IFSJ Fire & Safety Spotlight: Detecting wildfire with drone data; Engineering excellence with Hayley Burgess!
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ)
Information, Analysis and Insights for Manufacturers, Fire Fighters and Senior Fire and Safety Professionals
Data-driven drone detection
Kenneth Richard Geipel , Co-Founder & CEO of Robotto Co , delves into FireAI’s use of edge-level AI for enhancing firefighting operations through autonomous drones and immediate situational update
"I come from a background in the Danish Armed Forces, where I spent about ten years and had three deployments in Afghanistan with reconnaissance. After my third deployment, I needed a change of pace. So, I decided to pursue my other passion: robotics.
"Robotto started as a spinoff from our bachelor thesis, where we developed a novel method to use neural networks on drones to calculate objects in 3D using a single camera. Although I hold the title of CEO, I see myself more as a co-founder. Our first product was in the wildfire space." Continue reading.
Engineering Excellence
Hayley Burgess CFIOSH EngTech MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc , International President of The Institution of Fire Engineers , shares insights on leadership, global representation and the challenges facing fire safety professionals
In a historic milestone, Hayley Burgess was appointed as the first female International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its over-100 year history in 2023. Over the years, Hayley has leveraged her expertise to seize numerous opportunities within the fire sector in Northern Ireland, building a distinguished career that ultimately led to her groundbreaking appointment at the IFE.
In this interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey caught up with Hayley to talk about her career, her role and initiatives at the IFE and her views on the fire engineering sector. Read the exclusive interview here.
NFPA elects new chair
Successor to Russ Leavitt announced
the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA )concluded the election of its Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024.
The election results included the appointment of a new chairperson, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member to the Board.
R. David Paulison has been elected as the new chairperson of the NFPA Board of Directors. Read more.
Halma buys Global Fire Equipment
Halma expands fire safety sector with major acquisition
Halma plc , the technology company, has announced the acquisition of Global Fire Equipment , S.A. (GFE) for its safety sector company, Ampac. The cash consideration for GFE is €42.5 million (£36 million) on a cash- and debt-free basis.
The acquisition will be funded from Halma’s existing facilities. GFE, based in Faro, Portugal, designs and manufactures fire detection and alarm systems. The company’s products are installed in over 90 countries. Read more.
Nominations open for next IFE International President
Invitation for candidates open until 31st July
The Institution of Fire Engineers is inviting candidates to stand for the role of International President. Current International President, Hayley Burgess, will end her tenure at this year’s AGM on 24th October 2024.
Nominations for the International President 2024-25 are now open. Find out how to nominate here.
Intersec 2025 calls for presentation proposals
Fire & Rescue Conference seeks expert proposals
Intersec Expo 2025, scheduled for 14-16 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is inviting presentation proposals for its Fire & Rescue Conference.
As part of the premier global trade exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection sectors, the conference aims to gather fire professionals from around the world to discuss and address key challenges in the field. Find out more.
What are the fire safety risks of photovoltaic systems?
FRISSBE outlines comprehensive safety measures to mitigate fire risks in PV systems, emphasising the importance of proper installation and maintenance
Installing a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of a building introduces new fire risks to the building.
First, the PV installations have been shown to increase the chances of ignition through the failure of any of the electrical components of the system.
Second, the PV installation can increase the consequences of a PV-related fire.
It has been shown that within the area covered by the PV system, fires can spread faster and to a greater extent.
However, once the fire reaches the edge of the PV-covered area, the spread typically slows down significantly and often stops after a relatively short distance. Continue reading.
Adapting to the challenge of perpetual wildfire
Preparing for wildfire season when it is a year-round threat, by Nic Lynn, VP of Operations, Neptune Aviation Services, Inc.
The time that airtanker companies put into preparing for wildfire season is critical to ensure that their aircraft are available when they are called on to support wildland firefighting.
However, as wildfire season has expanded into what some now refer to as a “wildfire year,” this preparation has had to evolve to remain effective.
This year-round threat demands ongoing vigilance and focus on getting equipment and personnel ready for the fight. Continue reading.
New wildfire detection partnership announced
Dryad Networks and Kinéis form partnership for global wildfire detection
Dryad Networks , known for ultra-early wildfire detection and forest monitoring, has announced a strategic partnership with Kinéis , a French satellite operator and global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity provider. This collaboration will integrate Kinéis’s direct-to-satellite capabilities into Dryad’s next-generation Silvanet wildfire sensors, enabling new deployment possibilities.
