The Last Word with Sarah Lawson: Advanced’s US growth plan

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsFire Detection

Sarah Lawson, Operations Director, Advanced, on driving compliance and innovation in the US fire safety market

North America faces stricter fire regulations and rising infrastructure investment.

How do these support your regional growth strategy?

We need to ensure the safest living and working environments, and this drives Advanced to design and manufacture compliant systems that are reliable and efficient.

In the US, that’s our Axis AX system which is UL approved, well established and supports low and medium rise buildings with its scalability.

This means designers and installers can opt for our small single panel up to our larger command centre.

What scale of opportunity do you believe exists for fire system manufacturers over the next few years?

The fire safety market is roughly $26 billion and that’s expected to grow to about $30 billion in 2030.

We believe that we’ve got a market opportunity of the $6 billion worth out there.

We’re really looking at operating costs, so we offer a system that’s easy to use, easy to programme and increases the installer’s efficiency.

The simplicity of our system is a real key differentiator and it can also scale.

How has the rigorous testing and certification standards shaped your product development and compliance strategy as you expand in North America?

UL’s high bar aligns with our global approach of designing for the world’s toughest standards.

Our R&D and product teams look to ensure that our systems meet and often exceed regulatory requirements.

We’re looking at what the regulator needs but also using customer feedback to try and drive a bit more of that market focus.

We’re utilising that with customer feedback and market insights, but we also have our distribution partner in the US, Harding.

As you exhibit at two US fire trade shows this year, what are you aiming to showcase about your technology and commitment to the US market?

We are returning to NFPA this year and we’re also exhibiting at ISC West.

What we’re looking to do is showcase our products, continue to increase our North American presence and to build the understanding of what Advanced can offer to the market.

We’d like to continue to demonstrate the reliability, usability and scalability of our Axis AX model and highlight our integration and smart building capabilities.

How is Advanced demonstrating its commitment to the US fire sector through investment, partnerships, and local support?

We have our distribution partner and we’re also investing in regional sales to support coverage in North America.

We are also continuing to understand the differences required in different areas and regulatory bodies.

We’re strengthening partnerships to improve local reach, while continuing to invest in training, customer support and after-sales support.

This ensures customers have a clear route to provide feedback, understand the breadth of our offering and get the most value from our products.

This was originally published in the February 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Pierce details $150m investment to reduce fire truck delays

by Americas - Breaking NewsFeatured NewsVehicles

Pierce outlines new investments

Pierce Manufacturing has said it has invested $50 million since 2022 to address extended fire truck delivery times, with a further $100 million planned.

The company’s Vice President of Sales, Dan Meyer, gave an opening statement to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia and Census on 10 September 2025.

He said Pierce has increased its workforce by more than 25 percent in under three years, adding nearly 800 jobs.

He said the company has also expanded its manufacturing space by 28 percent, adding nearly 500,000 square feet.

Meyer said: “Since lead times began to extend in 2022, Pierce has invested approximately $50 million to increase throughput, and we have another $100 million on the way.

“In less than three years, Pierce grew our workforce by more than 25%, adding nearly 800 good-paying American jobs.

“We expanded our manufacturing space by 28%, adding nearly 500,000 square feet.

“In short, we are significantly increasing investment to meet the needs of our customers – and our ship-rate reflects our commitment.

“That said, Pierce recognizes the need to provide options for our customers. For departments that don’t want to wait for custom fire apparatus, we produce stock trucks, which are built to standard specifications and are available immediately.”

Pierce on cost pressures

Meyer addressed the issue of rising costs in fire apparatus production, noting the broader supply chain and labour conditions affecting the industry.

Meyer said: “I also want to emphasize that Pierce has always been committed to being fair, honest, and transparent about costs.

“The costs to make fire trucks, like other heavy equipment, climbed substantially in recent years due to supply chain and labor disruptions across industries.

“While material costs in the fire truck manufacturing process remain high – at Pierce – price increases have slowed significantly.”

Pierce on consolidation

Meyer also spoke about industry consolidation, addressing concerns raised during the hearing about limited competition among major manufacturers.

Meyer said: “Finally, I understand the Subcommittee is interested in reports of consolidation in the fire truck manufacturing industry.

