Firefighters Research Articles

A 7-Month Multidisciplinary Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Effectively Improved Cardiometabolic Risk Profile of Firefighters.

We investigated the effect of a 7-month healthy lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) among male career military firefighters (FFs). Forty-nine FFs participated in a 7-month workplace multiddisciplinary healthy lifestyle intervention designed to reduce CMRF through exercise, diet, and improved sleep. Medical assessments, accelerometry, and surveys at the beginning and end determined program effectiveness. At the end of the intervention period, there was a significant improvement in measures of body composition and blood glucose. The prevalence of hypertension also decreased significantly ( P < 0.01). The 57% of participants who fully adhered to the program had significantly greater improvements across multiple CMRF. Participants increased their physical activity and improved their diet following the intervention. This healthy lifestyle intervention was effective in changing behavior and lowering cardiometabolic risk among FFs.

Flight performance analysis of aerial fire fighting

AbstractThis paper investigates the operational patterns and techniques of aerial fire fighting. It is demonstrated that manoeuvrability and endurance are the main characteristics when choosing air tactical aircraft; focus is on load capability for helicopters and air tankers. Water tank filling and deployment techniques are evaluated. Aircraft using pressure deployment systems are found to produce more uniform and heavy coverage in comparison with gravity systems. ADS-B open source data of flight operations and performance was collected. Operational patterns are found to be independent on the size of particular aircraft category (non-amphibious and amphibious air tanker, helicopter, air-tactical aircraft). Effectiveness and cost are modelled using the retardant dropped per operation and the average number of daily missions. The largest aircraft, Type-I helicopters and very large air tankers (VLAT) are found to be the most effective water- and retardant-dropping aircraft. The best cost-to-litre-dropped ratio for water-dropping aircraft is attributed to Type-III helicopters and amphibious Type-III aircraft; for retardant-dropping aircraft, VLAT are most effective. To maximise fire fighting effectiveness, Type-I helicopters and VLAT should be used as far as possible, with pressure deployment systems.

Impact of Firefighting Equipment on Aerobic Performance in the Forestry Step Test in New Firefighter Cadets: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation, which involves tasks such as rescuing victims, pulling a hose, and carrying a ladder. Thus, firefighters must have excellent cardiovascular fitness (CF). However, the cumbersome movement and added mass of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) can place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, not accounted for through traditional CF testing.Purpose: Determine the effect of wearing PPE on predicted CF compared to athletic attire (AT) in firefighter (FF) cadets completing the Forestry Step Test (FST). Methods: Male and female (N = 17) FFs performed two trials of the FST, one trial completed in PPE and one in AT. Recovery heart rate was measured at the end of each trial and predicted VO2max was calculated. Paired samples t-tests compared heart rate and predicted VO2max values between the PPE and AT conditions.Results: Predicted VO2max (p &lt; 0.001) was lower in the PPE (37.53 + 3.20 ml.kg.min-1) compared to the AT condition (46.35 + 7.63 ml.kg.min-1).Conclusion: Predicted aerobic capacity is lower when wearing PPE compared to AT using the FST as the aerobic capacity assessment method. The effect of PPE on CF effort of firefighting should be considered when developing assessments.

Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control and Practice Behaviors among Career and Volunteer Firefighters in Rural Communities

Due to the emerging threat conditions in the work environment, firefighters are at a high risk of exposure to not only toxic substances but also biological agents in the dayroom and during emergency runs. The aim of this study is to evaluate firefighter (career and volunteer) knowledge and practice behaviors on infection control. This study surveyed 444 firefighters (210 career, 234 volunteer) in rural Northwestern Kentucky. The self-reported survey focused on individual characteristics, knowledge on exposure incident control, precautionary actions, and personal protections. We evaluated the descriptive characteristics of knowledge and practice scores stratified by firefighter groups (career and volunteers). The associations between infection control training received (yes/no) and firefighter knowledge and practice scores were also examined. Firefighters who were trained on infection control prevention had significantly higher knowledge scores (M = 63.7, SD = 13.4 vs. M = 59.7, SD = 15.9; p = 0.012). Volunteer firefighters exhibited better infection control practice behaviors than career firefighters (M = 70.6, SD = 13.0 vs. M = 67.4, SD = 11.1; p = 0.05). Firefighters who followed infection control guidelines (M = 69.5, SD = 11.9 vs. M = 58.1, SD = 9.9; p = 0.012) and expressed need for a comprehensive training on personal protective equipment (PPE) selection (β = 3.41, SE = 1.54, aOR = 30.22, 95% CI: 1.47–620.87; p = 0.028) had significantly higher practice scores compared to those who did not. The study results have policy implications for infection prevention and control (IPC) in rural fire departments, both career and volunteer. A review of infection control policies is needed, especially as it relates to training and practice behaviors during emergency calls and in the dayroom. Results also suggest the need to develop strategies to improve the culture of PPE use and training on the selection of PPEs appropriate to the emergency response type.

