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Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency - Firebuyer.com

Hyundai Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to South Korea

Hyundai Motor Group has donated unmanned firefighting robots to South Korea’s National Fire Agency. Four robots will be deployed to assist in environments inaccessible to firefighters. Robots for High Risk Fire Environments Based on Hyundai Rotem’s HR-Sherpa multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the robots are equipped with key features for remote fire suppression, including a water cannon, self-spraying system, vision-enhancing camera, and remote-control operation. The electric robots also have all-terrain mobility which means they can be driven in challenging environments where there is debris and other obstacles. They were designed using feedback from fire crews and formed part of Hyundai’s wider committment to support the South Korean National Fire Agency. The Group also donated 10 recovery support buses and have pledged to support the establishment of  country’s first medical centre or firefighter care, which is due to open in June. Commitment To Fire Safety Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, said: “Firefighters who rush into danger without hesitation to save lives remind us of the values our society must uphold. “In partnership with the Korea National Fire Agency, we developed the Unmanned Firefighting Robot to help realise the very value of ‘safety’ that firefighters have long protected. “The Unmanned Firefighting Robots that we are donating embody Hyundai Motor Group’s core technologies and represent a new form of mobility built on our shared goal of ‘technology that saves lives.’” Seung-ryong Kim, Acting Commissioner of the Korea National Fire Agency, said: “This initiative marks the first step in a paradigm shift that will redefine disaster response. “We will continue to actively introduce advanced technology to the field through innovative collaboration with the private sector, including Hyundai Motor Group, a global mobility leader.”

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Klear Concepts and National Park Foundation fire blankets - Firebuyer.com

Klear Concepts Partners with National Park Foundation

National Parks in the US are set to benefit from an initiative to raise awareness of fire safety. Fire blanket manufacturers, Klear Concepts, have teamed up with the National Park Foundation (NPF). Promoting Safety Klear Concepts says it wants to help visitors heading to any of the National Parks Service’s 430 plus sites this summer to ensure they have the right safety equipment. Through the partnership, Klear Concepts has become a official licensing partner of the NPF, the charity partner of the National Parks Service. The NPF will receive royalties from the sale of specially marked fire blankets. Chad Jones, NPF’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, said: “Klear Concepts brings a practical, purpose-driven product to campers, adventurers, and families alike. “This relationship promotes both awareness and action, showing how companies like Klear Concepts can support the preservation of parks while providing real value to the outdoor community.” Highlighting Outdoor Safety Santo D’Asaro, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Marketing for Klear Concepts, said: “Fire blankets are an innovative way to make safety more accessible during a variety of activities in America’s national parks. “Partnering with the National Park Foundation allows us to work together to ensure visitors can feel secure on any adventure. “With the right safety gear, families can explore with confidence and help preserve the incredible public lands we all love for future generations.”

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Emergency response personnel observe a demonstration of OroraTech’s real-time wildfire intelligence platform - Firebuyer.com

OroraTech satellite technology to protect against Argentine wildfires

OroraTech has signed a deal to protect a vast area in Argentina against wildfires. OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform will be used to power two new control centres in the Río Negro province of the South American country. Satellite thermal intelligence and real time alerts The centres will use satellite for thermal intelligence and near-real-time alerts which will support decision makers, local firefighters and emergency planners in the region. For the project, OroraTech has partnered with Argentine technology company, GPTech, and the local government. The technology will be used to monitor an area of 20 million hectares (49.4 million acres). Axel Roenneke, Chief Commercial Officer at OroraTech, said: “This marks a new chapter for wildfire response in Argentina. We are proud to provide the space-based intelligence that will help protect lives, ecosystems, and the economy of the Río Negro province. “This partnership showcases how local innovation and global technology can come together to build resilience.” Multi orbit connected control centre Gabriel Porta, founder and CEO of GPTech, said: “We are building a multi-orbit connected control centre to connect brigadistas [brigade members] on the ground with critical information and communications tools. “OroraTech’s data is at the core of this system, enabling us to act faster and smarter against wildfires.” Río Negro province is located in northern Patagonia. It has faced escalating wildfire risks in recent years, with the current season already seeing 50,000 hectares (123,552 acres) burned in recent months. The new control centres aim to coordinate response and prevention efforts by combining OroraTech’s proprietary satellite data with ground-based inputs, drone footage, and communications infrastructure powered by Starlink. The government of Río Negro has endorsed the project as part of a broader regional strategy to modernise environmental protection and emergency response.