“I want to be clear: neither Oshkosh nor Pierce has acquired any other U.S.-based fire truck manufacturer.

“I am deeply proud that our growth has been organic: driven by innovation, a commitment to our customers, and high-quality support for Pierce trucks long after they leave our factory floor.

“Our plan for growth is to continue investing in our business and our people, not through acquisitions.

“I know our customers have choices when purchasing their trucks, and Pierce fiercely competes with dozens of manufacturers wherever we sell.

“These choices are also reflected in our aftermarket business, where customers have a choice in who services their vehicles.”

Pierce on lead time progress

Meyer said the company acknowledged the problem early and has shipped more trucks in the past quarter than any time in its history.

Meyer said: “I share the Subcommittee’s serious concern about the industry-wide prolonged lead times seen since the pandemic, when demand for fire apparatus skyrocketed as supply chains and labor became strained.

“The current lead times, which are a function of that demand spike, are unacceptable, and Pierce remains laser-focused on reducing them to pre-pandemic norms.

“I’m happy to share that – while there is work left to do, Pierce has been making progress.

“We shipped more trucks last quarter than any other in Pierce’s history.

“We acknowledged the lead time problem as soon as it emerged, and we have made – and will continue to make – historic investments to increase throughput.”

Senate hearing context

The Senate hearing also heard from firefighter organisations, fire chiefs, and legal experts on the impacts of delays and costs.

Edward Kelly of the International Association of Fire Fighters told senators that shortages left departments deploying staff in pickup trucks, while Dennis Rubin of Kansas City Fire Department described price increases and three-year waits for delivery.

Basel Musharbash of the Antimonopoly Council said a Federal Trade Commission Section 6(b) study could clarify whether practices by larger manufacturers created barriers to competition.

Jason Shivers of the International Association of Fire Chiefs reported that vehicle costs have risen by up to 25 percent since 2020 and said delivery times now extend as far as four years. He cited a mix of supply chain shortages, workforce pressures, and federal policy changes as drivers of the problem.

Pierce on commitment to firefighters

Meyer closed his statement by emphasising Pierce’s long-standing role in the fire service.

Meyer said: “It’s a privilege to be here alongside witnesses that include such distinguished fire service leaders.

“President Kelly and Chief Rubin are public servants dedicated to making our communities safer.

“That is why I take their concerns so seriously.

“At Pierce, we are unwavering in our support of the American fire service.

“We will always honor our more than century-long commitment to being transparent with our customers.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Pierce’s testimony outlines measures it is taking to address delays that have been widely reported by fire service organisations.

The company’s comments confirm the scale of investment in facilities, workforce and production capacity, alongside the option of stock vehicles.

The context from the Senate hearing shows how these industry conditions affect operational readiness and procurement planning for departments nationwide.

Pierce details $150m investment to reduce fire truck delays: Summary

Pierce said it has invested $50 million since 2022.

It said a further $100 million is planned.

It said the workforce grew by more than 25 percent.

It said nearly 800 jobs have been added.

It said facilities expanded by 28 percent.

It said this equals 500,000 square feet of new space.

It said stock trucks are available immediately.

It said costs rose due to supply chain and labour pressures.

It said price increases have slowed.

It said it has not acquired other US fire truck manufacturers.

It said its growth has been organic.

It said it competes with other producers in the market.

It said customers have choices in aftermarket servicing.

It said it aims to reduce lead times to pre-pandemic levels.

It said it shipped more trucks last quarter than ever before.

It said it will continue investing in its operations and workforce.

It said it remains committed to supporting the fire service.

National fire preparedness level raised in United States

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Fire preparedness level raised due to peak season conditions

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) increased the United States’ national fire preparedness level to Level 4 on Saturday 13 July 2025.

According to the department, the change reflects a combination of elevated wildfire risk, increased fire activity and the rising demand for firefighting resources across the country.

The five-tier preparedness scale is managed by wildland fire representatives based at the National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho.

Preparedness Level 4 indicates a high number of large fires and a significant commitment of national firefighting resources, but still allows flexibility in resource deployment.

As of 14 July, the USDA said the US Forest Service’s fire workforce was 99% staffed, with full coverage expected the following week.

USDA outlines staffing and resource levels for 2025

The USDA said it had made fire response a departmental priority for the 2025 summer fire season.

