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Equipping the changing needs of industry

Exclusives /

Caitlin Gittins, Features Editor for Fire Buyer tackles the modern-day challenges and the technological innovations of firefighting equipment to combat these challenges  In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern firefighting, the role of firefighters has undergone a profound and remarkable transformation. Gone are the days when firefighters were solely tasked with tackling structural fires or combating wildfires in isolation. Today, these brave individuals find themselves at the forefront of an intricate tapestry of challenges that define our contemporary world, and they are rising to meet them with unprecedented adaptability and resilience.  The transformation of the firefighter’s role is a direct response to the rapidly changing world around us. One of the most significant factors reshaping their duties is the phenomenon of rapid urbanisation. As our cities continue to grow and expand, firefighters are increasingly called upon to handle emergencies in densely populated urban areas. These environments present unique challenges, from navigating narrow streets to rescuing people from towering skyscrapers. Modern firefighters must be well-versed in urban search and rescue techniques, high-rise firefighting, and managing the complexities of large-scale urban disasters.  Another crucial factor shaping the modern firefighter’s role is the heightened focus on sustainability and environmental concerns. With the world becoming more conscious of the impact of human activities on the planet, firefighters are now expected to be environmentally responsible in their operations. This includes minimising water usage during firefighting efforts, reducing the carbon footprint of their equipment, and promoting eco-friendly practices within their departments.  The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is yet another challenge that modern firefighters must confront. While EVs offer numerous benefits in terms of reduced emissions, they also introduce new hazards. Firefighters need specialised training and equipment to handle EV-related emergencies, such as battery fires and extrications. They must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to safely manage these incidents, ensuring the safety of both the public and themselves.  Furthermore, the line that once distinctly separated structural firefighters from those who battled wildfires has blurred considerably. This shift has given rise to a new breed of firefighter – one who must adeptly navigate the diverse and intricate challenges posed by a multifaceted landscape. Wildfires, which were traditionally the domain of specialised wildland firefighters, are now encroaching upon urban areas with increasing frequency. This “urban-wildland interface” demands that firefighters possess a broad skill set, combining traditional firefighting techniques with wildland firefighting expertise.  In addition to these evolving challenges, modern firefighters must also contend with an expanding spectrum of urban and natural threats. From hazardous materials incidents to terrorist attacks, firefighters are frequently called upon to respond to complex and multifaceted emergencies. Their role extends beyond extinguishing fires; they are often the first responders to a wide range of disasters, requiring them to be well-prepared for any situation.  To meet these diverse challenges head-on, today’s firefighters undergo rigorous training and education. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, including advanced firefighting suits, communication devices, and tools designed to enhance their efficiency and safety. Moreover, they work collaboratively with other emergency response agencies, forming a cohesive network that can swiftly respond to emergencies of any scale.  Therefore, the role of firefighters in our modern world has evolved in response to the complex and ever-changing landscape of challenges that define our times. No longer confined to traditional firefighting duties, they have become versatile professionals who must adapt to urbanisation, sustainability goals, the proliferation of electric vehicles, and an array of urban and natural threats. Their dedication to public safety and their ability to evolve with the times make them true heroes in our contemporary society. As the world continues to change, firefighters will undoubtedly continue to rise to the occasion, ensuring our communities remain safe and resilient.  Adapting Equipment to Meet Multifaceted Demands  In order to address the myriad challenges faced by fire departments efficiently and effectively, there is a growing imperative for the integration of innovative technologies. These cutting-edge solutions must possess a unique blend of attributes, including durability, lightweight design, compactness, flexibility, and exceptional efficacy. The very equipment that firefighters employ is pivotal in enabling them to navigate a wide range of complex scenarios.  First and foremost, durability is a paramount factor. Firefighters encounter extreme conditions, such as intense heat, smoke, and structural instability, which necessitate equipment that can withstand these harsh environments without compromising its functionality. The wear and tear associated with the demanding nature of firefighting operations underscore the need for robust technology… To read the full article, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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The Innovator – HTC VIVE

