Application: Wildland

Wildland fires throw up unique challenges for you. FlamePro’s range of specialist Wildland gear offers them the best possible safety, comfort and ease of movement when fighting fires outdoors, often in hot weather. These wildland suits are fire resistant, thin and light, without the weight of unnecessary thermal protection. Like all FlamePro garments, they are designed and manufactured to meet the relevant EN Standards.

Kent FRS SPPE Framework

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Customer name – Kent Fire & Rescue Service
Business Sector –  State Brigade
Business Requirement – : Specific need PPE due to the increasing amount of Wildfire incidents occurring. Ensuring firefighters were not exposed to the risk of heatstress associated with using structural garments when attending wildfire incidents.

 

 

An Overview

Brett Egan-Briers from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) is the National Firefighters PPE Technical Advisor. He handled procurement for the National Specialist PPE (NSPPE) Wildland PPE Framework in 2022, which selected FlamePro’s Defender as the preferred wildland PPE ensemble for UK firefighters:

“The driver behind this procurement project was the increase in wildland fire incidents occurring in the UK. We have always been susceptible to heath, moorland and grassland fires in the summer months, but these were increasing in frequency and intensity, particularly in London and the South East which were affected by long periods of hot, dry weather.
Nominated by the Commercial Transformation Programme (CTP) as the lead service in creating national procurement frameworks for PPE, Kent FRS was tasked with identifying a preferred wildland kit for the UK’s firefighters, along with a maintenance package to handle ongoing repairs and cleaning. By working together to select a supplier, FRSs would benefit from economies of scale and more efficient route to purchase.

 

The requirement

Traditionally, UK firefighters have worn structural PPE to all call-outs. This provides full thermal protection when faced with intense fires in buildings, but can be heavy and cumbersome to wear. In reality, tackling structural fires is a small part of a firefighter’s role. Today we attend a wide variety of incidents, from road traffic accidents to flooding, as well as undertaking work in the community providing fire safety advice and education. Around 93% of the time, wearing full structural PPE isn’t necessary, and firefighters would prefer to be operating in kit that is lighter and more comfortable.

At a wildland fire, crews are likely to be wearing kit for long periods of time in hot weather and need to stay comfortable. Specific purpose wildland PPE is usually much better suited to these fires than full structural PPE. It needs to be resistant to radiant heat, flames and embers, but doesn’t require multi-layer thermal protection against the intense heat of structural fires. As a result, it is usually lighter and more breathable, which is preferable when fighting fires in hot weather. We set about creating a procurement framework to make it easier and more affordable for FRSs to purchase this specialist kit.

 

The tender process

A thorough pre-qualification assessment was conducted to verify important criteria amongst potential suppliers, and as a result, three PPE suppliers were invited to tender, each putting forward designs and samples for consideration.
The ensembles were then tested by a selection of firefighters from Fire and Rescue Services across the country, who undertook various training scenarios whilst wearing the kit. The entire process took into account transparency, innovation, business resilience, value for money, and feedback from the wearer trials.

FlamePro’s Defender was a firm favourite at the wearer trials, and the company’s in-house design, manufacturing and testing capabilities ensured that samples and designs met the technical requirements. In addition, FlamePro’s partnership with the Johnsons Workwear network of cleaning facilities across the country, meant that a comprehensive fully managed service package was available for FRSs in all locations, enabling crucial ongoing maintenance of the kit. As a result, Defender was selected as the wildland PPE of choice for the Framework.

To date, I understand that FRSs from Lancashire, Cumbria, Surrey, Hampshire, North Wales and Norfolk have purchased the kit, and are putting it to good use on wildland fire call outs.

 

 

The investment

Wildland fires are an increasing problem in the UK and likely to become more frequent with climate change. When considering costs, it’s important that FRSs look holistically at the whole life costs of their PPE stock in light of the incidents they are likely to face. Specialist PPE is often considered an additional cost, but can offer good value for money if it can help prolong the life of more expensive structural PPE.

All firefighters must have access to full structural PPE in case of a serious incident, and most have two personal issue sets to allow for cleaning. This kit is generally more costly due to the higher level of thermal protection and complex combination of materials required. However, the repeated wearing and washing of structural kit can shorten its useful life significantly, meaning that it’s not
economical to wear this kit to all call-outs. Depending on the location and types of incidents faced by individual FRSs, purchasing specific purpose Wildland or Technical Rescue PPE could save on the cost of replacing structural sets in the long run, whilst ensuring firefighters are working in comfort with suitable protection.”