Australian Fire Danger Rating System: implementing fire behaviour calculations to forecast fire danger in a research prototype†

Background The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) was implemented operationally throughout Australia in September 2022, providing calculation of fire danger forecasts based on peer-reviewed fire behaviour models. The system is modular and allows for ongoing incorporation of new scientific research and improved datasets. Aims Prior to operational implementation of the AFDRS, a Research Prototype (AFDRSRP), described here, was built to test the input data and systems and evaluate the performance and potential outputs. Methods Fire spread models were selected and aligned with fuel types in a process that captured bioregional variation in fuel characteristics. National spatial datasets were created to identify fuel types and fire history in alignment with existing spatial weather forecast layers. Key results The AFDRSRP demonstrated improvements over the McArthur Forest and Grass Fire Danger systems due to its use of improved fire behaviour models, as well as more accurately reflecting the variation in fuels. Conclusions The system design was robust and allowed for the incorporation of updates to the models and datasets prior to implementation of the AFDRS.

A Statistical Forecasting Model for Extremes of the Fire Behaviour Index in Australia

The increasing frequency and duration of severe fire events in Australia further necessitate accurate and timely forecasting to mitigate their consequences. This study evaluated the performance of two distinct approaches to forecasting extreme fire danger at two- to three-week lead times for the period 2003 to 2017: the official Australian climate simulation dynamical model and a statistical model based on climate drivers. We employed linear logistic regression to develop the statistical model, assessing the influence of individual climate drivers using single linear regression. The performance of both models was evaluated through case studies of three significant extreme fire events in Australia: the Canberra (2003), Black Saturday (2009), and Pinery (2015) fires. The results revealed that ACCESS-S2 generally underestimated the spatial extent of all three extreme FBI events, but with accuracy scores ranging from 0.66 to 0.86 across the case studies. Conversely, the statistical model tended to overpredict the area affected by extreme FBI, with high false alarm ratios between 0.44 and 0.66. However, the statistical model demonstrated higher probability of detection scores, ranging from 0.57 to 0.87 compared with 0.03 to 0.57 for the dynamic model. These findings highlight the complementary strengths and limitations of both forecasting approaches. Integrating dynamical and statistical models with transparent communication of their uncertainties could potentially improve accuracy and reduce false alarms. This can be achieved through hybrid forecasting, combined with visual inspection and comparison between the statistical and dynamical forecasts. Hybrid forecasting also has the potential to increase forecast lead times to up to several months, ultimately aiding in decision-making and resource allocation for fire management.

Correctional Officer Responses to Workplace Trauma: Refining the Vicarious Trauma Toolkit

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) was created as a mental health resource for first-responders such as police officers and fire fighters who are routinely exposed to vicarious workplace trauma. While VTT services are appropriate for these occupational groups, they seem less so for correctional officers who are also exposed to secondary trauma at work. To widen the VTT’s reach to a correctional context, open-ended questionnaire data gathered from correctional officers ( N = 193) working in a Southeastern state prison system were analyzed inductively to understand the different types of trauma they encounter in their job, and their responses to trauma. Respondents cited both direct and vicarious trauma sources, including assaults, self-injury, and suicide. Their responses were categorized as either negative (alcohol use), neutral (professional detachment), or positive (gratefulness). Additional VTT resources that can reach an international audience of frontline workers are proposed in light of these findings.

