Rosenbauer Brandschutz Deutschland wins huge incineration plant contract

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsWaste & Recycling

Rosenbauer has been commissioned to plan and build stationary fire protection systems for the Wiesbaden waste incineration plant, which is currently under construction, marking its largest order in history

The order covers all extinguishing equipment in the reception area with a large waste bunker in which up to 7,500 m3 of waste can be temporarily stored. Eleven deluge and four turret extinguishing systems will be installed, among others. Rosenbauer said that the latter was also decisive in winning the contract because Rosenbauer is the technological leader in this field.

The new waste incineration plant, which will go into operation in 2024, is being built to efficiently incinerate waste collected in the Wiesbaden region – while maintaining the best possible environmental and energy balance.

Around 200,000 tons of municipal and commercial waste per year can be utilized thermally with the plant, and around 100,000 MWh of district heating and around 150,000 MWh of electricity can be generated from this via a combined heat and power system to supply Wiesbaden’s households and to operate the power plant.

As a sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, it is hoped that the waste incineration plant will make an important contribution to CO2 savings and also supply the city’s commercial vehicles and buses with green hydrogen in the future if, as is currently being reviewed, the plant is expanded to include electrolysis.

 There are currently over 60 waste incineration plants in Germany with a total annual capacity of around 20 million tons. Waste is used as a cheap energy source in refuse-derived fuel power plants and in cement works, coal-fired and industrial power plants after prior processing, but few of them are equipped with the best possible fire protection technology like the future waste incineration plant in Wiesbaden.

A number of new, replacement, and expansion plants are planned, for example to absorb the residual waste volumes that are currently still being incinerated in coal-fired power plants, which will no longer be possible after the planned coal phase-out in 2038.

Rosenbauer added that it sees good sales opportunities for its stationary fire protection solutions in the future as well, above all the highly efficient turret extinguishing systems.

INTERSCHUTZ opens its doors

by Breaking NewsEvents

INTERSCHUTZ officially opens its doors today in Hannover. Brand-new topics, innovations and a broad supporting program consisting of conferences, competitions, workshops and live training are all on show at the trade fair for fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and safety/security which will runs until June 26.

What to expect

Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical challenges, the accompanying humanitarian crises and the increasing natural disasters caused by climate change, INTERSCHUTZ provides the urgently needed framework to engage in international discourse and jointly develop solutions to protect human lives.

“INTERSCHUTZ is more important today than ever before,” emphasized Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. More than 1,300 exhibitors from over 50 countries are looking forward to seeing their customers at the exhibition.

Parallel to INTERSCHUTZ, the German Fire Brigades Association (DFV) is organizing the 29th German Firefighters’ Day, to which the citizens of the city of Hannover and all international exhibition guests are invited. The event will kick off with a “Blue Light Mile” on Sunday in advance of the exhibition in the Hannover city center.

DFV President Karl-Heinz Banse is also looking forward to INTERSCHUTZ: “This is going to be a successful exhibition, indeed it is going to be a great 29th German Firefighters’ Day! At last, we can meet in person again, discuss technical issues, set the political course, and maintain and expand our national and international network of fire brigades. I’m really looking forward to the big events: Hannover will be the center of the firefighting world from 20 – 25 June 2022.”

Digitalization, population protection and sustainability

With the lead theme “Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue” , INTERSCHUTZ makes it clear where the journey is headed in the future. The digitalization of the firefighting and rescue sector is driving innovation and making a significant contribution to enabling emergency services to work even faster, more purposefully and more effectively. Visitors can get an overview of the wide range of solutions.

The first port of call on the subject of digitalisation is Hall 16: From the “digital twin” to modern communications and control center technology, it is full of innovations. The use of drones for reconnaissance flights, rescue and firefighting robots, the latest 5G applications and digital features on personal protective equipment will also be on display here and in the other halls.

“Speed, safety and quality are essential criteria for successful firefighting and rescue service operations,” said Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb). “Today, digitalized processes are already helping to improve operational procedures.” A look at industry and the economy gives an idea of the possibilities that can be exploited in the future to digitally optimize the emergency response system.

