IFSJ Fire & Safety Spotlight: The future of foam formulations; North Fire joins forces with Vallfirest!

The future of foam formulations

Why SFFFs are likely the most thoroughly tested foam agents ever brought to market

The firefighting foam industry is undergoing significant changes as it transitions from fluorinated to fluorine-free formulations. These developments are driven by stringent environmental regulations and the need for high-performance alternatives that comply with international standards.

IFSJ caught up with John Olav Ottesen , CEO of Dafo Fomtec AB , to discuss the company’s innovations and the evolving landscape of firefighting foam solutions., examining the technical advancements in fluorine-free foam formulations, their performance in fixed foam systems and the implications for future fire suppression technologies. Read the interview here.

North Fire collaborates with Vallfirest

Addressing growing wildfire challenges in the UK

North Fire and Vallfirest - The Wildfire Company have announced a partnership to strengthen wildfire response resources across the United Kingdom.

This collaboration aims to equip UK fire and rescue services with advanced technology and specialised tools as the frequency and intensity of wildfires increase.

The partnership intends to provide enhanced support and resources for UK emergency services facing growing wildfire demands. Read more.

Private equity’s push in fire protection

What’s ahead for fire protection companies and private equity firms?

The fire protection, security, and integration market has undergone a lot of changes in the last few years.

One trend that has significantly impacted business sales is the rush of private equity money into the industry as investment firms have recognized there are profitable opportunities to leverage.

Rory Russell , President and owner at Acquisition and Funding Services , explains why business owners in the fire protection space should start thinking about how to adapt to the industry’s shifting landscape. Read the exclusive FSJA article here.

PPE progress: The new essentials

How FlamePro is working with fire brigades to tailor equipment

FlamePro Global 's Jack Griffin , Technical Sales Manager, talks about the critical role PPE plays in addressing fire services’ evolving challenges, from heat stress to diversity and budget concerns.

"We specialise in light weight breathable garments with superior ergonomics and comfort levels that are design engineered to specific risks faced by todays firefighters," says Jack.

"Our range consists of specific garments for Structural, Wildfire, Technical Rescue and HVP work, all of which have very different requirements for both safety and comfort." Read more.

Transforming fire protection inspection

How Paradigm is reducing the risk of corrosion and preserving the integrity and longevity of the fire protection system.

Wet testing has long been the standard for assessing fire protection systems’ integrity and performance.

Operators can inspect and confirm system readiness and performance by introducing water into the piping network.

While this method is effective in some respects, it comes with notable drawbacks that can have serious implications for both operational efficiency and safety:?

The introduction of water, even for brief periods, creates conditions conducive to corrosion.

In an exclusive article for FSJA, Paradigm discusses the benefits of Dry-Flo? Technology in minimising operational disruption and damage during fire protection system testing. Read now.

Splitting the shadows with Nightstick

The emerging tech trends in portable lighting

Emergency personnel – including firefighters, paramedics, and search and rescue teams – often operate in environments where visibility is severely compromised due to smoke, darkness, or adverse weather conditions.

In such settings, clear visibility is essential for the safe and effective execution of their duties.

In an exclusive interview, Jonathan Gordon , Fire & Industrial Marketing Manager at Nightstick , offers insights into how Nightstick’s approach is shaped by direct input from emergency professionals, discussing the company’s ongoing efforts to refine their products based on real-world applications and the future direction of portable lighting technology in supporting those who work under the most demanding conditions. Read more.

Improving emergency responses in schools

A combined fire detection and lockdown system approach

When it comes to creating a safe school environment, compromise is not an option.

Architects, contractors and education facility managers must ensure building systems can communicate with clarity and speed when an emergency occurs in a school.

Whether the threat is inside or outside, students and staff must be alerted as quickly as possible and must understand clearly what actions to take.

Gordon Thomas , Business Development Manager, Global Fire Detection Products, 江森自控 , outlines an innovative approach for schools to improve emergency responses using a single, multi-purpose safety system. Read the article here.

ROCKWOOL announces plans for new insulation manufacturing facility

Stone wool manufacturer reveals long-term growth strategy in the UK

ROCKWOOL UK has signed an agreement to purchase 114 acres at the Peddimore site near Birmingham, with plans to build a manufacturing facility featuring electric melting technology for stone wool insulation.

This expansion will support the UK and Ireland markets and aligns with the company’s global sustainability goals. The site, part of Birmingham’s Development Plan, has infrastructure ready for manufacturing use.

ROCKWOOL will engage with the local community through consultations and open house events, with additional details available on its website. Read more.

Motorola Solutions expands UK emergency service technology offerings

Enhanced CAD capabilities for UK emergency response

摩托罗拉系统 has announced its acquisition of Leicestershire-based 3tc Software, a provider of specialised control room software for emergency services across the United Kingdom.

3tc’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software is designed to assist Fire and Rescue Services as well as Police in responding efficiently to emergency situations.

This acquisition adds to Motorola Solutions’ Command Center portfolio, enhancing its support for the UK’s public safety sector. Read more.

Product focus: Magirus introduces Poseidon pump family for flood emergency response

Adaptable pump models for water and sludge handling

Magirus GmbH has introduced the Poseidon pump family, a series of submersible pumps developed for emergency flood and water management.

The family’s TP 4/1 model provides a 420-litre flow per minute and is designed for flexible application, including features like an adjustable pressure outlet and flat suction for low water levels.

Additional models, including the dirt water pump and sludge pump, address specific water and sludge handling needs. Read more.

People news: C-TEC appoints Amos Hill as Southern Business Development Manager

Southern Business Development Manager appointed

C-TEC (Computionics Limited) has appointed Amos Hill as Southern Business Development Manager for System Sales, aiming to expand its CAST-powered life-safety system offerings in the Southern region.

Hill, with over 25 years in the fire safety industry, will oversee the promotion and specification of systems such as the HUSH-PRO domestic fire alarm, the EVAC-ALERT evacuation alert, and the ENVISION IoT fire monitoring solution. Read more.

Read the FREE digital copy of International Fire & Safety Journal's November 2024 edition!

In this month's Head to Head, we spoke to Jonathan Gordon , Fire & Industrial Marketing Manager at Nightstick , about how their products are shaped by direct feedback from professionals and discusses the future of portable lighting technology.

Our latest Special Report, produced in collaboration with Dafo Fomtec AB , examines the development of synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFF). Fomtec's CEO, John Olav Ottesen reflects on advancements in fluorine-free foams, their compliance with international standards and their expanding role in fixed foam systems.

READ THE MAGAZINE HERE.

Get in touch with the IFSJ Team!

• For advertising enquiries, please contact Ben Emery at [email protected]
• To discuss editorial opportunities, please contact Iain Hoey at [email protected]

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