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Owner of Leicester City FC among five killed in helicopter crash

Owner of Leicester City FC among five killed in helicopter crash Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the billionaire owner of Leicester City FC was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed shortly after take off outside the club’s stadium on Saturday 27th October. Srivaddhanaprabha regularly left matches in his Augusta AW69 helicopter but eyewitness reports indicate the aircraft only just cleared the stadium roof on Saturday night before spiralling down to earth and erupting into flames on impact. Emergency services arrived on the scene to tackle the fire and search the wreckage with Leicestershire police cordoning off the area. The other four passengers on board were Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, both members of Srivaddhanaprabha’s staff, pilot Eric Swaffer and passenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz. The club released a statement after the tragic crash saying: “It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium. None of the five people on-board survived. “The primary thoughts of everyone at the club are with the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all those on-board at this time of unspeakable loss. In Khun Vichai the world has lost a great man. A man of kindness, of generosity and a man whose life was defined by the love he devoted to his family and those he so successfully led. Leicester City was a family under his leadership. It is as a family that we will grieve his passing and maintain the pursuit of a vision for the club that is now his legacy.”

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Crofton replaces Cambridgeshire Fire Training Towers after 60 years

Crofton replaces Cambridgeshire Fire Training Towers after 60 years Sixty years after it designed, fabricated and constructed its first ever fire training tower in Linton, Cambridgeshire in 1958, Crofton Engineering has replaced the original structure with a new updated version. Featuring three drill faces and an extended top frame to improve safety, new type FT66 3-storey towers have replaced older FT55 models at Linton and several other fire stations across the region. Over a six-month period, Crofton has demolished and removed the old towers, completing groundworks and erecting new steel structures at the different sites. This includes the construction of fresh foundations at sites which required them, while fixing steel transfer frames to existing foundations and erecting new towers at others. The sites which benefited from the replacements were, Linton, Cottenham, Chatteris, Sawston, Gamlingay, Whittlesey, Littleport, Thorney, Kimbolton, Sawtry and Soham. Located in the Cambridgeshire Village of Linton, Crofton has worked closely with the community including the fire service, having designed and built its first fire training tower five years after the company formed in 1953. Maurice Moore, Property Manager, Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We have always had an excellent working relationship with Crofton that has enabled us to ensure our staff has training facilities of the highest standards. “We have found that design, fabrication and installation have always been carried out to the standards appropriate for a quality Fire and Rescue Service. Their contribution to the local community is also worthy of note and has helped us at times to provide fire cover.” Research carried out by Crofton Engineering into the requirements for the training of fire officers has produced models designed to conform to current guidance on safety in drill towers, while maintaining the basic needs to provide a practical training facility. Glen Godfrey, Director of Crofton Engineering, commented: “Crofton Engineering has very close links with the Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service from our earliest days. “We developed our first tower design with the help of our local fire service, and their input over the years has helped us establish a reputation for providing a range of high-quality training buildings for emergency service use.” The company’s wide range of towers are employed in over 400 fire stations throughout the UK and internationally, designed for constant use over many years. Crofton towers can also provide mounting facilities for telecommunication aerials, abseiling, rope rescue practice or virtually any other adaption that may be required. www.crofton-eng.co.uk

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Safety Design in Buildings discuss Fire Precautions at Dammam Conference

Safety Design in Buildings discuss Fire Precautions at Dammam Conference Safety Design in Buildings conducted its third conference in the Kingdom this year at the Sheraton in Dammam on October 10. Co-hosted by the Saudi Council of Engineers and the SFPE, the welcoming address was held by Saad Al Shahrani, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Council of Engineers followed by a keynote address by the Dammam Civil Defense. Leading industry experts and leaders made up the speaker panel and arrived from within the Kingdom and the GCC region with VIPs from the US, to discuss how to raise the safety standards through design and standards as well as overall improved transparency and collaboration between stakeholders. A special highlight was Gregory Michaels and David Colberg from the U.S Army Corps of Engineers arriving from Washington DC to speak on their projects in the region with new and ongoing military infrastructure projects. Sharron Halpert, a renowned expert in firestop strategies, and Karen Martin from Martech Fire Services arriving from New York and Utah to give a training workshop. Among the speakers were: Major Khalid Abdullah Almutairi, Dammam Civil Defense Eng. Ali A Mokhtar, President, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), KSA Sumir Pattoo, Sr. Fire Protection Engineer, Saudi Aramco Karen P Martin, Founder & President, MARTECH Services (UTAH) The program covered the full spectrum of what makes up fire safety that includes new codes and how they apply to design and building materials, mitigating risks in the construction process and safety in the building operation and maintenance of both existing and upcoming residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings. To view a video overview of the event, please click here: http://safetydesigninbuildings.com/dammam/Video/SDiB%20Video.mp4 About Safety Design in Buildings The GCC conference series was established in 2012 in partnership with Intersec. The stated mission is to be a platform in the GCC for construction professionals to drive progress and promote higher safety standards in the built environment.