902/903 Defender Firefighter Suit

A new standard in all-in-one wildland firefighting suits

 

Our specially designed Defender range sets the benchmark for wildland firefighting suits. In high-intensity situations, precise attention to detail, like our lightweight and durable military-grade FR plastic, keeps your team cooler for longer. It’s heat resistant up to 260°C (even after 40 wash and dry cycles).

 

These features prepare your crew for a marathon, not a sprint. Ergonomic design and 3D spacers work with your firefighters for uninhibited movement. Carrying a backpack? No problem. Nothing stops your crew’s comfort in its tracks; the Defender Firefighting Suit offers improved airflow to reduce heat stress. Reinforced joint protection and photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark tape help your team negotiate thorns and gorse and keep sight of each other in heavy undergrowth, thick smoke or the darkest night.

 

Also available as a Defender firefighting coverall.

Why in-house manufacture of firefighting PPE is critical

Posted on by Stephen Conlan

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of firefighting, it’s frustrating to wait months for PPE orders. Time and lives are precious, and the tender process itself is often lengthy and slow. Once an order is placed, firefighters need a swift, reliable roll out. The only way to achieve this is to choose a supplier that is fully in control of manufacturing and its supply chain.

 

Keeping everything in-house is the difference between rapid delivery and unexpected long delays.  Our Operations Director Paul Hetherington explores further “At FlamePro, we deliver on our promises and have market leading delivery times meaning crews are protected within just 10-12 weeks of order. This is no coincidence.

 

“Being fully in control of our supply chain and manufacturing process is a game changer. We can focus on firefighters’ needs and you don’t have to wait for months for life saving kit.”

 

Manufacturing and supply chain control

 

Whilst many of our competitors look to China or Asia and contract out their manufacturing, we do everything at our in-house manufacturing facility in the heart of Europe. We manage the facility, employ our own staff, and have stringent training, auditing and quality control processes.

 

We also have a dedicated sampling team and production line, meaning we don’t compete for manufacturing slots and aren’t second in line behind more profitable military jobs – which often adds to delays.

 

Ideally located for rapid delivery

 

Our manufacturing facility is based in Bulgaria. Part of NATO, with stringent rules and regulations and good control on modern slavery, it’s well placed for easy access and fast delivery to customers in UK, Europe and beyond.

 

In-house design

 

Our highly skilled, in-house design team is based in the UK. They control every aspect of the design process and work closely with fire and rescue services to ensure firefighters’ PPE is fit for purpose. They regularly visit our manufacturing facility to oversee the process and ensure everything runs smoothly and to time. 

 

Reduced environmental impact

 

Location matters when it comes to environmental impact too. Being based in Europe means we have a smaller carbon footprint than other manufacturers. This is reduced even further as our main garment components and latest 3D fabric technology, is mostly sourced in Europe.

 

The right kit for the right job: delivered quickly

 

Firefighters’ needs are our top priority. We have developed protective gear for every scenario – wildland, rescue, marine and structural firefighting, that keeps them safe, cool and comfortable.

 

Our team is on hand to provide expert advice, pinpoint your specific requirements, and never oversell!  What you get from us is a quality product that meets your needs, offers excellent protection and is delivered quickly.

 

To discuss your requirements and learn more about our cutting-edge firefighter protection, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030 or drop us a message using our contact form below.

Explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – Wildland Firefighting Clothing

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – Wildland Firefighting Clothing

There are a wide variety of standards that personal protective clothing and equipment have to conform to – in this blog we’re explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – wildland firefighting clothing and has replaced EN15614:2007

 

Having different kit for different uses is important as UK firefighters attend a wide variety of incidents, from structural fires to road traffic accidents. Always turning out in full structural kit is often too heavy and cumbersome and provides a level of protection the job doesn’t need. It also means an often protracted level of wear on the firefighters’ most expensive garments.

 

How Often Is Wildland Firefighting Needed?

 

An article in New Scientist in April 2019 reported that there had already been more wildfires in 2019 than in any other year on record – almost a hundred. At the start of that year there had been a dry spell and hot weather over Easter which resulted in 96 major wildfires affecting 25 or more hectares of land. 2019 ended with 137 wildfires of >25 hectares, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

 

And in April 2020 National Geographic reported that wildfires are getting more frequent in the UK. In 2020 so far there have been notable wildfires in the Peak District and Wales, so it’s clear that wildland firefighting is an increasing activity for the UK’s state firefighting brigades.

