The Institution of Fire Engineers appoints first ever female International President

by Featured NewsPeople

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced that Hayley Burgess has been appointed to the position of International President.

This historic moment marks the first time in the Institution’s 105 years that a woman has held this esteemed role.

Hayley Burgess: A decade of fire safety expertise

Burgess, previously a Principal Fire Safety Consultant, has dedicated ten years to the private consultancy sector.

Her specialisation in social care environments has seen her guide clients through meticulous fire safety measures.

Moreover, she’s been instrumental in shaping fire strategy designs in the built environment.

Transition to leadership: A look into the IFE’s 100th AGM

Burgess’s investiture took place during the IFE’s centennial AGM on 17th October 2023. Dr Peter Wilkinson, the outgoing International President, was pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition.

The IFE has intimated that a recording of the AGM will be made accessible for its members through MyIFE.

On the subject of her new position, Burgess said: “I am both honoured and humbled to have been elected as International President of the IFE, and being the first female to do so is just incredible.

“To represent the IFE in an international capacity and to work with more of our outstanding volunteers is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Peter Wilkinson, my predecessor, for his remarkable contributions; I look forward to stepping into his shoes.”

Many have expressed their congratulations and anticipate the fresh perspective and positive change Burgess is set to bring to the IFE.

IFSJ Comment

The announcement of Hayley Burgess as the International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers is undoubtedly a monumental step in the right direction.

The elevation of a female leader, for the first time in its long-standing history, showcases the IFE’s genuine commitment to fostering diversity and equity.

Burgess’s vast experience and her previous contributions to fire safety strategy designs augur well for the institution’s future.

Furthermore, her sentiments on collaborative work with volunteers and her respect for predecessors like Dr Peter Wilkinson underscore a promising future for the IFE under her guidance.

IFE centennial AGM announces new Board of Trustee Directors

by Featured NewsPeople

At the centennial Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), a significant announcement was made to its members about the election of its new Board of Trustee Directors.

This board holds a key role, especially at a time when the fire sector is undergoing substantial changes.

The Board will guide the IFE’s goals to evolve, have an impact, and define the industry’s future.

Nick Collins brings decades of experience to IFE

Nick Collins is one of the newest members joining the Board of Trustee Directors.

Having been associated with the IFE for over three decades, Collins is no stranger to the intricacies of the sector having worked in various capacities within the sector including leading roles in London Fire Brigade and the Audit Commission.

His vast experience also includes spearheading significant projects for the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council and past positions on the UK Chief Fire Officers Association’s Board.

Peter Wilkinson: A continual commitment to the IFE

Dr Peter Wilkinson has been re-elected as a Trustee Director, showcasing his unwavering support to the IFE’s mission.

A renowned figure in the industry, Peter has showcased exemplary leadership throughout his association with the IFE, including his involvement with various developments including the IFE’s EEDI working group.

His re-election stands as a testament to his invaluable contributions and the faith the international IFE community holds in him.

In a voluntary role, the IFE’s Board of Trustee Directors consists of individuals with a variety of experiences. Their collective expertise ensures that the IFE’s vision is consistently upheld and evolved for the betterment of its members.

IFSJ Comment

The recent elections at the IFE’s centennial AGM meeting highlight the continuous commitment to advancing the fire sector.

With seasoned professionals like Nick Collins and Dr Peter Wilkinson at the helm, there’s an added assurance that the IFE’s goals will be steered in the right direction.

Their vast experiences, coupled with their dedicated approach, are pivotal as the IFE navigates through industry changes.

As the sector faces new challenges and opportunities, having a robust leadership team becomes even more critical.

The elections not only underscore the faith that the community has in these leaders but also hint at a promising future for the global fire sector.

IFE and UKRO partnership aims to enhance rescue standards in the UK

by Featured NewsTraining

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) have announced a new collaboration to improve professional rescue services in the UK.

Taking their partnership further, the collaboration focuses on the development of an extrication professional framework.

This development signifies a key move in enhancing the expertise and competencies of rescue professionals by means of formal acknowledgment.

Annual rescue challenge marks the partnership announcement

The partnership came to light during the opening ceremony of the annual rescue challenge held on 14th September.

Both professional bodies, sharing a mutual objective, are dedicated to upholding the apex standards of competency in rescue undertakings.

This collaboration sees the IFE expand their status as a recognised training provider.

Strengthening the foundation of rescue standards

The IFE stands as a global membership body for professionals in the fire sector, and UKRO represents the benchmark for UK fire rescue.

