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Editor’s Note

Hello and welcome to the November Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal.

Passive fire protection remains a linchpin in our continuous endeavour to make structures safer.

It’s not just about responding to fires but preventing their spread, ensuring our buildings stand resilient against unforeseen infernos.

This month, we spotlight those very innovations and the minds behind them, laying the foundation for a safer tomorrow.

I had the pleasure of speaking to passive fire protection expert Alec Purdie, Technical Manager at Quelfire, a frontrunner in providing tested firestopping solutions.

Alec and I to delve deeper into Quelfire’s commitment to building safety, their vision on standardising processes, and their continued presence and influence at the UK’s premier construction show, London Build. Be sure to check out our full show preview later in the magazine.

This month’s Special Report, produced in collaboration with Fomtec, spotlights fluorine-free foam and its place in the firefighting foam market.

John Ottesen, CEO and Founder of Fomtec, delves into the intricacies of transitioning to fluorine-free foam. Meanwhile, Fomtec’s Chief Chemist, Dr. Jan-Erik Jönsson, provides insights into the research and development behind firefighting foam.

I had the esteemed privilege of speaking with Mary Cablk for some Expert Insight on the fascinating subject of canine search and rescue in the wake of fatal fire incidents.

In our conversation, she reminds us: “While we guide them on where to search, [the dogs] must be confident and independent enough to execute the task without constant encouragement. We are their teammates, not their cheerleaders.”

Throughout the rest of the magazine, we also explore the latest in evacuation technology, highlight pivotal emergency lighting solutions for firefighters, and focus on initiatives countering the escalating threat of wildfires.

Many thanks to Comelit-PAC Fire Manager Mandy Bowden who has The Last Word on the post-Grenfell fire safety landscape and shares her vision for future-proofed protection.

Finally, it is my absolute pleasure to announce the launch of Fire and Safety Journal Americas (FSJA).

Building on the success of IFSJ, FSJA promises to spotlight the unique narratives of the region, delivering localised insights and unparalleled coverage of the Americas fire and safety industry.

Visit the official website, subscribe to the FSJA newsletter, follow us on LinkedIn, and stay tuned for the launch of the FSJA magazine in February 2024.

Enjoy the magazine!

In this issue of International Fire and Safety Journal

12– HEAD TO HEAD EXCLUSIVE

Alec Purdie – 12

Quelfire’s Technical Manager stresses the importance of standardising fire safety in construction

20 – WILDFIRE

NFPA – 20

Michele Steinberg talks Community Engagement, policy evolution and her vision for the future

AEM – 24

AEM looks at revolutionising wildfire monitoring and response

PANO – 26

How technology can revolutionise wildfire detection

Lindsay Judah – 30

Honouring America’s fallen fire heroes

32 – Industry Comment

DUNCAN J. WHITE – 32

Embracing tradition to foster Innovation

34 – EXPERT INSIGHT

Mary Cablk – 34

The crucial role of search and rescue dogs in fatal fire response

37 – SPECIAL REPORT

Fluorine Free Foam

Produced in collaboration with Fomtec

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER – 42

John Ottesen, CEO and Founder of Fomtec, navigates the complexities of the transition to fluorine free foam

50 – LIGHTING

Streamlight – 50

Take a look at some of Streamlight’s top lighting products for the fire industry

Nightstick – 54

Jonathan Gordon sheds light on visibility in firefighting

56 – SHOW PREVIEW

London Build – 56

The UK’s Premier Construction Show returns to Olympia London

60 – EVACUATION

Unif.id- 60

Shannon Dashington explains Unifi.id’s innovative approach to efficient evacuation

EVACSTAC – 64

The quick-build secondary staircase solution to the high-rise problem

Evac+Chair – 66

Director Ges Wallace discusses the urgent need for clearer fire safety guidelines

70 – BUSINESS UPDATE

Ziamatic – 70

How Ziamatic’s new Vehicle Cooling Units tackles vehicle fires

72 – THE LAST WORD

Comelit-PAC – 72

Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager Comelit-PAC talks the post-Grenfell fire safety landscape

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