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Tremayne Crossley joins C-TEC - Firebuyer.com

C-TEC appoints Tremayne Crossley to support team

An audio design and installation expert has joined C-TEC. Tremayne Crossley has joined the C-TEC team to help its customers with hearing loop, infrared and thru-counter hearing assistance solutions and voice alarm installation enquiries. Support for hearing loop and voice alarm systems Mr Crossley has spent many years working at C-TECs sister company, SigNET AC, where he still has an active role. He will ensure every C-TEC audio project achieves optimal audibility, intelligibility and reliability. With demand for lockdown solutions soaring since the introduction of Martyn’s Law, Mr Crossley will also be able to assist on some of the systems C-TEC offers, for example, on bigger projects which may require PA or VA solutions. Growing demand for lockdown and PA VA solutions Charlotte Manley, C-TEC’s Sales Director, said: “Tremayne is friendly, hugely knowledgeable and always happy to help. “By providing his services as a go-to-audio expert free-of-charge, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional sales and technical support to all our customers as and when they need it.” Since Martyn’s Law – officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – became law late last year, venues have had to review their fire detection and security systems. One element which they must consider is how fire detection systems are used in broader security planning. If an incident occurs, it is expected alarms and communication systems should be integrated to help manage lockdowns or evacuation operations. C-TEC fire detection and safety systems C-TEC manufactures fire detection and fire alarm system solutions for commercial and residential buildings. In addition to fire systems, lockdown systems and evacuation alert systems, the company also manufactures call systems, disabled refuge systems and hearing loop systems.

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Sherwin Williams' new FIRETEX FX1008 and FX2008 - Firebuyer.com

Sherwin-Williams adds to range of solvent-based intumescent coatings

Sherwin-Williams has unveiled a new addition to its range of solvent-based intumescent coatings. FIRETEX FX1008 and FX2008 offers up to 120 minutes of fire protection in line with BS-476 testing. Passive fire protection Compared to conventional one-pack solvent-based material, they provide faster drying times and lower film thickness for more efficient, more cost-effective protection. Suitable applications include stadiums, high-rise buildings, transportation hubs, factories, warehouses and data centres. While FX2008 has a more specialised solvent blend with a lower flash point temperature and is suitable for use during application on site, FX1008, employs a high-flash point solvent blend to optimise application characteristics and improved safety for use on site. Both ensure consistent film build, excellent durability, and a smooth architectural finish, even under demanding site conditions. Engineered for infrastructure and industrial projects Alex Tsiolas, Senior Portfolio Manager: Fire Protection EMEAI at Sherwin-Williams said: “FX2008 for controlled in-shop coating and FX1008 for dynamic on-site work were engineered to boost efficiency on projects ranging from high-value infrastructure to manufacturing and processing facilities. “Their superior performance provide 90 to 120 minutes of passive fire protection. And their faster drying and lower thickness requirements keep schedules moving, reduce material usage, and, ultimately, save contractors valuable time and money.” Combined with support from Sherwin-Williams’ Fire Engineering and Estimation Team (FEET), FIRETEX helps provide cost-effective, code-compliant, sustainable fire protection solutions. Sherwin-Williams says the benefits of this range include greater efficiency of application, lower material consumption, versatile use, improved productivity for contractors and high-quality final appearance.

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Oshkosh Striker 6x6 - Firebuyer.com

Oshkosh Striker 6×6 acquired by Caribbean’s Busiest Airport

An airport in Puerto Rico has added a new ARFF vehicle to its fleet. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has acquired an Oshkosh Striker® 6×6 ARFF. Advanced ARFF capability The airport in San Juan is Puerto Rico’s main aviation gateway and the busiest airport in the Caribbean. Last year, it saw in 13.5 million passengers. The airport manages a highly complex airfield environment demanding precise coordination and continuous operational vigilance. These operational requirements highlight the necessity of maintaining advanced, reliable and mission-ready ARFF capabilities to ensure the airport’s resilience, regulatory compliance and effective response to a wide range of emergency scenarios. Robert Colon, Associate Manager International Sales at Oshkosh Airport Products, said: “Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has been a trusted partner for many years, and their commitment to preparedness and operational excellence continues to stand out across the region.” Oshkosh Striker 6×6 technical specifications The features of the Oshkosh Striker® 6×6 ARFF include: TAK-4® Independent Suspension System for precise control and ride quality across uneven or storm-impacted terrain, a rear steering system improving manoeuvrability and supporting long-term tyre life, 3,000-gallon (11,356-litre) water and 420-gallon (1,590-litre)  foam capacity for extended response capability in areas without hydrant access, roof and low attack bumper turrets with discharge rates up to 1,250 GPM (4,731 LPM) and reach of 230 feet (70 m). Oshkosh Eco-EFP™ Foam System enabling environmentally-responsible foam testing and delivery, onboard 10kW generator, powering lights, tools and critical systems independent of external power sources.