Exclusives /

Thomas Dexmier, AVP of Business Development and Enterprise Solutions in EMEA for HTC VIVE speaks all things immersive training for firefighters and the future of technology  During Fire Buyer Live virtual event, that took place in October 2023, Managing Editor Rebecca Spayne caught up with Thomas Dexmier, AVP of Business Development and Enterprise Solutions in EMEA for HTC VIVE, an XR technology expert for firefighter training. XR technology allows for a hybrid form of training tailored specifically for firefighters integrating real life product equipment training and familiarisation with virtual reality scenarios. This offers a vast multitude of different scenarios and environments that firefighters could encounter in the firefighter role.   In today’s world, firefighters are forced to experience training in all different forms of scenarios such as structural, vehicle, highrise, wildfire etc due to the nature of our changing urban landscape and climate change. Fire services around the world are now looking for new technologies that can help expand the training offered to equip their recruits with the best skills and experience possible.   Could you please introduce yourself?  My name is Thomas Dexmier, and I’m AVP of Business Development and Enterprise Solutions in EMEA for HTC VIVE. It’s an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to share some of our insights with you about how immersive technologies can help unlock safer and more effective training in hazardous fire and emergency scenarios while also reducing costs and carbon emissions. I’m very excited to explore with you how new technology is creating smarter, more engaging, and more impactful training experiences for firefighters and emergency rescue professionals.  Could you provide some insight into the benefits of XR in firefighter training?  One of the most powerful benefits of virtual reality is the ability to break free from the limitations of the physical world and engage in more experiential and interactive environments, significantly improving learning outcomes. Insights developed by the National Training Laboratories reveal that learning through simulation, using technologies like VR, can enhance retention rates by up to 75%. This retention rate is substantially higher than that of individuals who learn through reading, which stands at a mere 10%, or lecture-style learning, which is even lower at just 5%.  When it comes to teaching specialised, hands-on skills for dealing with hazardous environments, such as instructing firefighters on equipment operation, it’s essential to focus on practical application rather than theory. This approach is commonly known as kinesthetic learning or “learning by doing.” In the realm of firefighting, every fire situation carries inherent risks, even within controlled scenarios. Trainees typically have limited opportunities to practice tackling fires in a physical setting.  The beauty of XR-based training lies in its ability to leverage virtual training environments. Trainees can practice their skills as many times as needed, from any location, eliminating the necessity to travel to controlled burn sites. They can engage in training exercises in the convenience of any space available to them, resulting in better preparation for physical training days. This flexibility and accessibility make XR-based training a game-changer for preparing firefighters for real-world challenges.  It’s great to see that new emerging technologies like XR are making training more efficient and accessible internationally. We’ve heard the theory, but are there any practical examples of XR making a difference in lifesaving situations?  Yeah, absolutely. The one that would come to mind is any situation that requires CPR patient resuscitation is a very meticulous process and doing it in a virtual world with a real mannequin in a noisy environment with virtual bystanders is giving you real life conditions that are far more stressful than the training office where you’ve learned the gestures at your own pace. So once you’ve done it a few times in a few different virtual environments, you are much more likely to be in the zone and get things done well when the real situation does occur.  How can trainers or fire departments decide if XR training is for them?  Well, the beauty here is that pretty much every scenario you can think about can be rendered in XR. There’s different ways of doing it. You can go from low touch stereoscopic 360 content all the way through to CGI 3D rendered and simulated environments. So it comes down to working with the right solution provider and by solution, I mean the best possible association of hardware enterprise platforms and content. And at HTC VIVE, we continuously invest in our R&D to deliver new ways of embarking your external tools and various props into your virtual environment to continuously enhance the quality of your immersive learning.  You mentioned the different scenarios available. Are fire departments limited to a certain number of scenarios or are they customisable, for example?  No, the sky is the limit. I think if you talk to the right solution providers, again, there’s no reason why you should be constrained to a set number of scenarios. I’ve seen people develop a number of solutions for fires on a cruise ship, for the Navy on a helicopter. And again, it comes down to being very specific in terms of what you need and what you require. The professionals that create your content can deliver as many as you want. I think the FLAIM’s catalogue of content has up to 60 different scenarios for example.  To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Spare a Minute for Maintenance

