Smart Firefighting

What are the benefits of using drones for emergency response? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How drones are being used for situational awareness, indoor assessments, and managing hazardous material incidents The challenges of drone implementation Why collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for the successful integration of drones in the fire service Hear from Russell Turner - the Chief Remote Pilot and Team Leader of Aviation for Fire and Rescue NSW. Russell shares insights into how drones are transforming emergency response. He discusses their use in providing situational awareness, conducting indoor assessments, and managing hazardous material incidents, all of which help to enhance safety and efficiency during operations.  Russell also outlines the challenges of implementi

Here’s how Earth Fire Alliance is enhancing global fire monitoring: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How Earth Fire Alliance provides data equity and real-time situational awareness to fire agencies How their partnership with XPRIZE is driving innovation in Earth observation technology Insights on better tools for decision-making and risk reduction Hear from Karen O'Connor - the Founding Principal at the Earth Fire Alliance. Karen introduces Earth Fire’s ambitious mission to revolutionize fire monitoring through a new constellation of satellites. As a nonprofit organization, they are dedicated to providing global fire capability and ensuring data equity for fire agencies around the world. The satellites, designed for real-time fire monitoring, offer a high-resolution pixel size of 80 meter

What are the challenges (and solutions) of emergency response in the rail corridor? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The specialized skills and equipment needed for rail emergencies The evolution of Rail Fire in New South Wales as it adapts to new challenges How Rail Fire and Fire and Rescue NSW exemplify the importance of interoperability Hear from Nicholas Coney (from Rail Fire and Emergency in New South Wales) and Brett Richardson (Manager of Fire & Emergency Operations for Transport for NSW). Nicholas and Brett share their experiences and the unique challenges of managing incidents within the rail corridor. They discuss the critical need for interoperability between Rail Fire and Fire and Rescue NSW to ensure effective response efforts in the rail industry.  The conversation covers

What are the 3 keys to effective fire service products? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How technology can make firefighters safer and more efficient Why core values like integrity, honesty, loyalty, and respect matter The importance of finding a compelling reason behind the work you do Hear from Kelly Richardson and Eric Combs – the President of Fire and Emergency Business Group at Safe Fleet. Kelly and Eric share their experiences in the fire service, reflecting on their time at a rugby game and the deep sense of family that the fire service provides. They emphasize the critical role of technology in enhancing firefighter safety and efficiency, stressing the importance of simplicity, durability, and dependability in the products used by first responders.  The conversation highlights the

Here’s how diversity and inclusion contribute to a more effective fire service workforce: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The importance of well-fitting PPE for firefighter safety and confidence The value of end-user feedback in improving PPE design Why psychological safety is key to innovation and decision-making in the fire service Hear from Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton - the Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service - and Michael Morgan - the Director at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This episode delves into the critical issues of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and diversity and inclusion within the fire service. The guests discuss how well-fitting and appropriate PPE not only ensures safety but also boosts the confidence and identity of fire

Here’s how to promote competency and safety in the fire sector: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How the IFE supports fire professionals through exams, CPD, and knowledge sharing The role of collaboration in addressing global challenges in fire engineering Why continuous learning is key to adapting to new technologies and industry trends Hear from Hayley Burgess - the International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). Hayley explores the organization's role in supporting fire professionals worldwide. She discusses how the IFE promotes competency through examinations, continuous professional development, and structured membership grades, ensuring that industry professionals are prepared for their critical roles.  The conversation highlights the power of collaboration and kn

How is PVStop training first responders and electrical technicians to safely handle solar panels? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: A liquid blanket that de-energizes solar panels, making them safe for emergency response PVStop’s new drone delivery system for high-rise and difficult-to-access solar installations The potential for collaboration with insurers to enhance solar safety measures Hear from Jim Foran - the Director at PVStop International Pty Ltd. Jim shares their innovative approach to making solar energy safe for firefighters and first responders. Their flagship product, PVStop, acts as a liquid blanket that can be sprayed onto solar panels, blocking light and de-energizing the panels to create a safe working environment during emergencies. They introduce their new drone delivery sys

What are the unique challenges that tunnels face in terms of fire safety and ventilation? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The impact of training videos as effective tools for educating firefighters How 3D BIM models and real photographs can create immersive training experiences Strategies for future-proofing infrastructure to adapt to long-term changes Hear from Craig Hiscock -  the Technical Director of Global Fire Safety at Tactix-Sener Group. Craig dives into the potential of training videos for firefighters with insights drawn from the creation of a training video for the New Zealand Fire Service. The discussion highlights how combining 3D BIM models with real photographs can transform traditional training into a more immersive experience.  The conversation also explores the unique challe

How can we improve evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The challenges of designing evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities The gap between regulations for accessibility and evacuation How occupant evacuation elevators and areas of refuge can improve safety during evacuations Hear from Daniel Nilsson - a Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (CNRE) professor at the University of Canterbury - and Kevin Frank - the Senior Fire Engineer at Fire and Emergency NZ. Daniel and Kevin talk about their work on designing evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities. They highlight the disparity between regulations for building accessibility and those for evacuation, pointing out the responsibility of building owners to f

Here’s how to build community resilience: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why resilience is a community effort How to shape decisions on land use and rebuilding after disasters How the role of governance can be a major obstacle, and what to do about it Hear from Beck Dawson - the Chief Resilience Officer for Greater Sydney.  Beck dives into the critical importance of resilience and risk management in urban environments. She describes resilience as a community effort, emphasizing that true resilience means working together and looking out for one another.  Beck highlights the need for collective collaboration and open dialogue among various stakeholders to make informed decisions on land use and rebuilding after disasters. She also discusses governance challenges as a significant barrier to ac