According to the agency, the Forest Service has nearly completed its seasonal hiring goal, with 11,300 wildland firefighters expected to be in place by mid-July.

This staffing level is reportedly ahead of previous years, and the USDA said the workforce is fully operational.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said: “We are providing the resources needed to ensure the U.S. Forest Service has the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting force in the world.”

Preparedness Level 4 increases the demand for incident management teams, fire crews, engines, helicopters, airtankers and support equipment such as bulldozers.

Rollins announces policy direction and criticism of restrictions

USDA Secretary Rollins said the department was not waiting passively for fire events to occur, and outlined actions being taken to support fire response and forest management.

She said: “We are in peak fire season and are rightfully raising the preparedness level to ensure we are protecting our public lands and communities from devastating fires. President Trump, Secretary Burgum, and our State, local, and Tribal partners are prepared to respond.”

Rollins continued: “At USDA we are not simply waiting for fire season. We have instituted a series of federal actions and partnerships to properly manage national forestlands.”

She added: “For too long, environmental activists have tied the hands of our public servants from actively managing our forests – and even blocking simple road construction so fire vehicles, apparatus, and staff can get to wildfires and put them out before they destroy homes and communities.”

She concluded: “We have begun the process to rescind the failed roadless rule to fix this with common sense policies and have declared a national forest emergency so we can clear out dangerous fuel and protect our forests for the future.”

Public agencies coordinate wildfire response through NIFC

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho, serves as the headquarters for multi-agency wildfire coordination in the United States.

It hosts representatives from each wildland fire agency, who collaborate through the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) to assess risks and allocate national resources.

Each preparedness level includes specific management actions, with Level 4 requiring increased national-level coordination and interagency support.

The USDA confirmed that weather conditions, fuel availability, and the number of large active fires were key factors in the preparedness level change.

Wildland firefighting resources coordinated through NIFC include ground crews, aircraft, heavy machinery and logistics support.

Public asked to support prevention during summer season

The USDA has reminded the public to take responsibility when visiting wildland areas during the summer months.

It stated that outdoor recreation should be conducted with care to prevent avoidable fire incidents and reduce the burden on emergency responders.

The department said that even small missteps can endanger firefighting personnel and stretch national response capacity.

For more information and guidance, the USDA has directed individuals to consult the NIFC website.

No additional restrictions or area closures have been announced in conjunction with the preparedness level change.

National fire preparedness level raised in United States: Summary

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the United States fire preparedness level has been raised to Level 4.

The announcement was made by the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group on 13 July 2025.

Preparedness Level 4 indicates increased fire activity and high resource use.

The USDA said the US Forest Service has reached 99% of its firefighter staffing target.

Full staffing of 11,300 wildland firefighters is expected within a week.

Preparedness levels are based on fuel, weather, fire activity and resource availability.

Secretary Rollins said the USDA is implementing forest management policies.

She criticised previous restrictions on access and land management.

Level 4 increases demand for interagency coordination and national resources.

The USDA said the public should act responsibly when outdoors.

The NIFC website has been listed as a source for further information.

Aircraft, ground crews and heavy equipment are being deployed nationally.

The USDA said no new area closures were included in the announcement.

All statements were attributed to the US Department of Agriculture.

US fatal firefighter injuries declined by 31 percent in 2024

by Featured NewsResearch

US firefighter fatality figures fall to second-lowest level

NFPA has reported that 62 firefighters died while on duty or shortly after duty in the United States in 2024.

The total marks a 31 percent reduction from the 90 fatalities recorded in 2023 and is tied for the fourth lowest figure since the annual study began in 1977.

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) “Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the US in 2024” report, 51 deaths occurred while firefighters were on duty, and 11 occurred within 24 hours of duty.

NFPA stated that since 2022, fatalities occurring within 24 hours of duty are included if they align with criteria established under the Hometown Heroes Act of 2003.

The organisation noted that while the number of fatalities fluctuates annually, the 2024 figure represents a continuation of the long-term downward trend in on-duty firefighter deaths.

Heart attacks remained the leading cause of death

NFPA found that overexertion or strain accounted for 65 percent of all firefighter fatalities in 2024, with heart attacks making up nearly half of the total.