METHODOLOGY FOR EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THE FIRE HAZARD OF POWER LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A HEATING PANEL

Even though lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the subject of various tests and research at the production stage, there are no isolated cases of electric vehicle fires, and the development dynamics are unpredictable. The particular danger of such fires lies in the oxygen release during an irreversible exothermic reaction in LIBs, which creates new challenges for fire and rescue services when extinguishing such fires. The study aims to develop the main provisions of the methodology for experimental studies of electric vehicle power batteries in terms of fire hazards using an electric heating panel. The ultimate goal of the study is to determine the temperatures at which an irreversible exothermic reaction, the opening of ventilation holes, and the combustion (explosion) of electric vehicle power batteries begin, as well as the time parameters at which such processes occur. Taking into account the peculiarities of the occurrence and course of the irreversible exothermic reaction, we have developed a methodology, the essence of which is to determine the temperatures of the onset of the irreversible exothermic reaction of the electric vehicle power battery, the opening of ventilation holes, and the combustion (explosion) of electric vehicle power batteries, the combustion temperatures of ventilation gases, as well as the time parameters at which these processes occur, which may change during battery operation and not correspond to the declared parameters of the manufacturer. For this purpose, we exposed LIBs to thermal energy from an electric heating panel and recorded the temperature and time during which an irreversible exothermic reaction occurs from the moment of an internal short circuit to a fire or explosion. The use of the proposed methodology of experimental studies of the elements of power batteries of electric vehicles regarding the fire hazard of an electric heating panel will make it possible to determine the temperature limits of the occurrence of irreversible exothermic reactions in LIBs, as well as the time parameters under which these processes occur. Keywords: electric vehicle fire, irreversible exothermic reaction, lithium-ion battery.

High-temperature resistant, low dielectric SiO2@Quartz fiber composites for high fidelity communication cables

High-fidelity communication in extreme environments has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in aerospace, polar, deep-sea exploration, fire rescue, and nuclear industries. Yet, challenges persist in constructing dielectric layers with both low dielectric constant and high-temperature stability in communication cables. Herein, low-dielectric inorganic composites utilizing pure silicon oxide (SiO2) are employed as a substitute for conventional organic materials or their composites. By incorporating the in-situ growth of SiO2 microspheres (m-SiO2) on the quartz fiber structure, the composites exhibit a reduced dielectric constant while improving mechanical performance. The flexural stress of the m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites is twice as high as that of the composites prepared by the ex-situ synthesis method. Furthermore, the m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites display high-temperature resistance up to 800 °C with a mass loss less than 1 %. With 30 wt% of quartz fibers, 20 nm of m-SiO2, and 6 wt% of the foaming agent, the composites exhibit a dielectric constant of 1.95. Based on the low-dielectric m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites, the cable demonstrates a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.46, an attenuation of 1.22 dB, and a characteristic impedance of 48 Ω.

ISSUES OF CREATING A SYSTEM FOR EARLY DETECTION OF FOREST FIRES BASED ON UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

The urgent importance of the task of monitoring the state of forests lies in the danger of forest fires. Forest fires are a frequent occurrence in almost all continents. Despite the high information content of the spectral signs of a forest fire, the corresponding functionality is not fully used in the known implementations of the forest fire early detection system. The spectral region in which it is possible to distinguish forest areas in a state of fire from their usual state is quite wide and covers the middle and thermal zone of the infrared part of the spectrum. The installation of spectral equipment (multi- and hyperspectrometers) on board the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) can certainly expand the functionality of unmanned equipment in the early detection of forest fires. The optimal procedure for using UAVs equipped with hyperspectral equipment for early detection of forest fires is proposed. An optimization problem has been formulated and solved to determine the most appropriate mode of changing the UAV flight altitude with an increase in the wavelength of the measurements being carried out. According to the proposed method, on the right branch of the Planck curve, with increasing wavelength, the flight altitude should be increased, and on the left branch it should be reduced. This order corresponds to the case of increasing the wavelength on both branches and follows from the integral restriction set on the function of the dependence of the flight altitude on the wavelength, which comes from the limited real energy resources on board the UAV. Based on the developed method, a new technique for early detection of forest fires based on the use of hyperspectral method is proposed.

