Tackling extreme terrain with Vallfirest’s cutting-edge firefighting solutions

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Vallfirest reveals how collaboration with firefighting professionals worldwide has inspired new tools for managing unpredictable wildfires

Wildfires are a disturbance fuelled by climate change, directly impacting ecosystems and society.

Experts worldwide point out that the evolving nature of wildfires is introducing a new category, defined by their size, intensity, rapid spread, erratic behaviour, and simultaneity, which exceed not only the suppression capacity but also the decision-making and management abilities of intervention teams, pushing them to the brink of collapse.

In this context, Vallfirest has emerged as a global leader, combining technical expertise, collaboration with professionals worldwide, and a strong focus on innovation.

Vallfirest’s mission is to revolutionise wildfire management by equipping professionals with state-of-the-art PPE, tools, and technology to perform operations more safely and efficiently, even in the most extreme conditions.

The complexity of 21st-century wildfires, defined by their extreme intensity, unpredictable behaviour, and massive scale, demands a new approach to forest management.

This includes new strategies, tactics, and manoeuvres requiring tools and technologies that are not only effective but also adaptable to these changes.

This article explores some of the company’s latest innovations, highlighting products such as the Xtreme Boots, the new Xtreme Mask, the Dronster, and the Universal Pump Flotation System, all designed to tackle these challenges.

Redefining protection: the Xtreme Boots

In the realm of personal protection, the Xtreme Boots represent a milestone for wildland firefighters.

These boots are a revolution in protective footwear, adapting technical mountaineering footwear technology to meet the needs of intervention teams.

Manufactured with high-heat-resistant materials, they can withstand extreme temperatures while providing comfort during long shifts.

They feature a Vibram® technical sole, exclusively designed for Panter® firefighting footwear, with a special formulation resistant to extreme heat (+300 °C), adhering to all surface types, and offering exceptional traction and stability.

Furthermore, their ergonomic design significantly reduces fatigue, making them an essential ally for firefighters working in extreme conditions.

These boots have been tested in wildfires worldwide, where their performance has exceeded expectations, protecting firefighters and allowing them to operate more comfortably.

The Xtreme Boots are certified under the EN 15090:2012 standard with markings F1PA + HI3 + CI + SRC.

A leap forward in respiratory safety

The new Xtreme Mask, available from February 2025, marks a significant advancement in facial and respiratory protection for wildland firefighters.

Specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions, this multipurpose device features a P3 R filter that protects against particles, microparticles, nanoparticles, smoke, mist, and other common agents in fires.

Optionally, it can be equipped with an ABEK1P3 R filter for additional protection against gases, vapors, acids, and other compounds present in slow-combustion fires.

The textile component of the mask will be certified under specific points of the EN ISO 15384:2020/A1:2021 standard for wildland firefighting protective clothing.

The half-mask will comply with EN 140:1998/AC:1999 for respiratory protection devices, the P3 R filter with EN 143:2022 for particle filters, and the ABEK1P3 R filter with EN 14387:2022 for gas and combined filters.

Additionally, this PPE (combination of textile component/half-mask/filters) will be the first respiratory protection device to include an official declaration issued by the Notified Body 0161, certifying the compatibility of these components for proper and safe use.

With an ergonomic design ensuring a comfortable fit and optimal visibility, the Xtreme Mask combines protection, ergonomics, and functionality, providing firefighters with the confidence needed in highly demanding environments.

Dronster: versatility for all terrains

The multi-emergency Dronster robot has been reimagined in a more powerful version, designed to revolutionise emergency operations.

Its compact and versatile design allows for easy and rapid deployment thanks to its weight, size, and configuration tailored to various emergencies.

In forest environments, the Dronster is ideal for both prevention and suppression, capable of operating on all types of terrain with consistent performance.

It can enhance the efficiency of teams in forest management tasks, creating safe zones, and constructing defence lines.

In its forest version, it can be equipped with a high-power shredder with a lifting capacity of 1 meter, a rear blade for organic material removal, and optional front and rear winches.

In industrial or civil environments, the Dronster improves the safety of intervention teams by accommodating different attachments depending on the operation type: a front pushing blade, a monitor, or a high-power fan.

Additionally, this robot is used for material transportation and active firefighting tasks, standing out as a versatile and robust tool.

Its ability to perform heavy and repetitive tasks in challenging terrains allows human teams to focus on more critical strategies.

Efficiency afloat: the Universal Pump Flotation System

The vft Universal Pump Flotation System (UPFS) is an innovative accessory capable of transforming a portable pump into a floating pump, improving transport logistics and equipment management efficiency, thereby enhancing the performance of existing teams.

The UPFS is lightweight and compact, facilitating transport and setup within minutes, making it ideal for rapid and emergency operations.

From concept to combat-tested solutions

Behind each Vallfirest innovation lies a commitment to research, co-creation, and lessons learned.

Before launching a product to market, exhaustive tests are conducted in real scenarios, working hand-in-hand with experienced firefighters.

This approach ensures that every tool is not only technically effective but also practical and tailored to the specific needs of the user.

Vallfirest’s commitment to the wildfire community and innovation has led the company to expand to over 80 countries, where its products are making a difference in wildfire management.

This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.

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