Winnipeg firefighter shortages creating ‘unsafe situation’

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

The United Firefighters of Winnipeg, the union that represents Winnipeg firefighters, has called out staffing shortages at city fire stations which it said are leading to an “untenable and unsafe situation” putting its members and the public at risk.

United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Tom Bilous said that all shifts are being affected and the shortages are causing engines and sometimes entire squads to be unavailable.

“That’s a safety issue for our members … it’s also unsafe for the (public) that’s waiting (while) those valuable seconds are ticking by and machines have to come from further away,” he told Global News Winnipeg Morning

Bilous blamed the city’s hiring practices and “an inadequate and outdated staffing ratio” for the shortages.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has acknoledged that it is going through a repeated short-staffing issue. Assistant Chief of the WFPS, Jason Shaw, said several factors are at play, including Covid-19, burnout, long-term disability and mental health issues.

Bilous said at least 50 new firefighters are needed to fix the immediate issues, and the union is proposing a hiring blitz.

He said overtime shifts are starting to affect firefighters. “We have a very busy fire department, so we need that time off,” he said. “We’ve stretched the rubber band as far as we can and something’s going to snap.”

Shaw said nine people have recently been hired, and the service is working with the union to further address the shortages.

“We’re working through the processes, we’re communicating with our union partnerships,” he said. “We’re really doing our best to makes sure that we can get everyone back.

“It’s been challenging. We’re talking about very high call volumes and it’s been a busy time and we’re hopefully coming out of this.”

Fire Detection Equipment market to reach over $12bn by 2026

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

The global fire detection equipment market size is expected to grow from USD $6.78 billion in 2021 to $7.72 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%.

The growth in the market is mainly due to the companies rearranging their operations and recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges.

The fire detection equipment market is expected to reach $12.46 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 12.7%.

Government regulations and mandates on fire detection measures contribute to the fire detection equipment market’s growth. Globally, different government agencies have implemented various laws regarding the installation of fire safety equipment in organizations to ensure employees’ safety.

High installation and maintenance cost may negatively impact the sales of fire detection equipment as the initial investment in installing a fire detection system includes the cost of equipment, installation, and subscription of security monitoring services.

In addition to that, along with maintenance cost makes the use of fire detection systems an expensive affair, potentially hampering the fire detection equipment market’s growth.

Major players in the fire detection equipment market are Johnson Controls, Honeywell International, United Technologies, Siemens, Halma, Gentex, Robert Bosch, Hochiki, Securiton AG, Encore Fire Protection, Sterling Safety Systems, Fire Suppression Limited, Schrack Seconet AG, Napco security technologies, VFP Fire Systems, Siemens AG, Emerson Electric Co., Bosch Security Systems, Tyco International Limited, Spectrex, Inc., Johnson Controls, General Monitors, Inc., Fire Suppression Limited, Schrack Seconet AG, Napco security technologies and VFP Fire Systems.

North America was the largest region in the fire detection equipment market in 2021. Asia pacific was the second largest region in the fire detection equipment market. The regions covered in the fire detection market are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

London Fire Brigade issues e-bike safety warning

by Featured News

The London Fire Brigade has issued an e-bike safety warning following a blaze at a block of high-rise flats in London’s Shepherd’s Bush on Wednesday 22 June.

Charlie Pugsley, London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, said: “It’s incredibly concerning that we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes. When the lithium-ion batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly, the situation can quickly become incredibly serious. e-bikes and e-scooters are often stored in communal areas and corridors and can block people’s only means of escape.”

He continued: “Another issue with fires involving lithium-ion batteries, and which we witnessed at this latest fire, is that, when they fail, they eject their contents over a wide area, which can lead to multiple areas of burning in the room where the fire has started.”