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Major Frank Whitford ‘Gentleman’ Jackson - Firebuyer.com

Medals go up for sale to raise money for Fire Fighters Charity

Medals belonging to a firefighter who was tasked with protecting St Paul’s Cathedral during the Blitz will be sold for a charity auction. The medals belonged to Major Frank Whiteford ‘Gentleman’ Jackson who commanded the London Fire Brigade during the Second World War. Protection of St Paul’s Cathedral The proceeds from the sale of the 10 medals – the Second Ward ‘London Blitz’ Gallantry CBE group – will benefit the Fire Fighters Charity which Major Jackson set up in 1940. On December 29, 1939, Major Jackson was directly instructed by Winston Churchill to protect St Paul’s Cathedral at all costs. That evening, heavy bombardment occurred around the City and the direct vicinity of St Paul’s, but it escaped virtually undamaged. The event later became known as the “Second Great Fire of London”, and 160 people were killed, 16 of whom were firefighters. Tribute to Major Jackson Upon awarding Major Jackson’s CBE in 1941, Winston Churchill said: “Major Jackson’s is the biggest job of its kind in the world. “His is the brain which controls the use of all London’s fire-fighting resources, from the big stations down to the smallest of its 3,000 appliances. “He is the leader of an Army of 33,000 gallant men and women.” Supporting Firefighters The medals are being put up by Major Jackson’s grandchildren. They are expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000. The auction will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at Noonans Mayfair in London. Ellie Rocks, Director of Fundraising at Fire Fighters Charity said: “We are deeply honoured that Major Frank Jackson’s family have chosen to support Fire Fighters Charity through the sale of his medals. “This remarkable gesture ensures that Frank’s lifelong commitment to the fire services community lives on, helping its members manage the impact of service, recover from injury or illness, and find strength through life’s challenges.”

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IFE takes part in National Careers Week 2026 - Firebuyer.com

IFE Taking part in National Careers Week 2026

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is hoping to inspire the next generation by taking part in National Careers Week. The membership body will join schools, colleges, universities and other organisations to showcase different possibilities. Showcasing Fire Sector Career Pathways The IFE will be showcasing a series of interviews with members who will be sharing their career journeys, insights, and guidance for aspiring professionals between Monday, March 2 and Saturday, March 7. The organisation has also produced a suite of practical resources in the form of job packs, covering career pathways across the fire sector. These include insights from people working in fire response, compliance, design, systems, safety management and academia. These materials aim to inspire emerging talent by offering clear, accessible information about the breadth of opportunities available in the profession and you can check out the careers available to you here. Showcasing the Importance of Fire Safety Careers Steve Hamm, CEO of IFE, said: “Fire safety is far from a one-size-only career. It is wide open to a diverse skill set regardless of where you are in your career – whether you are just starting out or you have been in the same role for years. “We need to encourage future generations to pursue their goals and careers that they desire. The IFE supports and nurtures all future talent. “Fire safety careers play a vital part in building safety and the creation of safe, sustainable places for people to work, live and go about their lives.”

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FDIC April 2026 - Firebuyer.com