INTERSCHUTZ will also focus on other important topics, including civil protection. In times of increasing crisis situations, disaster management organizations are facing challenges as never before. The latest developments in robotics and the prototype of a pontoon boat at the stand of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief show the direction in which civil protection will be heading in the future.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, together with numerous partners, will present the pilot project “Laboratory Care 5,000”. At the voluntary humanitarian organization Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, rescue missions are simulated via virtual reality, making the new demands on teams visible.

Product innovations also await guests at the exhibition in the area of vehicle technology. Alternative drive systems for emergency vehicles, for example, will play a major role at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover. The pioneer here is the global Rosenbauer Group, which will be presenting, among other things, the world’s first fully electric turntable ladder at its stand in Hall 27.

The Berlin Fire Brigade is also bringing a Rosenbauer fire truck with electric drive to Hannover. In addition, electric vehicles for emergency command or transport of injured persons will be on display at the exhibition.

These, as well as other topics, can be covered in live, hands-on training sessions for emergency personnel at INTERSCHUTZ.

Six days of excitement and information

INTERSCHUTZ highlights also include the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (Monday to Friday) and the Firefit European Championships (Monday to Saturday), in which the best international firefighters compete against one another. In full gear and with breathing protection; among other things, they will have to climb a twelve meter high tower and pull up a fire hose.

After the impact machine, participants will run through a short slalom course and then pick up a filled fire hose to extinguish a target fire. In the final sprint, the goal is to rescue an 80 kilogram dummy and carry it to the finish line. It will be interesting to see whether the world record of 1:11 minutes will be broken at INTERSCHUTZ 2022.

Things will also get exciting at the new Hackathon@INTERSCHUTZ – a competition on the topic of civil protection and disaster control (23 – 25 June). This is about who comes up with the best ideas and strategies to incorporate artificial intelligence into crisis and situation management.

Civil protection will also be the focus of the CP Symposium on 21 – 22 June. In addition, there are various presentation stages at the stands of partners and exhibitors. The central INTERSCHUTZ Forum in Hall 26 will offer visitors more than 130 presentations where they can join in the discussion.

The conference covers all important aspects of the exhibition and focuses on one topic area each day: Preventive fire protection (Monday), Civil protection and disaster management (Tuesday), Forest fires and firefighting (Wednesday), Digitalization (Thursday) and Rescue services (Friday). The conference program will be broadcast live on the web, giving interested parties who cannot be on site this year the opportunity to follow INTERSCHUTZ live with all its exciting topics.

Digital participation also includes the networking feature, which allows out-of-town visitors to connect digitally with attendees at the exhibition via the INTERSCHUTZ website.

Platform for international exchange and mutual learning

Networking and exchange is also the goal of numerous international firefighting and civil protection delegations. Globe-trotting experts from more than 15 countries, including Australia, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Korea, plan to use INTERSCHUTZ to gain an overview of the industry’s advancements and expand their network.

“INTERSCHUTZ is the industry’s Number 1 platform for international exchange,” Mr. Köckler emphasized. He is particularly looking forward to the three Partner Countries France, Italy and the USA, which will be in the spotlight from Tuesday to Thursday. Experts will report on the special features of fire protection, safety and rescue in their countries at the joint country stands and in the stage program.

Italy, for example, is one of the countries with the highest natural disaster risk. In addition to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods and storm surges, the country also frequently has to contend with forest fires – an issue that is increasingly becoming a challenge in Germany as well under the influence of climate change.

Help for Ukraine

In addition to the three Partner Countries, Ukraine will also be in the spotlight at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Many fire brigades and aid organizations are doing their best every day, not only in the country but also in neighboring countries where Ukrainian refugees have been sheltering since Russia launched its war.

INTERSCHUTZ has launched a fundraising campaign in order to make an active contribution and to support the people in Ukraine, as well as the fire brigades and rescue units based there: “We will donate one euro to the good cause for every visitor to INTERSCHUTZ,” Köckler announced.

