Staging Site!

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Scottish Fire launches new Strategic Plan

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has unveiled its plan to help keep Scotland’s communities safe. The Strategic Plan for 2022-2025 sets out SFRS’s strategic intentions for the next three years, detailing seven objectives to achieve them. Over the next three years, the Service will look to reduce its carbon emissions and increase resilience to respond effectively to the impact of climate change in Scotland. Initiatives will be deployed to ensure community safety and wellbeing improve throughout Scotland including working with partners to refocus preventative activities to address issues of social, economic and health inequalities. The plan, informed by the SFRS Long Term Vision, will ensure delivery of the strategic priorities set out for the Service by the Scottish Government in the Fire Framework 2022. The outcomes of the Strategic Plan 2019-22 review report and the views of SFRS staff have been considered as the plan has developed. It also follows the previous launch of a draft plan first published in May, now finalised after recognising the feedback from the associated public consultation. SFRS Director of Strategic Planning, Performance and Communications, Mark McAteer, led its development. He said: “Our plan sets out what we want to achieve as a Service by 2025, identifying attainable goals within this timeframe as we continue to recover from the impact of COVID. “This is the first plan that aligns with the SFRS Long-Term Vision and is the next step in realising our ambitions to be a progressive organisation, centred around people’s needs, inclusive of all and better connected to communities. “Achieving the outcomes we’ve set out will help us realise our vision and fulfil our mission of working together for a safer Scotland.” The final plan has now been approved by Community Safety Minister, Ash Regan MSP, and laid before the Scottish Parliament. Speaking about the plan, Ms Regan MSP said: “I am pleased to approve the 2022-2025 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Plan. This SFRS plan aligns with the priorities in the recently published Scottish Government Fire and Rescue Framework 2022. “The people of Scotland are well-served by the officers and staff of SFRS, who work alongside partners to make communities safer.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Scottish Fire launches new Strategic Plan Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

World’s first electric aerial ladder tested

Schutz & Rettung Zürich are testing the world’s first electric automatic aerial ladder from Rosenbauer. Used for fighting fires, rescuing people and animals, providing assistance in severe weather, rope rescue, dealing with bees and other services, the new electric automatic aerial ladder (L32A-XS electric) will be put to the test when Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ) uses it as an additional automatic aerial ladder as part of a pilot project. The electric automatic aerial ladder, made by Rosenbauer, is powered by electricity from three lithium-ion batteries. The ladder should be no different from conventional models as far as operating it is concerned. It is also designed to be quieter. However, the top prority is making sure that SRZ can perform its fundamental mission of protecting and rescuing the people of Zurich at all times, without any restrictions. The vehicle previously showcased at the Interschutz trade show in Hanover will remain available for training and familiarizing firefighters until it is incorporated into deployment scheduling (sometime around the end of November). The vehicle will then be deployed on real-life operations both in the urban area of Zurich and in the airport region as part of a year-long pilot project, delivering valuable information on how it performs when used on day-to-day calls by a fire department. This could provide significant insights that can subsequently be used to optimize the procurement of emergency vehicles with alternative drive systems. Gebäudeversicherung Zürich (GVZ), a buildings insurance organization, is supporting the pilot project in its capacity as the organization with overall responsibility for fire services in the canton of Zurich and a key partner to SRZ. Markus Zellinger from Rosenbauer Schweiz AG, commented: “We are delighted to be implementing the first all-electric aerial ladder in collaboration with our customer, Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ), and to have handed it over for trials. The top priority during development of the aerial ladder was functionality. “We wanted it to be just as functional, powerful and reliable as the established standard aerial ladders while also being equally easy to use and maintain and offering the same level of spare parts availability. That is why we used only high-quality OEM components.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

World’s first electric aerial ladder tested Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Lagos Govt expands its fire service

