London Fire Brigade commissioner Dany Cotton to stand down early London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioner Dany Cotton is to stand down four months earlier than planned in light of the Grenfell Tower inquiry backlash. Previously, Cotton was due to step down in April 2020 when she planned to retire from the LFB, but had faced many calls to resign after the public inquiry report into the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people in June 2017, was released. Cotton is now to leave the London Fire Brigade at the end of December, after 32 years of service for the department and while the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan heaped praise on her for her service, he also said that the decision for her to stand down was “the right one.” Cotton had declared Grenfell as “without doubt the worst fire” that the LFB had faced and many inside the industry have questioned whether the treatment that she has received from the outside world has been misinformed. The report stated that many lives could’ve been saved had the advice for residents to stay put been shelved before 02:35am, though by the time that the London Fire Brigade arrived on the scene, the whole building was in flames as a result of the cladding on the building’s exterior. One thing that Cotton mentioned in her defence was that the ‘stay put’ instruction had been used in every single other high rise fire that she had attended with no casualties, but as we now tragically know, the nature of Grenfell was completely different. It is unsure as to when the London Fire Brigade will hire a replacement for Cotton.

Over 100 firefighters tackle blaze in West London, forcing evacuations Over 100 firefighters were called out to take on a fire in West London, which broke out in a Travelodge hotel and forced many to flee. Guests and staff were forced to evacuate the building after the fire, at a Travelodge in Brentford, required the assistance of firefighters. Crews arrived on the scene at 02:52am. The London Fire Brigade reported that there were no injuries reported from the fire, which is always good news, but the blaze itself sparked in the ‘bin room’ of the ground floor of a close by building, before spreading to the five-floor hotel. Just before 07:00am, the fire was brought under control and now the respective authorities are looking into the actual cause of the flames, with the London Met Police and the fire brigade pondering how it came to fruition. Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, Station commander Nathan Hobson said that firefighters conducted their due diligence in the West London area and revealed that 160 people in total had to evacuate. “Firefighters carried out a systematic search of the hotel and around 160 guests and staff evacuated the building,” Hobson said, as reported by the BBC. Hobson also added that a “rest centre” had been put in place by the local authorities amid “challenging” conditions. Fires in tall London buildings still bring back vivid flashbacks to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, with many claiming that the government hasn’t done enough in regards to resolving the flammable cladding issue in the UK.

Aqua Metals suffers significant fire damage following incident in late November Aqua Metals announced that on November 29, a fire occurred in the AquaRefining area of the plant. The fire took place in the evening and fortunately, there were no injuries as the building was vacant at the time. Local fire authorities responded rapidly and extinguished the fire that evening. The cause of the fire is presently unknown and the Company is working with the local authorities and other parties to investigate the origin of ignition and root cause. The flames at one point reached the upper roofline of the AquaRefinery area and damaged the roof. The fire and related intense heat and smoke caused significant damage to a material amount of equipment in the AquaRefinery area, including all 16 AquaRefining modules, control wiring and other supporting infrastructure. In addition, approximately 1,600 gallons of AquaRefining concentrate was released within the plant due to a tank succumbing to intense heat. That concentrate, along with thousands of gallons of water deployed to extinguish the fire, resulted in approximately 1 inch of liquid to spread throughout the entire plant and reached the in-plant operational offices. Fortunately, this liquid remains contained within the plant and the Company has already deployed measures to recapture the liquid and begun placing it into its water treatment plant and tanks. The floor to ceiling firewall between the AquaRefining area and the rest of the plant appears to have isolated most of the damage to the AquaRefining area. The firewall also appears to have spared the key front-end process equipment such as the battery breaker/separation system, concentrate production area, kettles and ingot casting, water treatment and recovery and other important areas of the plant. The administrative office area also appears to have remained intact. Most of the power to the building will remain off until the Company, utility provider and local regulators are confident that it is safe to begin returning power. In the meantime, generators have been deployed for various critical systems including safety and security. After initial damage assessments, the Company believes that it will incur a material cost and experience a material delay in operating any processes within the plant. Specifics on timelines, costs and availability of insurance coverage will be determined as we progress with inspections, assess damage and plan accordingly. The Company, however, expects that the recovery and rebuild of the AquaRefining area could take several months or more.  The Company has already been working closely to coordinate recovery activities and plans with our supportive Operations Management and Maintenance partner, Veolia.