 

Although forest and wildland fires primarily happen during the summer, the start of 2020 has shown that it’s possible for this type of incident to happen at any time of year. According to Statista there was a more than three-fold increase on wildfires from 2022 (6,236) to 2023 (20,362) which is still down from the 2019 (28,754) highs. Wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent in the country.

 

What Does The Standard Cover?

 

In the UK, wildland fires tend to burn slowly rather than raging swiftly through large swathes of land meaning that firefighters have to spend large amounts of time in conditions where radiant heat can be elevated.

 

Firefighters attending wildland fire incidents may also have to walk long distances from appliances, meaning their kit has to balance providing protection from heat with being light and effective, reducing the chances of firefighters suffering from heat stress.

 

EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 specifies standards for the design, minimum performance levels and testing methods for all wildland fire kit.

It covers:

 

  • Radiant heat protection
  • Function and performance of fastenings and badges
  • Tensile strength
  • Thermal resistance
  • Water vapour resistance (which creates breathability)
  • Reflective material proportions

 

EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 is more stringent than the superseded EN15614 with higher performance requirements for Tensile strength, Tear strength, Seam strength and Heat resistance.

 

What Does EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 Not Cover?

 

As the standard for wildland fire fighting, EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 does not apply to clothing which is intended for fighting structural fires. EN469 is the standard which covers kit intended for this purpose.

 

It also doesn’t cover clothing which needs to protect firefighters against chemical, biological, electrical or radiation hazards.

 

Wildland Fire Clothing From The Experts

 

Our wildland fire range is approved to the relevant standard, but designed to meet the needs of the firefighters who have to wear it. All of the range is fire-resistant, thin and light, without the unnecessary thermal protection needed from structural firefighting clothing. This makes the clothing more comfortable to wear over longer periods, reducing heat stress on firefighters.

 

To speak to one of our experts about our comprehensive range of EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 accredited wildland fire fighting clothing, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

SPPE 902/903 Defender Firefighter Suit

Setting the standard for wildland fire protection

 

Harnessing the power of military grade FR plastic hardware, the Defender Firefighting Suit passes heat resistance of 260°C, making it the suit you need on your side when tackling wildland fires.

 

Comfort and ergonomics are at the heart of our design, with 3D padding and carefully placed panelling to improve breathability, cutting the risk of heat stress with much-needed airflow.

 

Tested through 40 wash and dry cycles, the Defender Firefighter Suit maintains its strength and heat resistance. Available in our industry-leading 96 size and fit options – the Defender Wildland suit is designed to set the new standard.

Care and Maintenance

Posted on by dev@cda.group

Crucial to keep your team safe

 

Keeping fire kit clean and structurally intact isn’t optional nowadays. It’s about keeping the team safe because today fire is far from the only risk they face.

 

Today’s firefighters face today’s risks

 

Historically, firefighters wore smokey and well-worn kit as a badge of honour, an indicator of experience. This is no-longer how firefighters and brigades can afford to think.

 

Keeping clothing clean and properly maintained is not only a way to extend the life of the clothing but also the firefighter, because without it firefighters will potentially be exposed to harm whilst fighting a fire and even whilst they’re not.

 

Today’s firefighters are being exposed to ever more complex materials when they attend incidents. Plastics, fillings, chemicals, foams – each has the potential to be harmful through air-borne particles that are inhaled, but there is also increasing evidence of the danger of particulate harm through the skin.

 

A structural fire suit and accessories like gloves and hoods are not just designed to protect the firefighter against heat and water. A modern fire suit has layers that allow heat and moisture from perspiration to escape but block harmful contaminates like chemicals, blood and indeed particulates from passing through the layers of the suit.

 

However, if a firefighter is exposed to those harmful particulates, they will remain on the outer layers of the suit as well as gloves, boots, fire hoods etc and these garments need to be de-contaminated. Contaminates will remain and have the potential to harm the firefighter as they return to the station or the next time any of the garments are worn.

 

Modern risks need a modern approach

 

At FlamePro we have developed a state-of-art Care and Maintenance package, specifically designed to meet the needs of modern day firefighters.

 

Our Care and Maintenance package is completely tailored to the needs of your organisation. With a network of 22 service depots across Britain and state-of-the-art online resources we know that we can put together the right Care and Maintenance package for you.