FDIC 2026 Showcases Training, Technology and Industry Insight

The Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) returns to Indianapolis in April as one of the fire and rescue sector’s most influential training and networking event, bringing together firefighters, instructors, officers, and industry leaders from across the United States and beyond. Renowned for its training first approach, FDIC combines hands on instruction, technical education, and a large-scale exhibition to reflect the real-world challenges facing today’s fire services. From live fire evolutions and leadership development to emerging risks and operational innovation, the event provides a platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth at every level of the fire and rescue community. A landmark event returns to Indianapolis The international event is set to take place from 20–25 April 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Widely recognised as North America’s largest and most influential fire, rescue, and emergency services conference and trade show, FDIC brings together thousands of professionals from around the world for six days of cutting-edge training, technology showcases and peer-to-peer collaboration. The event attracts fire chiefs, firefighters, EMS leaders, instructors, and industry suppliers for an immersive experience that blends education, innovation and community engagement. Immersive training at the heart of the programme At its core, FDIC International remains a training-first event, anchored by the famous Hands-On Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions. These practical drills place attendees in realistic scenarios designed to replicate today’s most challenging emergency responses, with world-class instructors offering expert guidance. Alongside H.O.T. Evolutions, the conference offers a vast range of workshops, classroom sessions and specialised summits, covering topics from fire behaviour and leadership skills to advanced rescue techniques and emerging threats. One of the most anticipated strands is the Mid-Rise/High-Rise Symposium, focused on strategies and tactics for operations in complex urban environments. The programme also includes sessions tailored to diverse audiences, such as Metro Fire Officers, EMS innovation leaders and advocates for diversity, including the Women in Fire series that highlights career advancement and support for women in the fire service. Innovation and exhibitors on the show floor The FDIC exhibition hall is a technology showcase featuring more than 800 exhibitors representing manufacturers, suppliers and service providers of fire and emergency-related products and solutions. Visitors can expect to see the latest advancements in protective equipment, fire apparatus, respiratory gear (SCBAs), thermal imaging, drones and incident-management systems. Outdoor demonstrations and live activations are key elements of the FDIC experience, offering attendees the chance to observe and test tools and techniques in real-world settings. “The FDIC experience is more than your traditional trade show; it’s about the learning and sharing with your peers,” organisers emphasise, highlighting the value of ‘hallway conversations’ and informal networking that often spark lifelong professional connections. TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE READ THE LATEST ISSUE HERE.

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John McGrath- Business Development Manager – ACEDES Autonomous Fire Prevention - Firebuyer.com

Quick Fire – John McGrath, ACEDES

John McGrath– Business Development Manager – ACEDES Autonomous Fire Prevention  What does fire safety mean to you? Safety is about more than just the best equipment or extinguishing a flame. It’s about confidence. True safety means the people working under our systems feel so secure that they can actually relax and focus on their own jobs. When people feel protected, they are more productive and can deliver their best service.  What has been your most embarrassing moment professionally? The one that instantly springs to mind is pretty recent.  I was conducting a routine check on our PYROsmart system at a client’s tipping room floor. I used a hot plate to simulate a heat source, and the system did exactly what it was designed to do: it sounded the alarm and activated the fire monitor at the “threat”.  I moved the hot plate aside to keep it from getting wet, but while I wasn’t looking, the system resumed scanning, found the new location where I had “hidden” the plate, and retargeted it. Just as I bent down to pick it back up, the monitor fired. I got hit square in the side of the head and was completely soaked—and yes, it was all caught on video. It was a damp reminder that our FalconEx system is always working.  What is your most important fire safety tip? Awareness. Fires happen because of unplanned events or because procedures aren’t being followed. By staying aware of our surroundings, we can spot maintenance needs or broken protocols before they turn into emergencies.  Spotting these and taking action requires us to be constantly aware and that is not always easy, but it is a habit that we can, and must, develop.   What do you consider to be your greatest success, either professionally or outside of work?    I spent ten years helping build a small tech company from the ground up, expanding it internationally, before we eventually sold it. For me, the success wasn’t the sale itself—it was the challenge of navigating those “startup” hurdles with a great team. I feel like I’ve come full circle at ACEDES. We have a fantastic local team in North America, backed by the expertise of two leading German firms, and I plan on making this the project I’m most proud of.   Are there any particular trends you are seeing in the industry today? The one that stands out would be the growing adoption of automation over the last 10 years and this is being successfully applied to more processes.  This improves our overall efficiency as well as letting our staff be more productive.  There are still new technologies out there that will help us refine and streamline further both in the processing and fire protection/prevention industries.  If you didn’t work in the industry, what do you think you would be doing? If I weren’t in this industry, I’d like to think that I could cut it as a professional furniture maker as it’s a big hobby of mine, though it can be a bit lonely as a full-time job. For now, I’m happy saving that for retirement.   If you could be part of any fictional universe, book, film or TV, what would it be?    I’m a huge Star Wars fan so there is no doubt that I’d be right there with the Resistance fighting the good fight! TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE READ THE LATEST ISSUE HERE.

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