The Brigade’s investigators have determined that many of the e-bike incidents have involved e-bike conversion kits (used to convert a standard push bike into an electric bike) rather than purpose-built e-bikes. These only provide the motors and control gear, but batteries for conversion kits must be sourced separately, he continued “There is a significant risk posed by e-bikes created through conversion. We are predominantly seeing fires in ones that have been purchased from online marketplaces and with batteries sourced on the Internet. The latter may not meet the correct safety standards. Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used.”

He added: “Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or a garage. If they must be stored inside, make sure smoke detection systems are fitted and that means of escape are not obstructed. We know this will not be possible for everyone, so if e-bikes are being charged indoors, it’s always best to adopt safe charging and ensure that everyone in residence knows what to do in the event of a fire.”

A spokesperson from Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council commented: “We are grateful to the Emergency Services for their speedy response on this incident. We urge all residents to follow the London Fire Brigade’s advice when charging e-scooters and e-bikes at home. These batteries and chargers that are often bought unregulated on the internet, are highly dangerous and expose people to unacceptable risks. We will be looking to take robust measures to ban charging inside Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council-run accommodation and seek the Government’s assistance.”

Welsh government launches cladding crisis support scheme

by Breaking NewsConstructionIndustry SectorsProjects

A new support scheme for those facing significant financial hardship as a result of the cladding crisis has been launched by the Welsh Government to provide tailored, independent advice to leaseholders in affected homes.

It is currently targeted at leaseholders who are owner occupiers and those who have become displaced residents, but the Minister confirmed applications would be monitored and eligibility kept under review to ensure ‘those who need support most have access to the scheme’.

Climate Change Minister Julie James, who confirmed the Leaseholder Support Scheme would open at 10am on Monday, June 27, said: “Today, we are launching the Leaseholder Support Scheme which will help those who need support the most.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the external partners and sector experts who have assisted us in developing this scheme at pace.

“Their support and hard work have been critical to establishing the right qualifying criteria and support processes.”

All leaseholders eligible for this scheme will now receive advice from an Independent Financial Adviser, with the costs fully covered by the Welsh Government.

The advice will support them in making the right choice for them and, if the sale of their property is the right route, the Welsh Government will enable them to sell their property at a fair market value.

Full guidance on the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, will be published on the Welsh Government website at 10am today.

The Minister continued: “Addressing fire safety defects in medium and high-rise buildings must go beyond cladding to make these buildings as safe as they can be.

“This has been our premise from the outset and, although it makes identifying, addressing and resolving issues significantly more complex, it is the right approach.

“There are no quick or easy fixes, but we cannot compromise on achieving the right, sustainable solutions. 

“Anything less leaves the door open to the risk of further issues arising and it is important to me that, once these issues are resolved, they remain resolved.

“We must do this properly, to get it right now and for the future.”

Material identification lab launched by the Fire Protection Association

by Featured NewsSafety

In a bid to improve the quality of the built environment, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) has launched a new versatile and comprehensive fire testing and research facilities in the UK.

The FPA recently expanded its testing capabilities at its laboratory in Gloucestershire by investing in a new material identification testing service to help identify the type of insulation material used on a building.

The Testing Process

A total of three tests are conducted to identify whether the sample is PUR, PIR, phenolic foam, or wool. In order to carry out the insulation identification, a minimum sample size of 100mm by 100mm is required which is run through three machines:

The microcalorimeter determines the temperature at which the material combusts and the amount of heat released. The elemental analyser shows the chemical composition of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur in the material. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) measures the absorbance of infrared light which is analysed to determine the material’s molecular composition. 

Following the identification process, a comprehensive report outlining the test methodology and analysis is provided within 4-6 weeks of receipt of the samples.

FPA Managing Director, Jonathan O’Neill OBE said: “Not only does our new material identification testing service allow for the insulation material used on a building to be identified, it adds another significant benefit around verification.