According to the report, 40 of the 62 fatalities were attributed to overexertion or strain, with 30 of these caused by heart attacks.

Twenty of the heart attacks occurred while firefighters were on duty and 10 occurred within 24 hours of duty.

Richard Campbell, senior research analyst at NFPA and lead author of the report, said: “Although the downward trend in the annual number of fatal firefighter injuries is an encouraging indication that injury prevention efforts through the years have been successful, there is a clear need for continuing attention to firefighter safety and health.

“Sudden cardiac deaths remain a critical concern.”

The organisation said that heart attacks were especially common among firefighters engaged in administrative, training, and fireground duties.

It added that volunteer firefighters made up the majority of those who died of cardiac arrest within 24 hours of duty.

Fireground activities posed the highest risk

NFPA reported that one-third of the deaths occurred during fireground operations.

The report identified 20 deaths during firefighting operations, a decrease from 32 fireground fatalities in 2023.

These included firefighters killed by explosions, structural collapses, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies while at fire scenes.

The study recorded other fatal incidents during non-fire emergency calls, training, and station activities.

Jay Petrillo, research analyst at NFPA and co-author of the report, said: “Advances in firefighting practices and procedures, communications and equipment, training programs, and education have all helped to improve safety and health outcomes for the firefighting community through the years.

“Still, the unique variety of hazards encountered by firefighters across their multiple types of duties poses an ongoing challenge for comprehensive injury prevention.”

Petrillo added that preventing injuries would require coordinated efforts from both fire service organisations and external agencies.

Older age groups were disproportionately affected

NFPA reported that firefighters aged 40 to 49 accounted for the highest number of deaths in 2024.

The report recorded 20 fatalities in that age group.

Thirteen firefighters who died were aged 50 to 59 and 11 were 70 or older.

The data showed that volunteer firefighters aged over 70 were especially vulnerable, particularly when returning home after duty.

Among the 11 deaths that occurred within 24 hours of duty, eight involved volunteer firefighters with an average age of 69.

Three involved career firefighters with an average age of 48.

The study highlighted a disparity in immediate medical support between volunteer and career firefighters, noting that career firefighters often have quicker access to emergency care at their station.

Breakdown by role, type of incident, and injury

NFPA categorised the deaths by role, incident type, and injury cause.

Of the 51 on-duty deaths, 26 were career firefighters, 19 were volunteers, and six were non-municipal firefighters, including state and federal forestry staff, contract employees, and industrial firefighters.

Trauma accounted for 29 percent of all deaths, while heat stroke, drowning, gunshot wounds, electrocution, aneurysms, and burns made up the remaining cases.

The report noted that one firefighter was fatally shot during a domestic violence response and another died while inspecting a fire scene.

Only one multiple-fatality incident was recorded in 2024.

This occurred when a tree struck a vehicle during a hurricane response, killing two firefighters.

The 2024 total marks only the third time since 2000 that the annual report recorded one or no multiple-fatality incidents.

US fatal firefighter injuries declined by 31 percent in 2024: Summary

NFPA reported that 62 US firefighters died on or shortly after duty in 2024.

This represents a 31 percent decrease from the 90 fatalities reported in 2023.

Of the 62 fatalities, 51 occurred while firefighters were on duty.

The remaining 11 occurred within 24 hours of duty.

Heart attacks were the leading cause of death, accounting for 30 of the 62 fatalities.

Fireground duties accounted for 20 deaths.

Volunteers made up most of the fatalities within 24 hours of duty.

Most of those deaths involved firefighters aged 70 or older.

Trauma was the second leading cause of death after cardiac events.

Only one multiple-fatality incident occurred in 2024.

Non-municipal firefighters accounted for six of the fatalities.

The full report was authored by Richard Campbell and Jay Petrillo.

US 2026 Budget proposal calls for Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Budget proposal introduces Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget proposal includes a plan to establish a new Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency under the Department of the Interior.

The proposal would unify existing federal responsibilities for wildfire suppression and management into a single service, consolidating the functions currently housed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the IAFC, this new agency would be responsible for coordinating wildfire suppression responses, mitigation efforts, and partnerships with non-federal stakeholders.

Increased wildfire firefighting expenditure and USDA budget cuts

The IAFC stated that the proposed federal wildfire firefighting budget would increase by 3.6 percent to $2.9 billion under the 2026 plan.

