carli’s statement

Lorraine spoke about her upcoming presentation and discussion saying: “The lessons from Grenfell continue to resonate globally, underscoring the critical need for vigilance, preparedness, and leadership in fire, life, and electrical safety.

“My keynote will explore how we transform tragedy into actionable solutions, driving a culture of safety that protects lives and property. I look forward to engaging with attendees to share insights and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in our rapidly evolving world.”

NFPA’S Director of Global Business Development, Olga Caledonia’s statement

Olga Caledonia, NFPA’s Director of Global Business Development, who will moderate the keynote panel discussion, stated that the NFPA Theatre programming aims to help everyone recognize their role in contributing to the fire and life safety system relied upon by the public.

“We all need to reflect on what we can do individually and collectively as part of a system. Whether it is advocating for stronger enforceable regulations, updated codes and standards, or supporting community fire safety initiatives, we all play an important role,” commented Caledonia.

NFPA’s Director of International Development for MENA, Dana Kamal’s statement

“NFPA is honoured to be a part of Intersec Dubai 2025, a platform that will bring together global experts and innovators in the fire and safety industry. With the rapid development of infrastructure across the region, we are committed to highlighting the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, IoT, automation, AR, and VR, in enhancing fire safety practices. Our goal is to work alongside our regional partners to drive progress through knowledge-sharing and innovation, ultimately enhancing safety and saving lives,” said Dana Kamal, NFPA’s Director of International Development for MENA.

Those attending the event

The event will feature prominent leaders from both the public and private sectors, including key organizations such as Dubai Civil Defense, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, Saudi Aramco, and Dubai Holding Group, as well as industry leaders from Oman Security and Safety Services Corporation, Siena, King Saud University Medical City, QHSEE, and SIBCA. Dubai Civil Defense can be witnessed presenting a session on the role of AI in enhancing fire safety, while Abu Dhabi Civil Defense will be seen highlighting the critical importance of code compliance. Saudi Aramco will offer valuable insights into the integration of automated emergency response systems within the oil and gas sector.

IFSJ at Intersec 2025

IFSJ is proud to once again serve as the Official Strategic Media Partner for Intersec. Visit us at stand 2-H38; we look forward to connecting with you at the show.

NFPA are excited to announce their participation in Intersec Dubai 2025: Summary

NFPA’s presence at Intersec Dubai 2025 reiterates their commitment to advancing fire and life safety practices across the globe. They looks forward to helping make a productive and impactful event, strengthening collaborations and driving progress within the fire, life and electrical safety sector.

Bristol Uniforms releases new stock styles for structural PPE

by Products

Bristol Uniforms’ new stock styles for structural PPE are proving popular with fire and rescue services around the world, with orders received from Malaysia to Germany to Saudi Arabia, and many customers already putting their new kit through its paces.

Launched at the end of last year, the three stock styles (XFlex, Ergotech Action CEN and Ergotech Action NFPA) are particularly suited to international customers since they adhere to a variety of international standards and offer a cost-effective means of obtaining excellent quality PPE.

As the kit is ready-made, customers benefit from swift delivery times, while each coat can still be personalised by adding a heat-sealed patch to the back. Firefighters at Shannon Airport in Ireland were in need of a PPE upgrade and arranged a competitive tender.

According to Brian Casey, Airport Police & Fire Service Training Manager at the Airport, the XFlex stock kit was the clear frontrunner. He commented, “XFlex is good value and certainly offered the best quality. It was also recommended to me by others in the industry.”

Brian Casey’s team ordered 73 sets of XFlex stock PPE from Fireguard, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Eire

Brian Casey’s team ordered 73 sets of XFlex stock PPE from Fireguard, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Eire. The new kit was delivered in May. He continues, “The Bristol Uniforms stock kit is by far the best kit we’ve ever had. I can honestly say we’ve had no issues whatsoever with any of the items we received. They fit very well and are comfortable to wear. My crew is really pleased with them.”

Other satisfied customers include Kettershausen Fire Brigade and the Verallia Glass Factory in Germany, who recently received their stock XFlex PPE.

Uwe Raschel is the Owner of Fritz Raschel Feuerschutz GmbH, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Germany. He comments, “Both customers are fairly small fire services with a limited number of firefighters. They were impressed by the quality of the kit, but also particularly keen on the swift availability.”

The XFlex design is based on Bristol’s flagship XFlex structural firefighting range, providing excellent range of movement and breathability. It is certified to CEN standard EN469 Level 2.

The two Ergotech Action stock styles have been adapted for different certifying bodies. One adheres to the CEN standard EN469 Level 2, featuring a navy Hainsworth TITAN1220 outer layer and a Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier. The second conforms to NFPA 1971:2018 and comes in a Desert Tan color, with box bellow pockets on both the coat and trousers.

Interest in the stock styles continues from all corners of the globe, with orders for Ergotech Action EN469 PPE received from customers in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. The Ergotech Action EN469 kit was also recently delivered to Kennelbach, Rothis and Riefensberg fire brigades in Austria, and to the Petronas oil and gas company in Malaysia.

www.bristoluniforms.com/