First Arriving deploys large-scale digital dashboard platform across Prince George’s County First Arriving have announced the deployment of its best-in-class Digital Dashboard system across the Prince George’s County, MD, Fire/EMS Department. With more than 100 digital displays providing mission critical data to over 60 stations, battalion and command offices, and the county’s training academy, the new system utilises real-time analytics to enhance the department’s ability to respond more efficiently and effectively. First Arriving’s Digital Dashboard features include real-time dispatch information, including incident location maps, StreetView and fastest routes, equipment maintenance alerts, out of service hydrants, training and certification expirations, pass along information, road closures, upcoming training events and riding assignments and easy to update information that can be managed at the county-wide, battalion or station-level. In addition, there is full integration with FirstWatch countywide unit status, ePCR completion rate, hospital status and turnout times and it features real-time weather conditions, forecasts, radar and severe weather alerts. “First Arriving’s Digital Dashboards give our department the ability to take critical data and push that information out to those that need it most,” said Brian Frankel, Deputy Fire Chief, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. “Taking data and making it actionable improves system performance and unit utilisation, thus allowing our department to better meet our community’s needs.” In addition to the large display Digital Dashboards, Prince George’s County will also utilize First Arriving’s new desktop platform, which allows agency leadership to view department-wide data and individual worksite information in the office or on the go. “We are excited to add Prince George’s County to the growing number of departments nationwide utilizing our Digital Dashboards to improve situational awareness and provide critical information when and where it’s needed most,” said Dave Iannone, CEO & Co-Founder, First Arriving. “Our Dashboards give public safety leaders a completely customized solution tailored to the unique communications needs of their department.” First Arriving’s Digital Dashboard systems service fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, courts and local governments among other users. From small volunteer and combination agencies to some of the nation’s largest departments, First Arriving’s Dashboards now serve departments in more than 30 states coast-to-coast including Palm Beach County (FL), Mobile (AL) and San Bernardino County (CA). “First Arriving’s Digital Dashboards give us the information we need at our fingertips,” said Robert Kight, Jr., Lieutenant, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. “The Dashboards give us the ability to make quicker, better-informed decisions in a job where every second counts.”

Polaris Off Road and Diesel Brothers support America’s first responders Polaris Off Road have announced United We Ride – a partnership and fundraising effort with the Diesel Brothers that honours our nation’s military, police and fire departments. The program is highlighted by a Diesel Brothers’ customised series of recently launched Polaris machines. Each machine has been custom-made to honor a specific branch of American “first responders” – the RZR PRO XP Ultimate for policemen and policewomen, the RANGER CREW XP 1000 for firemen and firewomen, and the GENERAL XP 4 1000 for members of the U.S. military. The program is powered by a national voting process where consumers vote for their favorite build, and voting totals determine the donation amount from Polaris to each of the program’s three charity beneficiaries – $25,000 to first place, $15,000 to second and $10,000 to third place. By casting their vote, consumers are automatically entered for the chance to win an all-new RANGER CREW XP 1000 with Ride Command, RZR PRO XP Ultimate or a GENERAL XP 4 1000 DELUXE. “We are forever grateful for the commitment and sacrifice made by members of our military and first responders, and we are proud to continue our 15-year tradition of providing vehicles for their duties and their well-deserved free time,” said Kyle Duea, vice president of Off-Road Vehicle Marketing, Polaris. “Partnering with the Diesel Brothers to customize our machines and drive awareness of these charities is merely one way we can show our appreciation, while honoring their daily efforts to protect us, our communities and our freedom.” The United We Ride program will be donating to the following charities: Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) – Provides resources to support the families and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty as they cope with the tragic loss and work to rebuild their lives. The Gary Sinise First Responders Foundation – Provides critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure our heroic firefighters have the resources they need. Your Grateful Nation – Provides support, guidance and resources to transition special operations veterans into their next successful career. “The whole Diesel Brothers’ family has a deep respect for those who selflessly protect, serve and care for this great country,” said Dave Sparks, Diesel Sellerz. “That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to work with our most valued industry partners at Polaris to build the unique UTVs intended to honor the hard-working men and women of the U.S. military, law enforcement, and first responders. This is just a small token of our gratitude for their hard work and dedicated service.” Customers are encouraged to vote for United We Ride at Polaris.com/UnitedWeRide until December 22. For the last 15 years, Polaris’ Commercial, Government and Defense team has proudly partnered with military and public safety organisations across the country to design and upfit Polaris vehicles for professional use.