The agency would assume management responsibilities and resources currently held by the Department of Agriculture, which would see reductions in several key programmes.

The Rural Development Programme would be cut by $721 million, including the complete removal of Community Facility grants historically used for building fire stations.

Funding for the National Forest System would be reduced by $392 million, which includes a $342 million cut to salaries and expenses.

FEMA and emergency preparedness programmes targeted for reductions

The IAFC noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would see a $646 million reduction in its grant programmes.

Programmes marked for removal include Targeting Violence and Terrorism Prevention and the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium.

The impact on Assistance to Firefighters Grants, SAFER, Fire Prevention and Safety, Urban Areas Security Initiative, and the State Homeland Security Grant Programme remains unclear until more detailed documentation is released.

Cuts of $491 million are also proposed for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which the administration said would be reoriented toward federal network defence and critical infrastructure protection.

Additional cuts across health, safety and environmental agencies

The Department of Health and Human Services is affected in several areas, according to the IAFC summary.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would lose $1.065 billion in funding, eliminating a number of regional and national programmes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would face a $3.588 billion reduction. The budget proposal would consolidate several disease-focused grants into a single $300 million programme.

The proposal would also eliminate multiple CDC programmes and shift responsibility for others to state governments.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response would lose $240 million, with the removal of the Hospital Preparedness Programme.

The Department of Transportation’s rail safety grant funding would increase by 400 percent to $500 million.

US 2026 Budget proposal calls for Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency: Summary

President Trump’s 2026 budget proposes the creation of a Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency.

The new agency would fall under the Department of the Interior.

It would absorb wildland fire functions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wildfire firefighting costs would rise by 3.6 percent to $2.9 billion.

USDA’s Rural Development Programme would be cut by $721 million.

Community Facility grants used for fire stations would be removed.

National Forest System funding would be reduced by $392 million.

FEMA grant programmes would be reduced by $646 million.

The impact on AFG, SAFER and other FEMA grants remains unclear.

CISA would be cut by $491 million and refocused on federal networks.

SAMHSA would see a cut of $1.065 billion with multiple programme eliminations.

CDC funding would be reduced by $3.588 billion.

Hospital Preparedness Programme funding would be eliminated.

Rail Safety Grant funding would increase to $500 million.

The IAFC said this proposal is the beginning of the 2026 appropriations process.

Percheron launches US fire and life safety platform with Carmine Schiavone

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire and life safety platform established in United States

Percheron Capital has announced the creation of a new fire and life safety platform in the United States, partnering with former Johnson Controls executive Carmine Schiavone.

According to Percheron Capital, the platform aims to work with companies that prioritise service quality and staff development in the fire and life safety sector.

Leadership background and strategic goals

Percheron Capital stated that Carmine Schiavone brings over 30 years of industry experience, having led the largest fire and life safety business in North America through roles at Johnson Controls and Tyco International.

The firm explained that during Schiavone’s tenure, the business achieved strong technician retention and safety records while also generating multibillion-dollar annual revenue.

It also noted that Schiavone later served as Chief Executive Officer at SavATree, where he oversaw multiple acquisitions within five years.

Statement from Percheron Capital on partnership

Chris Collins, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Percheron Capital, said: “We are thrilled to work with Carmine to build a market-leading fire and life safety platform.

“Throughout his career, Carmine has cultivated high-performing, unified cultures that translate to exceptional results.

“We believe the fire and life safety space is resilient with multiple industry tailwinds driving growth, and we look forward to partnering with like-minded, high-quality companies to accelerate their growth and expand their delivery of mission-critical services to more customers and communities across the country.”

Statement from Carmine Schiavone on new role

Carmine Schiavone said: “I am excited to partner with Percheron and establish a leading fire and life safety platform.

“It is a privilege to support trusted fire and life safety companies in providing essential services that protect lives and property daily, and I am focused on cultivating the talent and culture of our field technicians and team members by providing them with the technology, training and support they need to accelerate their careers while delivering exceptional customer service.

“I am confident we will become the employer, provider and acquisition partner of choice and help exceptional companies accelerate growth while protecting the legacy and culture that have driven their success to date.”