Together, they aim to amalgamate their joint know-how and resources to curate an extrication framework.

This framework is designed to address the contemporary challenges encountered by rescue professionals in our fast-paced world.

Ian Marritt, the Director for Education and Development at UKRO commented on the parnership: “In a time when the demands of the profession call for heightened professionalism and verifiable evidence of firefighter capability, the Extrication Operators and Instructor Qualification offers an effective way for fire and rescue services to highlight firefighters’ understanding, insight, and hands-on skills in managing road traffic mishaps.”

He added: “Formulated diligently in line with the Extrication Framework, this model aligns with National Operational Guidance.

“More than just a certification, it serves as an acknowledgment of our firefighters’ expertise, revealing the pledge to uphold stringent professional norms within the UK fire and rescue service.

“This emphasises our commitment to respond adeptly and securely to crises, bolstering the holistic service quality we extend to the public.”

For those partaking in recognised courses or programmes, or choosing a recognised training provider, there’s an assurance that the course aligns with the IFE’s distinctive recognition criteria.

Adding to the conversation, Steve Hamm, IFE CEO commented: “Our union with UKRO represents a significant push towards championing distinction in rescue operations.

“By working jointly on a competency blueprint, we not only empower individual rescuers but also add value to the broader safety of the communities they cater to.

“Our combined endeavour epitomises our steadfast commitment to novelty, proficiency, and the persistent betterment of rescue methodologies.”

This crucial juncture in professional rescue signifies a dawning era characterized by diversified expertise and ingenuity.

With the merger of their wisdom and assets, the IFE and UKRO set the pace for a safer and more adept phase for rescue procedures.

IFSJ Comment

The partnership between the IFE and UKRO is a testament to the evolving landscape of rescue services in the UK.

As challenges grow in complexity, there’s an increasing demand for streamlined frameworks and standards that can guide professionals in delivering their best.

This alliance not only reinforces the importance of proficiency but also underscores the value of collaboration in shaping the future of rescue operations.

By combining their expertise, the IFE and UKRO are setting a benchmark that could influence rescue operations on a global scale, ensuring that responders are always prepared, competent, and efficient.

A new era in wildfire response

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesWildland Fire

IFE CEO Steve Hamm highlights the global imperative to combat increasing wildfires across the globe

Increasing wildfires are posing a profound threat to communities, tourists, and the local environment.

Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense wildfire occurrences, emphasising our need to take a proactive stance.

As I delve into this pressing issue, it’s clear that fire and rescue services need to re-evaluate and enhance their strategies to confront this escalating crisis directly.

The devastating wildfires in Greece finally subsided at the end of July after burning for nearly a fortnight, with popular travel spot, Rhodes, being the worst affected by the blazes.

More than 20,000 tourists and locals were forced to flee seaside hotels and houses, and around 10 per cent of the island was scorched.

Additionally, August saw more than 1,000 people evacuated in southern Portugal, where a wildfire spread across huge swathes of land in one of the country’s popular tourist destinations.

Around 800 firefighters tackled the blaze. Scorching 16,560 acres of land, the local fire and rescue services were forced to evacuate people in its path as a precautionary measure.

Wildfire response: Fire mapping and technology utilisation

With wildfires escalating globally, it’s crucial for fire and rescue services (FRS) to harness advanced technologies to map and monitor fire incidents more accurately.

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and satellite imagery can significantly improve fire mapping capabilities.

Integrating these tools allows responders to have real-time access to crucial data, including fire spread, hotspots, and areas at risk.

Accurate fire mapping empowers responders to allocate resources strategically, ensuring timely and effective action to protect lives and local infrastructure.

Additionally, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones can revolutionise wildfire management, and drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect hidden fires and provide situational awareness in remote areas.

Working alongside artificial intelligence (AI), we can enhance the analysis of fire patterns and predict fire behaviours, allowing responders to stay one step ahead of the flames.

With the UK experiencing soaring temperatures over recent years, wildfires are becoming an increasing threat and forcing FRSs in rural locations to develop and trial new training materials.

Northamptonshire FRS saw a large number of grass and crop fires last year, placing a huge demand on responders, resulting in a 76 per cent increase in wildfire incidents during July and August.

The service reviewed its response to wildfires and has introduced new wildfire backpacks on all frontline appliances.

The backpacks can carry up to 20 litres of water and can be used in areas that are inaccessible for a fire engine.

