Firefighters Research Articles

Sub-hourly forecasting of fire potential using machine learning on time series of surface weather variables

Background Rapidly developing pre-fire weather conditions contributing to sudden fire outbreaks can have devastating consequences. Accurate short-term forecasting is important for timely evacuations and effective fire suppression measures. Aims This study aims to introduce a novel machine learning-based approach for forecasting fire potential and to test its performance in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia, over a period of 15 years from 2002 to 2017. Methods By analysing real-time data from local weather stations at a sub-hourly temporal resolution, we aimed to identify distinct weather patterns occurring hours to days before fires. We trained random forest machine learning models to classify pre-fire conditions. Key results The models achieved high out-of-sample accuracy, with a 47% higher accuracy than the standard fire danger index for the region. When simulating real forecasting conditions, the model anticipated 75% of the fires (11 out of 15). Conclusions This method provides objective, quantifiable information, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of fire warning systems. Implications The proposed forecasting approach supports decision-makers in implementing timely evacuations and effective fire suppression measures, ultimately reducing the impact of fires.

Estimation of Fire Counts and Fire Radiative Power Using Satellite Optical and Microwave Vegetation Indices With Random Forest Method

AbstractThe satellite microwave emissivity difference vegetation index (EDVI) has been used in previous studies to estimate FCs and FRP using traditional multivariate linear regression models. However, the nonlinear effects and contributions of numerous factors that affect forest fires cannot be disentangled by this model. Using the random forest (RF) model, this study utilized multiple EDVIs and the optical normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as key fuel properties to resolve the physical driving mechanisms of forest fires and to estimate the daily FCs and FRP over East Asia. The results showed that the estimated FCs and FRP were in good agreement with satellite observations, with a spatial R of 0.59 for FCs and 0.63 for FRP and a temporal R of 0.80 for FCs and 0.81 for FRP. The integration of EDVIs and NDVI into the RF model was found to improve model performance and generate overall lower systematic errors than the model without vegetation variables. Model performance was better than that in previous studies using multivariate linear regression models. In addition, EDVIs showed greater importance than NDVI. This was largely due to their daily temporal resolution that allowed EDVIs to capture forest fire dynamics in time. The combination of the RF model with satellite microwave and optical observations shows good performance and has great potential for FC and FRP estimations in global fire danger assessment.

Impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health in firefighters: Scoping review

Background: Firefighters’ duties include fire response, emergency medical treatment and rescue operations. Noncompliance with physical activity (PA) guidelines increases adverse health behaviours and the risk of on-duty fatalities. While PA is known to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), its impact on risky health behaviours in firefighters is under-researched.Aim: This scoping review aimed to evaluate PA’s effects on firefighters’ cardiovascular health.Method: The review followed PRISMA-ScR and PRISMA Protocol standards, involving a comprehensive search across databases like Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, EbscoHost, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL (EBSCO), SAGE Journals, ScienceDirect and Scopus, covering publications up to June 2023. The purpose was to compile evidence on PA programs’ effects on fire and rescue services (FRS).Results: Five intervention studies were included, examining PA effects on firefighters with smoking habits, poor diet, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles. These interventions recommend 150 minutes per week of aerobic, flexibility and strength activities. Firefighters should be guided to initiate and maintain 150 minutes of PA weekly to promote health strategies.Conclusion: The study concludes that integrating lifestyle changes with low- and moderate-intensity PA into fire services is crucial for improving health risk behaviours (HRBs). Implementing multilevel interventions is necessary to drive policy changes supporting firefighters facing HRBs.Contribution: Educating firefighters about these behaviours is essential, fostering an understanding of healthy alternatives.

Exploration of Heart Rate Recovery After Maximal Treadmill and Three-Minute All-Out Shuttle Tests in Firefighters

The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate recovery (HRR) after a maximal treadmill (MAX-TM) and three-minute all-out (3MT) test between firefighters (FF) and a control (CON) group. Nine male CON and nine male FF participants completed height (m), weight (kg), body fat percent (BF%), normalized handgrip (GRIPNORM, kg/kg), and MAX-TM with direct gas analysis to capture aerobic capacity (VO2PEAK, mL/kg/min). A shuttle-sprint 3MT was used to measure critical velocity (CV, m/s) and D′ (m). Non-linear models determined HR decay (HRRτ), HR asymptote (HR∞), and HR amplitude (HRamp). Two-way GROUP (FF vs. CON) by TEST (MAX-TM vs. 3MT) repeated measures ANOVAs indicated a significant TEST (F = 7.004, p = 0.018) effect on HRamp. When divided by VO2PEAK classification (FITNESS), a significant TEST effect was observed (F = 7.661, p = 0.014) on HRamp. VO2PEAK was significantly related to CV (r = 0.583, p = 0.011), GRIPNORM (r = 0.668, p = 0.002), and BF% (r = −0.890, p < 0.001). Complete autonomic nervous system recovery may depend on the intensity of task demands and cardiorespiratory fitness.