Percheron launches US fire and life safety platform with Carmine Schiavone: Summary

Percheron Capital has announced the formation of a fire and life safety platform.

The platform is based in the United States.

It has been launched in partnership with Carmine Schiavone.

Schiavone previously led the largest fire and life safety business in North America.

He worked at Johnson Controls and Tyco International.

Percheron stated that the new platform will support companies committed to safety, service quality and staff development.

The company said Schiavone will lead the initiative.

It added that the platform will work with fire and life safety companies to expand services and growth.

FirstNet improves 5G network access and visibility for emergency services in the United States

by CommunicationsFeatured News

FirstNet expands coverage area by 20,000 square miles

According to FirstNet, the organisation has expanded its public safety wireless coverage by 20,000 square miles in the past year, increasing the network’s reach to more than 2.99 million square miles across the United States.

The network, built in partnership with AT&T, now supports over 7 million connections and includes coverage for urban, suburban, rural, territorial and tribal areas.

FirstNet stated that its footprint now extends 250,000 square miles beyond the average coverage area of commercial wireless networks.

Connectivity solutions support remote and indoor emergency operations

FirstNet reported that responders using the service continue to receive priority and preemption access on its 5G, LTE and Band 14 networks.

To improve indoor and hard-to-reach location performance, FirstNet has introduced the Nextivity SHIELD MegaFi 2 router as part of its MegaRange portfolio.

This high-power user equipment is available in fixed, portable and in-vehicle formats, enabling better signal penetration and coverage in areas such as basements, garages and stairwells.

Space-based mobile testing and local cell boosters expand capabilities

FirstNet is working with AST SpaceMobile to develop space-based cellular services.

The organisation said it has already tested push-to-talk functions over satellite connectivity to support responders in areas without terrestrial coverage.

In addition, more than 11,000 FirstNet Cell Booster Pros have been deployed to public safety buildings nationwide.

According to FirstNet, these compact devices act as small cell sites, strengthening service for users and equating to coverage similar in scale to 60 Empire State Buildings.

Enhanced visibility offered through FirstNet Central

FirstNet announced updates to its Network Status Map on FirstNet Central, providing detailed live data to users about service availability and infrastructure.

The tool allows public safety agencies to access hyper-local updates on network maintenance, restoration activities and the status of portable FirstNet cell sites.

Users can subscribe to automatic updates and monitor performance at state, county and local levels.

Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet, AT&T, said: “As public safety’s one and only network – not a commercial slice of a network built for the general population – our unwavering commitment to reliable and resilient communications is foundational to everything we do.”

He added: “The breadth of FirstNet coverage, combined with our unparalleled network visibility, gives first responders the capabilities they need to keep our communities safer.

“Whether a first responder is in a remote area after disasters like Hurricane Helene or in the middle of New York City, FirstNet gives them the peace of mind that they will be connected – that’s the FirstNet promise.”

FirstNet improves 5G network access and visibility for emergency services in the United States: Summary

FirstNet, in partnership with AT&T, has increased its public safety coverage by 20,000 square miles over the past year.

The network now spans over 2.99 million square miles across the United States and supports more than 7 million public safety connections.

To enhance service in difficult areas, FirstNet has added the Nextivity SHIELD MegaFi 2 router and deployed over 11,000 Cell Booster Pros.

Collaboration with AST SpaceMobile has enabled satellite testing for push-to-talk services.

The network offers responders priority and preemption access on 5G, LTE and Band 14.

A new feature on FirstNet Central provides real-time updates on network status, maintenance and temporary cell site deployment.

This expanded visibility is available down to local levels. All information in the article is attributed to FirstNet.

New tool launched to tackle home fire fatalities and social vulnerability

by AmericasFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

The US Fire Administration (USFA) has recently unveiled the Home Fire Fatalities and Social Vulnerability Explorer, a tool to shed light on fire risk and vulnerability across the United States.

This innovation is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Geospatial Resource Center, a world-class resource platform for emergency managers, researchers, and other professionals in the field of public health and safety. The link to this platform can be found here.

Combatting home fire fatalities through data assessment

This Social Vulnerability Explorer augments USFA’s pre-existing home fire fatalities data set.

It incorporates the Social Vulnerability Index data, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The tool’s main objective is to help evaluate potential underlying factors that could contribute to home fire fatalities.