Responder Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As wildfires grow in intensity, responder safety becomes paramount. Ensuring that firefighters have access to state-of-the-art Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.

Traditional firefighting PPE may not provide adequate protection against the extreme conditions in wildfire environments and calls for enhanced breathing apparatus.

Competency and training

To respond effectively to the increasing scale and complexity of wildfires, FRSs must prioritise ongoing training and competency development for their personnel.

Wildfires demand a unique set of skills and expertise that go beyond conventional firefighting techniques.

Training should encompass various aspects, including wildfire behaviour, incident command systems, and wildfire-specific suppression strategies.

Responders must be educated on the importance of collaboration and integration with other agencies, such as forestry services and local authorities, to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response.

Community outreach

Beyond the efforts of fire and rescue services, fostering community awareness is essential in mitigating the impact of wildfires.

Educating residents about fire risks, evacuation procedures, and defensible space measures can significantly reduce vulnerability.

Fire departments should actively engage with communities to conduct drills, workshops, and information sessions on wildfire safety.

Encouraging the adoption of Firewise principles and community-based fire prevention initiatives can create a more resilient society capable of responding proactively to wildfire threats.

The surge in wildfires due to climate change demands a shift in how fire and rescue services prepare and respond to these events.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing training and competency, we can create robust response methods to protect lives, property, and the environment.

Additionally, fostering community engagement and preparedness will create a united front against the escalating threat of wildfires.

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) remains committed to driving global professional competency and advocating for measures that safeguard our communities from the challenges posed by climate-driven wildfires.

Together, through collaboration and innovation, we can build a safer and more resilient future.

To learn more about the IFE visit www.ife.org.uk.

IFSJ perspective

In recent times, the wildfire narrative has escalated from isolated events to global crises.

As a leading voice in the fire and safety sector, IFSJ recognises that climate change has played a role in the irrevocably altered the wildfire paradigm.

Events in Hawaii, Canada, Greece and Portugal are emblematic of the widespread devastation wildfires can wreak, impacting both ecosystems and economies.

The demand for innovation in fire management has never been more acute. Cutting-edge tools, such as GIS technologies and UAVs integrated with thermal imaging and AI, can significantly reshape our response strategies. However, technology alone isn’t the panacea.

We commend Northamptonshire FRS for their forward-thinking adaptations and underscore the imperative of specialised training, equipping responders with nuanced skills tailored to the multifaceted challenges of wildfires.

Yet, an often under-emphasized pillar in our arsenal against wildfires is community engagement.

Fostering a culture of preparedness, awareness, and proactive defence at the grassroots level can drastically mitigate risks.

Our collective response to this escalating crisis should be as interconnected and pervasive as the fires themselves.

Only through holistic strategies can we hope to counteract this incendiary threat to our global community.

The IFE’s commitment reflects the urgency of this global imperative, emphasising the necessity of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient future.

This exclusive article was originally published in the September 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Programme highlights announced for IFE FIRE Conference 2023

by EventsFeatured News

Leading the future of fire safety

FIRE Conference 2023 brings together experts and industry leaders

Details on keynote speakers, workshops, and ticket options for the FIRE Conference revealed

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the programme highlights for the eagerly anticipated FIRE conference 2023, set to make a return on Tuesday 17th October at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London.

Following the success of last year’s conference with over 400 delegates in attendance, the event will feature a mix of in-person and online presentations and workshops.

The theme for 2023 will be ‘leading the future of fire safety,’ with a focus on sustainability and new legislation.

This year’s conference will be chaired by broadcaster Sima Kotecha.

Among the keynote speakers and workshop highlights are:

  • Keynotes:
    • Adopting a human-centred response to tragedy – lessons from Grenfell:
      • Danny Friedman KC of Matrix Chambers will discuss the learnings from the response to the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent inquiry, including the need for a system that “places human dignity at its core and removes discrimination.”
    • Building Safety Regulator updates:
      • An update on the Building Safety Act and its reception so far in England, led by a government representative.
    • A ministerial plenary:
      • Subject to confirmation, an MP will provide updates from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
    • Enforcement – who is responsible now?
      • An overview of changes in enforcement due to new legislation.
    • The future of fire risk assessors:
      • Steve Hamm, IFE CEO, will discuss the future of fire risk assessment.
  • Workshops:
    • Legal and contractual responsibilities.
    • The long-term health of firefighters.
    • Utilising new technologies – the future of training.
    • National regulator for construction products and the future of fire testing, featuring speakers like Chris Miles, Commercial Director, FPA, and Peter Caplehorn, CEO, Construction Products Association.
    • Tackling fire safety in batteries.