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured of his administration’s continuous support to the state’s Emergency Responders System by disclosing that three newly built fire stations, 62 state-of-the-art fire-fighting equipment and newly recruited Fire Officers into the service of the Agency will be commissioned in two days’ time. According to Vanguard the governor said the new fire stations underscored his administration’s commitment to improve the response time, increase proximity and ensure firefighters get to the theatre of operations in record time. Sanwo-Olu also said that the state government had recruited 435 new fire officers to boost the personnel in the Fire and Rescue Service Agency. He said: “For a state with population of over 20 million people, host to industrial, commercial and economic activities, the responsibility of ensuring safety of lives and properties in terms of emergency response and management is quite herculean.” He added that the state government had taken steps to invest in risk mitigation against natural and man-made disasters: “Disasters sushi as flooding, fire outbreak, collapsed buildings, and others, which could negatively impact the lives of our citizens, shatter dreams and the hope of the vulnerable. “Our administration, from inception, was very clear about its Strategic Policy Focus, which aimed at repositioning the State Emergency Responders to carry out their onerous responsibilities of providing safety and rescue service in the State. “We are convinced that with modern equipment and well trained/motivated personnel, response to and management of all kinds of emergencies will improve very significantly.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Lagos Govt expands its fire service Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Ajax launches FireProtect 2 lineup

Ajax Systems announces the new FireProtect 2 lineup and unveils the first release that includes seven models of fire detectors. The re-engineered detectors feature a patented smoke chamber that is ultimately dustproof and impenetrable for insects, thermistors that ensure rapid detection of temperature spikes, long-lasting battery life, and many accompanying hardware and software improvements. “Due to the wide application of the FireProtect detectors, we gathered valuable experience in fire safety. And what do we see? We see the overregulated and inert markets. We see the same players who do not risk changing their products for years. We see how professionals work with outdated equipment and how users get minimal fire protection and the same minimal features. We’ve accepted the challenge and devoted a year to develop a fire safety road map in an Ajax system.” Sergii Shcherbakov, Product Manager, Fire Team The first release complies with EN 14604:2005/AC:2008, EN 50291-1:2018, and Q mark regulations and fully meets the needs of the EU residential fire safety market, which is growing by €80 million annually. At this point, Ajax has something to offer: detectors with sealed batteries for homes in the Netherlands and Germany, detectors with carbon monoxide sensors for Scandinavian countries, where many people heat their homes with gas and other fuels. And many more options for fire detection systems installers worldwide. Detectors for each task The FireProtect 2 lineup features detectors of two enclosure types. Depending on size, they are equipped with different sensor combinations. Detectors with a bigger enclosure feature a smoke chamber plus a temperature sensor, and an advanced version also features a CO sensor. The smaller ones have no smoke chamber and feature up to two sensors: a sole temperature sensor, a sole CO sensor or both “under the hood”. Detectors have different battery options. The RB models feature replaceable batteries that provide up to 7 years of operation and SB models work 10 years from sealed batteries (can’t be replaced, require entire detector replacement). Future-proof hardware A dedicated team of developers spent a year reaching an entirely new level of technology in residential fire safety with FireProtect 2. They equipped the detectors with a unique, patented smoke chamber that is ultimately dustproof and impenetrable for insects — no need to clean it regularly. In the smoke chamber, FireProtect 2 has a dual-spectrum optical sensor that can distinguish smoke from water steam, thanks to the blue and infrared LEDs. Even if, somehow, the dust gets into and settles in the smoke chamber, it does not affect the detection. The optical system is designed so that dust and insects cannot be in two beams simultaneously and thereby cause an alarm. Moreover, the updated HazeFlow 2 software algorithm processes data received from the sensors, reducing the risk of false alarms to almost zero. To quickly distinguish the temperature spike, detectors are equipped with two thermistors. They give a significant advantage when synthetic materials burn. So FireProtect 2, with smoke and temperature sensors, is ready to detect a fire as fast as possible, even if it starts imperceptibly. The extended version — with an additional carbon monoxide sensor — detects the CO concentration at a 50 ppm level. And the built-in 85 dB buzzer alerts about the high level of CO with a different sound. So the type of danger is immediately clear. With years of operation from replaceable or sealed batteries, FireProtect 2 hardware ensures accurate and robust fire safety. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Ajax launches FireProtect 2 lineup Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Electric vehicle hazards after Hurricane Ian