“By fingerprinting the insulation samples, we can protect against material substitution, meaning we can assess whether a product installed on a building is the same as was submitted for fire testing. This also ensures the integrity of our UKAS accredited BS 8414 cladding tests.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, the FPA has priced its services competitively. The new material identification service includes three tests on each of our three machines, and costs £1,500 plus VAT.

Find out more about the new material identification service.

Gas explosion destroys homes in Birmingham

by ActiveFeatured News

At 20:38 on Sunday 26 June, fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding, Birmingham. The explosion, now thought to be a gas explosion, destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.

Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. West Midlands Police managed evacuations in the area.

In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said they believed the incident which completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged three adjoining properties, to be a gas explosion.

The statment said: “One man was rescued prior to the arrival of the fire service and was taken into the care of West Midlands Ambulance, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Four other people have been treated at the scene for minor injuries.

“We have evacuated the affected and surrounding properties with our colleagues from West Midlands Police. Our search and rescue dog and handler have been mobilised to the scene and an additional search and rescue dog from Lancashire has been requested and is also en route to assist us.

“Birmingham City Council planning officers are standing by to assist residents that may need rehousing. A structural engineer has also been requested.

“We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of on-scene emergency service officers.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.

“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.  After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.  His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.”

Sentry Doors secures accreditation for FD30S range

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Fire safety door supplier Sentry Doors has announced that it now offers UKCA accreditation on its entire range of FD30S flush and glazed doorsets following a bi-directional burn test of its double-glazed range, including its double glazed doorsets complete with double glazed and panel sidelight.

The United Kingdom Conformity Assessment mark (UKCA) replaces the CE mark used in the European Union, for mainland UK and serves as a declaration of performance to the essential characteristics in accordance with the harmonised standards. The UKCA marking came into effect in January 2021 with businesses granted an extension until the 1 of January 2023 to transition to the UKCA marking from CE marking.

The UKAS accredited lab tested doorsets comprising of the door leaf and a glazed panel sidelight, alongside a door leaf with a range of Sentry’s glazing combinations, to ensure all variations were compliant. Each test exceeded the minimum 30-minute time requirement for an FD30S doorsets, demonstrating the overall integrity of the doorset and the superiority of the product. This accreditation offers customers complete confidence in these products.

Ty Aziz, Managing Director, Sentry Doors said: ‘We are pleased to announce the success of our recent fire test for bi-directional FD30S UKCA Double Glazed doorset complete with double glazed and panel sidelight. We reacted quickly to the changes in the market last year and are happy to share that we were the fire UK fire door manufacturer to obtain the UKCA marking with approved body BM TRADA.

“We now offer our entire range of FD30S flat entrance door styles in a range of combinations to suit our customers and their project requirements. As Sentry grow, we are constantly making efforts to remain a market leader and be at the forefront of compliance’.

Discover Sentry Door’s full range of FD30S external UKCA doorsets now. For complete confidence in compliance, you can be secure with Sentry. Contact marketing@sentrydoors.co.uk for more information.

Fire protection system market to grow 6.7%

by Breaking NewsConstructionIndustry SectorsProducts

The global fire protection system market size, which was valued at USD 72.72 billion in 2021, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030.

In recent years, the market was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and knock on supply chain disruption across countries and regions. However, the post-pandemic market is expected to grow as the rising urban population which will likely boost demand for fire protection systems.

Fire protection systems include equipment such as fire detectors, fire response systems, fire analysis software, fire suppression systems, and fire sprinkler systems. These systems are installed in various infrastructures, including industrial buildings, residential buildings, and commercial buildings, to safeguard people and reduce the loss of destruction from fire hazards.

The adoption of fire protection systems in several developing countries was initially slow compared to developed nations due to the lack of awareness among consumers regarding the product as well as reduced regulatory pressure. However, the launch of fire safety programs and the use of targeted marketing explaining the benefits of a fire protection system have drawn the attention of large as well as small and medium enterprises, leading to steady market growth in recent years.