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With new fire safety regulations around the corner and a renewed focus on responsible persons and coordination, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK discusses the significance of fire door hardware and why regular inspections and maintenance periods must remain high on the agenda. Fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defence in the event of a fire. Working in tandem, they coexist as a core element of a building’s passive fire protection system, providing valuable protection and time for occupants to escape by compartmentalising the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency. In the UK alone, approximately 3 million fire doors are purchased and installed each year. Such is their significance to fire safety, each component requires detailed engineering, third-party testing and critically, periods of ongoing inspection and maintenance. While each stage of a fire door’s lifecycle is strictly regulated, fire door checks and maintenance falls under the remit of a building’s designated responsible person and is widely understood to be an area that has fallen under neglect. As such, in January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, under Regulation 10, made it a legal requirement for all responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings to conduct regular fire door checks within their premises. And while it’s said that overall inspection levels are rising, with 68% of responsible persons now conducting fire door checks (or having them inspected by professionals) every month or every quarter, there’s still work to be done says Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “In the 12-month period ending March 2023, fire and rescue services attended 178,737 fire incidents in England, a 17% increase compared with the previous 12 months. And when you consider the portion of fire door sets that remain overlooked, the numbers don’t make for good reading. Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment, but there are considerable differences between a fire door that’s operating as intended and one that hasn’t been correctly specified, installed and maintained. “When it comes to maintenance specifically, Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, states that responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are ‘subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair’. Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment and may need repairing or replacing over time. A damaged or ineffective self-closing device for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame – rendering it useless in the event of a fire. “Although we’ve seen real development towards fire safety education in recent years, we must continue to drive forward the number of responsible persons conducting organised fire door checks and maintenance periods as part of their risk assessment duties. The introduction of updated guidance on 1st October 2023 aims to do this further, by improving the cooperation and coordination between responsible persons and rising the requirements associated with recording and sharing fire safety information during fire risk assessments. The update will also make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance.” A stitch in time saves lives As fire safety processes tighten, building owners and facility managers shouldn’t feel discouraged in their actions. In fact, responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections. A simple visual assessment, conducted and recorded by a competent individual, could make the difference between compliance and a fire safety disaster. Karen Trigg continues: “For responsible persons conducting checks, the first step of fire door safety is recognising each component of a fire door and the potential faults to look for when evaluating its condition. The British Woodworking Federation Group – in support of Fire Door Safety Week – shares regular and reliable advice on fire door safety; including a practical five step checklist that has been designed to support responsible persons during fire door assessments. The checklist works as a visual guide and covers the five key areas of a fire door – informing users on what to look out for, including: Certification: “A label or similar marking can often be found towards the top or side of the door and will confirm the fire door is genuine and certified. All ironmongery components, including locks, latches, closers and hinges must also be UKCA/CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification. Apertures: “More often than not, fire doors are tested as solid doors and without any glazing panels or air transfer grilles. It’s important to ensure there are no apertures, holes or breaks in the surface of the door or frame. Decision makers are also reminded that altering the door will make certification void.” Gaps and seals: “Gaps around the fire door should be no greater than 3mm, and this must remain consistent around the whole frame. Intumescent strips must also be fitted at the top and sides of the door and show no signs of wear as this may negate the door’s ability to compartmentalise smoke and fire. Additionally, check for CE or BS EN 1935 marked hinges, which must be firmly fixed and without missing screws.” Door closers: “When it comes to door closers, it’s vital to check that your door hardware is fully functioning and will close the door onto the latch from any standing position. The door must fully engage with the frame from any opening angle, and it’s recommended that users check this by letting go of the door from 75mm through to the closed position. It’s also important to review any hold-open devices to ensure they aren’t working against the door’s self-closing devices, as fire doors must not be wedged open in any scenario.” Operation: “Testing the operation of the full door assembly is essential – from handles and closers to hinges and seals. If the door is not operating effectively, is closing incorrectly on any of its sides,

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OmniShore: One single system for all shoring operations

