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Interview with Magirus’s Thomas Hilse

News Desk /

An interview with Thomas Hilse, President of Magirus, on the opportunities and challenges in the firefighting industry in 2022 and the goal of initiating a mutual understanding. The initial situation for Magirus is very positive at the moment. What do you think is the reason for this?  I see the positive starting position as being based primarily on Magirus’ great innovative strength and the clear consistency with which we continue to drive this forward and shape our product portfolio accordingly. That is a clear characteristic of our mindset. The increasing catastrophes such as forest fires, heavy rain or summer heat resulting from climate change are constantly presenting us with new challenges.  With our “Next Generation Firefighting” program, we set ourselves the uncompromising goal of developing future-oriented emergency technology that guarantees efficiency and maximum safety for all emergency forces. Proven Magirus vehicle technology is the foundation of all future technologies. We take pride in driving innovation and seeing it in action.  Currently, we have just handed over the first Wolf R1 tactical response robot, which will be used precisely for the disasters mentioned. It enables firefighters to stay out of harm’s way in the event of intense heat, danger of collapse or poor visibility.    Nevertheless, the firefighting vehicle market has been experiencing two difficult years. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war situation in Ukraine have impacted the growth of production units, and existing orders can currently only be achieved with economic losses and time delays. In your opinion, what is the most urgent issue at present?  We need to enter into a dialogue with all those responsible who are integrated into the process of tendering and awarding contracts for firefighting vehicles. The placement of an order for firefighting vehicles currently in production was up to two years ago. This is the normal process duration for the respective chassis delivery, conversion and equipping of these, as well as the test phase of the vehicles.  When the contracts were signed, none of the parties involved could have anticipated and calculated the pandemic and the resulting problems, such as production difficulties due to breakdowns, delivery bottlenecks, increase in material costs. These huge losses are extremely problematic for the entire industry. Especially because only with a healthy economic basis can the important future-oriented innovations be driven forward.  As a result, we at Magirus will be forced to talk to our customers about price increases for existing orders. We don’t like to do that, but unfortunately profitability is currently forcing us to do so. What do you think are possible solutions to this situation? In order to promote new innovations in fire protection, which are currently imperative precisely because of the prevailing climate catastrophes, manufacturers must be in a position to make investments economically. That’s why a common understanding and a uniform goal orientation of all participants in this process are essential. Other industries also have the opportunity to adapt to the current economic situation.  In the future, this will mean that we will have to integrate inflation clauses into contracts in the expectation that these will be accepted on the basis of a mutual understanding. Absolute transparency in all directions is the basis for this. Only if this fair cooperation is also possible in our industry can we successfully master the necessary transformation in fire protection technology over the next ten years.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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The IFSEC Global Influencers in Fire Safety 2022

News Desk /

We are delighted to reveal the IFSEC Global Influencers in fire safety for 2022 is now available on the IFSEC Global website. Chosen based on nominations judged by a panel of highly respected judges, the IFSEC Global annual influencer awards are designed to generate positivity across the industry by recognising and highlighting the talent and efforts of some of the leading individuals tirelessly working to develop the fire safety sectors. This year, we have revealed the top influencers in security in a separate article, which can be found here. We defined ‘influence’ in the following ways: Someone who has played a key role in driving technological innovation Someone who has been a driving force in changing regulation, standards/guidance or best practice Someone whose insights/opinions are widely respected and which are influential in shaping debate around industry issues Someone who has been instrumental in the success of the organisation or business they lead or are employed by Someone who has helped to raise the industry’s profile or been an influential voice in the national media The process The process consists of two stages. First, we invited nominations from the IFSEC Global audience and beyond. Then, a panel of judges, drawn from across the fire safety industry and barred from featuring in the list themselves, assigned points to each nomination based on the persuasiveness of the nomination, their research into the nominee and their own knowledge of the nominee’s contributions to their field. The judges were also permitted to submit a limited number of nominations themselves, which were then scored by the other judges. There are two categories for fire safety. The first is one for the whole industry, while the second – ‘Ones to Watch’ – is designed to recognise up and coming individuals making a difference in the sector, but who have been in the profession no longer than five years. To read the full list see here. 