The event will welcome both physical and virtual attendees, with ticket options ranging from £125.00 plus VAT for virtual attendance to £275.00 plus VAT for non-member and commercial organisations wishing to attend in person.

Further details on sessions and speakers will be released as they are confirmed.

IFSJ Comment

The announcement of the programme highlights for the FIRE conference 2023 underlines the ongoing commitment of the fire safety industry to address pressing issues such as sustainability, new legislation, and technological advances.

The inclusion of key figures from across the industry, government, and related sectors adds to the significance of this event in shaping the future of fire safety in the UK and beyond.

About the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

The Institution of Fire Engineers is a global organisation that supports the fire prevention and firefighting communities, promoting best practices and supporting fire professionals’ development.

By providing training, conferences, and resources, the IFE plays a pivotal role in enhancing fire safety and response across industries and governments. For more information, please visit their official website.

IFE marks sixth anniversary of Grenfell Tower fire

by Featured NewsSafety

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has recently published an article concerning the ongoing effects and necessary action in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower disaster. This comes as we await the much-anticipated second and final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The IFE underscores that the fire safety industry must persistently lead and work in tandem with its partners to restore faith in high-rise communities and the broader built environment.

Lessons learned from Grenfell Tower

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has revealed crucial insights and illuminated systemic failures that must be rectified to prevent such a tragic incident from happening again. The IFE insists that industries within the built environment must collaboratively learn from this calamity and take effective action to safeguard those who live in high-rise buildings. This calls for keeping industry professionals updated on the latest legislative changes.

Boosting competency levels

To protect the safety and welfare of high-rise communities, the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and Fire Safety (England) Regulations have become focal points of discussion. In a bid to aid those working within the built environment, the IFE released guidance to help industry professionals navigate the new legislation and comprehend its effects on current fire safety practices.

In a joint effort, the IFE and The British Standards Institution (BSI) have devised a free webinar series to clarify the Building Safety Act Gateways and explain the processes to adopt. As an additional competency measure, the IFE has recently enforced a rule that mandates new and existing individuals to be dual registered with the Engineering Council, guaranteeing a proficient and diverse group of fire safety professionals.

Prompting necessary change

The Fire Sector Federation (FSF) initiated a campaign in October 2022, advocating for a more extensive conversation around a national fire safety strategy to mitigate fire risks within the UK. The IFE played an instrumental role in the development of this document, identifying possible risks and raising competency standards. A comprehensive update on the progress of the document will be presented in October at the annual FIRE conference.

Restoring trust and confidence in high-rise communities necessitates cooperation among all stakeholders within the built environment. The fire sector remains committed to its mission of protecting life, property, and the environment, persistently enhancing operational capabilities, investing in training, and sharing knowledge and best practices.

As we draw nearer to the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy, the pain and trauma experienced by the victims and their loved ones are acknowledged. The fire sector is steadfast in its commitment to honour the memory of the lost lives and ensure that their legacy acts as a catalyst for enduring change, in partnership with the community to ensure a safer future for all.

Read the article from the Institution of Fire Engineers here.

IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference: Meet the Speakers

by AmericasBreaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

The IFSJ Leaders In Fire & Safety Conference promises to be a must-attend event for anyone in the Middle East fire and safety industry, and will bring together some of the most prominent figures in the industry as speakers and panellists to discuss the biggest issues facing leaders in the industry.

Among them are experts in business strategy, emerging trends, regulations, and innovation from the region. Attendees can expect to hear from an array of speakers, including industry leaders, top executives, and influencers, who will share their insights and perspectives on the latest developments and challenges in the field. The diverse range of speakers promises to make the conference an informative and engaging experience for all attendees.

IFSJ is proud to introduce the speakers and panellists who will be sharing their insights with attendees to the exclusive one-day event.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

H.E. Excellency Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of DCD for Fire and Rescue Affairs

CONFERENCE CHAIR

Terry Johnson, Technical Service Manager at ENOC and President of The Institutions of Fire Engineers GCC Branch

Terry Johnson’s career began in the UKFRS and progressed to international development with the United Nations Development Program (UNIDO) as an ‘Technical Assistant Expert’ Fire Safety Training in the Oil & Gas sector. He spent some time at the Fire Service College UK looking at international development subsequently seconded to Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) UAE.

