A new digital system which can detect and monitor large-scale fires aims to revolutionize how firefighters approach forest fires and is set to drastically reduce environmental and property damage and protect human lives.

The University of Westminster is a partner in the Advanced Forest Fire Fighting (AF3) project, which involves 20 institutions from 10 countries. The project aims to improve the efficiency of current firefighting operations and the protection of human lives, the environment and property by developing innovative ground and aerial technologies to ensure the integration between new and existing systems.

The University of Westminster has developed so called Low-Power Wireless Ground Sensor Nodes (LPWGSN) and accompanying drone technology which together can detect wild forest fires in their early stages and can monitor them in real time, enabling large scale wildland firefighting services to target these fires with unprecedented precision, day and night. The innovative technology is the pinnacle of the European Commission funded multi-million-euro AF3 activity.

The complete system, developed during the AF3 project, allows firefighters to drop pellets – filled with water or fire-retardant mixtures contained in biodegradable plastic pouches – from the air quickly and with precision targeting the areas to most effectively extinguish the fire. This can ultimately protect human lives, the environment and property, taking fires under control and putting them out before they spread.

The new sensor nodes and accompanying drone applications developed at Westminster’s Applied DSP and VLSI Research Group (ADVRG) are at the heart of this new firefighting approach and have been tested in real-life fires in Greece, Spain, and Israel. These tests have proved their worth in being cost-effective and groundbreaking in making the different parts of the system function effectively, helping firefighters get to the heart of the problem and address the fires quickly and more efficiently.

The sensor nodes can provide the fire services with invaluable information about environmental factors contributing to the fire, including location, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen levels.

Apart from forest fires, the innovative nodes and network can also be used in optimal agriculture, indoor climate control such as heating ventilation and air conditioning, and urban air quality monitoring.

Professor Izzet Kale, who is the Director of the (ADVRG) at the University of Westminster and who led the project, said: “This is a step change in the way wildfires and other forms of urban fires will be detected and stopped in their tracks before they spread and cause irreversible damage to the environment, wildlife, as well as loss of human life. The days of having a need for visibility and highly skilled pilots to undertake dangerous, sometimes inaccurate and ineffective water drops on wildfires will be over. The intelligent sensors and sensor network we have developed focuses on power autonomy and is designed around a ‘deploy and forget’ paradigm, enabling automated large scale strategic distribution in forests having high risks for fires.

“In addition to early fire detection, and monitoring the sensors and their ne

Emergency Reporting (ER), the leader in cloud-based Fire and EMS records management and prevention software, has launched a new series of demo webinars and released a comparison checklist resource to assist fire departments and EMS agencies in their search for a better records management system (RMS).

The software comparison “cheat sheet” gives firefighting and EMS agencies a fast, easy way to compare their existing software to other RMS providers and determine if it’s still the best fit for their changing needs.

Emergency Reporting’s cloud-based software has been deemed “the most stable, secure, and trustworthy” by its 114,000 authorized users in part because it has been led and managed by the same owners – with actual Fire/EMS field experience – since its founding in 2003.

“Stability, security and ease of use are all-important in this industry,” says Ed O’Neill, Executive Director of Emergency Reporting.

“We know that when it’s time to switch to a better reporting and records management system it can be a daunting, time-consuming task,” says O’Neill. “Most Fire/EMS agencies are required to review multiple software providers before making a selection. Offering this new comparison checklist gives fire chiefs, IT managers, EMS decision makers, and administrators an easy, at-a-glance tool to quickly identify key differences in features and benefits.”

The live demo webinars are free, hour-long demonstrations offered once a month to prospective customers looking for an overview of what ER has to offer.

O’Neill says the webinars and comparison checklist are especially helpful at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty with other companies in the industry, and many agencies are considering a switch to a more stable, trustworthy RMS provider. "This type of constant change can cause disruption for customers and delays in long-promised improvements. We’re hoping to make it as easy as possible for agencies to make the right choice when upgrading their records management software.”

To download Emergency Reporting’s Software Comparison Checklist, visit: http://bit.ly/ER-Comparison-Checklist. To sign up for an upcoming webinar, visit https://explore.emergencyreporting.com/webinar-schedule/. To request more information or schedule a customized 1:1 online demo with your station or agency, visit: https://explore.emergencyreporting.com/information-request-form

The King County Fire Chiefs Association, along with East Pierce Fire, Maple Valley Fire and Puget Sound Fire would like to notify their communities that there are private companies traveling door-to-door offering home safety inspections and claiming that they work with or for the local fire department, according to a press release from Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety.
- PUB DATE: 10/10/2017 3:51:17 AM - SOURCE: Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

EMMITSBURG, Maryland – Thousands gathered in the small town of Emmitsburg, Maryland on the first weekend of October to honor the nation’s fallen firefighters and their survivors.

The U.S. fire service paid tribute to 95 firefighters during ceremonies over three days culminating in a memorial service held on Sunday.  75 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016 and 20 firefighters from previous years were officially recognized in the 36th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

2016 plaque (NFFF photo)

Families of the fallen arrived in Maryland on Friday and participated in various activities presented by the event organizers, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Prior to the weekend, leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus helped the NFFF start the service with a Congressional Flag Ceremony held in Washington, D.C.  Members of the fire service also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

9/11 Rescue and Recovery Effort plaque (NFFF photo)

On Saturday evening a Candlelight Service was held on the grounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The threat of rain and thunderstorms led event organizers to move Sunday’s outdoor service inside at the Knox Athletic Recreation Convocation Complex on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Saturday Candlelight Service

Amid the pomp and circumstance of the pipes and drums, color guards, and honor guards, the names of the 95 fallen firefighters were read aloud.  Firefighter tributes read by various speakers called attention to the unique characteristics  and dedication of some of the fallen.

Representative Steny Hoyer (D -  Maryland) and co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus highlighted the calling, service, and dedication of the nation’s firefighters and those memorialized during the service.

“There is inherent dignity and priceless value in what a firefighter does,” Hoyer told the audience.

Sunday Memorial Service

Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors said “The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is a testament to the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave men and women. All who visit the memorial throughout the year pause to honor these firefighters and reflect on the courage, sacrifice and strength of their survivors.”