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Redtronic launches new Tornado B47 Beacon

Event News /

Redtronic are further enhancing their beacon range with the NEW Tornado B47 beacon. Their latest product launch sees the introduction of a compact, low-profile, high-intensity beacon packed with a variety of features and benefits. The Tornado B47 beacon has been designed by Redtronic to ensure it provides the ultimate light output to meet ECE R65 class II approvals in both amber and blue. It is IP69K protected against water and dust ingress, CISPR25 Level 3, EMC R10 and DEKRA speed rated to 153mph / 246.2km/h (mag mount). Features included as standard are a built-in auto dim sensor which will automatically reduce light output in dark environments whilst still adhering to ECE R65, nine flash patterns (including two rotate patterns) along with CAP168/ICAO approvals. It meets the needs of all customer applications from amber safety and commercial vehicles to emergency services and covert vehicles. The Tornado B47 beacon also includes ultra-bright latest generation LEDs under an ultra-strong, UV stabilised, fresnel polycarbonate lens offering multiple lens colour options and LED colours. It is available in multiple mount options including one bolt, pole, magnetic and suction making it the perfect solution for both permanent and temporary vehicle applications. Key defining features include: · Ultra-bright latest generation LEDs · Highly efficient optic fresnel lens for light dispersion · Compact, sleek, low-profile design · Clear, amber and blue lens options · One bolt, pole, magnetic and suction cup mount options · Includes an autoDIM sensor (night and day mode) · Nine flash patterns (includes two rotate flash patterns) · ECE R65 approved in class II in amber and blue · Speed Rating: 153mph (246.2km/h) mag mount · IP69K protection against dust and water ingress · CAP168/ICAO airport flash pattern · EMC R10 compliant · CISPR 25 Level 3 · 11-32VDC operation · Two-year warranty Adrien Bonnefon, Senior European Sales Manager at Redtronic said “We are all very excited to see the launch of our Tornado B47 beacon range. Retaining the same ultra-low-profile shape than the Tornado V2 beacon, we have undertaken a full internal redesign of the electronics inside to provide superior product features such as ECE R65 class II approvals in amber and blue, with an integrated auto DIM sensor for day and night mode, CISPR level 3 for reduced electromagnetic interferences, along with a highly efficient optic fresnel lens for better light dispersion. We have managed to pack all these new additional product features with even better pricing than our current Tornado V2 model. We therefore anticipate this product to be a huge success in all the UK and export markets we serve.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Smart detection capabilities

Exclusives /

A combination of cloud computing, sensors and an IoT gateway provides valuable intelligence for firefighters before they get to an emergency  Fire detection systems are widely used in various safety and security applications. Most fires start due to an electric short circuit. It leads to damage to property and also loss of life. To avoid that or to minimise the damage caused by fire outbreaks due to electric short circuits, an IoT technology can be used to control such kinds of risk.   Traditional fire detection systems are not that effective and quick to alert the owner about fire, in case no one is present at the location. To overcome this problem IoT based fire detection systems are becoming increasingly popular. A system that combines qualities for fire, temperature and smoke detection, sending alert text messages about the fire to the user along with an onsite alarm (buzzer), updating temperature, humidity and smoke.   For years, first responders relied on paper maps to reach a fire in an apartment building or office. Incomplete information would delay firefighters from arriving at an emergency, and false alarms would set them on the wrong path altogether. Dispatchers in 911 centres would receive erroneous information on a problem with a smoke detector rather than a sprinkler switch.  “It would get to the point where you don’t even trust the data,” said Dick Bauer, Fire Chief for the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company in Killingworth, Connecticut. Now cloud computing, mobile apps, edge computing and IoT gateways will enable fire safety personnel to gain visibility into how to reach an emergency.  Remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities of an IoT system help firefighters know where to position personnel and trucks in advance, according to Bauer. An IoT system tells fire personnel the locations of a smoke detector going off, a heat detector sending signals or a water flow switch being activated.  “You can see a map of the building with the actual location identified where the fire really is, and you can actually watch it spread if you have enough sensors,” said Bill Curtis, Analyst in Residence, IoT, at Moor Insights & Strategy.  IoT will make systems in commercial buildings work together like Amazon’s Alexa controls lights, thermostats and audio/video (AV) equipment in a home, Curtis said. An IoT system could shut down an HVAC system or put elevators in fire mode if smoke is blowing around a building, he suggested. A mobile app populated with sensor data can provide visibility into emergency systems and how to control specific locations in a building. It provides a holistic view of sensors, controls and fire panels.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Big Interview – Michael Robinson