He represented DCD on various Emergency Crisis committees and working groups as a Senior Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services Professional, disciplined for All Operational requirements, including Major Emergency Incident planning and crisis liaison. Now, Johnson is currently engaged by Emirates National Oil Company ENOC, looking at sustainable and environmental solutions to match the resilience needed for asset and response team protection for ENOC assets. 

PRESENTERS

Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA

Jason is the General Manager of Global Fire Service Products and Integration Leader of MSA Bristol for MSA Safety. In this role, he is responsible for establishing the global vision, strategy and growth initiatives for MSA Safety’s global portfolio of Fire Service Products and provides leadership for the integration of MSA Bristol. Upon joining MSA in 2012 as the Product Group Manager for Respiratory Protection, Jason revolutionized MSA’s approach to Fire Service Marketing and was critical to the successful launch of the G1 SCBA and M1 SCBA platforms.

Sinclair Duffie, Chief Fire Officer – Nawah Energy Company

Sinclair Duffie joined the Scottish Fire Service in 1983 with Central Region Fire Brigade. In 1993, he moved into Fire Prevention as Station Officer in and remained there and promoted to Station Manager in 2004. Duffie spent the remaining nine years of service between operations, training, and community safety before retiring in early 2012 with 29 years’ service. In 2012, Duffie joined ADNOC offshore operations on Das Island as Incident Command System Coordinator responsible for major incidents response planning and development. In 2017, he joined Nawah as a Team Leader. He was promoted to his current position which he has been held since 2018.  Duffie has been active on the Middle East conference circuit. He currently lives in Al Dhannah city in Abu Dhabi.

James Clarke, Fire Officer with Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service

James Clarke is Station Commander with 24 years operational experience. He has worked in research, development and procurement within the fire service. He has been instrumental in moving one the most influential services in the UK towards best practice with regards to post fire decontamination. Clarke has previously presented at the UKs first seminar on occupational cancer in the fire service on post fire decontamination and implementing policy and procedures.

Howard Leedham MBE, Managing Director, ESID DMCC

Howard is the Managing Director of ESID DMCC, a Special Situations and Global Consultancy company based in Dubai. He has lived and worked in the Middle East for much of the past 15-years and is a licensed “Security Expert” with the Security Industry Regulatory Authority. He is a member of the Security Professionals Association, and was most recently the Industry Ambassador to Intersec 2022.

Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD

PANELLISTS

David Campbell, General Manager – Dubai Civil Defence Emirates Safety Laboratory

David Campbell is General Manager for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory, educated in Applied Sciences – Fire Technology, Fire Engineering and Environmental Sciences – Natural Resource Management and Digital Transformations with 33 years working in the sector of which the past 13 years supporting the Middle East region.

Alexander Castellanos, Head of Fire & Life Safety – Middle East at WSP

Castellanos has close to two decades of experience in the Fire and Life Safety Engineering field. He graduated from the prestigious University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering program from where he went on to practice in New York City, China, and London. He relocated to the UAE in early 2012 and is currently the regional Head of Fire and Life Safety for WSP in the Middle East where his focus is on client care and technical excellence of the team. Alexanders experience ranges from working with fire and egress modelling early in his career to site supervision and client, authority and stakeholder liaison in recent times. He was part of the UAE Fire Code 2018 development committee and has continued to support similar roles in developing governance for semi-governmental entities.

Sawsan Dahham, Head of Fire and Life Safety at Dar

Sawsan is a Fire and Life safety specialist and a code expert, currently assigned as the Global Head of Fire and Life Safety at Dar. She is also an Authorized NFPA instructor.  
She has acquired an extensive experience having worked on all types of major projects such as mixed-use complexes, airports, health care facilities, and prestigious urban developments located in the Arab Gulf region, the Middle East, and Africa. She is also a contributor to publications in the fire and life safety industry.

Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Manager at Intertek Building and Construction

Cristina is a civil engineer with Master’s of Science in Structural Engineering. She gained her experience in the fire industry in Spain and for the last 4 years has been in the Middle east acting as Regional Operations Manager for Intertek. She specialises in product testing and certification for building products focused passive fire protection, and actively works to increase awareness on the importance of a comprehensive approach to fire safety. 

Mark Fenton, Sales Director – EMEA & APAC at Amerex Corporation

Mark is the Sales Director for Amerex Corporation, part of McWane Group, looking after the company’s full range of fire protection products and systems across EMEA and APAC. Prior to that he spent 3 years as a business consultant working with companies in the Middle East and the UK and 20 years with Honeywell where his last role was General Manager for MEA & EEU looking after their life safety and security businesses.