Occurrence, probable causes, and management of forest wildfires in the Northern Highlands of Pakistan

Pakistan is forest-deficient and cannot afford forest losses associated with large-scale wildfire destruction. The Northern Mountainous Range (NMR) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has substantial forest cover, yet complex human-environment interactions have created vast fire-prone areas. This study examines the historical and environmental drivers of wildfires in the NMR and prospective management strategies to reduce their devastating impacts. We reviewed news articles and surveyed local fire management offices to obtain records of fire occurrences to develop a spatial model. We used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to evaluate wildfire probability based on climatic influences and found district Swat and neighboring areas in the NMR region to be a forest fire hotspot due mainly to factors of precipitation. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on regional environmental governance, encompassing legislative factors that impede fire safety and deficient fire management budgets. In addition, we detailed the recognized causes of forest fires in the area, revealing a significant human contribution. There is a rising consensus that governance regionally, locally, and within communities must comprehensively handle the compounding and complicated concerns surrounding wildfires. This extensive analysis seeks to impact regional management to support fire protection through actions to update the forest policy, encourage participatory planning and governance at the local level, prepare for future forest fires by allocating enough budget for emergency disasters, raise public awareness, and educate the public about forest fire dangers.

Heat-resistant core-sheath yarn sensor with high durability and thermal adaptivity for fire rescue

Heat-resistant core-sheath yarn sensor with high durability and thermal adaptivity for fire rescue

Penerapan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja sebagai upaya pencegahan kecelakaan kerja di PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk tahun 2023

Occupational Safety and Health is one way to protect workers from work accidents and dangerous risks. K3 is carried out by the company based on applicable company laws and regulations. The implementation of Occupational Safety and Health at the Pasar IX Gas Station functions to protect workers from the risk of occupational hazards at the gas station. The aim of this research is to analyze the implementation of occupational safety and health as an effort to prevent work accidents at PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk 2023. Descriptive research method with a qualitative approach which aims to analyze the implementation of occupational safety and health at the Pasar IX Gas Station – PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk. Informants were taken using a purposive sampling technique, totaling 7 people, namely 1 HSSE person, 3 fire fighter team members, and 3 first aid team members. The selected informants are considered to be able to provide information regarding the implementation of occupational safety and health which includes K3 policies, K3 communications, K3 inspections and K3 evaluations. The research results show that the implementation of K3 at PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk has been running well and is in accordance with applicable regulations. The K3 policy is established and signed by the main director. K3 communication is carried out by HSSE to promote and inform workers to implement occupational safety and health. K3 inspections are carried out to check the condition of all equipment, work environment and worker actions. K3 evaluation is carried out by HSSE and the K3 Audit Institute to assess the extent of K3 implementation. As a research suggestion, the Pasar IX gas station operator collaborates with the Fire Department and hospitals in holding K3 training to increase awareness and knowledge of occupational safety and health among station workers.

Evaluation of the Implementation of an Active Fire Protection System in the Production Unit at a Plastic Pellet Manufacturing Company in Pasuruan, Indonesia

A plastic pellet manufacturing company in Pasuruan, Indonesia, is a company operating in the manufacturing sector and producing plastic pellets. Fire is one of the possible, unpredictably occurring risks during the manufacture of concrete. Unwanted fires can result in significant damage and human loss. Since it is impossible to foresee when or where a fire will strike, early prevention and response measures are required. Thus, as a preventive and mitigating action against the fire danger at a plastic pellet manufacturing In Pasuruan, Indonesia, the goal of this research is to assess the suitability of the active fire protection system. The research is observational and uses a descriptive method. The research findings show that plastic pellet manufacturing in Pasuruan, Indonesia, has an average suitability rate of 96% with regard to the implementation of the active fire protection system. The assessment of fire detector implementation, as per SNI 03-3985-2000, is classified as good (100%). The assessment of fire alarm implementation, as per SNI 03- 3985-2000, is classified as good (100%). The assessment of sprinkler implementation, as per SNI 03-3989-2000, is classified as sufficient (80%). The assessment of fire extinguisher implementation, as per the Ministry of Labour and Transmigration Regulation No. Per. 04/MEN/1980, is classified as good (100%). The assessment of hydrant implementation, as per SNI 03-1745-2000, is classified as good (100%). Conclusively, the suitability of the active protection system for plastic pellet manufacturing in Pasuruan, Indonesia, falls into the good category.