Big Interview /

Firefighter Michael Robinson Sr. shares with Fire Buyer how he helps reduce heat injuries and fatalities on the firegrounds around the globe  Please introduce yourself and what you do?   My name is Michael Robinson Sr. I have been in the fire service for 30 years and have three sons who were all in the fire service at one time. My oldest son is a Captain and Battalion Chief today. I was in two volunteer departments for my first 15 years in the service and another 15 years with Rural Metro Fire Knoxville TN. until my retirement last year because of my Heatseeker work. I was also a ladder operator for almost 10 years and also on the Hazmat team.   You founded Heatseeker, what was the reasoning behind this and how does it help the firefighting community?   Back in 2011 my partner almost died of heat stroke at a house fire. We saved him that day but it could have turned out differently. The next day I went to my truck and removed a 2.5″ blind cap from my discharge port and drilled it and added three misting nozzles. We now have an immediate cooling device to help us cool off on any scene! I never meant to sell the cap but before I knew it everyone wanted one. My captain came to my station to see it in action and when I charged the line it put out a cooling mist cloud about 8′ long and about 6′ in circumference. This is pushing out air and water cooling the area inside the mist cloud almost 30 degrees lower than the ambient temperature. This was huge for us to help lower temperatures. That day my Captain asked me to make one for every truck in our fleet, about 45 trucks & engines. I applied for a patent and within two weeks I had a letter back stating that I could start selling my product with a patent pending and within three months I was selling in the US and International. I have won many awards and passed two auditions with Shark Tank and now awaiting an air date.  What is a rehab unit?  We have different sizes and formal cooling stations that cool 5 firefighters at a time. Our units attach to any apparatus or hose line to help lower core body temperatures on fire scenes, training, ect… Always for fireground rehab as well.  You have been a firefighter for almost 30 years, what drove you to the industry?  I was born and raised in south Florida, Homestead. Back in 1992 we lost everything in hurricane Andrew and moved to Karns, TN. 3 months after moving into a farmhouse in the country our neighbours barn caught on fire and Karns Volunteer Fire Dept responded and fought a very big barn fire for hours. A couple of firefighters came to talk with us and they were so nice and one asked me to come down and join. The next day I went to Karns Sta 1 and joined.   To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the Expert – Magirus

Exclusives /

International Fire Buyer Editor, Rebecca Spayne, sits down with Thomas Hilse, CEO at Magirus to discover the challenges that modern firefighters face  You have been CEO of Magirus since mid-2021. Magirus Firefighting vehicles are found all over the world. In some countries for over 100 years. What is the background to this success story?   I think you you can only succeed internationally if you have a constant history of supplying innovation, quality and solutions that really make a difference. We’ve been doing this since 1864. Even if when I travel, I suddenly notice a magirus ladder.  At Magirus we are the customer. Our employees are all firefighters so we understand the needs of the industry, and that is what the history of the company is based on. We are a symbiosis of customer and manufacturer who want to provide and have secure technology in the moments that matter most. I think this is the ultimate success of Magirus, that we have a very strong relationship and constant interaction with customers.  What developments and challenges do you see for the firefighters of today and in the coming years?   There are many new challenges to the modern day firefighter, and actually we are seeing a very slow reaction from the firefighting community to tackle those challenges.  Climate change is of course a big issue. I think in Northern Europe we assumed that it would never hit us, but we are seeing this now. For example in Germany recently we saw the driest month for decades. There were warnings on the radio to not go into the forests to prevent accidental fires. It’s very dangerous. We now see across Europe every summer now huge wildfires fires.   We will now be facing new realities around vegetation fire and that’s something many of us were not prepared for and even those who are prepared for it, the Southern European countries or let’s say California or so, it’s now a constant battle. It’s not a season anymore, it’s a constant fire. So, that’s a huge challenge we have as a community.  Similarly, we are not only seeing extreme dryness, but also extreme flooding. We had, for example, recently in middle Europe a huge catastrophe in Germany. These extreme conditions are something that is new to the portfolio firefighters.   Last, but not least, with the recent Ukraine situation, war is back on the agenda. It is forcing us to rethink about firefighting rescue operations.   All of this is a dramatic change from where we were ten years ago. As an industry, we can be slow at adopting innovation. My biggest fear is that the firefighting community is not fast enough at switching back into gear and embracing new technologies to tackle these new challenges. We need to be prepared.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Training tomorrow’s firefighters