RBFRS wishes residents a safe and happy Christmas Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging residents to take care this Christmas. Although fire safety is important year-round, the festive season brings extra fire hazards such as open fires, decorations and candles. However, the risk of a fire can be greatly reduced by following some simple safety advice. To help keep you and your loved ones safe this festive season, we’re sharing our #12DaysOfChristmas fire safety advice: Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily Test your smoke alarms weekly – these can provide a vital early warning in case of a fire Never leave cooking unattended, or cook when you’ve been drinking alcohol Make sure that all guests are aware of the escape routes in your home  Never attach decorations to lights or heaters, they can catch fire easily Take care around open fireplaces as clothing can catch fire. Keep children away from open fires Take time to check on elderly friends and relatives this Christmas, as they may be at a greater risk of fire Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home Switch off and unplug fairy lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Drive for the conditions. In wet weather stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads Don’t drink and drive. If you are out drinking, remove the question of driving from the equation – it’s not worth the risk. Book a taxi, catch the bus or get a lift from a designated driver. Tony Deacon, RBFRS Area Manager Service Delivery (Prevention and Protection) said: “Christmas is an excellent time of year for spending time with friends and family, but can also bring potential fire hazards. You can reduce the chances of a fire in your home by making sure you’re aware of the risks and following our advice. “With the weather also getting colder, we’d like to remind residents to be cautious on the roads. The best way for us to deal with road traffic accidents is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can help us do this by driving for the conditions and keeping your distance from the car in front.”

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue orders four Leonardo AW139 helicopters Leonardo have announced that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions — primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search-and-rescue (SAR) — and will have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi Bucket. The first helicopter is expected to be delivered from Leonardo’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, facility in Q3 2020. A comprehensive five-year support, maintenance and training package will be provided with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years. “The safety of our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue operations team and the well-being of the residents we serve is our greatest priority. For those reasons, the crashworthiness standards of the top-ranked Leonardo helicopters were a key factor in our county’s decision to award this contract,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “In addition, the purchase price, training services and support we will receive during the transition to these world-class aircraft were also strong considerations.” Located along the southeast tip of the Florida peninsula, Miami-Dade is the most populous county in the state. It encompasses more than 2,000 square miles with one-third of the county located in Everglades National Park. Because of the scope of its operations, Miami-Dade Air Rescue is frequently requested to provide mutual aid support to neighboring counties including Monroe, Collier, Broward and Lee. Celebrating its 1,000th delivery in September, the AW139 is the most successful global helicopter program in the last 15 years. With more than 280 operators in over 70 countries to date, the AW139 saves lives every day and guarantees safety in every corner of the world. In the United States, the AW139 counts as customers the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), New Jersey and Maryland States Police Departments, among many others, while the U.S. Air Force (USAF) will introduce the AW139-based Boeing MH-139 to replace the UH-1N fleet. The AW139 is widely used across many countries worldwide for firefighting, rescue and law enforcement duties including Italy, the U.K., Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few.