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Apollo to showcase latest product range at Intersec Dubai 2019

Apollo to showcase latest product range at Intersec Dubai 2019 Apollo Fire Detectors, specialists in the design and production of high-quality fire detection equipment, will showcase its latest Test Set and new SOTERIA Dimension, at Intersec Dubai 2019. A full demonstration of the Apollo Test Set will be on display at the designated stand, Hall 4-F10, showcasing the capabilities of the portable testing device, which is designed to help commissioning and system maintenance engineers. The Apollo Test Set guarantees that the correct loop configuration is in place before an active control panel is installed and can interrogate and control all units connected to the device. The Test Set is designed with a user-friendly touch screen display and is compatible with all Apollo analogue addressable protocols. The company will also showcase its most recent addition to the SOTERIA range, the SOTERIA Dimension and Dimension Specialist. These state-of-the-art fire detection devices use optical sensing technology in a ‘virtual sensing chamber’, which operates on the light-scatter principle. Ed Browning, Sales and Marketing Director at Apollo, commented: “We are very excited to be able to show our innovative Test Set in action at Intersec Dubai 2019. “We will have a range of Apollo fire detectors, wired into a loop, in order to demonstrate the fault-finding capabilities of our Test Set live on the stand.” The SOTERIA Dimension Specialist detector also features an anti-ligature metal faceplate and tamper-resistant screws, having been tested and approved for anti-ligature certification to TS001, meeting UK Ministry of Justice specifications STD/E/SPEC/038. https://www.apollo-fire.co.uk/

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MD appointment signals new phase of growth for Advanced

MD appointment signals new phase of growth for Advanced Global fire systems leader, Advanced, has announced the appointment of Pete Browitt, as Managing Director. Pete joins from Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd, where he held the senior positions of Global Finance Director and EMEA Operations Director, managing a manufacturing and supply chain organisation of almost 400 people in Havant, UK. Working previously within Advanced owner Halma PLC’s fold, Pete also worked as Global Finance Director of Avire, and spent 13 years at 3M in various financial and operational roles. Pete said: “It’s a real pleasure to lead such an outstanding business. Since joining Advanced I’ve been struck by the enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the staff here who have all been instrumental in the opening of our new headquarters at Balliol Business Park, North Tyneside, which marks the start of an important new phase in the growth of our company. We are in an excellent position to continue to drive Advanced forward and enjoy an outstanding track record of success in the future.” Pete succeeds Ray Hope, Managing Director of Advanced, as he retires after 19 successful years and a long and distinguished career in the fire industry. Ray will continue to have an advisory role within Halma for the next year, sharing his vast industry experience and knowledge, supporting their ambitious growth and acquisition plans. Advanced services around 80 countries from bases in the UK, US, India and Dubai and recently relocated from four separate sites in Northumberland to one, 48,000 sq ft base in North Tyneside. Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire detection systems. The performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks in some of the world’s most prestigious sites including the Shard in London, Western Europe’s tallest building. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, extinguishing control panels, fire paging and false alarm management systems. More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com

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Envirocall Ltd leads Emma Bridgwater clean up following fire

Envirocall Ltd leads Emma Bridgwater clean up following fire Envirocall Ltd has been appointed to undertake the environmental clean-up of the Emma Bridgewater factory, following a blaze at the site. The fire, which started on Lichfield Street, Stoke-on Trent in August, required six crews to get it under control, causing significant damage to certain parts of the building. The urgent need to get the whole factory back into working order as soon as possible, coupled with Envirocall’s track record of helping clients overcome critical obstacles, has led to Envirocall being selected to lead the operation. The company is deploying 14 personnel, working 12 hours a day over an eight-week cleanup period to clear the site ahead of rebuilding work. Mick Tynan, Managing Director of Envirocall said “We are delighted and honoured to be able to assist Emma Bridgewater in this way. It is a credit to the strength of our partnership with Unitas that we have been chosen, and a vote of the highest confidence in the ability, commitment, and professionalism of our employees.” Emma Bridgewater currently employs over 270 people and contributes more than £5m each year to the local economy. www.envirocall.co.uk

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FIRESA Council at the NFCC Conference

FIRESA Council at the NFCC Conference The National Fire Chiefs Council held its International Improvement and Innovation Conference at the Fire Service College over 11th-12th October. A collaborative approach to innovation within the sector is seen by FIRESA Council as an essential part of the process of evolution of the Fire and Rescue Services and the provision of new equipment and methodologies a vital contribution to more effective fire-fighting and greater fire-fighter safety. We were delighted that FIRESA Council was offered the chance to present and that Co-opted Council Member Bernie Higgins was able to speak on our behalf. Introducing the FIA, he emphasised that ‘the FIA has always passionately believed that collaboration between UKFRS and the wider fire sector can deliver significant improvements in outcomes for UKFRS, the public and for suppliers.’ He went on to note that ‘In 2015, the FIA commissioned Kingston University to undertake some research into FRS R&D activity in England and Wales which found that every FRS undertakes its own R&D, between £9m and £13m is spent on this each year and that much of this R&D is unstructured and independent of other services and agencies which leads to significant duplication.’ Bernie noted that ‘some good collaboration is taking place via the Fire Commercial Transformation Programme and we sincerely hope that that work can be built upon’ and that ‘the FIA has access to R&D expertise both from within the companies that are FIA members and from links with various organisations and individuals outside the fire sector: our members also have experience of working in collaboration to achieve a common goal.’ He concluded by saying ‘we have started out on a new approach to research, development and innovation and although some progress has been made, much more is needed, the pace of change needs to be increased and collaboration put on a more formal footing. The FIA is proud to work with UK Fire and Rescue Services and stand ready, willing and able to work with you in the spirit of true collaboration with the aim of delivering a service that continues to be the envy of the rest of the world.’

