Chemguard, a producer of firefighting foam concentrates and foam systems, has acquired Williams Fire & Hazard Control as a wholly owned subsidiary.  The acquisition – which combines Chemguard's extensive R&D, manufacturing, and systems engineering experience with Williams' expertise in flammable-liquid fire fighting –effectively integrates surfactant research, foam pump design, systems development, and fire-fighting technical expertise.  Together, Chemguard and Williams offer products and services for industrial, petrochemical/energy, transportation/freight, military, municipal, offshore, and airport hangar applications.

Having s storage tank that can provide reliable water at high pressure can be the difference between a manageable incident and a costly inferno. Chief Robert McDuffy and Timothy M. Stinson (PE) outline the successful implementation of a new storage tank that is minimizing the vulnerability of the Wareham (Massachusetts) Fire District.

A special suit designed for firefighters attending incidents by motorcycle has been tested and certified by SATRA. Designed by Bradford-based Universal Carbon Fibres Limited (UCF), this protective garment meets both EN 13595 part 1 (a motorcycle standard) and the firefighters' clothing standard EN 469, and is thought to be the first suit ever produced that meets both requirements. 

Three firefighters – Johannes Wildner, Michael Wildner, MD, and Franz J. Wiedermann, MD – report on the first Austrian Technical Rescue Competition organised by the Technical Rescue Team of the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Zirl (“Freiwillige Feuerwehr” - FF Zirl), which took place in Zirl in Tyrol, on 26th June, 2010.

Bill Campbell, retired HSE Group Auditor for Shell International – a renowned expert on offshore platform safety issues – discusses if the risk levels onboard Deepwater Horizon in advance of the April 20th explosions were acceptable.

Another all action ‘Master Class’ event is being held in Charlotte, NC, USA on October 2^nd to 9^th this year, where we always receive the warmest of welcomes from Charlotte FD’s Chief Jon Hannan, and Kurt Walton, Charlotte City Manager – writes David Lane. 

In September this year the annual World Rescue Challenge is being hosted in Ireland. This will be the 12th event and the first time for it ever to be held in Ireland. Rescue Organisation Ireland (Eagraíocht Tarrthála Éireann) is proud to be bringing this event to Cork City (2005 European Capital of Culture) in association with the World Rescue Organisation (WRO).

Awe-inspiring, exhilarating and challenging, a recent Snowdon climb in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity and Help for Heroes was a test of fitness, determination and, unusually, Draeger breathing apparatus (BA).

In an exciting extension to the Hemming online fire portfolio the 2010 editions of FireTrade Europe and FireTrade Asia & Middle East are now published on the web providing easy access to over 4,000 companies selling active and passive fire equipment.  Easy to use and full of up-to-date information, these directories offer the most comprehensive guide available to manufacturers and suppliers in this sector.  Click here to discover just how easy it is to find the products you are looking for from a supplier located near you.  www.firetradeeurope.com and www.firetradeasia.com


Carol Debell
Publisher Fire Portfolio, Hemming Information Services

Industrial Fire Journal and Fire and Rescue magazine will be promoting the correct use of CAFS (Compressed Air Foam Systems) by supporting ICAFA. From now on readers will see regular updates and features on this organisation and new developments in CAFS technology on the website and in the print versions.

Firebuy, a specialist body established by the Department for Communities and Local Government to support procurement of kit by Fire and Rescue Services, has cost nearly twice as much to set up and run as the total savings it claims to have delivered.