Exclusives /

Holmatro, expert in search and rescue equipment, sponsored the Search and Rescue feature in the November edition of Fire Buyer and provided valuable insight into the OmniShore product. In unpredictable situations, being ready for anything is crucial. However, there is only so much space on rescue vehicles. With that in mind, Holmatro’s engineers developed a new shoring solution based on two principles: doing more with less and full focus on safety. This resulted in OmniShore: a system of just six different struts to safely build any shoring application.  The system  At the heart of OmniShore is the patented Trident Coupler. It allows you to connect only two struts max and any combination you make is safe. You can combine every strut with every other one and you need no adapters for accessories: they always fit on both ends of each strut. There are no fixed length extension pipes either: every strut functions as an extension, which also saves you the trouble of exact measurement (with twice the plunger stroke you now have much more flexibility).  These OmniShore fundamentals already save lots of weight and space on your truck. Let’s look at how the system benefits you in the different application areas.  Structural Shoring  With OmniShore you no longer need separate braces. Just convert a regular strut into a brace by adding the patented Pull Restrictor, which secures the locknut tightly to the strut. Adding braces like this to a raker for instance, allows large constructions to withstand pulling forces and sudden unintended movement. For smaller shoring solutions in a confined space, OmniShore offers you the world’s shortest mechanical strut. With its double stroke you have maximum flexibility to create a shore that fits.   Vehicle Shoring  Stabilizing a vehicle with OmniShore is easy. Just click either end of an OmniShore strut into the Ratchet Base, click the Multi Head on the other end and you are good to go. That same Multi Head doubles as a base for the Chain Adapter, enabling vehicle lifting with chains. OmniShore’s single hydraulic strut has a double stroke, allowing you to position it with the mechanical stroke and leaving the full hydraulic stroke for lifting.  For safe lifting you need a back-up system. Holmatro developed OmniLock: a patented solution where no one needs to be near a moving load. Every OmniLock strut automatically follows a load up and down and always remains mechanically locked. One single person can monitor and operate these electronic struts from a safe distance with the Wireless Controller. And… the battery for this system is the same one that powers Holmatro’s Pentheon rescue tools. One less charging system on your truck.  Trench Shoring  OmniLock struts also prove their value in fast and safe trench shoring. You can quickly extend them electronically and they are immediately locked, so you will lose no valuable time in tightening the locknut manually. Positioning is easy with the Wireless Controller showing you the angle of each strut. Nice detail: there’s no risk of the plunger falling into the trench: each strut has a stop block.  High Directionals  Last but not least OmniShore is also suitable for creating high directionals. You can safely construct lengths up to 17 ft (5.2 m) to create a monopod, bipod, or tripod for rope rescue situations. Taking their commitment to minimalism very seriously, Holmatro’s engineers innovated with just a monopod and bipod head. To create a tripod? Simply combine the two!  For more details, visit holmatro.com/omnishore  To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the Expert – Fomtec

Exclusives, Technology /

Expert in fluorine-free firefighting foams, John Olav Ottesen, CEO of Fomtec provides an expert insight into the sustainable and necessary future of firefighting foams  As a pioneer in the development of fluorine-free firefighting foams, how have you seen perceptions and attitudes towards these foams evolve over time?  Having been involved with fluorinated foams all my career I was initially very apprehensive about the possibilities of being able to formulate fluorine free foams with similar performance to an AFFF, or an AR-AFFF. Now more than 10 years on we have developed and approved to various international standards a range of SFFF’s under our “Enviro” brandname.  Fluorine free foams definitely DO work, but, just as fluorinated foams, they MUST be deployed as per international design standards such as NFPA, or FM data pages, at the recommended application densities and durations and used with hardware that is specifically tested and approved with the foam concentrate.  Fomtec has been at the forefront of innovation in fire suppression technology. Could you elaborate on the key advantages and unique features of your fluorine-free foams compared to traditional AFFFs?  If we talk about AFFF, we manufacture, and sell a range of different C6 AFFF formulations which are formulated and approved to different international standards for the markets that they are deployed in. We offer AFFF’s to meet the requirements of municipal fire departments through to the demanding specification of US Mil Spec, through to the rapid control and extinguishing requirements of the Aviation Fire & Rescue Fire teams (through ICAO), and the requirements for use through standard (non-aspirating) sprinklers.  Launched into the market more than 5 years ago Enviro USP is designed to be an AFFF alternative and has been tested and approved to multiple standards including:  EN 1568-3 IA rating on fresh water  UL 162 Topside and Sprinkler (Test on heptane)  FM 5130 Topside and Sprinkler (Approved on heptane and Jet A-1 up to 14.5m  ICAO Level B  IMO 1312 @ 6%  Enviro USP is also approved by GESIP and in a quality control test to LASTFIRE test protocol with freshwater on heptane achieved GOOD, GOOD, GOOD performance.  Although ultimately disqualified by the US DOD requirement to have a low viscosity foam concentrate in extensive testing carried out as part of the development programme for their new MIL SPEC for Fluorine Free Foams Enviro USP met all the fire performance standards that are now incorporated in the standard.  With regard to Alcohol Resistant SFFF’s our current star is the Enviro ARK, which I am proud to say was the first SFFF to be approved by FM for use on polar solvent fuels with standard sprinklers.  Through our testing and approval work with both UL and FM the Enviro USP and Enviro ARK were the first SFFF’s that could be deployed in accordance with NFPA standards across all the different fixed foam system requirements regardless of the discharge device or fuel.  Fire performance test standards play a crucial role in assessing firefighting foams. Can you explain how Fomtec’s fluorine-free foams align with and, in some cases, challenge existing standards in the industry?  It’s no secret that Fomtec’s preferred test standards are UL and FM, as we believe that they “system” approach is closer to the real world usage of foam rather than relying on a single point of data from a test nozzle that is designed to give good expansion and drain times. Through our more than 2,500 full scale fire tests in our Enviro Programme we have lots of data to support our position that foam qualities achieved with fluorine free foams are more important to the fire performance than we saw with fluorinated foams.  Even within UL and FM we see changes to the test standards due to data being obtained through the testing of SFFF’s. For example FM within FM 5130 have added a clause relating to the approval on hydrocarbon fuels in that the approval test on heptane now states “heptane” in the approval rather than “hydrocarbons”.  What role do research and development play in continuously improving the performance and effectiveness of fluorine-free foams/additives? Are there any recent breakthroughs or advancements worth mentioning?  I want to venture an opinion that SFFF’s are probably the most tested type of foam agent that have ever been commercialised! I accept the concerns, because I had them too, that taking away the fluorochemicals meant a fundamental change in the chemistry of firefighting foams. It is human nature that we don’t really like change and this is magnified when we are talking about a safety product. We have to know that it works and then there is the obvious comparison between the new and the old.  There is no question that the fire performance of SFFF’s is more dependent on the fuels, application methods (direct, indirect as well as heights etc), and foam qualities (expansion ratio, drain times and bubble structure) than fluorinated foams. Determining the impact of these variables on the performance and the limits is why we carry out so many full scale fire tests. Until we have the data then we only have opinions!  Development of fluorine free foams is still in it’s infancy and we should remember that fluorinated foams have been with us since the 1960’s so have 50+ years of development and improvement. Fomtec remain committed to the development of better performing SFFF’s and we continue to add new or improved performance approvals to our existing products whilst looking at new formulations that will be the next generation of SFFF.  In recent months we have added to the approvals with UL and FM with Enviro USP and Enviro ARK. We have developed and launched Enviro AIR – an ICAO B low viscosity SFFF and we have a number of interesting product launches planned for 2024.  To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Event Spotlight – PMRExpo 2023