Construction of new properties, including residential and non-residential, is expected to offer new opportunities for installing fire alarm and detection systems. An increase in the number of property damage due to fire accidents is also driving the market.

The market for fire protection systems is also being driven by the regulations, standards, and codes imposed by different regulatory bodies as the growing standard has resulted in organisations installing up-to-date fire protection systems. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Detection

The fire detection segment accounted for more than 50.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. A fire detection system comprises various devices working collectively, which help detect and warn people through video and audio equipment during an incident involving smoke, carbon monoxide, fire, or other emergencies.

The fire analysis segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 13.6% from 2022 to 2030. The segment growth can be attributed to the increasing need for fire analysis, which helps make proper decisions during fire prevention.

Installation and maintenance

The installation and design service segment accounted for more than 40.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. This refers to the practice of outsourcing the solution for design, development, upgrades documentation and installing processes of the fire protection system. Fire protection systems are being installed across buildings of all sizes as inhabitants increasingly understand the benefits they offer in small, mid-size, and large buildings.

The maintenance services segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2030. Fire protection systems play a vital role in detecting and alerting people in the event of smoke or fire; however, any fault in the system may lead to accidents and asset losses.

Application Insights

The commercial application segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 45.0% share of the global revenue in 2021, which includes applications for retail, BFSI, government, healthcare, and telecom and IT educational institutions. The demand for fire protection systems in commercial applications is increasing due to the formulation of stricter government rules for fire prevention and control being put in place across the globe.

The industrial application segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.8% from 2022 to 2030. The industrial application covers major sectors such as oil and gas, mining, energy and power, and manufacturing. The need to safeguard automated systems from fire accidents is expected to fuel the growth of the segment.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market for fire protection systems and accounted for over 35.0% share of the global revenue in 2021, which can be attributed to the rising demand for intelligent houses and smart buildings.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period, with countries including as India, China, and Japan expected to drive the regional market. Growing urbanisation and rising awareness among the consumers are also expected to contribute to the growth of the market in this region over the forecast period.

Shepherd’s Bush tower block fire caused by e-bike says London Fire Brigade

by ActiveFeatured News

The London Fire Brigade have confirmed that the fire on the 12th floor of a high-rise building in Shepherd’s Bush earlier this week was caused by the failure of an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Queensdale Crescent in Shepherd’s Bush. London Ambulance Service confirmed that two patients were assessed at the scene and another was treated and taken to hospital.

Firefighters have now issued an urgent safety warning to e-bike owners, claiming that London’s firefighters  have seen a huge spike in e-bike and e-scooter incidents as they have become more popular in recent years and have issued several warnings about how ferocious the fires can be.

So far this year, crews have attended 32 fires involving e-bikes and another seven involving e-scooters. So far in 2022, there have been a further 17 fires involving other lithium-ion batteries and last year, in total there were more than 100 fires in the capital involving lithium-ion batteries.

The Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “It’s incredibly concerning that we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes.

“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.

“These items are often stored in communal areas and corridors and can block people’s only means of escape.

“Another issue with fires involving lithium-ion batteries and which we saw at yesterday’s fire is that when they fail, they eject their contents over a wide area which can lead to multiple areas of burning in the room where the fire has started.”

LFB’s advised never to store e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas as if they are involved in a fire as it can easily block the only means of escape.

Fire investigators determined that many of the e-bike incidents involved e-bike conversion kits (to convert a standard push bike into an electric bike rather than purpose built ones) which only provide the motors and control gear but batteries must be sourced separately.

Assistant Commissioner Pugsley added: “There is a significant risk posed by the e-bikes which have been converted and we are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online market places and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.

“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used.

“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed.

“However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on using safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.

“Make sure they are charged in a room where there is smoke detection and on a hard, flat surface.

“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”

London Fire Brigade’s E-bike and e-scooter safety advice:

  • Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
  • Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
  • Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
  • Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.
  • You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
  • Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
  • Never block your escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route.

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.”