 

Our Care Package

 

FlamePro offers our customers a turnkey solution for the care or maintenance of their turn-out gear, keeping garments, clean, de-contaminated and free from defect.

 

We offer a seven-day SLA as standard on the laundry service, using the latest technology to scan and identify individual garments before processing so that we can create a history for each garment. Take a look at the various elements of our package.

 

Cleaning and de-contamination

 

Firefighter protective clothing must be clean to give optimum performance. Dirty fire suits can insulate less, conducting more heat and even electricity. They will also not shed liquids as effectively.

 

However, as we’ve highlighted above many contaminants are carcinogens and toxic skin chemicals which can endanger the life of the firefighter. Suits need to be washed and de-contaminated in line with prescribed protocols.

 

Maintenance

 

Every garment that is sent for cleaning or de-contamination also undergoes an inspection to look for garment damage, not only to the outer and seams of course, but also by inspecting the thermal liner and the moisture barrier layer.

 

With a set of agreed criteria, garments are ether repaired (this could include re-proofing as well) as part of the service, or if repairs are un-economic we can follow agreed procedures to either ask for authorisation to retire the garment and issue a replacement or replace it automatically as agreed.

 

 

 

If you want us to, we can hold a stock of garments in order to be able to immediately get a garment out to your firefighter.

 

Any repairs are made with the same care and to the same high standards we use when manufacturing the garment. It is vital that we maintain the integrity of the garment in order that it can do its job and protect the firefighter.

 

Wardrobe Management

 

You can manage everything by merely logging onto our dedicated Wardrobe Management Portal (WMP) to arrange collection of dirty or damaged kit.

 

Our WMP also gives you access to your account with the ability to drill-down to individual wearers, seeing the history of their garments with details on cleaning, repairs and maintenance. This crucial insight gives you real-time information and analysis into the garment lifecycle as well as analysis of the costs of cleaning and repairs.

 

The WMP also allows new kit orders, ordering garments to be manufactured and pulling garments from held-in-reserve stock. We can also manage all Rank Change Requests through the user profile within the WMP.

 

Call and chat to one of our friendly experts by calling +44 (0) 1332 341030.

SPPE 903 Defender Firefighter Trousers

The highest heat protection for wildland firefighting

 

Designed to set the benchmark, we have created the 903 Defender Firefighter range to provide the highest heat resistance for wildland firefighting. The Defender trousers include military-grade FR plastic hardware that meets the high demands of the latest Wildland standard with heat resistance of 260°C, even after 40 wash and dry cycles.

 

High heat resistance doesn’t mean sacrificing breathability. Using 3D padding and carefully placed paneling the Defender Firefighter Trousers provide much-needed airflow to reduce the risk of heat stress and ensure that wearers can be confident in high-intensity situations.

 

Available in our industry-leading 96 size and fit options the Defender Firefighter Trousers provide brilliant protection while being highly breathable and durable.

 

Pair with the SPPE 902 Defender Firefighter jacket to complete the set.

SPPE 902 Defender Firefighter Jacket

 

With ultimate heat protection, Defender has your back

 

We have developed our Defender Firefighting range to provide the highest levels of heat resistance, even at temperatures of 260°C, making it ideal for wildland firefighting. Using military grade FR plastic hardware, the 902 Defender Firefighter Jacket meets the high demands of the latest Wildland standard.

 

To help keep your team comfortable even in a grueling wildland firefighting setting, the Defender Jacket features 3D padding and carefully placed paneling for maximum breathability; providing the much-needed airflow to reduce the risk of heat stress and ensure that wearers can be confident in high-intensity situations.

 

Lightweight fabrics provide brilliant protection AND breathability, and the Defender Jacket is available in our industry-leading 96 size and fit options.

 

Pair with the SPPE 903 Defender trousers to complete the set.

903 Defender Firefighter Trousers

A new standard in wildland firefighting suits

 

Our specially designed Defender range sets the benchmark for wildland firefighting suits. In high-intensity situations, precise attention to detail, like our lightweight and durable military-grade FR plastic, keeps your team cooler for longer. It’s heat resistant up to 260°C (even after 40 wash and dry cycles).