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, officials have warned of that electric vehicles that have been damaged by the storm may now pose a fire risk as a result of being submerged in salt water. Firefighters in Naples have responded to at least six fires involving EVs that had been damaged in the storm, according to the Florida Phoenix. Experts have said that vehicles that may have been submerged in saltwater for extended periods of time are of particular concern. “Electric vehicles that have been submerged in water, especially saltwater, have a potential risk of experiencing a high-voltage electrical battery fire,” said Victoria Hutchison, a project manager at the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the research affiliate of NFPA. “First responders should be prepared to respond to a potential fire and should handle EVs that may have been submerged with greater caution.” Hutchison explained that saltwater can accelerate corrosion, meaning that following a saltwater storm surge scenario, the salt deposits that can remain on the EV batteries after the water has receded and can cause rapid corrosion and increase the risk of thermal runaway. “Furthermore, there’s no set period in which this potential thermal reaction will occur—it can be hours, days, or even weeks later,” she warned. In a statement sent to Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in that when EVs batteries are submerged in saltwater, specifically, “salt bridges can form within the battery pack and provide a path for short-circuit and self-heating.” In a Facebook post, the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District Administration advised EV owners whose vehicles may have been damaged during Hurricane Ian to tow the affected vehicle from their home using towing operator that knows how to safely and properly tow EV vehicles. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Electric vehicle hazards after Hurricane Ian Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Streamlight launches Syclone Jr work light

Streamlight Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting, has just launched their Syclone Jr., an ultra-compact rechargeable work light that fits in tight spaces for a variety of identification and repair uses. Hands-free or hanging, the body of the light can rotate 360 degrees in its U-shaped magnetic base and can be easily adjusted with one hand. Weighing just 56.7g and delivering up to 210 lumens and 8.5 hours of run time, it also provides the convenience and cost savings of USB rechargeability. The new light features both high and low beams and uses a cool white LED for maximum illumination. The light can stand on its weighted base, which also includes magnets for attaching to metal surfaces for hands-free lighting. A handy folding hook to hang the light is also provided for added versatility. “The Syclone Jr. is small but mighty, with a rotating body that aims light where it is needed, even in the tightest spaces,” said Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer Michael F. Dineen. “First responders, auto technicians, industrial workers and DIYers alike will reach for it whenever they need a task light that can stand on its own, attach to metal surfaces, or function as a hanging light. And because it uses a USB rechargeable battery, it offers among the lowest operating costs of any area light of its type and size.” On the high setting, the new light delivers 210 lumens, 1,550 candela, and a 3.75 hour run time. On low, it provides 85 lumens and 600 candela, with a run time of 8.5 hours. Featuring a lithium-ion 1000 mAh cell, the Syclone Jr. offers effortless battery charging by pulling open the rubber USB cover and plugging the charge cord into the light’s micro-USB port. Charge times vary depending on the voltage the USB source provides. The light also can be recharged in 4.5 hours with an AC wall charger. The Syclone Jr. features tough thermoplastic construction with an elastomer button, and an acrylic, gasket-sealed lens. It has an IPX4-rated design for water-resistant operation and is impact-resistant tested to 2 metres. Weighing just 56.7g, the light measures 5.18cm in length, 5.71cm in width, and is 2.89cm thick. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Streamlight launches Syclone Jr work light Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