"Missing Mobility": Perspectives of North American Firefighters on the Risks and Causes of Work-Related Shoulder Disorders: A Qualitative Study.

Firefighters are routinely exposed to significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) which can sometimes be career-ending due to the workplace stressors and the physical demands of the job. Shoulder disorders are the third most frequent WRMSDs that cause pain, disability, and morbidity in the general working population. However, little is known about the task-specific causes and risk factors for work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs) among firefighters (FFs). To explore the perspectives of FFs who experienced WSDs with respect to the following: (a) risk factors of WSDs; and (b) causative factors for WSDs. Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we purposefully sampled for age and occupational diversity. Twelve FFs (males, 8 and females, 4) between 26 and 63years, who experienced WSDs during their career ranging from 3 to 33years were recruited. One-on-one interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide were conducted via an online Zoom platform and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The WSDs reported by FFs included rotator cuff tears, labral tears and muscle sprains or strains. Three themes were identified as risk factors for WSDs: (1) too much or too little shoulder exercises is a risk for shoulder injuries; (2) internal contextual factors can increase the risk of shoulder injurie; and (3) personal factors such as age and sex mediate the risk of shoulder injuries. Three themes were reported by FFs as the causative factors of WSDs: (1) unpredictable hazards in harsh environmental conditions can lead to traumatic shoulder injuries; (2) maneuvering heavy equipment in non-ergonomic positions can lead to shoulder strains; and (3) routine firefighting tasks can lead to gradual onset of shoulder injuries. Our results emphasized the inter-related and multifaceted nature of the risks and causative factors that increase the risk of traumatic or gradual onset WSDs among FFs. There is a need for a comprehensive prevention and self-management program that addresses fire-specific prevention and treatment program that addresses modifiable environmental, behavioral and personal risks factors.

ACCIDENT RATE OF THE INTEGRATED RESCUE SYSTEM IN THE KARLOVY VARY REGION IN 2011-2022

The study analyzes the frequency and causes of traffic accidents involving vehicles of the Integrated Rescue System (IRS) in the Karlovy Vary Region from 2011 to 2022. It primarily focuses on accidents that occurred during rides with priority rights. Data from the Fire Rescue Service, the Police of the Czech Republic, and the Emergency Medical Services of the Karlovy Vary Region were analyzed. The research aimed to identify patterns, causes of accidents, and outcomes such as injuries and property damage. The results show that insufficient attention to driving and incorrect maneuvers are common causes of accidents across all components of the Integrated Rescue System, with the highest risk observed in urban areas during afternoon and evening hours at a significance level of p=0.05. These findings emphasize the need for targeted safety training and preventive measures to reduce accident rates among rescue workers.

Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of Inorganic Solidified Foam for Forest Fire

ABSTRACTTo optimize the performance of inorganic solidified foam and apply it effectively in forest fire fighting, three different ionic surfactants were combined with four viscosity‐increasing foam stabilizers. Then, the ratio of inorganic solidified foam was changed to investigate the effects of four factors, namely, water–binder ratio, quick‐setting agent dosing, fly ash dosing, and foam dosing, on the foaming multiple and stability of the inorganic solidified foam. Finally, the fluidity and adhesion ability of the inorganic solidified foam were tested with different quick‐setting agent dosages and foam dosages, and the optimal working condition range of the inorganic solidified foam was determined based on the test results. The results showed that when SDS:APG = 7:1, the foaming multiples of the foam were higher and it could reach 52.5 times when the surfactant content in the solution was 1.2 wt%; among the four viscosity‐increasing stabilizers, the stabilizing effect of xanthan gum was the best. The inorganic solidified foam exhibits an extended foaming time when utilizing a water–binder ratio of 0.45 and a fly ash dosage of 0.5. To ensure optimal mobility and a specific adhesion thickness, it is recommended to maintain a foam dosage of 6 V or higher, with mobility falling within the 11–13 range. The preferred ratio for creating inorganic solidified foam involves a water–binder ratio of 0.45, a 0.6 wt% dosage of accelerating agent, a 0.5 fly ash content, and a foam mixing of 7 V.

Evaluating the Effect of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels Among Women Firefighters.