 

These features prepare your crew for a marathon, not a sprint. Ergonomic design and 3D spacers work with your firefighters for uninhibited movement. Carrying a backpack? No problem. Nothing stops your crew’s comfort in its tracks; the Defender Firefighting Suit offers improved airflow to reduce heat stress. Reinforced joint protection and photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark tape help your team negotiate thorns and gorse and keep sight of each other in heavy undergrowth, thick smoke or the darkest night.

 

The Defender sets a new standard in wildland firefighting trousers. Pair with our Defender jacket for a complete kit. Also available as a Defender firefighting coverall.

Protecting firefighters from cancer: the most advanced particulate hoods on the market

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Many of us have been alarmed by recent research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union and independently carried out by the University of Central Lancashire, that evidences instances of cancer among firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than the general population of the same age, urging our industry to act now to make firefighting a safer profession. The neck and jaw areas are most vulnerable to smoke and particulate exposure, which is why protective hoods are so critical.

 

We’ve worked hard to create an industry-leading particulate hood responding to firefighters’ needs. FlamePro’s next-generation particulate hoods give firefighters the most advanced protection from cancer-causing particulates from the very first time it is worn, a step-up from alternative products that fall short.

 

Unlike any other hood using the same fabric, FlamePro’s pioneering design is engineered with unique differences to give firefighters the highest level of protection and comfort:

 

Maximised protection that lasts longer

 

171 and 172 DuPont™ Nomex® Nano Flex versions are independently tested and certified to give above 99% protection from the first wear and up to 250 washes compared to other products that only give protection levels for around 100-150 washes. And our 173 PTFE hood offering 99.9% protection from the first wear.

 

Great value, without compromising safety

 

Not only do our new particulate hoods have extended durability that give maximum levels of protection for longer than any alternative, but we also offer both critical cover and full cover protection options to accommodate varying budgets. This gives you the confidence you’re not compromising on the quality and safety standards your firefighters deserve.

Eliminates the risk of particulate exposure and weak spots

 

Particulate barrier protection all the way to the face eliminates the risk of exposure, compared to alternative hoods which have a rib around the edging leaving the face exposed to particulates. FlamePro’s hoods have protected seams for comfort and use meta-aramid threads to give 100% protection from particulates filtering through. What’s more, our hoods are made without any quilting to ensure there is no particulate seepage through weak spots.

 

Exceptionally lightweight to improve mobility and reduce heat stress

 

Our particulate hoods are lighter than any other hood using the same material thanks to FlamePro’s intelligent pattern cutting to tailor the fit. This not only ensures safety and comfort by adapting to the wearer’s size, but it also contributes further to reducing the risk to the firefighter of heat stress.

 

Two sizes for maximum safety and comfort

 

FlamePro knows that a “one size fits most” approach isn’t good enough. Our hoods are tailored for different sizes to reduce the risks of ill-fitting hoods, giving maximised protection and comfort. Garments are clearly labelled to make sure firefighters are easily able to identify that they are donning the right hood.

 

Eliminate need for duplicate kits

 

FlamePro’s particulate hoods meet both structural AND wildfire certifications, eliminating the need for buying, storing, and maintaining duplicate kit and the risk of firefighters taking the wrong protective hood to an incident. This reduces the budget investment needed for the same item at both wildfire and structural incidents.

 

Highly breathable allowing heat and moisture to escape

 

FlamePro’s particulate hood uses cutting-edge DuPont™ Nomex® Nano Flex fabric, specifically developed to prevent contamination from particulates.

 

The heat and flame-resistant fabric is highly breathable, very thin, and lightweight which is crucial for allowing both heat and moisture to escape, allowing firefighters to stay clear headed and safe. These qualities are essential for preventing heat stress and maintaining comfort in extreme environments.

 

Reduced hearing impairment

 

Unlike PTFE laminated hoods, the new 171 and 172 hoods do not contain a plastic lining that interferes with hearing. This means firefighters hear instructions more clearly and are more aware of their surroundings, enhancing their ability to perform safely.

 

Stand-out choice in wearer trials

 

Firefighters chose our particulate hood more frequently than any other in user trials, reporting it was comfortable, cool, and quiet to wear.

 

Act now

 

Give your firefighters maximum protection against the cancer-causing risks of particulates. View FlamePro’s particulate hood  collection or contact us to act now.

 

902 Defender Firefighter Jacket

A new standard in all-in-one wildland firefighting coveralls

 

We have specially designed our Defender Firefighting Jacket to set the benchmark for wildland firefighting kit. Our careful attention to detail has resulted in a jacket that’s heat resistant up to 260°C, yet lightweight and durable, using military-grade FR plastic to keep your team cooler for longer.