Event News /

European Leading Trade Fair for Secure Communication provides an insight on the must-attend event taking place 28-30 November 2023  This year the PMRExpo 2023, European Leading Trade Fair for Secure Communication, will take place from 28 to 30 November in Cologne, Germany. In the exhibition halls of the renowned national and international exhibitors will present their products, solutions and the latest innovations in the field of Secure Communications and Professional Mobile Radio. More precisely: PMRExpo focuses on solutions and innovations from the field of mission- and business-critical as well as highly available Secure Communication, which are primarily used by authorities and organisations with security tasks, in the field of critical infrastructures and by companies. Visitors will be presented with, among other things, devices, applications, and emergency vehicles.   PMRExpo brings together users, manufacturing companies, network operators, service providers and further experts from the research and development sector. It offers the ideal platform for gaining information on current and future developments important for all users already operating professional mobile radio systems and thus dedicated networks. Simultaneously, it addresses new users requiring dedicated networks for highly reliable and secure mission- and business-critical communications in the future, particularly in the context of digitisation.  PMRExpo will be accompanied by a three-day summit with a wide-ranging programme covering current subjects such as cybersecurity, 5G campus networks, broadband networks for critical infrastructures and public safety as well as control centres, for secure mission- and business-critical communications and professional mobile radio applications. Alexander Wolff, Director of the PMRExpo Koelnmesse said: “Together with PMeV, we are very pleased and look forward to offering visitors to this year’s PMRExpo trade fair such a comprehensive summit programme covering the most important issues, challenges, and developments of this industrial sector. The increasing internationalisation of the event, larger exhibition space booked, and higher number of exhibitors compared to last year confirm the continuous conceptual development of the PMRExpo and summit. Thus, we will be offering a unique platform to all qualified participants for exchanging ideas and information on topics such as 5G, migration towards broadband networks/services and cybersecurity. This will most definitely be an excellent opportunity!”  Tickets for the PMRExpo 2023 trade fair and PMRExpo Summit can be purchased at www.pmrexpo.com  About Koelnmesse: Koelnmesse employs around 1,000 people. The city-centre trade fair at the heart of Europe occupies the third-largest trade fair grounds in Germany and, spanning almost 400,000 square metres of hall and outdoor space, it numbers among the top ten worldwide. Each year, Koelnmesse organises and manages around 80 trade fairs, guest events and corporate events in Cologne and in the most important markets around the world. Its portfolio attracts over 54,000 exhibiting companies from 122 countries and approximately three million visitors from more than 200 nations.  To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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The National Training Center and LRG Team Up