100 percent of the donations will go to the “Firefighters Aid for Ukraine” fund organized by the German Fire Brigades Association (DFV), and the donation check will be handed over to the responsible persons on Saturday, 25 June within at the DFV Delegates Meeting.

Tickets & COVID policies

Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ can be purchased on the INTERSCHUTZ website (www.interschutz.de) or at the box offices at the entrances (North 1, West 1 and 2, South 1). Day tickets cost 24 euros, concessionary tickets are 19 euros. The season ticket for the entire duration of the fair is 54 euros. Admission is from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday to Saturday. The digital offerings (conference, networking) can be used free of charge.

There are no longer any COVID-related access restrictions to the exhibition grounds. No vaccination status is requested, nor is evidence of a negative COVID test required. In addition, there is no general requirement to wear a mask, but for personal protection, wearing a mask indoors is recommended. The specifications of the respective exhibitors apply at the exhibition stands. Masks are still compulsory on public transport.

IFSJ Exclusive: Next Generation Firefighting vehicles

by Breaking NewsProductsVehicles
Magirus talks about how firefighting is entering a new level of efficiency and safety with tactical robots, drones and digital solutions

With the presentation of the new generation of turntable ladders with SmartControl, digital solutions like TacticNet or FleetConnect and a brand-new series of fire-fighting and tactical response robots, Germany-based manufacturer Magirus has developed a product portfolio with intelligent networking in many key areas of firefighting.

Its digital-innovative evolution has set new standards for the operational capability, effectiveness and safety of fire brigades. Located in Ulm, the traditional company started its journey to the “Next Generation Firefighting” more than two years ago and presented in the meantime a series of innovative products and solutions to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges of fire-fighters all around the world.

The premiere of the Wolf R1 robot

With the premiere of the powerful, flexibly deployable tactical response robot with a completely electric drive, Magirus expanded its product range of robotic vehicles at the Civil Protect trade fair in Bolzano in September 2021. The company was taking the next logical step in the field of robotic, remote-controlled firefighting and emergency vehicles. The Magirus Wolf R1 was specially developed to meet the significantly increased requirements of complex, high-risk operations. It combines performance and multifunctionality that are unequalled in this class.

The Magirus Wolf R1 tactical robot allows firefighters to stay out of harm’s way in conditions of intense heat, collapse dangers, hazardous materials investigations or poor visibility, while persevering on the spot with complete precision. Specialised camera systems enable all-round visibility; robust data transmission solutions ensure that the operations command is always supplied with the latest live images and videos. The all-electric crawler drive with 1,050 Nm torque allows the Wolf R1 to move purposefully and quietly on the most difficult surfaces and to act flexibly.

Its performance is particularly useful for high-risk firefighting, reconnaissance, and security tasks. The operational robot has a tractive force of up to four tonnes and reaches a top speed of up to 15 km/h. Its battery capacity is particularly high and can function without tools and can be almost endlessly extended by means of an exchangeable battery. Furthermore, the Wolf R1 features an intuitive and flexible control via radio remote-controlled visual guidance with a range of up to 150 metres, or alternatively, as command control via a system carrier vehicle with a range of up to 2,500 metres.

Tactical mission support

When used with Magirus’s TacticNet tactical operations network and drone escort, the robot holds unrivalled potential, opening up a new level of safety and maximum transparency for mission commanders in difficult-to-access, large-scale, munitions-laden areas, forest fires, tunnels, or the reconnaissance of hazardous situations.

The tactical operations network offers an unprecedented overview of the entire operational area which gives the incident commander a complete overview of the entire operational area at all times live and in real-time allowing the best possible decisions and the best possible action. The WiFi-based and location-independent network also offers the possibility of integrating any number of units and task forces.

The network’s services range from establishing a WiFi-based local network and the provision of livestreams from camera and thermal imaging drones as well as combining map information, images and deployment positions of vehicles and personnel to the map-based selection of units for effective command and control of task forces.

Thanks to the integration of a wide range of information sources, the incident commander and decision-makers on all levels have access to all relevant information quickly, comprehensively and even under challenging circumstances such as limited visibility or difficult terrain conditions. On this basis, the right decisions can be made effectively, allowing the deployment task forces and equipment with maximum safety and efficiency.