 

These features give your team the endurance they need to tackle wildland fires over long periods. Its ergonomic design and 3D spacers work with your firefighters for uninhibited movement. Carrying a backpack? No problem. Nothing stops your crew’s comfort in its tracks; the Defender Jacket improves airflow to reduce heat stress. Reinforced joint protection and photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark tape help your team negotiate thorns and gorse and keep sight of each other in heavy undergrowth.

 

The Defender sets a new standard in wildland firefighting jackets. Pair with our Defender firefighter trousers  for a complete kit. Or try our Defender firefighting coverall.

Introducing FlamePro RECYCLE

Posted on by Julie Roberts

FlamePro RECYCLE is our new service introduced to give you an easy, safe and importantly  secure disposal route for all of your end of life PPE, protecting the environment and removing the risk of PFAS ground contamination.Originally developed as a way to prevent FlamePro garments being part of the 350,000 tonnes of textiles that go into landfill in the UK every year, FlamePro RECYCLE gives a whole host of benefits to customers subscribing to the service.

 

The risk of ground contamination from PFAS, which is increasingly high on the environmental agenda, is eliminated for those items returned and recycled through our service. As no items are sent to landfill there is no opportunity for the returned contaminated garments to pollute the ground or drinking water or the dangerous effects that this can cause to human health and the wider environment to occur.

 

Customers using our new RECYCLE service can legitimately claim zero landfill for items disposed of through the scheme and, disposal can be certified to allow them to provide evidence of sustainable actions taken  for their own sustainability measures and certifications.

 

To ensure that the service fits our wide variety of customers we have ensured that FlamePro RECYCLE has a returns and collection options that scale per individual requirement, allowing choices from ad hoc single boxes every 6 months to multiple 1100L bins collected every week, whatever suits them best.

 

As the majority of our customers have branded PPE recognisable to, and trusted by the public, we have worked hard to establish a route that guarantees that there is no danger of identifiable PPE getting into the wrong hands. This not only protects  vulnerable members of the public, but also our customers themselves. FlamePro RECYCLE works in accordance with BS EN: 15713-2009 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material Code of Practice ensuring all branded or identifiable items are shredded and de-badged the moment they hit site, safeguarding any vulnerabilities.

 

It is not just FlamePro own garments that customers are able to return, but any end-of-life PPE that they need to dispose of, regardless of supplier this includes, boots, gloves, safety glasses and helmets. All items are then recycled and re-used for other purposes, avoiding landfill, and helping feed into a circular economy.

 

To allow us to offer this sustainability enhancing service, we have partnered with an industry-leading recycling company who are committed to sending zero waste to landfill. Our partner is certificated to ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) and ISO45001 (H&S), this compliments our own ISO9001, 14001 & 27001 certificate.

 

To find out more visit FlamePro RECYCLE, get in touch using the form below to discover how to tailor this service to suit  you.

What next for UK fire and rescue services?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

There’s broad agreement that the fire and rescue service needs reform. The latest assessment of the sector in England by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services reinforces this point. A new white paper is due later this year with recommendations from the Home Office about changes.

 

 

What might we see in that white paper? Here at FlamePro we’re not experts in governance (just in protective kit), but we’ve listened to the sector and some key themes have emerged.

 

 

The changing role of the modern firefighter

 

From providing extra capacity to move dead bodies to giving vaccines and delivering PPE, the fire service played a critical role during the pandemic. The international emergency allowed fire brigades up and down the country to demonstrate, once again, they can do more than just put out fires.

 

 

Firefighters have been much more than the name suggests for many years. While tackling blazes will always be a priority, prevention work is now a central part of the brief. So is working alongside other emergency services at incidents such as terrorist incidents, floods, and road traffic collisions.

 

 

Is “firefighter” even the right term any more? Fighting fires is absolutely a core part of the role, but it’s not where the majority of brigades spend their time.

 

 

We’re not just saying that. In 2020, tackling fires only accounted for 29% of the incidents attended in England, the same percentage as non-fire incidents. This compares to fires being 35% of incidents ten years ago. The rest of the incidents in 2020 were false alarms (42%).

 

 

Efficiencies in fire and rescue structures and lines of command

 

Scotland has one fire and rescue service. The previous eight regional brigades were merged in 2013.