NFPA appoints Laura King as Canada Regional Director

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the appointment of Laura King as Regional Director for Canada to champion building, fire, and life safety activities across the country. As regional director, King will work with the entire fire and life safety community to advance safety in Canada by cultivating strong alliances, working with existing and new stakeholders, advocating for public education, and representing NFPA in local, provincial, and national circles. King will build on the solid foundation developed by Shayne Mintz who retired in 2021 after nearly 10 years representing NFPA in Canada. She began representing NFPA in 2017 in public education and has worked with fire departments, associations, and First Nations groups from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, and the northern territories, to develop community risk reduction programs, build fire-prevention and life-safety education strategies, and create and disseminate consistent and accurate fire and life safety messaging. “Laura has the skill set and experience to collaborate with a broad range of professionals across Canada,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for NFPA. “Her experiences representing NFPA in public education, and her strong connection to the fire safety community in Canada, make her well suited for this important role.” King, a native of Nova Scotia and resident of the Greater Toronto Area, was editor of Fire Fighting in Canada and Canadian Firefighter magazines for 10 years before representing NFPA in 2017. She was a reporter and editor for more than 20 years for newspapers and magazines across Canada and the United States. King has a degree from Carleton University in journalism, political science, and public administration. She is a certified fire- and life-safety educator and holds several other certifications. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

NFPA appoints Laura King as Canada Regional Director Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

ESS 2022 Review

Fire Buyer’s grand day out to the Emergency Services Show was a welcome one, with many innovators vying for the spotlight  Fire Buyer made an appearance at this year’s Emergency Services Show, held at the prestigious and mammoth National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK. In attendance were a vast range of exhibitors from all corners of the emergency services, all showing off their latest products and demonstrations. What was already anticipated to be a healthy turnout ended up blowing away expectations; the many lines of stands and stalls rife with the bustle of many individuals eager to expand both their knowledge and their networks. Taking place over the course of a couple of days meant that there was plenty of time for many talks and demonstrations to be held, each one as enchanting and intriguing as the last.  With the emergency services sector being one of the most integral for modern society meant that there was a vast array of products on show from the fire, ambulance and police sectors. Outside, though, was a firefighting wonderland: several vehicles lay parked in opulent formation, showcasing towering turntable ladders, the latest in fire vehicle storage and equipment, as well as a hulking and impressive firefighting drone developed by Magirus.  Other popular names included the likes of Drager, who bore in their impressive front-row stand a series of products geared towards firefighter protection in the field. Among these were helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus that capitalised on the latest in protection technologies. From a very welcoming stand the Drager team were on point giving attendees the lowdown on these products and how they will strive to shape the firefighting industry in the future.  Another familiar face were the team at HAIX, specialists in firefighter boots. While regarded as some to be a somewhat insignificant and humble product, the minds behind HAIX understood the importance of footwear for emergency services, developing a boot that is not only protective against fire and associated hazards faced on a daily basis, but also providing unrivalled support and comfort for the user. Firefighters spend almost all of their time on their feet and on the go and exert a huge demand on their feet. Being the only point of contact in a burning building means that it is paramount to ensure safety as well as support for the feet.  With a reinvigorated approach to sustainability in vehicles, we saw fire vehicle giants Rosenbauer host an impressive stand, demonstrating the latest in electric vehicle innovations. With more and more fire services showing interest in the sustainable but powerful electric motors these vehicles provide, we may begin to see a move away from fuel-powered vehicles as everyone strives to do their bit to save the environment… To read the rest of this feature, see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

ESS 2022 Review Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Nittan Europe launches EV-Firebeam