Objective: To assess whether depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Study Design: We used data from a sample of women firefighters from the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study. Participant demographics, reproductive history, and self-reported clinical diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were collected with serum for AMH analysis at enrollment. Main Outcome Measure: Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between anxiety, depression, and PTSD and log transformed AMH levels adjusted for age years (continuous and squared) and body mass index. Percent difference in AMH was calculated by [exp(β) - 1] × 100. Results: Among 372 participants, with mean ± standard deviation age 32.54 ± 6.32, clinical diagnoses were reported as follows: depression (15%), anxiety (18.2%), or PTSD (8.7%). No statistically significant association was observed between depression and AMH levels (-22%Δ, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -47.3, 14.5). Women firefighters with a history of anxiety (-33%Δ, 95% CI: -53.5, -4.2) and PTSD (-66%Δ, 95% CI: -79.1, -44.6) had lower serum AMH compared with participants without those conditions. When individuals with concurrent PTSD were excluded, the association between anxiety ceased to be statistically significant (26.7%Δ, 95% CI: -17.9, 92.6). Conclusion: A history of clinically diagnosed anxiety or PTSD was associated with statistically significantly lower AMH levels. This association offers insight into the potential biological mechanisms through which mental health conditions may influence reproductive health.

Regionally optimized fire parameterizations using feed-forward neural networks

Abstract The fire weather index (FWI) is a widely used metric for fire danger based on meteorological observations. However, even though it simulates the nonlinear relationship between the meteorological observations and fire intensity, the ability of the FWI to accurately represent global satellite-derived fire intensity observations is limited due to its empirical formulation based on a specific region. In this study, we propose a regionally-fitted fire parameterization method using feed-forward neural networks (FFNNs) to understand the nonlinear relationship between the meteorological variables and the fire intensity, which eventually improves the parameterization accuracy. These FFNNs for each grid point utilize daily-averaged meteorological variables (2 m relative humidity (RH2m), precipitation (PRCP), 2 m temperature, and wind speed) as inputs to estimate the satellite-derived fire radiative power (FRP) values. Applying the proposed FFNNs for fire parameterization during the 2001–2020 period revealed a marked enhancement in cross-validated skill compared to fire intensity estimation based on the FWI. This improvement was particularly notable across East Asia, Russia, the eastern US, southern South America, and central Africa. The sensitivity experiments demonstrated that the RH2m is the most critical variable in estimating the FRP. Conversely, the FWI-based estimations were primarily influenced by PRCP. The FFNNs accurately captured the observed nonlinear RH2m-FRP and PRCP-FRP relationship compared to that of the FWI-based estimations.

Implementation of fire incident response time service policy in Manado City Fire Service

The purpose of the research is to find out, analyze and describe the Implementation of Response Time Service Policy for Fire Incident Management in Manado City Fire Service and the determinant factors. The method used in this research is qualitative research method. The results showed that in the implementation of the Fire Event Response Time Service Policy in Manado City Fire Service, there are six important indicators, namely (1) Media call center which plays an important role in fire handling as the main link between the community and fire handling officials, (2) Implementing apparatus consisting of various roles with complementary responsibilities, from fire fighting to fire prevention, (3) Fire fighting facilities in this case facilities and infrastructure which are important elements in fire management efforts, (4) The situation of the fire location which greatly affects the response and fire management activities, (5) The distance and limitations of hydrants which affect the speed and effectiveness of fire management, and (6) Coordination between agencies in fire management plays an important role in ensuring a fast, effective, and coordinated response to fire situations. The determinant factor in fire incident management efforts is Human Resources (HR) which is the main driving factor in the implementation of fire management. The Human Resources referred to here are the number of fire fighting personnel. Next is the facilities or facilities and infrastructure supporting firefighting activities which include vehicles and other extinguishing aids used in extinguishing activities, then the limited budget both in terms of the budget for operations and the budget for procurement and repair of facilities and infrastructure supporting extinguishing activities.

Research on Teaching Reform of Smoke Control and Exhaust Course under the Background of New Engineering

A large number of fire cases have proven that smoke is the main cause of casualties in fires, with over 80% of victims dying directly or indirectly due to smoke. Scientific and rational design of smoke control systems is crucial for slowing down the spread of fires and ensuring safe evacuation time. At present, the process of smoke exhaust in fire scenes is still the main way of fire rescue utilization, and industries related to smoke exhaust are also one of the main employment areas for undergraduate students majoring in fire engineering. However, traditional smoke exhaust engineering courses have outdated teaching content, teaching methods, and assessment methods, which cannot meet the demand for cultivating technical talents in energy engineering majors under the background of new engineering construction. This study first starts from the characteristics of smoke control engineering courses and the problems existing in teaching. Using advanced online teaching platforms, advanced teaching aids, mature commercial software, and computer programming language design environments, the teaching content of smoke control engineering courses is upgraded and transformed towards modular computing, intelligent design, and other directions. In the context of new engineering disciplines, students' learning interests are enhanced, and their practical, innovative, and comprehensive computing abilities are exercised.