Engineer Salma Humaid, Head of Engineering Section at DCD

Engineer Salma Humaid is an accomplished fire safety engineer at Dubai Civil Defense. Her work plays a critical role in ensuring buildings and structures in Dubai meet the highest fire safety standards. She has helped implement fire safety regulations and codes, delivered presentations at various conferences, and worked closely with architects, contractors, and engineers to promote fire safety education and training. Her contributions have been recognised numerous times, and she continues to make Dubai a safer place for residents through her expertise in fire safety engineering.

Dr Susan Lamont is Director, Fire Group Leader Middle East at Arup

Dr Lamont has worked in the fire protection industry for over 20 years in the UK, USA, Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa. She is a chartered engineer, a Fellow at Arup, a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and a board member of the Fire Protection Research foundation. She has worked though all stages of design and construction on a diverse range of projects.

Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment

Paul Pope is Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment. Paul has been active in the fire and security industry since 1985 and has held senior management positions in some of the leading international fire and security companies. Pope has been active in the Fire Industry Association (FIA). He also is a member of the Building Fire Safety Systems Section of the NFPA in the USA.

Sajid Raza, CEO of Butler Engineering Middle East

Sajid Butler is the CEO of Butler Engineering (ME) & Butler Engineering Int’l Ltd (UK), responsible for overall operational steering of the organization in Middle East, Europe and Asia. His all-round contribution to fire consulting fraternity globally led him to be part of several UL Standards Technical Panels (UL-STP), IAS Technical Advisory Council (IAS-TAC), FCIA Standards Committee, International Firestop Council (IFC) Inspector and Special Inspection Training Committees.

Bob Rea, Director and Lead facilitator at BR Training Solutions Ltd

Bob is a recognised professional in crisis management, with over 30 years of experience of emergency management and preparation. He was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal (QFSM) for his work leading the implementation of the UK National Urban Search and Rescue capability under the UK government’s New Dimension project. Bob established BR Training Solutions Limited to develop organisational response plans for middle eastern students in the USA.

Steven Reilly, Principal Engineer, Fire & Life Safety Lead MENA at Cundall

Steven is the Fire & Life Safety Lead for the MENA region at Cundall, with over fifteen years experience in fire & engineering consultancy. He has vast experience in Fire Safety, from carrying out Fire Risk Assessments & Audits on new and existing international developments to leading multidisciplinary teams. Zero Carbon Design 2030 has seen Cundall commit to only designing zero carbon projects by 2030.

Muzaffer Ahmed Syed, Regional Manager (Firestop) at fischer FZE

Muzaffer is the Regional Manager – FireStop for Fischer FZE. He manages the Technical and Commercial aspects of the FireStop within the Middle East and North Africa Region from the Regional HQ in Dubai, UAE. He is an Associate Member of The Institution of Fire Engineers, UK, and has been involved in the fire protection industry for over 10 years. He is involved in providing firestop solutions, testing, certification, liaising with the authorities, and providing educational seminars to consultants and contractors.

Peter Stephenson, Director, Fire Safety Division at Hydrock

As a Director (Fire Engineering) at Hydrock, Stephenson co-ordinates the companies international expansion into the Middle East and consultancy activities including developing fire strategies, fire and emergency response strategies and fire systems analysis for projects. His experiences in fire safety engineering and rail infrastructure projects includes working as a Business Development Manager at Warringtonfire, Associate Director at Buro Happold, Senior Fire Safety Engineer for Network Rail, Fire Safety Officer for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and as a consultant in both large multi-disciplinary and small independent practices.

Joanne Taylor is Director of De-Wipe and Reach & Rescue

Jo Taylor is an experienced entrepreneur International Sales Director and Managing Director having built two businesses with in the Emergency Services Industry with unique products over the last 13 years from start-up to global success. She has a wealth of knowledge and respect in the Fire and Rescue Industry and was previously a personal assistant to CEO’s for 16 years working in the Utility and Construction industry. She was honoured in NY2020 by HMQ with an MBE for safeguarding Fire Fighters.

Peter Van Gorp, Technical Director Fire, Life Safety and Loss Prevention at HKA

Peter Van Gorp has over twenty-five years of experience working as a Fire Engineer and has spent more than fifteen years of his career working in the Middle East. Peter is highly experienced in the areas of fire, life-safety and loss prevention and has been engaged on various building-fire and life-safety projects ranging across schools, hotels, hospitals, large shopping malls, multi-occupancy high-rises and industrial developments. 