TacticNet spans a robust, local mesh operation area network in which participants are linked together via the monitor in the command vehicle, separate tablets and mobile phones. It is location-independent and can be expanded as required. TacticNet allows to superimpose static maps and dynamic images of the respective operational areas as well as information on the locations and status of task forces and vehicles, for example, and, in future, also infrastructure data. HD video communication provides access to unfiltered live information in real-time for everyone involved in the decision-making chain.

The more complex an operational situation is, the more important it is to have up-to-date and comprehensive information. TacticNet provides a decisive safety advantage by displaying the live positions of all units and restricted areas, for example: restricted areas can be directly taken into account in the instructions of incident commanders, avoiding danger zones. Particularly in complex situations such as rapidly spreading building fires, extensive forest fires or large fires in industrial plants, TacticNet offers a completely new quality of situation assessment and provides an extremely valuable basis for quick, targeted decisions, enabling even more successful operations.

Across the Alps

Eight years after the unveiling of the first robot from the AirCore family and only several months after its premiere, the history of Magirus’ remote-controlled and remote-operated tactical units continued with the handover of the first Magirus Wolf R1 in Ehrwald on 18 May 2022. In an extraordinary ceremony on Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the company handed over the world’s first tactical response robot to the Ehrwald Volunteer Fire Department in Austria.

Björn Scherer, Chief Fire Inspector of the Ehrwald Volunteer Fire Department, is particularly proud of the latest, sustainable expansion of the brigade’s technology and equipment: “In Ehrwald, we are a small, but very innovative fire brigade. The topography and tourism pose special challenges for us. The range of operations is very diverse, yet all the locations must always be quickly and safely accessible – especially off-road, in tunnels and in underground garages, this is not always easy. We have been searching for a long time for solutions to quickly reach deployment scenes that are difficult to access without putting our firefighters in danger. The Magirus Wolf R1 response robot allows us to do just that.”

A new era begins

On the part of the District Fire Brigade command and the District Fire Brigade inspectorate, represented by District Fire Brigade Commander Dietmar Berktold and District Fire Brigade Inspector Konrad Müller, a clear commitment was made to innovative, effective and, above all, protective and supportive equipment for the emergency services.

“The tactical response robot allows firefighters to remain outside the danger zone in the event of intense heat, danger of collapse, hazardous material investigations or poor visibility, while the robot is in action right there with full precision,” says Berkold. “The attached subframe developed for Ehrwald enables the most flexible mounting options for diverse firefighting equipment.”

Thomas Hilse, Magirus CEO, backs this: “Being able to hand over the first Magirus Wolf R1 on the Zugspitze is truly exceptional. Within special applications, robotic and networked solutions are developing rapidly and offer far-reaching advantages in the field. As a tactical operational robot, the Wolf R1 brings safety and efficiency, but also precision, flexibility and tremendous performance.” The Magirus Wolf R1 was developed together with its partner Alpha Robotics Deutschland GmbH and has already been extensively tested and used in practice by fire brigades in Lower Saxony.

According to Hilse, the handover is a further step in “Next Generation Firefighting”, which is already available to emergency services today and clearly demonstrates Magirus’ innovative strength in this field. The company will consistently pursue this path in the coming years and thus provide fire brigades all over the world with the most modern and reliable technology.

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

UL receives accreditation to certify pressure equipment in EU and UK

by Featured NewsProducts

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has been accredited to certify pressure equipment used in the EU and UK market.

The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is a new UK product marking used for goods placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods that previously required the CE marking.

After an initial transition phase, most products introduced to Great Britain’s market previously required CE marking must: Have the UKCA marking, be accompanied by compliance documentation and be in compliance with the relevant regulation for Great Britain.

As of January 2021, the UKCA marking applies also to pressure equipment and will require a certificate from an UK Approved Body.

UL International (UK) Ltd received accreditation from UKAS and expanded its UK Approved Body scope to cover Pressure Equipment Regulations in the UK (Approved Body Number: 0843) – the equivalent of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) in the EU.