Impact of astaxanthin supplementation on markers of cardiometabolic health and tactical performance among firefighters.

Firefighters are at risk for cardiovascular disease due to occupational-related inflammation, oxidative stress, and lifestyle practices. Astaxanthin (AX) possesses anti-inflammatory/antioxidant and purported ergogenic properties. This study examined the impact of supplementing the diet with 12 mg/d AX for four weeks on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiometabolic health, exercise capacity, and occupation-related performance in career firefighters. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, 15 male career firefighters (34.5 ± 7.4 years; 177.7 ± 7.0 cm; 95.6 ± 12.0 kg; 30.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2; 11.03 ± 6.85 years of service) ingested 12 mg/d of AX (AstaReal®, AstaReal AB, Nacka, SWE) or placebo (PLA) for four weeks while following a standardized resistance training program. After each treatment, testing sessions were completed to assess inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, and performance to a fire ground test (FGT) consisting of nine fire suppressive activities. Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM) analysis with repeated measures. Clinical significance was assessed via mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals. Analysis of mean percent changes from baseline revealed that AX supplementation lessened the inflammatory response to to performing an incremental maximal exercise test and attenuated increases in interleukin-1β, cortisol, and uric acid in response to performing fire suppressive activities compared to when they ingested PLA. However, most of these effects were within groups rather than between groups. Additionally, there was evidence that AX ingestion increased the ventilatory anaerobic threshold. Four weeks of AX supplementation did not significantly affect fasting markers of oxidative stress, blood lipids, performance during the FGT, general clinical chemistry panels, or self-reported side effects. Results provide some evidence that AX supplementation may help mediate occupation-related inflammation in response to high-intensity, short-duration exercise in firefighters. More research is warranted to determine if long-term supplementation can improve cardiometabolic risk in this population. ISRCTN10901752.

Spatio-temporal analysis and risk management of forest fires (West Algerian region)

Abstract The forest fires constitute a major danger for the forests in the Western Algerian region. They are caused by a combination of several factors, particularly climatic and anthropogenic, which are often amplified by the composition of vegetation that is considered highly flammable during the dry season. The priority for action to deal with this phenomenon is to strengthen monitoring resources and apply preventive silvicultural measures to avoid the outbreak of fires, without forgetting efforts to educate and raise public awareness. A systematic examination of data retrieved from the General Forests Directorate of Forest Fires stretching between 2003 and 2017 reveals the spatiotemporal, spatial and temporal evolution of fires in the Western Algerian region. The statistical approach applied in this study allowed us to identify the periods in which our forests are mostly vulnerable to fires, allowing the programing of an action plan for an effective forest fire management. The fire danger map produced by calculating the Fire Danger Index can be a decision-support tool for forest managers to locate areas at high risk in order to take preventive measures to limit the loss of natural resources, properties, and even human lives.

An End-to-End Recognition Method for IR-UWB Radar Dynamic Detection Mode for Detecting Targets in Fire Rescue Scenarios

An End-to-End Recognition Method for IR-UWB Radar Dynamic Detection Mode for Detecting Targets in Fire Rescue Scenarios

A comparative analysis of fire-weather indices for enhanced fire activity prediction with probabilistic approaches

BackgroundWeather conditions play a crucial role in driving fire activity in Mediterranean France. Previous research has demonstrated the influence of these conditions on the likelihood of large fire events over the world. However, certain limitations persist regarding the representation of fire weather in probabilistic models. AimThe objective of this paper is to develop an efficient method to rate fire danger by identifying the best representation of weather data for fire activity prediction in Mediterranean France. MethodsWe evaluated the performance of meteorological variables and the most common fire-weather indices (FWIs) worldwide as predictors of fire occurrence and size using the Firelihood framework, a probabilistic Bayesian model of fire activity. These models were compared to a fire activity baseline model incorporating only spatial and temporal effects but no explicit fire-weather information to allow for an in-depth study of information not captured by fire-weather indices. Key resultsThe results indicate that relying solely on fire-weather indices is insufficient for efficient rating of fire activities. The inclusion of spatial and seasonal effects in the models is crucial for improving the indices' performance. While the Canadian FWI remains the most skillful indicator among the tested indices, using new combinations of several of its subcomponents further increases accuracy. Various performance analyses, including threshold selections, were carried out to comparatively assess those improvements. ConclusionsThe approach shows that probabilistic models informed with appropriately constructed fire-weather indices substantially improve various aspects of fire activity predictions in the Mediterranean area.