Exclusives /

What does the future of firefighter training look like and what technologies can we adapt to help retention rates and improve learning?  Firefighting training varies from country to country, especially due to climate and geographical terrain differences and common types of fires. For example, a UK based firefighter would not typically train repeatedly on how to deal with wildfires, but would be more versed in urban firefighting. There are some factors that remain consistent throughout any firefighting training, the substances used to suppress fire, the teamwork and manner in which one goes about it, priority and risk assessment, as well as realism.    Realism plays a large part in training, because aspiring firefighters must understand and comprehend the dangers of working on the front line, and how best to tackle live fires in order to be able to save people and assets without panicking. In addition virtual training can provided added scope on difficult fire scenarios to recreate, for example Hazmat.   Brian Hesler, Consultant and Specialist Advisor at Dräger Safety UK and former Chief Fire Officer for the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service discusses how ‘realism’ has become one of the most important elements of modern firefighter training, and how the industry is balancing this against firefighter safety and protecting the environment.   Realistic training  While training has always been a critical part of a firefighter’s job, the need to provide more effective realistic training for our firefighters has become increasingly important in recent years. First and foremost is the welcome reduction in fires over recent decades. While in the 1970s and ‘80s it would not be unusual for many urban fire stations to attend up to 5,000 incidents every year, the improved awareness, education and fire safety measures have thankfully reduced fire incidents by close to 80%.   This means, however, that firefighters are not receiving the frontline experience that they did previously which supports maintaining competence and safe working. Training that enables firefighters to experience realistic incident scenarios is therefore essential to ensure firefighters are competent and confident in how they approach the wide variety of incidents they face.   The fact that there is now a greater variety of combustible materials used in furniture and interiors has also increased the need for focused training to demonstrate how these materials will react in different scenarios – it is no longer about training a firefighter to react in a situation, but rather to understand the science of fire and be able to predict what is most likely to happen in varying ambient conditions.   To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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DuPont’s new protection products at Interschutz

News Desk /

The new Nomex Xtreme Performance category of PPE solutions will be presented at the leading show for first responders at Interschutz 2022 in Hannover, Germany. DuPont Personal Protection will be launching a new category of innovative and comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) solutions for emergency responders at Interschutz 2022 (Stand G17, Hall 15). Solutions in the new Nomex Xtreme Performance category provides firefighters with superior thermal protection and moisture management, along with protection from heat and flame, chemicals, cuts and particulates. “We have a long-standing commitment to firefighter safety and we continue to innovate to meet the evolving protection needs of the emergency response community. The new Nomex Xtreme Performance category offers a superior choice for firefighter PPE, providing a wide range of benefits from comfort to durability to advanced thermal protection,” said Alfons Held, global market leader, Emergency Response, DuPont. The Nomex Xtreme Performance category combines the superior benefits of DuPont Nomex, DuPont Kevlar and high-performance materials like PBO, Nomex Nano or Nomex Nano Flex. Materials made with Nomex help provide essential heat and flame resistance, along with the practical benefits of wash durability and abrasion resistance, softness and comfort, as well as aesthetic benefits, including multicolor design options. In addition to its trusted and foundational strength, Kevlar helps to make garments more lightweight and brings new levels of performance with improved heat and flame protection. PBO offers heat-blocking properties and strength, which are essential characteristics in firefighter protective gear. After thermal protection performance (TPP) exposure, smart blend fabrics made of Nomex, Kevlar and high-performance materials like PBO show significantly higher strength retention and integrity, with proven performance as a garment component in firefighting applications. Nomex Nano and Nomex Nano Flex provide lightweight comfort while enhancing the garment’s overall agility, moisture management and particulate protection. Nomex Xtreme performance solutions will be on display at Interschutz 2022 in Hannover, Germany from 20 – 25 June. Solutions in the Nomex Xtreme Performance category offers ease of selection for both structural and nonstructural firefighting gear. All solutions are available worldwide, making it easier to identify the appropriate garment for the tasks at hand. The new Nomex Xtreme performance category solutions can be used in a variety of applications, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting and technical rescue. At Interschutz, DuPont will also announce the winners of the 2022 Nomex Innovation Awards in the following categories: Nomex Xtreme Performance, Sustainability, Comfort, and Other Innovations. The winning product in each category will be announced on Tuesday 21 June at the DuPont stand, followed by a short ceremony with the winning partners. Tested and trusted for more than 50 years, DuPont Nomex has inherent heat and flame-resistant properties that help provide the performance and protection needed for emergency responders worldwide. As a critical component in flame-resistant personal protective apparel, Nomex can be found in a range of firefighter applications, including turnout gear, stationwear, rescue gear and accessories. The unique combination of flame protection, durability and mobility helps firefighters get the most challenging jobs done safely. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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GovPilot launches ICC Code Connect API