UL said the accreditation has enhanced its portfolio and enables its experts to evaluate and certify products to UK-specific requirements that help ensure safer use of pressure equipment.

UL can now also help customers to have continuity of third-party services for access to any market in Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland through its accredited Notified and Approved Bodies.

The company commented: “We have the global reach and expertise to support market access needs during every step of the Brexit transition by combining testing and certification, global scope and localized knowledge with real-time market expertise.”

European firefighters meet to discuss reducing risk of cancer

by Featured News

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU)’s focus on tackling cancer in firefighters with its pioneering DECON project, which includes research and detailed training, has played a major role in a meeting of the Europe-wide European Public Service Union (EPSU) Firefighters’ Network, which took place yesterday. DECON was a central focus of the day, Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union national officer, addressed the meeting with a presentation on the latest news and next steps from the campaign.

The DECON project includes research that shows that cancer rates in firefighters can be four times higher than the general population, and training to help mitigate this risk. Toxic fire contaminants found in fires are thought to be responsible for the increasing rate. The training focuses on mitigating the risk to firefighters from fire contaminants.

The EPSU is a collection of over 260 trade unions spanning across Europe, representing eight million public service workers, and its firefighters’ network brings together the firefighter sections of it from across Europe, including the FBU.

Two discussion sessions took place, both focused on “Cancer as a professional disease for firefighters, impact of fire effluents and decontamination”. Other speakers in the discussions included Professor Anna Stec of University of Central Lancashire, who has worked with the FBU on DECON, and representatives of firefighters from countries including Poland Sweden, and Italy.

The FBU is also calling for preventative health screening for firefighters and presumptive legislation recognising cancer as an occupational disease to help protect firefighters and their families further from this occupational hazard.

Commenting, Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said: “DECON is here to stay in the UK fire and rescue service. It’s got the entire sector speaking about the risk posed, and now firefighters from across Europe are keen to learn from each other. At the Fire Brigades Union we know the value of international solidarity, and as part of that we are enthusiastic about sharing our work with our European brothers and sisters.

“This meeting was also a huge opportunity for us to listen and discuss these issues, and we look forward to getting back to the UK and working with fire and rescue services to make progress on DECON and saving firefighters from early, needless deaths. Neither the bosses or the government have done this domestically, it’s been down to FBU members and the Firefighters 100 Lottery to carry out this life-saving work.”

Chennai building fire safety scans to be carried out by drones

by Featured NewsSafety

Drones are to be used to scan for fire safety issues on buildings in Chennai , the capital city of Tamil Nadu in East India, by the Special Task Force, according to a report from The New Indian Express.

The Task Force, established over three years ago to target illegal buildings across the city, will use drones to review 149 buildings which are under scanner for violation of fire safety norms.

A consultant is to be hired by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) member secretary, after which inspection will be carried out, a CMDA official said.

This follows a separate study on fire safety measures with an alternate mechanism in congested areas including George Town, Purasawalkam, Tripplicane and T Nagar.

“Once the order is passed this week, we are likely to take it up the coming week. We wanted to have scientific data on these buildings. Doing it manually will take time,” said the official.

Fire consultant V Sivaramakrishnan said, however, that drones cannot find out whether the sprinklers are working or are they connected to the water pump, and so this will have to be done manually.

According to a survey of 150 T Nagar multi-storeyed buildings carried out by the State Fire and Rescue Services Department, it was found that in most buildings, water storage and provision of fire pump facilities and hydrant systems are not as per requirements of National Building Code. Most buildings also were also found to have no automatic sprinkler system.

Supreme Concrete launches High Fire Rated Lintels

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Supreme Concrete, part of Ibstock, has launched a new range of High Fire Rated Lintels, including Extreme Fire Rated Lintels, that maintain 300-minute load bearing capacity in intense fire conditions. This makes Supreme Concrete one of the only manufacturers in the UK to provide such an extensive offering of accredited lintels.