Physical Demand Assessment of Volunteer Firefighters During Wildland Firefighting

Wildland firefighting is physically and mentally demanding. The aerobic capacity of firefighters is important due to the demands of the activity and the associated occupational risks. The main objectives of this study were to identify and characterise the physically demanding tasks undertaken by volunteer firefighters during wildland fires (real work conditions). A total of 125 firefighters replied to a survey about sociodemographic, biometric data, and work fitness assessment. A group of 23 was evaluated in a physical stress test using a VO2peak protocol to determine maximum oxygen consumption and ventilatory thresholds. The physical demands and physiological responses were collected during the operations at the firefront (n = 21). The results revealed that wildland firefighting entails physical demands that exceed established reference values, with maximum oxygen uptake exceeding 40%. The cardiovascular strain is particularly notable in tasks performed near the firefront, reflecting fatigue. The physical and cardiac demands associated with forest fire fighting have been demonstrated to contribute to occupational illnesses with prolonged exposure. This study underscores the imperative for interventions to enhance the identification and real-time monitoring of physiological parameters to enhance firefighters’ overall health and well-being.

Increasing fire danger in the Netherlands due to climate change

Increasing fire danger in the Netherlands due to climate change

Field determination of trace concentrations of hazardous metals in waters by portable EDXRF.

A new effective method has been developed for field determination of trace concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, and lead in waters (e.g., surface and wastewater) using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyzer. Trace concentrations cannot be determined by EDXRF without preconcentration. Agar was used for the preconcentration of these potentially toxic elements (PTE). Metals are trapped in the three-dimensional network of agar gel. Subsequent swelling of the gel leads to more effective preconcentration. The swollen gels with PTE were analyzed by a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer Delta Professional X (pXRF). The preconcentration factors for each PTE were determined. With pXRF, the detection limits were 7, 5, 6, 7, 9, 47, and 22 µg/L for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb, respectively. A reference material was used to assess the methodology performance, and it has a very good agreement. The optimized and verified methodology was tested in practice at the special chemical unit of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. PTE were determined by pXRF in a mobile chemical laboratory in field analysis. The measured values were compared with those determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and were in good agreement. Our method was applied to real wastewater samples collected during after a fire of accumulation batteries of domestic photovoltaic power plants, allowing accurate real-time estimation of PTE concentrations. Obtaining reliable data during an ecological accident has a very important role in minimizing the subsequent environmental impact of the accident.

Work-related Fatigue: Relationship between Perceived and Performance Fatigability in Career Firefighters.

The purpose of this study was to 1) examine the relationship between perceived work-related fatigue and performance fatigability, and 2) assess the impact of percent body fat (%BF) on perceived fatigue constructs in career firefighters. Thirty-nine career firefighters completed body composition testing, the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery (OFER15) scale assessing three subscales of work-related fatigue (acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, and inter-shift recovery), and maximal leg extensor isometric strength testing prior to and following an isotonic fatiguing protocol. Performance fatigability was not associated with any of the OFER15 perceived work-related fatigue variables ( P ≥ 0.513). Greater %BF was associated with greater %∆ peak torque ( r = -0.41, P = 0.010) but none of the OFER15 perceived work-related fatigue variables ( P ≥ 0.638). Performance fatigability was not associated with OFER15 perceived work-related fatigue, and greater adiposity negatively impacted performance fatigability but not perceived fatigability.

Pervasive fire danger continued under a negative emission scenario

Enhanced fire-prone weather under greenhouse gas warming can significantly affect local and global carbon budgets from increased fire occurrence, influencing carbon-climate feedbacks. However, the extent to which changes in fire-prone weather and associated carbon emissions can be mitigated by negative emissions remains uncertain. Here, we analyze fire weather responses in CO2 removal climate model experiments and estimate their potential carbon emissions based on an observational relationship between fire weather and fire-induced CO2 emissions. The results highlight that enhanced fire danger under global warming cannot be restored instantaneously by CO2 reduction, mainly due to atmospheric dryness maintained by climatic inertia. The exacerbated fire danger is projected to contribute to extra CO2 emissions in 68% of global regions due to the hysteresis of climate responses to CO2 levels. These findings highlight that even under global cooling from negative emissions, increased fire activity may reinforce the fire-carbon-climate feedback loop and result in further socio-economic damage.