 

 

The latest report by HM Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue services in England lists national reform as a priority. It says changes should address “the deficit in the fire sector’s national capacity and capability to support change”. And that precise definitions of the role of fire and rescue services and the people who work within them should be created.

 

The report also calls for “greater clarity on activities such as co-responding (supporting the other emergency services), responding to floods, responding to terrorist attacks and wider public safety”. We don’t think frontline firefighters would disagree.

 

 

Will a similar structure to Scotland be on the table? Or will Government see the available efficiencies in sharing HR, finance, and other central services with, for example, regional police forces as a route to reform?

 

 

Risks and threats to fire brigades

 

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it; or so they say. The issue for England’s fire and rescue services, according to HM Inspectorate, seems to be that brigades measure the same things differently. A common approach to assessing, measuring, and managing risk is called for.

 

 

One of the emerging risks is contamination, especially from particulates, which can be carcinogenic. This is already high on the agenda in the US and mainland Europe; the industry in the UK is just developing its understanding of these risks. What’s clear is that protection can be provided by kit. But behaviour is also a critical piece of the jigsaw.

 

 

Not long ago, firefighters would have put their dirty gloves in their helmets after a shout. Now we know the gloves are likely contaminated with particles which can seep through the head’s thin skin. The kit didn’t need to change to address this risk, behaviour did.

 

 

With most brigades having a mix of retained and full-time firefighters, training to build a mutual understanding of risks and how to manage them will be more important than ever.

 

 

Here at FlamePro we’re keen to see whether Government makes any bold moves to remove barriers and enable the Fire and Rescue service to adapt. As demands change, so should the industry’s ability to respond.

 

 

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Firefighting kit – is it time to end one-type-fits-all?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

We know that every day as a firefighter is not the same. Every call-out is different – from road traffic collisions to industrial fires, the demands of the job change by the hour. You might not be rescuing cats from up trees, but we know that running into burning buildings isn’t what you spend most of your time doing either.

 

So if every shout is different. If the demands placed on you whenever you turn out to a job aren’t the same. Why do you put on the same kit each time?

 

From our research with firefighters, we know that the diversity of demands on your time has increased. The diversity of kit needs to keep pace with those changes.

 

A range of risks

 

Firefighters’ turn out kit protects you from a wide range of risks linked to tackling structural fires. It also provides protection from a range of potential contaminants you’ll encounter in smoke and fire water.

 

But do you always need that level of protection?

 

Wildland fires are becoming more regular. But they demand a different kind of firefighting; a long game. It’s unlikely you can turn up with a few pumps, stay a couple of hours and have totally beaten a wildland fire.

 

You walk for miles, across uneven terrain, away from the fire tenders and central stores of kit. The heat can be intense in a different way to the heat inside a burning building, and you’re in amongst it, often in the dark.

 

To perform at your best, you’ll need kit to work with you. Light to wear, but with protection from the heat and the thorns that also appear out to get you. And you’ll need to be easily seen from a distance.

 

RTCs demand you can easily operate equipment to free people from vehicles while managing potential risks of fire and explosion from damaged engines. Other rescue situations might involve no risk of fire at all.

 

Take floods. Another increasing risk as our climate experiences more extremes of weather. Firefighters have a crucial role to play in rescuing people and are often called on to pump away water to protect critical assets. It’s likely to be cold, wet, and the literal opposite of a call-out involving fire.

 

Modern challenges, modern kit

 

The protective clothing available to firefighters needs to meet the demands of the job. And that’s not a one-type-fits-all kind of situation.

 

You should have serious protection from heat and flame when it’s needed the most. But when it isn’t, what you wear still needs to help you do the job.

 

Investing in a diversity of kit to meet the variety of call-outs is what modern brigades are starting to do. Wearing the right kit for the job makes firefighters’ lives easier. It makes sense to match protection to risks, rather than always wearing one set of turn-out gear which could be over-spec’d and over-used, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs in the long-run.

 

FlamePro’s team of experts has developed a range of firefighter protective gear for the different scenarios you face. Take a look at our new wildland and rescue ranges, or check out Valliant, the cutting-edge structural suit taking the market by storm.

 

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Wildland fires: are we in for a summer of fighting fires on the moors?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

What’s the deal with wildland fires? As news of Northern Ireland’s firefighters battling wildfires hit the headlines last week, many firefighters will be thinking they’ve never been out to so many wildfire shouts.