The high-performance range has undergone comprehensive third-party testing and complies with all recognised industry specifications to provide construction professionals with a portfolio of resilient concrete lintels that deliver unrivalled performance and compliance.

This includes five-hour fire rated lintels that maintain 300-minute load bearing capability, when subject to fire conditions, in addition to lintels with 90 minute and 120-minute load bearing capabilities, when subject to intense fire conditions.

Gavin Hoe, Sales Director for Supreme Concrete, said: “As a trusted and experienced supplier of essential building components, Supreme Concrete is recognised throughout the industry as setting the standard for quality and compliance.

“The development of our new High Fire and Extreme Fire Rated Lintels ranges reflects our continued dedication to providing construction professionals with the very latest innovations in fire integrity products that deliver first class performance. Buildings are designed to withstand actions from numerous anticipated hazards to ensure life and structural safety, and our new concrete lintels are proven to ensure the structural stability of a building during fire exposure, whilst successfully containing fire spread for the allocated time period.”

The new Fire Rated lintels ranges conform to the NBS BIM Object Standard and advice will be provided by Supreme Concrete specialists to ensure that the correct lintel is specified for the chosen application. Supreme Concrete’s in house team will also work together with architects and specifiers across a comprehensive range of projects to deliver training and technical support requirements.

UK homebuilder swings to loss following Fire Safety Pledge

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsPassive

UK homebuilder Crest Nicholson Plc has reported being pushed into a loss in the first half of the year after pledging to fix safety issues on apartments buildings.

The company reported a loss before tax of £52.5 million ($64 million) for the six months through April after recording an charge of £105 million in the half year, according to a statement Tuesday.

The charged wiped out growth in sales and prices as the UK’s new build housing market continued showing no signs of slowing down as rising rates and a cost of living squeeze threaten to damp demand. 

The pledge is a result of the UK’s debate over how to address widespread fire safety failures that were exposed in 2017 by Grenfell Tower fire in London. Uncertainty over who should fund repairs left thousands of homeowners unable to sell their homes and trapped in tower blocks that may be unsafe. 

This in turn prompted the government to seek commitments from homebuilders to help fund repairs, with large publicly traded firms expected to make contributions that will help cover the cost of repairs on buildings whose developers no longer exist or are overseas and unwilling to pay. 

“We are pleased to have reached a resolution with the government by signing the Building Safety Pledge,” Chief Executive Officer Peter Truscott said. “We hope this now provides comfort and assurance to affected residents and stakeholders. It also allows the group to move forward in remediating the affected buildings directly or through another party as soon as possible.”

Crest’s revenue climbed 12.3% in the half year period while home completions rose 7.8%.

Show Preview: INTERSCHUTZ returns to Hannover

by Breaking NewsEvents

The world’s leading trade fair of fire safety professionals is set to take place this month with over a thousand exhibitors from 50 countries and delegates from all over the world

Scheduled to take place on Hannover, Germany, seven years since it last brought the fire industry INTERSCHUTZ finally returns this month and is set to welcome fire safety professionals from across the globe. The show will feature solutions and products from industry leaders, provide answers to some of the industry’s biggest issues and offers a forum for discussion of key trends. Focussing on the future, the event is a showcase across industrial sectors and national borders.

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ will provide a platform for market leaders to present their innovations and puts the focus on the lead theme: Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connected for Protection and Rescue. It is also set to be a place of action and excitement where the likes of height rescue specialists, smokejumpers and firefighters demonstrate their unique skills and all the latest kit at popular events on the open-air site.

Across the week-long event, the agenda is full of current issues and developments including: civil protection with a focus on vehicles and equipment, fire fighting and fire extinguishing technology, associations, communications and control centre solutions, security and organisational equipment, rescue services, first aid and medical equipment, personal protective equipment and fire prevention. 

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has  also dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation where companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players.

The international trade fair will bring together stakeholders and thought leaders from trade associations, politics and industry as well as those with day-to-day operational experience. It is a show that will see business at its heart as it highlights the world’s providers of fire and rescue services, civil protection, and safety and security solutions as it shapes their business cycles.