Keeping safe this Christmas with some tips from the London Fire Brigade London Fire Brigade wants everyone to have a wonderful Christmas – rocking around the Christmas tree with family and friends, but most importantly the Brigade wants everyone to have a safe Christmas without any firefighters showing up and spoiling the Christmas dinner. Over Christmas there are lots of extra fire hazards in the home and the Brigade wants you to hear only silver bells over the festive period not sirens. Fires in London’s homes in December have reduced by 21 per cent over the past five years. In 2014 there were 529 fires in homes while last year this had reduced to 416. To keep on Santa’s nice list the Brigade have issued some top safety tips to help everyone step into Christmas safely. Keep candles away from Christmas trees, curtains or anything else that could catch fire and don’t leave them burning unattended. Check your Christmas tree lights conform with safety standards and always switch them off before going to bed. Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters – they can overheat and catch fire. Make sure you have a fire escape plan and share this with everyone in your household and any guests staying over Christmas. Don’t leave cooking unattended, it’s safer to take pans off the heat and turn the hob, oven or grill off. Make sure new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them. Don’t overload plug sockets. Check on elderly relatives and neighbours and make sure they are safe. Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are working.  Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen – this will detect an increase in temperature caused by fire, but not be set off by cooking fumes. If you smoke over the Christmas make sure you don’t get distracted and ensure your smoking material is extinguished properly. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Dan Daly said: “Fire is devastating at anytime of year but this is heightened more at Christmas time with wrapped presents destroyed and families displaced. While some may wish for a white Christmas, we want everyone to enjoy a safe Christmas. “There are many fire hazards in the home over Christmas – candles, fairy lights, overloaded plug sockets, cooking left unattended – or carried out after a festive tipple. I don’t want to be Mr. Grinch and tell you not to decorate your homes or to take part in the festive cheer – but I do want you to be safe over Christmas and take steps to prevent fires from occurring and spoiling the holiday. So make sure you have a look at our safety tips, check your smoke alarms and be aware of some of the potential fire hazards. “And from everyone at London Fire Brigade, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Bristol Uniforms launch first ever batch of stock styles Bristol Uniforms has launched its first ever selection of stock styles for structural firefighting, which are immediately available for purchase. The stock styles offer a more cost-effective solution than bespoke alternatives and although ready-made, the PPE can be personalised by adding a heat-sealed patch to the back of each coat, a name to the front, and a name to each trouser. A choice of two styles are currently available, both conforming to the European CEN standard EN469 Level 2, and featuring the most popular elements of the company’s existing top-quality ranges. The Ergotech Action stock design includes an anti-wicking barrier on the cuffs and hems, underarm gussets and pleated back panel for improved ergonomics, knee reinforcement, and numerous pockets, loops, and rings for equipment. The kit is made up of a navy TITAN1220 outer, Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier and a quilted aramid felt and viscose inner lining. The XFlex stock design features elbow reinforcement, ergonomic 3D knee pads with reinforcement to make kneeling more comfortable, plus an adjustable waist band, a removable braces system and a knife pouch in the trouser. It is made up of a gold PBI Max outer, Gore Crosstech Airlock moisture barrier and an aramid viscose inner lining. Bristol will soon be unveiling an additional Ergotech Action stock style which conforms tothe NFPA standard 1971:2018 for Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.  The new style will be on display for the first time at the Intersec trade exhibition in Dubai in January.   Similar to the CEN certified version, it features a Gore Crosstech moisture barrier and Hainsworth TITAN outer layer, but this time in Desert Tan.  There are also distinguishable lined box bellow pockets on both the coat and trouser, and thumb holes on the cuff to prevent exposure around the wrists. Bristol Uniforms’ Joint Managing Director, Roger Startin comments: “We always listen to feedback from our customers, and although many have specific requirements and value our bespoke manufacturing service, there are others, particularly those with smaller crews, that would prefer to be able to buy top quality styles off-the-peg. “These new styles provide our customers with the option to purchase kit that is cost-effective and immediately available without compromising on quality.”

Bright future for Hochiki Europe’s new Lighting Manager, Ian Hill Hochiki Europe has appointed lighting expert Ian Hill as the company’s new Emergency Lighting Business Manager. Ian brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, with a technical background covering business development, sales of life safety equipment, and also product development. Ian will combine his unique set of industry sales experience with his technical expertise to bolster Hochiki Europe’s growth in the global emergency lighting sector. As part of his new role, he will support the widening of the company’s emergency lighting offering and other exciting developments on the horizon. Starting his career within the design department at Simplex Lighting, Ian has spent decades developing his skillset across a variety of roles with lighting manufacturers including Philips and Fagerhult. He then made the transfer over to emergency lighting during his tenure at Eaton Electrical Systems, previously known as Cooper Lighting and Safety. Commenting on his new role, Ian Hill said: “I’ve admired Hochiki Europe’s work and reputation for some time, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t turn it down. The company has contributed vastly to the advances made within life safety over the past few years, especially with products such as its FIREscape collection. Working in a company with such an international foothold is also incredibly exciting. “With so much room for growth within their emergency lighting sector, we have a real opportunity to make a positive difference. I plan on working closely with both the sales and product development teams to further the scope and capabilities of our lighting product ranges.” Ian’s remit includes supporting the market growth of Hochiki Europe’s FIREscape range – an emergency lighting system that can be connected through an EL-2 control panel to provide immediate accessibility and easy installation within large spaces. It is also designed to reduce running costs by up to 89 per cent over a period of ten years as the standard luminaire consumes less than 0.5W while charging, which then reduces to 0.1W once the device is fully charged. Tracy Kirk, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Hochiki Europe, said: “Recent events and inquires have shown how vital clear routes of escape can be in an emergency situation. Ian’s extensive experience of emergency lighting will ensure we are reaching more people around the world with our ultra-dependable, intelligent solutions, and our existing customers continue to benefit from the most sought-after innovations within the industry as well as an exceptional service.”