 

We’ve seen a rise in wildfires around the world over the past few decades. Australia and the United States have both suffered repeated high-profile wildfires, with scientists suggesting that the number of large fires in the western US has doubled between 1984 and 2015.

 

In the UK we’re not even a decade into recognising wildfires as a big risk – they weren’t even on the National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies until 2012! Now they seem to be a common call-out for brigades with moorland and mountains in their patch.

 

Wildfires and climate change

 

Making the link between wildfires and climate change isn’t rocket science. Climate change means we’ll get more extremes of weather – hotter and drier, as well as colder and wetter.

 

In fact, new data shows that 2020 was Europe’s warmest year on record, and one of the three warmest years on record across the world. Europe’s temperature was 0.4oC higher than the last warmest year on record. And there were more sunshine hours recorded in Europe than any other year since records began in 1983.

 

According to the UK Met Office, April 2021 is on track to be one of the driest on record. We’ve had an average of 12.8mm of rain across the UK up to April 22, much lower than the April average of 72.53mm, according to Met Office figures.

 

So with warmer temperatures and less rain, it will be much easier for wildfires to take hold and spread as the ground is drier, and so is material they need for fuel. Given these stats, it’s no surprise we’re seeing more of them.

 

Wildfires – what’s the risk?

 

In the UK we usually get wildfires on the moors, which means they tend to be in more remote areas. This can mean a long trek from the appliance for fire crews to even get to the location of the fires. And that’s an even tougher ask when done in heavy kit.

 

Tackling wildfires takes huge amounts of resources, drawing fire crews away from towns and cities where there are more likely to be fires or road traffic collisions which endanger more people. It’s not where fire crews want to spend their time.

 

And they are tricky to tackle. As happened in Northern Ireland last week, firefighters can put out one wildfire, only for another to spring up nearby. And the radiant heat generated by wildfires can quickly lead to heat stress or heat exhaustion, especially if firefighters are working in warm temperatures too.

 

The best firefighter kit for wildfires

 

Who wants to be trekking up a mountain or over a moor in heavy kit if you don’t need that level of protection? Better to wear something lighter-weight, but which will still keep you safe from wildland risks.

 

That might not be the usual approach, but our wildland kit gives you all the protection you need to break with the tradition of wearing too-heavy, too-cumbersome suits to fight fires in the open air. It’s as much about a change of mindset as it is about a change of kit.

 

It might feel counter-intuitive to reach for lighter kit when you’ve a wildfire to fight. But all of our wildland firefighting garments conform to EN15614:2007, the European standard for wildland firefighting clothing. There is also a new British standard – BS ISO 16073-3:2019 – which our new wildland garments range conforms to.

 

Launching soon, we’ve made our next generation of wildland garments from a new stronger and more comfortable fabric. It’s lightweight and anti-abrasion, plus features glow-in-the-dark tape, because wildfires don’t just knock off for the night when darkness falls.

 

Like our previous range, it’s made from a single layer of lightweight yet strong fabric, providing the right level of protection without being too heavy to wear for long shifts out in the sticks.

 

The new product development team has also worked hard on the ergonomics of the new wildland range, creating products which make it easier to move around in and are more comfortable to wear. Just what fire crews need when spending long days fighting fires on moorland.

 

To find out more about our new range of multi-use stationwear, give one of the friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.


FlamePro wins major Capita tender to provide PPE for MoD over next 10 years

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

FlamePro, a British manufacturing specialist of life-saving garments for firefighters, has been awarded a £4m contract by Capita to provide its firefighting PPE for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) across the next decade.

 

The competitive tender, part of Capita’s contract with the MoD, saw four different PPE providers bid for the work, with FlamePro being appointed to provide its full ensemble of PPE alongside a total garment care package.

 

FlamePro was awarded the contract due to its high-quality product and the company’s dedication to providing support and expertise on PPE care, use and maintenance.

 

The contract includes a multi-million pound initial roll-out, with a total value of £4m across 10 years.

 

Nathan Bricknell, General Manager at FlamePro, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this contract with Capita – it marks a key milestone for the company.

 

“Over recent months we’ve worked with our partners to develop brand-new fabric technologies and designs, including a 3D woven structure and new moisture barrier membrane, to ensure our PPE is the most advanced on the market.

 

“Our brand-new structural fire suit has set a new benchmark across the whole industry. This, teamed with our shorter-than-average lead times stands us in great stead to deliver top-quality products and service on this contract.”

 

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.