There will be 1,000 companies from 50 countries as well as the participating associations and organisations will present the solutions for the challenges of our time. Anyone who wants to learn about the latest emergency management innovations and developments heads for Hannover when the gates open on INTERSCHUTZ.

What to expect at INTERSCHUTZ

The economic, ecological and political challenges of our times make the fair an important driver of change. The spread of global warming and the resulting natural disasters have already changed everyday life for many helpers and rescue forces – a challenge made more complex by the Coronavirus pandemic and the humanitarian emergencies caused by ongoing political conflicts.

The fire industry are among those on the front lines tackling these issues which all require new approaches and solutions. Digital technologies for the support and connectivity of key players are becoming increasingly important, which is why INTERSCHUTZ 2022 will specifically focus on digital transformation processes and so visitors can look forward to an extensive program both live on-site and online.

The lead theme of INTERSCHUTZ 2022 is: “Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue”. According to INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager Bernd Heinold, the trade fair is targeting two aspects that are crucial for the present and the future: the use of innovative digital solutions and cooperation between the various players and institutions.

“The keyword is connectivity at all levels,” Heinold explained during a press conference in Hannover, ahead of the fair. “Digitalisation has fundamentally changed all areas of life and continues to do so. The same is true for emergency response – from firefighters to rescue services right through to disaster responders, all over the world.”

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation. In Hall 16, companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players. New technologies are opening up myriad new preventative options and ways of coping with crises and hazards for the fire industry. Everything that happens generates data, which can be captured and cross-matched in vast quantities and used to develop key insights and analyse alternative courses of action for a whole range of requirements and situations.

As increased interconnectedness and integration goes hand in hand with increased dependence on technology infrastructures, INTERSCHUTZ will look at the best way to enable societies to deal with modern crisis situations.

Another new feature of the show is the ‘Smart Public Safety Hub’ at the center of Hall 16, where various companies will be networking under a single roof and demonstrating joint, interdisciplinary application scenarios – for example, including the use of drones to assess the situation or support rescue forces, communication between an airfield firefighting vehicle positioned in the outdoor area with the control center in the hall, or the digital description and analysis of deployment sites on a multi-dimensional scale.

At INTERSCHUTZ, it is not only the exhibitors’ solutions that are digital, but also the event formats. For the first time, visitors and exhibitors be able to experience different scenarios up close on the demonstration grounds in a combination of real and virtual displays. These may include everyday disasters as well as current or conceivable catastrophes and crises and with the help of modern media technology, the participants are integrated into the presentation.

Also new is the INTERSCHUTZ Digital Conference, which is scheduled to be broadcast from 21-23 June in the Media Factory, allowing interested parties who cannot make it to the event the opportunity to learn about the various aspects on show. Like the INTERSCHUTZ Central Forum in Hall 26, the program will cover all the major industry topics, including the electrification of emergency vehicles.

Bernd Heinold explains that, despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the interest of exhibitors from Germany and abroad is extensive with more than 1,000 companies from 50 countries registered to present their products and solutions in eight halls and three pavilions, plus the outdoor area from 20 to 25 June.

However, he says the acquisition phase is far from over: “We are confident of achieving a similar result on the exhibitor side, the same as in 2015,” he said. After Germany, the top five exhibitor nations include Italy, the UK, the United States and the Netherlands. The broad international character of INTERSCHUTZ will also be demonstrated by three separate ‘Country Days’, dedicated to the neighbouring countries of France on Tuesday 21, Italy on Wednesday 22 June, and finally the US on Thursday 23 June.

What’s on the agenda

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ features eye-catching exhibitions and engaging forums on the many aspects of fire fighting, rescue services, civil protection and safety and security.

Civil Protection: Disaster management mobilisations pose major logistical as well as technical challenges. Solutions for meeting those challenges – everything from tents for stay, accommodation or sanitation purposes, mobile power supply or flood protection – will be on show in the civil protection display area at INTERSCHUTZ 2022.