Dryad’s solar-powered gas sensors use AI to monitor and detect early signs of wildfires by analysing air quality and identifying gas patterns indicative of fires.
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With Kinéis’ satellite constellation, the network will overcome terrestrial limitations, ensuring near real-time global connectivity. Find out more.
Design, then build
Quelfire talks enhancing building safety through early engagement in firestopping
Design, then build—this concept is the clear solution to the complexities of construction projects.
Yet, for decades, a building’s technical design has been a mere afterthought, prioritising the firestopping only once the services have been installed.
Traditionally, main contractors would choose a construction package based on its procurement value. Continue reading.
Bahrain civil defence strengthens fire protection
Bahrain signs agreement with National Association for Fire Protection
Following directives from His Excellency Shaikh Rashed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain has taken steps to enhance its civil protection and safety system. Commander Rakin Tayar Ali Mohamed Al-Kubisi, Director General of the Public Administration of Civil Defence, signed an agreement with the National Fire Protection Association( NFPA ).
This agreement represents Bahrain's commitment to continuous improvement in fire prevention and public safety. The signing ceremony occurred during the International Conference on Fire Protection in the United States.
Restoring wildfire resilience in our forests
Kodama Systems’ James Sedlak explores the importance of technology in forest management and its impact on wildfire risk reduction
Kodama Systems (Kodama), an early-stage start-up based in Sonora, CA, is pioneering technology used in forest management operations that improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Through innovative solutions like site connectivity, machine teleoperation, and waste biomass utilization, Kodama is addressing key challenges in the industry and working to help forest landowners meet their management objectives.
Before joining Kodama as one of the company’s early team members, James Sedlak, worked on a hotshot crew for the US Forest Service, a highly skilled group of wildland firefighters trained to perform various fire suppression duties on wildfires. Continue reading.
People news: Milan Dubravac re-elected as CTIF president
Milan Dubravac , from Slovenia, has been re-elected for another four-year term as president of the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF). Dubravac was initially elected in 2020 during the Virtual Delegates Assembly held amid the pandemic.
During his tenure, he has introduced several new members and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to the organisation.
Dubravac said: “I would like to thank all CTIF delegates at today’s assembly for the trust shown and re-election as CTIF president. CTIF is a magnificent organisation of firefighters from all over the world and I am honoured to lead it.” Read more.
Project Focus: EmiControls launches new fire protection solutions for EVs at Porsche track in Italy
EmiControls announced the deployment of two Q-Containers at the Porsche Experience Center in Franciacorta, Italy, as reported by EmiControls.
This installation is part of an ongoing collaboration with Porsche Italia S.p.A. to enhance fire safety measures for electric vehicles (EVs) at various locations throughout Italy.
The Porsche Experience Center features multiple outdoor racetracks and circuits, including those for electric vehicles and karts. Read more.
Product Focus: Cygnus introduces Mesh Analyser
Cygnus has launched a new diagnostic tool designed to improve the commissioning and maintenance processes of their fire detection and alarm systems.
The Cygnus Mesh Analyser software provides a graphical display of mesh signal strengths and connection paths for each device in a SmartNet fire detection and alarm system network.
The software, available for free download from Cygnus’ customer support portal, offers a comprehensive overview of the network, enhancing the efficiency of installation and maintenance. Read more.
Video Spotlight: Women in Engineering
Join Sawsan Dahham and a distinguished panel, including Hayley Burgess CFIOSH EngTech MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc , Eng. Salma Al Ali, and Cristina Perez Domper , as they discuss the critical issue of hiring women in engineering based on competence rather than diversity quotas.
This session at the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference explores how focusing on merit can drive true inclusivity, innovation, and long-term success. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that challenges traditional hiring practices and advocates for genuine talent acquisition.
Read the FREE digital copy of International Fire & Safety Journal's July 2024 edition!
For this month’s Special Report, produced in collaboration with Quelfire, we delve into the critical aspects of Firestopping, offering insights and perspectives that shed light on the current state and future directions of firestopping technology.
On Facilities Management, we hear from the likes of Philip Raymond R., Head of HSSEQ at Emrill Services LLC, who shares insights on achieving excellence in safety compliance and standards, whist James Pecz, Head of Global Business Development and Customer Experience at Ramtech Global, highlights new technologies that are transforming Saudi Arabia’s construction industry.
Read the July issue by clicking here!
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