News Desk /

National Training Center (NTC), a leader in providing training for the fire protection and low voltage industry, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Lanier Rep Group (LRG), an independent manufacturer’s representative firm. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organisations and holds great promise for the expansion of NTC’s presence on a national scale. LRG’s extensive footprint spans across multiple states, including Texas (TX), Louisiana (LA), Oklahoma (OK), Arkansas (AR), Mississippi (MS), Colorado (CO), New Mexico (NM), Missouri (MO), Iowa (IA), Nebraska (NE), Kansas (KS), Minnesota (MN), Wisconsin (WI), Illinois (IL), North Dakota (ND), and South Dakota (SD). With this partnership, LRG will play a pivotal role in supporting NTC’s outreach efforts in these regions. One of the key objectives of this collaboration is to leverage LRG’s well-established rep alliances to facilitate training events across the aforementioned states. These events will cover a wide range of topics, from regional NICET certification at all levels to essential Technology 101 basics for access control. Installers and salespeople in the fire protection and low voltage industry will find immense value in these training programs. What sets NTC apart is its adaptability, as their programs and materials can be delivered both onsite and remotely. This flexibility ensures that professionals in the industry can access high-quality training regardless of their location. NTC’s commitment to excellence in training aligns perfectly with LRG’s mission to provide comprehensive support and resources to manufacturers and professionals. This partnership brings together two industry leaders, each with its own unique strengths, to offer an unparalleled level of support and training opportunities for professionals in the fire protection and low voltage sector. Together, NTC and LRG aim to elevate the skills and knowledge of individuals within the industry, ultimately enhancing safety and security measures nationwide. As the collaboration unfolds, NTC and LRG look forward to making a significant impact on the industry by empowering professionals with the latest knowledge and expertise, thereby contributing to the safety and security of communities across the United States. This partnership is not only a testament to their dedication to excellence but also a testament to their commitment to advancing the industry as a whole. For more information about the training programs and services offered by National Training Center and Lanier Rep Group, please visit their respective websites or contact their representatives directly. Together, they are ready to serve and support professionals in the fire protection and low voltage industry, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Latest product development from FOL-DA-TANK

News Desk /

FOL-DA-TANK presents its latest innovations in product development for portable water tanks, electric vehicle fires and more Flange Mount Plate The flange mount plate is permanently installed in the wall of the tank to facilitate through wall drafting. A low-level strainer is connected to the inside flange and a hard suction hose is connected to the outside flange. Through wall drafting reduces the time it takes to prime the pump. It also eliminates the hard suction hose being routed over the top rail of the tank. Overall, saving time and optimizing equipment usage. In addition, the flange mount plate is offset and does not increase the overall width of the folded tank. Did you know that we make custom products? Check out this custom cover we recently made for a local fire protection district’s plasma cutter. DA-EV Tank FOL-DA-TANK®, LLC is excited to announce our new, patent pending product “DA-EV Tank”! This innovative new product is designed to address an increasing problem in the firefighting community, electric vehicle (EV) fires. As EVs have become more popular, being prepared for the inevitable fires caused by thermal runaway in EV batteries is essential. FOL-DA-TANK®, LLC brings you an effective, portable tank designed to submerge the battery and prevent reignition. Be prepared for anything with DA-EV Tank! Available to order beginning November 8th, 2023. To request a brochure check out their website. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great resource for understanding how EVs impact the environment. Contest Time Do you have pictures of our products in-use? Send them to rshull@FOL-DA-TANK.com for an entry into a drawing for FOL-DA-TANK swag. Each picture equals one entry, so send multiple. You can even pose with your department! Two winners will be chosen each month. We can’t wait to see what you have! To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Stantec’s Fire Flow System for 10 Thames Valley