Duncan J. White, Managing Editor at International Fire and Safety Journal

Duncan has worked in the fire industry for over 35 years, having started his career as a firefighter in 1987. Following almost 30 years as an operational fire officer he has continued his involvement with the fire industry as an editor within global publishing.

Tom Wood, Regional Director, Middle East at Vortex Fire

Tom Wood is a Fire Engineering professional with over 10 years working experience, and over 6 years based in the Middle East. His work has included airports, rail, commercial offices and residential buildings, malls and warehouses. He is an experienced fire consultant with a thorough knowledge of NFPA, SBC, IBC, EN and British codes and standards. He develops practical and cost-effective fire safety strategies and alternative fire engineered solutions using relevant guidance and present these to Authorities for final approval.

Other Panellists

Also featuring on panel sessions throughout the day are:

  • Engineer Pramod Challa, Senior Engineer, Dubai Civil Defense
  • James Grew, Deputy Divisional Director at Hydrock
  • Andy Hall, Owner and General Manager of Hall Fire and Safety Consultants
  • Carlo Loveri, Business Continuity Manager at Emirates Steel
  • Sam Malins, CEO at Reacton Fire Suppression
  • Even Ottesen, International Sales Manager at DAFO Fomtec AB
  • Mrinaal Sapru, Head of Regional Sales for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory
  • Eiad Shami, Senior Consultant, Fire & Life Safety at WSP;
  • James Varley, Associate Director at WS Atkins
  • Steve Walker, Director of Fire Safety at Hydrock.

IFE collaborates with Fire Service College for National Apprenticeship Week

by Featured NewsTraining

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has joined forces with leading training facility, the Fire Service College, to boost the number of new entrants to the profession during National Apprenticeship Week. In a bid to drive recruitment and encourage young talent, the industry bodies are demonstrating the varied and diverse career opportunities that derive from apprenticeships.

As the global professional membership body for fire engineers, the IFE is dedicated to supporting its members through legislative change and encouraging new talent to join the industry. As a testament to this, the institution recently made its student membership free of charge, providing the new talent pool with access to key resources and online continuing professional development (CPD). Keeping abreast of regulatory changes is vital in order to keep up to date with new ways of working and best practices.

In the early stages of developing an Early Careers Networking Group, the IFE is tapping into their global community to encourage people into the fire sector. This will provide budding fire engineers at the Fire Service College with a platform to share knowledge, raise issues and network.

As part of the apprenticeship pathway, every apprentice must successfully undertake an independent end-point assessment to confirm they have achieved occupational competence and capability.

The IFE recognise the FSC’s end-point assessment as a route to membership and through working cohesively, this enables students to apply for Technician grade membership earning the post-nominals TIFireE.

Commenting on the joint venture, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers, Steve Hamm, added: ‘It’s such an exciting time to join the industry. Through working with the Fire Service College, we are able to showcase clear pathways into the fire sector and how it offers a range of diverse opportunities. From mapping wildfires in the U.S. to developing hydrogen energy projects in Japan, not all roles lead to becoming a firefighter and fire engineers remain crucial in our mission to a sustainable and fire-safe future.”

“As the international professional body for those in the fire sector, it’s our responsibility to offer inspiration, support and professional development to the next generation of fire engineering talent. Through offering free membership to apprentices and developing platforms for young talent, we’re showcasing our dedication to the next generation of fire engineers.”

With academia remaining pivotal to evolving fire safety, The Fire Service College is also developing their academic modules to cover the new legislative framework. This will ensure recruits are competent and adaptive to the new enforcements.

Remaining one of the top fire training facilities in the world, the college has plans in place to ensure learning experiences remain second to none. Learning Delivery and Transformation Director at the college, Clair Mowbray, commented “Our apprenticeship programme has been developed by sector experts, taking on board feedback from previous apprentices. All those who take part in an apprenticeship programme with us have access to world-class training facilities and experienced, highly qualified instructors. Our apprenticeships are a fantastic route into becoming a fire and rescue professional.

For further information on apprenticeships at the Fire Service College, visit https://apprentices.fireservicecollege.ac.uk/ or contact 01608 812984. To explore membership opportunities at the IFE, please visit https://www.ife.org.uk/Membership-and-Registration for more details.