The big question that we all want the answer to: how should we tackle climate change? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How the 'Be Ahead Ready' report encourages forward-thinking strategies in disaster risk management The potential of personalized warnings and technology to improve community engagement and planning The need for collaboration between public and private sectors Hear from Andrew Gissing - the CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia.  Andrew talks about the pressing challenges of climate change and natural hazard risks in both Australia and the United States. He emphasizes the importance of aligning efforts and resources to better support first responders and protect communities. A key focus is the 'Be Ahead Ready' report, which promotes innovative thinking in disaster risk mana

Who is James Braidwood and how did he transform the fire service? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What “finding the seat of the fire” means, and the role of airflow A blueprint for firefighting science and the science of fire How sharing knowledge strengthens the fire service sector Hear from David Dow - a firefighter at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. David gives an exploration of the legacy of James Braidwood, the pioneering superintendent of the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment. Braidwood was instrumental in bringing together insurance brigades and founding the world's first municipal fire service. He taught firefighters the importance of locating the seat of a fire for effective extinguishment and emphasized the role of airflow in controlling fires.  His scientific appro

What is sense-making, and how can it transform firefighters’ decision-making? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The importance of training and sense-making for effective decision-making in the fire service Research on moral injury and its impact on the mental well-being of firefighters The Institute of Fire Engineers' role in bridging the gap between fire engineers and firefighters Hear from Dr. Greg Penney who is part of Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Education and Training Committee.   Dr. Penney shares his journey into the world of wildfire engineering, inspired by his personal experience during a life-threatening fire. He discusses the critical role of training and sense-making in helping firefighters make sound decisions under pressure, emphasizing the need to interpret complex infor

How has Amazon Web Services (AWS) made an impact on the first responder industry?  Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s role in emergency management platforms and smart city solutions The potential of AI, IoT, and satellite technology in improving public safety outcomes The importance of storytelling and communication when implementing tech solutions Hear from Craig Lawton - the Principal AI & Data Technologist for Amazon Web Services (AWS). Craig shares insights into the company's role at the AFAC event in Sydney and their contributions to the smart city space. He explains how AWS supports emergency management platforms by providing flexible cloud computing capabilities that adapt to the needs of first responders.  Craig discusses various applications of AWS in pub

What’s the most important thing to focus on during disaster management? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Insights on disaster resilience and the challenges of reconstruction in New South Wales The importance of community engagement and communication during recovery efforts Why strategic risk reduction measures are essential Hear from Amanda Leck - the Head of Adaptation, Mitigation and Reconstruction at NSW Reconstruction Authority - and Kristie Clarke - the Executive Director for the Northern Rivers Adaptation.  Amanda and Kristie talk about their experiences in disaster resilience and reconstruction efforts in New South Wales, Australia. They dive into the increasing frequency and impact of natural disasters and emphasize the need for strategic mitigation and risk reduction measures to prote

What is a global fire service? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How to improve real-time wildfire monitoring How better information analysis can transform firefighter performance The unique challenges of female firefighters Hear from Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell - a U.S. Fire Administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration. Lori dives into how satellites, especially low Earth orbit constellations, are transforming wildfire response. She explains how real-time monitoring can help detect wildfires sooner, leading to better decision-making and faster response times.  Beyond technology, Lori highlights the critical role of data, advocating for systems like NIRIS that can collect and analyze information to boost firefighter performance. Dr. Moore-Merrell also emphasizes the importance of a unified, global

Here’s how research leads to solutions for real-world challenges: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: Why collaboration is essential for advancing emergency services How universities can bridge the gap between research and practical solutions for local emergency managers How the 'one voice' concept promotes unity and problem-solving in the fire service community Hear from James Mullins - the Director of Defence and Security at Deakin University - and Dan Cotter - the Principal Director of the Office of Science and Engineering for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. James and Dan explore the power of collaboration and innovation in emergency services. They discuss how research and technology can address the evolving challenges that first responders and their communities face, emphasizing the

Do you know how to recognize and respond to human trafficking? Here’s what you need to know: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What is iEmpathize? How can human trafficking awareness become mainstream knowledge? How can first responders successfully identify and assist trafficking victims? Hear from Mark Brende - the Engagement Coordinator and Strategic Partnership Development for iEmphathize. Mark talks about iEmpathize, a training program designed to combat human trafficking which focuses on promoting empathy among first responders. The program features survivor-led content to educate fire service professionals on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations. The training provides valuable insights into the red flags associated with trafficking and equips first responders with

Check out this fire-resistant robot that helps firefighters in search and rescue operations: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: How Firebot works How does Firebot enhance (not replace) firefighters? The future roadmap for Firebot and its potential commercial release Hear from Siddharth Thakur - the Founder & CEO of Paradigm Robotics. Siddharth introduces Firebot, a groundbreaking robot designed to assist firefighters in search and rescue operations. Firebot is fire-resistant, capable of withstanding high temperatures, and equipped with cutting-edge technology, including thermal cameras, optical and radar sensors, and a five-gas detector for hazardous materials (hazmat) situations.  Firebot is intended to enhance the capabilities of firefighters, allowing them to deploy the robot in situation

Here’s how interoperability makes the fire service’s jobs easier: Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: What is interoperability, and how does it support better decision-making? How do seamless user experiences and automated data collection reduce the burden on firefighters? What are solutions that tackle critical issues in staffing, payroll, fleet management, and more in the fire service? Hear from David Blankinship - the President of Emergent - and Marcus Edwards - the founder and CEO of Stationwise.  In this episode, StationWise and Emergent, two companies revolutionizing the fire service through technology, share how they are solving real-world problems for fire departments. StationWise focuses on staffing software, payroll, and workforce management, while Emergent addresses operational b