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Fire Flow System, an innovative, GIS-based, digital tool is being made available to ten fire services in the Thames Valley region over the next year. The unique system from Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, provides emergency teams with crucial insight to help them save time and lives when responding to fires. Developed in the UK alongside Thames Water, the award-winning Fire Flow tool pairs water network information from the water company with a vast digital twin of all buildings and infrastructure in the Thames Valley region. By using a laptop, phone, or tablet, firefighters can then identify accessible fire hydrants in any given location and uncover vital details on the water they can draw to suppress a fire. The tool uses building data to calculate the required fire flows based on height, floor area, and occupational uses, and can highlight at-risk buildings based on their specifications. The insights from the Fire Flow System will allow emergency teams in the Thames Valley to establish instantly which hydrants in the area offer the best pressure and flows. This gives the fire and rescue services instant access to the best available data for planning for and responding to incidents. Based on a fire appliance’s potential location, the Fire Flow System also identifies the most efficient hydrants to use while devising the optimum routes for teams to lay their fire hoses. The tool is already in use by the London Fire Brigade and will be rolled out across ten Thames Valley fire and rescue services, including: Hertfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Royal Berkshire, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, Kent, and Essex. The combined services protect more than ten million people across the south of England. “In a fire, we know that every second counts. The time saved by using the Fire Flow System will undoubtedly lead to better and more efficient responses to emergency situations across the Thames Valley region,” says Michael Morrisroe, technical director, Stantec. “By being more prepared for incidents with resources and data, fire crews can ultimately protect more properties, and save more lives.” “At Stantec, we provide sector leading solutions to the entire built environment,” added Morrisroe. “Bringing different industries together to address our communities’ biggest challenges is a fundamental part of who we are. We’re delighted that that these ten fire services will be using this cutting-edge digital tool, which we’re continually developing to include more features and to suit wider applications.” “The Fire Flow System has benefited from the valued, long-standing partnership between Stantec and our planning and modelling teams,” says Simon Moore, head of planning for Thames Water. “It is proving to be an important tool for us, helping us to identify issues on our water network and allowing us to share data easily with our regional fire services whose input has given us confidence that the tool also meets the needs of the front-line responders.” “The Fire Flow Application has proven to be an invaluable tool,” says Kevin Muller, Water Team Manager, London Fire Brigade. “It was developed with some input from the London Fire Brigade which was a welcome opportunity. Fire Flow has been used at multiple operational incidents to identify and secure appropriate supplies of water for firefighting.” “The Fire Flow application is unique in the information it makes available to fire and rescue services and the functionality it provides,” Muller added. “It is a great example of partnership working between Thames Water and the London Fire Brigade.” To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Sensitron Communication with Augmented Reality and Metaverse

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Sensitron, an Italian manufacturer of gas detection systems and part of the Halma Group, announces its commitment to the evolution of corporate communications through the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, including augmented reality and the metaverse. With more than 35 years of experience in the gas detection industry nationally and internationally, Sensitron has distinguished itself by its commitment to promoting safety and people and environments. Now, the company also carries forward its pioneering spirit into the sphere of communication. The use of augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse (VR) is enabling Sensitron to transform corporate communications, providing an engaging and interactive experience for customers and stakeholders. The use of augmented reality aims to enhance our customers’ experience. “We adopted AR to offer an immersive three-dimensional view of our products, allowing customers to explore them in detail from every angle. Sensitron is leveraging augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse to revolutionize its corporate communications, offering a captivating and interactive journey for customers and stakeholders. Beyond the product, information and technical data are also showcased using infographics,” says Riccardo Montano, System Engineer at Sensitron. With the metaverse, Sensitron is diving into the digital future through the creation of virtual spaces. In the metaverse, you will find the “Sensitron Hub,” a comprehensive virtual environment with all the information about who Sensitron is and what it does. Here, visitors can explore product information, certifications, and gas detection details. It is a comprehensive and interactive information hub that represents Sensitron’s commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing. But they didn’t stop there. “We aimed to design virtual spaces that illustrate the applications of our gas detectors. Gas is a versatile element, with applications spanning industrial, commercial, marine, building sectors, and more. In these virtual environments, we’ve recreated real-world scenarios, such as a parking lot and a pharmaceutical chemical setting. These spaces are ready for exploration and provide detailed insights into how our products are utilized,” says Valentina Lombardo, Marketing Manager. Sensitron is determined to stay on top of the digital evolution and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by augmented reality and the metaverse to improve communication with customers, partners, and stakeholders. These new technologies complement all the ways we have communicated with customers over the past 35 years. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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