IFSJ Influencer: Fiona Perrin, Chair of the IFE Women in Fire Engineering Networking Group

by Featured NewsIFSJ Influencers
Chair of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Women in Fire Engineering Networking Group (WiFENG) shares her views and predictions for the fire and safety industry for the year ahead

We are facing a huge crisis in the Fire Safety sector with a severe shortage of skilled workers. At the time of writing this piece there were 3,207 jobs being advertised on LinkedIn in the UK using the key words ‘Fire Safety’. That is a lot when considering there are only 17,000 hits on LinkedIn when doing a similar ‘people’ search. That is about a 20% vacancy rate. And out of those 17,000 fire safety people – how many are really competent for the roles being advertised?

I am the current Chair of the IFE Women in Fire Engineering Networking Group (#WIFENG) and I believe women are the answer. Women can not only help reduce the vacancy rate and increase retention rates, but they can also bring about diversity of thought and in turn increase profits.

The benefits associated with diversity of thought in the workplace are especially notable at the leadership level, where excessive homogeneity (i.e., too many old white men) can stifle innovation, and leave critical blind spots. A recent study found that companies with the most women board directors outperformed those with the least by up to 26%.

At the moment only 21% of women go into Engineering fields from school and up to 83% of women end up leaving their STEM careers before they are 35. If women do choose to stay on in their engineering careers, they can look forward to earning approximately 11% less than their male counterparts. This pay-gap widens the more senior the position.

So, what can organisations do?

Diversifying leadership can offer much-needed female representation, encourage younger women into the industry, and encourage them to apply for senior and more well-paid roles. Female leaders can also act as mentors for women entering the field and give them invaluable advice and support based on their own experience.

Over half of women in engineering reported having experienced some form of discrimination in the workplace. Organisations need to foster a culture to support and grow women. This often requires greater flexibility as women often take a larger share of the child caring responsibilities. Flexible working is not just allowing working from home two days per week, it is compressed hours, less hours or different start/finish times to work around childcare. Be willing to think outside the box.

Combating stereotypes, offering equal pay and offering women promotions into leadership roles will all help. Supporting Women in industry groups and award schemes will also help.

At WIFENG we are trying to do the following: support women at all levels within the industry; develop women and help them gain the confidence and skills to get that promotion; and inspire the next generation of females to get into Fire Safety and Engineering.

What can you do to help women in the fire safety industry?

About the influencer

Fiona Perrin has been working in health and safety for nearly 20 years and in fire safety for almost as long and has recently graduated as a Fire Engineer.

Fiona has had a varied career which has involved consulting, media, heritage, constructions, local government and housing. She spent 12 years at the BBC where she could be found fire risk assessing international offices, large events, numerous TV sets, stunts and special effects.

Fiona is a Chartered Fellow with IOSH and a Member of IFE. She is also the Chair of the IFE Women in Fire Engineering Support Group and advocates and supports women in the fire industry.

This article was originally published in the November edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Institution of Fire Engineers launches Caribbean and South America branch

by Uncategorized

The Institution of Fire Engineers has announced the launch of a new Caribbean and South America (CASA) branch.

The branch officially launched this week with its inaugural AGM and conference taking place in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. The two-day event focused on ‘A regional approach to capacity and capability building’ bringing together stakeholders including fire engineering leaders, first responders and government officials from across the region to establish a unified approach to fire prevention, risk, disaster management and emergency response.

Steve Hamm, IFE Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to launch the CASA branch. This development builds on the existing presence that the IFE has had for many years in Trinidad and Tobago and the hard work and dedication of our members in that area.

“There has been a real concerted effort with the IFE headquarters team working with key personnel from the Government of the Virgin Islands and the University of West Indies to get this branch established and I thank everyone involved in this project.

“We are committed to supporting professionalism and competency in fire engineering across the world. CASA will give fire engineers in the region access to greater education and qualifications, as well as the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities that are among the many benefits of being an IFE member.”

“CASA will give fire engineers in the region access to greater education and qualifications, as well as the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities that are among the many benefits of being an IFE member.”

CASA branch president, Professor Clyde Phillip from the University of West Indies, added: “We are looking forward to promoting IFE CASA and encouraging fire and emergency response professionals in the region to learn more about our work and how the Institution can benefit them in their everyday lives.

“Our branch ethos is all about providing the knowledge and expertise required to strengthen the skills and instincts of fire professionals enabling them to identify, develop and sustain the targeted capabilities necessary for continuous improvement and reducing the occurrence of fire and other incidents.

“We will also build on the integration with risk and disaster management personnel in strengthening capability and resilience through standardisation, collaboration and certification within CASA. Our branch will be a supportive network for the region, offering membership, qualifications and events.”