Addressing fire risks in vulnerable communities

Moreover, this tool will increase awareness about fire risks and vulnerability on national, state, and county scales.

It is designed to aid communities in developing focused efforts to combat fire hazards within vulnerable communities and at-risk groups.

Accessing the Social Vulnerability Explorer is straightforward. You can locate it on USFA’s Home Fire Fatalities in the News page or by navigating to FEMA’s Geospatial Resource Center and selecting “Structure Fire” from the “Hazard Pages” menu.

Home fire fatalities: understanding the issue

Since 2012, USFA has been gathering information on home fire fatalities. Data is compiled through daily online searches of US news media reports, making it available to the public in near-real time.

This data is utilised to raise awareness about the perils of fire and the regularity of home fire deaths.

An enhanced data set for home fire fatalities and social vulnerability

The Social Vulnerability Explorer significantly bolsters the original home fire fatalities data set from the USFA.

This combined resource presents an interactive map to help raise awareness of fire risk and vulnerability at various geographical scales.

IFSJ Comment

The launch of this tool is a significant step towards employing data-driven approaches to understand and mitigate fire risks, particularly among socially vulnerable communities.

It provides a unique intersection of home fire fatalities and social vulnerability data, offering professionals a nuanced and comprehensive overview to better tailor their prevention and response strategies.

DHS promotes smart city IoT solutions for first responders

by Projects

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting technology development through its Science and Technology Directorate’s SCITI (pronounced “city”) solutions lab. SCITI stands for Smart City and Internet of Things Innovation.

SCITI innovations promote public safety in urban environments to expand capabilities of first responders, including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, and the associated commercial sector.

The initiative focuses on integrating new and existing technologies to serve public safety needs, with emphasis on validation and go-to-market support through industry partners. A streamlined process is aimed at getting new capabilities commercialized and available to users.

Supporting First Responders

The program seeks to provide new capabilities to support first responders and the associated commercial sector in three areas. They are:

Autonomous navigation for indoor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support search and rescue missions in difficult environments.

Intelligent building sensors to be mounted on fixed indoor building features, such as smoke detectors or exit signs. Sensors provide a mechanism to rapidly prioritize areas for search and rescue.

A body-worn interoperable platform (“SmartHub”) that integrates personal network communications with third-party sensors to improve situational awareness.

Collaborations For Development

DHS Science and Technology is leveraging a “commercial first” approach by working with technology innovation companies, government public safety officials, infrastructure owners and private sector investment partners to promote the design, development and operational testing and evaluation of suitability for commercial adoption. The program has been instrumental in developing and commercializing a number of products.

Improving communication is one area of development. For example, Zello, Austin, Texas, provides a push-to-talk smartphone app that is a low-cost, reliable and secure alternative to traditional radios. Wireless System Solutions, Morrisville, North Carolina, has developed end-to-end multi-standard/band wireless network solutions that provide connectivity from the macro cellular network to the end-point gateway and/or sensor.

Emergency Situational Awareness

To provide situational awareness in an emergency, Known Quantity Sensors Inc., Atlanta, offers an IoT edge sensor platform that uses AI-backed, image-based processing to quantify and locate human occupancy.

CommandWear Systems, Vancouver, British Columbia, provides a simple, secure, mobile situational awareness platform that runs on existing smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and desktop PC. The system enables users to prepare for events and incidents in advance, know where personnel and assets are, communicate with them securely, and then review and analyze a mission after the fact.

Other solutions promote teamwork and collaboration. Mutualink, Wallingford, Connecticut, connect voice, video and information sources so any agency can talk to and share information with partners on-demand, providing instant emergency collaboration, situational awareness and coordination. Coolfire Solutions, St. Louis, Missouri, provides collaboration software that synchronizes data, content and communications to enable people to work together more effectively.

Artificial Intelligence

Providing automation to operate in an emergency, Airgility, College Park, Maryland, provides multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicles that can conduct search and rescue operations or protect the nation’s borders, including onboard artificial intelligence.

Thirteen companies in all were selected in the first phase of the program, and additional companies were added in Phase II. The SCITI solutions lab was created in collaboration with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, TechNexus in Chicago, and Smart City Works venture labs in Washington, D.C.

www.dhs.gov/