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Vimpex unveils new manufacturing production facility

Vimpex unveils new manufacturing production facility Independent manufacturer of fire alarm and evacuation equipment, Vimpex, has unveiled the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing production facility. Located in Great Wakering, Essex, the development marks an important milestone for the business, as it expands and improves its existing service offering, pathing the way for future growth. Chair of the All Parliamentary Group for Fire & Rescue, Sir David Amess MP, was also in attendance, delivering an insightful opening address, which was followed up by a detailed discussion of the expansion from Vimpex Managing Director James Jones. Speaking to an impressive array of leading fire safety professionals, retailers, installers, distributors and members of the emergency services, Jones said: “The fire sector is undergoing rapid change while constantly evolving, and this requires manufacturers to adapt and innovate, developing internal business capabilities to meet growing demands. “We are excited by the opportunities created through our nearly half million-pound investment, transforming our business by adding this high-capacity manufacturing production facility, which will enable us to rapidly develop our markets for both Vimpex-produced and distributed products. “We have created a phenomenal capacity for business growth, allowing the company to innovate and increase its product ranges, markets and territories and to significantly increase export activity in targeted markets, as we anticipate a doubling of sales revenues by 2025.”

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Prestigious Miami high-rise benefits from Advanced fire protection

Prestigious Miami high-rise benefits from Advanced fire protection A networked, intelligent fire system from Advanced has updated the fire protection in one of Florida’s major real estate developments. The upscale 29-story condominium is located in Sunny Isles Beach, which has become home to some of the most luxurious high-rise hotels and properties since the early 2000s. Drawing on 15 years’ experience, the Advanced Axis AX fire system was installed by Alemany Building Solutions at Sands Pointe, providing the client with a robust, technically advanced and cost-effective fire detection and audio solution. Designed with a notification appliance in every bedroom, addressable smoke detectors inside every unit, multiple dampers per floor for smoke control and pre-recorded messages in multiple languages, the system satisfied all the safety standards outlined by the development. The fire alarm system met UL464 requirements for the low frequency 520Hz tone, with intelligent smoke detectors and 520Hz speakers fitted inside every bedroom of the building. The fire system network consisted of four data-gathering voice panels located through the building along with a command centre giving oversight and control over the entire system. Using addressable distributed audio amplifiers, the system can use selective paging throughout the building ensuring that a single damaged cable won’t affect system reliability. Staff at the Sands Pointe Condominium were also given detailed training following installation to ensure competency and confidence using the system. Rey Alemany, President at Alemany Building Solutions, Corp said: “Advanced and Alemany Building Solutions provided the ideal combination of technology and a track record to meet the demanding specification requirements and installation constraints of Sands Pointe Condominium. “It’s satisfying to complete a job on time and within budget especially when satisfaction is shared between end customer and the installer. In my many years in the fire industry working with market-leading fire systems, Advanced remains superior when it comes to ease of programming and installation.” Ray Krickmier, VP of Sales at Advanced, commented: “As powerful as our products are it takes companies like Alemany who have the knowledge and experience, to apply Advanced to sites such as this prestigious high-rise, in order to take full advantage of what our fire systems have to offer.”

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Mauritius Airport seeks to enhance Firefighting and Rescue Capabilities at Sea

Mauritius Airport seeks to enhance Firefighting and Rescue Capabilities at Sea The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA), in Mauritius – Indian Ocean, is among the few international airports in the world to have its runway in close proximity with the sea. Therefore, in view of enhancing the airport’s rescue and firefighting preparedness, its operator Airports of Mauritius Co Ltd (AML), has launched an International Tender Exercise meant to procure a Fire Rescue Boat. AML is thus inviting proposals for Boats with Deep Vee Mono Aluminium Hull, with length between 10 to 15m. It should have a carrying capacity of at least 10 persons and reach a maximum speed not exceeding 35knots. The boat should be equipped with firefighting accessories such as a ladder and portable fire extinguishers among others. The boat is also expected to be fitted with communication equipment such as marine VHF, global positioning system and eco sounder, as well as search lights and water bilge pumps, to name a few of the technical requirements. The objective is to have fully equipped rescue capable of rapid intervention and rescue, in order to save lives in case of at aircraft accident at sea. More details are available in the official Tender Document which can be downloaded free of charge from the website: http://publicprocurement.govmu.org. Interested bidders have until 14 November 2018 to submit their bids. The Fire Rescue Boat will be operated by the Mauritian National Coast Guard which works in collaboration with the Mauritius Airport with regard to rescue operations at sea.

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