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GovPilot, a provider of modern cloud-based government management software has partnered with the International Code Council (ICC) and General Code to integrate the organisation’s newly launched ICC Code Connect API. ICC Code Connect API was created to empower organisations with instant, digital access to the latest building code requirements within their existing workflow applications.  The partnership validates GovPilot as an approved third-party reseller of ICC Code Connect API and will significantly improve efficiency of digital processes currently utilised by GovPilot’s local government customers. Additionally, GovPilot has partnered with General Code which is a member of the International Code Council  Family of Solutions. General Code’s eCode360 API allows communities to seamlessly integrate content from the proprietary eCode360 API online code portal into their own systems and platforms, now including GovPilot.  By leveraging code as data, the eCode360 API provides a reliable live connection to information housed on eCode360 via the applications local governments already use and eliminates the need to import code information manually. Together, these integrations will enable GovPilot customers to establish a direct connection to the Code Council’s codes and eCode360 API from within GovPilot’s user modules. “Our partnerships with the ICC and Code Connect will enable GovPilot customers to search and import the most up to date codes from the Code Council directly in their GovPilot modules. With seamless access to codes, officials will be able to further streamline their record processing. Ultimately this will result in safer communities and efficient, expedited services for local governments and their constituents,” said James Delmonico, GovPilot’s Chief Product Officer. ICC Code Connect API and the eCode360 API library provide organisations seamless command over the Code Council’s code content integration in a convenient and efficient way. The software contains simplified search tools, the latest code content, confidence in accuracy and the ability to streamline common code references within existing workflow tools. “With the increased need for more efficient online and digital services for building safety professionals, the development of ICC Code Connect API comes as an innovative solution to save organisations time and money,” said Joan O’Neil, International Code Council Chief Knowledge Officer. “We are excited to partner with GovPilot in order to provide enhanced digital services to local governments and the building community.” “By making General Code’s eCode360 available to GovPilot customers, this partnership will simplify how local governments and their constituents find, access, and share information in order to work more cohesively and efficiently on behalf of their community,” said Wayne Childs, General Code Director of Business Development and Technical Solutions. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Guardian Alliance laud recent account surge

News Desk /

Guardian Alliance Technologies, Inc., a background investigation software company in the United States for public safety agencies, announced today that over 80 new agencies have activated accounts with Guardian since Jan 1, 2022.  These agencies join hundreds of others nationwide who have adopted Guardian’s Background Management Software to process their pre-employment background investigations. Recent additions include agencies from 32 different states, counting 12 from Georgia, nine from Pennsylvania, and seven from Texas. “Guardian’s mission is to modernise the way that background investigations are performed in the United States,” said Justin Biedinger, Guardian’s Founder and President. “The huge numbers of agencies adopting Guardian is an indicator that leaders across the nation are realising it’s time to move this process into the digital realm. That so many agencies, from very small to very large, are choosing Guardian is evidence of how accessible and affordable Guardian is for agencies of all sizes.” Ryan Layne, Guardian’s CEO, went on to say, “Vetting applicants for public safety jobs is critical for the safety of communities across the country.  Guardian not only provides for the sharing of key applicant information between agencies, but has proven to improve the quality of the investigations and enables agencies to identify bad apples more quickly so they can hire the best candidates in a timely manner. It is extremely important that this process be conducted electronically on a national basis, and we’ve designed the Guardian Platform and structured our system pricing specifically to make that possible for agencies of all sizes.” One very unique and powerful feature of the Guardian Platform is the free “Triage Centre”, which provides applicant pre-screening tools and access to the NAIC and NDI at no cost. Guardian’s National Applicant Information Centre (NAIC) is a centralised database exclusively available to Guardian users. The NAIC gives investigators access to critical applicant information, such as job-seeking activity (i.e. tracking which agencies they’ve previously applied to) and a complete record of all information previously provided to any agency in the Guardian Alliance. The NAIC offers an advanced level of security for participating agencies by flagging any concerns arising from changes applicants may make from one background questionnaire submission to the next. The National Decertification Index (NDI) is a national registry of certificate or license revocation actions related to officer misconduct as reported by participating state government agencies. Access to the NDI is also free of charge through Guardian’s Triage Centre. Other key time saving features of the Guardian Platform include A.I. enabled social media screening, credit reports, automatic LE checks, automatic reference requests, automatic investigation report creation, and many others. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our April issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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