Nittan Europe, a manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has launched an enhanced version of its EV-Firebeam Xtra loop powered beam detector: the EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI. The EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI now features a short Circuit Isolator in addition to the benefits of the previous model such as advanced linear stepper motors which enables the beam to align itself to the centre of the reflector when commissioning and automatically re-align itself when building movement occurs. This innovative design overcomes many of the traditional issues associated with beam detection, including building movement which impacts reliability, and accessibility making commissioning and maintenance difficult and time consuming. The sophisticated alignment process adopted by the new EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI results in exceptionally fast commissioning and routine maintenance. Under test conditions at 40 metres, the EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI’s auto-align time was recorded by Nittan at just three minutes, two seconds. Once aligned, a routine re-alignment was timed at just one minute, seven seconds. The EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI standard package comes complete with a head unit, low level controller and a single reflector, which will cover distances up to 7m. Mid-range and long-range kits are also available to cover 70-140m and 140-160m respectively. The EV-Firebeam Xtra SCI is the latest addition to Nittan’s Evolution Addressable Fire Alarm System range. It is VdS approved and fully compliant to EN 54-12:2015. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Nittan Europe launches EV-Firebeam Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Magirus FLORIAN success in Dresden

With record numbers of 20,000 visitors, this year’s FLORIAN trade fair in Dresden saw a significant increase over last year. The success of the fair was tangible for exhibitors everywhere, with well-attended stands. Magirus took the stage and presented many innovations and groundbreaking new products. In addition, FLORIAN was the last stop on its highly successful “Experience the Future” roadshow.  Since September, Magirus has been touring Europe with its innovative roadshow “Experience The Future” to present its state-of-the-art product portfolio to fire departments and interested visitors. In Dresden, the latest innovations for the next generation of firefighting could be experienced live on the outdoor area F5 at booth F50. FLORIAN thus successfully concluded this year’s roadshow stops. The new Magirus Wolf CI tactical logistics platform was presented alongside the Magirus Wolf R1 response robot. Both are part of Magirus’ innovative “Next Generation Firefighting”.  Premiere of the new Magirus Wolf C1  With the unveiling of the new Wolf C1, Magirus is consistently expanding its range of remote controlled robots. As the newest member of the unique Wolf product family, the innovative tactical logistics platform supports firefighters and disaster control when transporting heavy loads and equipment, e.g. in rough terrain or over longer distances. With its sophisticated swap body system including airline rails, the robot is highly versatile and, above all, resource saving. It takes on tasks in the field of logistics and transport, such as transporting portable fire pumps, power generators, sandbags or injured persons. In addition, the Wolf C1 can be individually equipped for special purposes, such as a mobile lighting mast for scene illumination, with a large launcher that can be lowered on site, or for hose laying. Magirus is thus already the only supplier in the field of fire-fighting and disaster control to offer applied rescue robotics.  Presentation of Magirus TP-Logistic VCU  The focus at FLORIAN was also on the TP-Logistics pumper with Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). The extensively equipped fire engine combines forward-looking communication technology, control and logistics. With its powerful Magirus fire-fighting technology and variable equipment and logistics capacities, it ensures maximum safety and flexibility even in critical operations. Mobile drones for the delivery of reliable live images, also in infrared, are integrated in a targeted manner and can be used intuitively, as is the control of the Wolf R1 and Wolf C1 tactical response robots.  Presentation of the WaterTank XT90 from Magirus  Another innovation is the Magirus WaterTank XT. Particularly in the event of forest and wildland fires or a lack of infrastructure, it is ideal as a mobile fire-fighting water supply for the provision of large quantities of water. It ensures a constant supply of extinguishing agents as well as mobile or stationary supply on site. The WaterTank XT is currently available in four sizes with capacities ranging from 6,600 to 16,800 liters. When used with fire-fighting vehicles such as a tank pumper, it often closes existing gaps in the infrastructure and ensures uncomplicated and constant shuttle service. Because it can be connected directly to the fire-fighting centrifugal pump of the towing vehicle, such as the TLF AirCore, it provides a significant increase in volume, even off paved roads. The height of the drum truck means that portable fire pumps are no longer required to fill collapsible tanks. With the WaterTank XT, Magirus once again proves its high practical orientation, but also its innovative strength in well thought-out detailed solutions.  To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Magirus FLORIAN success in Dresden Read More »

Scroll to Top