Fire Fighting: Fire brigades from around the globe are faced with an ever-changing set of catastrophic scenarios and major emergencies caused by natural disasters and climate change require closer interaction among the various players. INTERSCHUTZ will showcase vehicles and equipment, hardware and software as well as research and development up close and first-hand. Digital technologies and connected operations in the face of an emergency will be displayed at exhibition stands and discussed in related conferences.

Communications and Control Center Solutions: Increasing urban densification and continuously changing operational scenarios demand innovative digital solutions and seamless cooperation between all players involved. Within the new Digitisation and Transformation display sector, current and future requirements for networked solutions will be put forward and discussed.

Rescue Services: The rescue services are faced with a number of new challenges and developments, not least demographic change, telemedicine, a skills shortage, and large-scale catastrophic incidents. They are under constant pressure to scrutinize their strategic direction and to keep up to date with the latest technologies, which is why INTERSCHUTZ is so important as it will provide a comprehensive survey of the latest emergency-sector products.

Protective Equipment: The requirements for personal protective equipment are becoming more and more individual. From smart textiles to integrated communication solutions for fire protection, rescue services and civil protection, at INTERSCHUTZ there will be the entire range of PPE for all areas of application.

Fire Prevention: Modern building designs, bigger dimensions and densely built-up areas are leading to new requirements for preventive fire protection. INTERSCHUTZ covers all the relevant areas, from planning to implementation. Here you can swap ideas with specialists from around the world within the framework of this, the industry’s networking hub for preventive fire protection.

Parallel to INTERSCHUTZ, the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) is organizing the 29th German Firefighters’ Day, which will attract many more firefighting fans to Hannover. The event is being organized under the motto ‘Safety.Life’ in cooperation with the state of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony Fire Brigade Association, the City of Hannover and the Hannover Fire Brigade. Immediately before INTERSCHUTZ, a blue light mile has once again been planned for downtown Hannover. There, the people of Hannover will already get in the mood on the Sunday before the fair.

Action and excitement during the trade fair will be provided by various competitions and live training courses, including, for example, the “S-Gard Safety Tour,” the “Holmatro Rescue Challenge,” and the “Firefit Championships Europe,” which will be held in Germany for the first time after the INTERSCHUTZ Community Days in the summer of 2021, will also be returning to the exhibition grounds.

All in all, visitors can look forward an extensive program of congresses, workshops, training sessions, live demonstrations and competitions in addition to the products on show in the exhibition.

Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ can already be purchased online at www.interschutz.de.

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

Wildfire forces thousands to evacuate in Arizona and California

by ActiveAmericas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for communities in the path of a wildfire that broke out over the weekend in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles and was burning toward populated areas.

The so-called Sheep Fire, which broke out on Saturday evening in the Angeles National Forest, had burned across some 990 acres of brush and vegetation as of Monday afternoon in an area that had been affected by the ongoing drought plaguing California and much of the US Southwest.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations for Wrightwood, a ski town of some 4,500 people at along the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as homes dotted along Highway 2.

The blaze was listed as only 5 percent contained as of Monday morning. Nearly 700 firefighters were thwarted by flames burning in dense vegetation and steep terrain, fanned by erratic winds, fire managers said on tracking website InciWeb.

No casualties had been reported and no structures burned, according to fire managers, but downed power lines were hampering communications. An evacuation center for pets and small animals had been set up in San Bernardino.

California has endured a string of devastating wildfires over the past several years as a lingering drought and warmer temperatures have left forest and grasslands bone dry.

Meanwhile, in Arizona, hundreds of residents near Flagstaff were evacuated over the weekend due to the ‘Pipeline’ fire, burning to the north of Flagstaff, Arizona, which grew to an estimated 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) after igniting on Sunday, fueled by gusty winds through the desiccated grasses and brush. The windy, warm conditions complicated containment efforts, according to officials, who added that the fire continues to be active on all sides.

At the height of the fire threat, more than 2,100 homes were placed under mandatory evacuation orders, and at least one home was confirmed to have gone up in flames.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation and there have not been any destroyed structures, but a 57-year-old man has been arrested with reports stating he was disposing of toilet paper by setting it on fire.