Biometric door lock system with automated fire detection alert

The reconciliation of biometric advancements and fire recognition components in shrewd homes is critical for access control and crisis readiness. The Blynk mobile app is used to access this project's biometric door lock and automated fire detection system. For access authorization, the biometric system uses cutting-edge fingerprint or facial recognition technology. The mechanized fire location framework screens the climate for potential fire dangers and triggers an alert when distinguished. The Blynk application gives controller and checking abilities, permitting inhabitants to lock or open the entryway, get ongoing warnings, and remotely screen the fire discovery framework's status. The microcontroller coordinates communications between the frameworks, outfitted with Wi-Fi availability. The Blynk application point of interaction is planned with easy-to-understand gadgets, permitting inhabitants to control and screen the coordinated frameworks. Safety efforts, for example, encoded correspondence conventions and secure stockpiling of biometric information, shield client protection. This all-encompassing approach to residential security ensures that their homes can effectively handle access control and emergencies, providing residents with security and peace of mind.

Flight Simulation of Fire-Fighting Aircraft Based on Multi-Factor Coupling Modeling of Forest Fire

Forest fires can develop rapidly and may cause a wide range of hazards. Therefore, aerial firefighting, which has the ability to respond and reach fire fields quickly, is of great significance to the emergency response to and subsequent extinguishing of forest fires. The burning of forest fires generates a lot of heat and smoke, which changes the air flow environment and vision over the region and brings challenges to aerial firefighting. In the present work, aerial forest firefighting simulation was divided into the forest fire spread model, the air flow model and the aircraft flight dynamic and automatic control model. Each model was constructed based on a physical method. An integrated framework was designed to realize the interaction among fire fields, airfields, and aircraft, and is verified. The proposed framework can be used for the emergency response decision of aerial forest fire fighting and subsequent fire-fighting mission planning.

Early fire danger monitoring system in smart cities using optimization-based deep learning techniques with artificial intelligence

Early fire danger monitoring system in smart cities using optimization-based deep learning techniques with artificial intelligence

Investigating the influencing factors and prediction models of skin burns for firefighters’ occupational safety

Relevant studies in the fields of fire safety, occupational health and firefighter clothing were analyzed in this study to address the high injury rate among firefighters during fire rescue and the complexity of factors affecting skin burns. The findings indicate that the degree of skin burns in firefighters is primarily influenced by the heat source (heat flux, type), firefighter clothing (fabric, pattern) and the under-clothing air gap (thickness, characteristics). Since skin burns cannot be directly measured, internal skin heat transfer and burn prediction models are commonly employed to assess the impact of external factors on skin burns. These models can predict the safe working distance or time for firefighters. Investigating the influencing factors and prediction models of skin burns among firefighters holds significant value in enhancing operating procedures, optimizing firefighter clothing design and effectively preventing skin burns.

FDPA internet of things system for forest fire detection, prediction and behaviour analysis

AbstractThe escalating issue of forest fires poses severe risks to ecosystems and human habitats, primarily due to the greenhouse effect and sudden climate changes. These fires, mostly occurring naturally, necessitate prompt detection and control. Addressing this, the authors introduce the Forest Fire Detection, Prediction, and Behaviour Analysis (FDPA) system, an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solution. The FDPA system leverages a wireless sensor network to efficiently detect and analyse fire behaviour, providing real‐time data on fire spread, speed, and direction. Uniquely, it can anticipate natural fires hours before they occur by monitoring ecological parameters such as humidity, temperature, and using the Chandler Burning Index (CBI) for quantifying fire danger. Designed for the challenging forest environment, the FDPA system prioritises minimal power usage and simple components, crucial in areas with limited power resources. Its resilient design ensures the wireless sensor network and sensor nodes withstand harsh weather and fire conditions, maintaining functionality and reliability. Field tests of the FDPA system in various Jordanian forest locations, including Burgish–Ajloun, have demonstrated its effectiveness. The trials revealed the system's capability in early fire detection, low latency response, predicting fire behaviour, and determining fire spread direction. Continuous monitoring of the forest ecosystem and rapid detection allow authorities to act swiftly, preventing potential fires from escalating. Furthermore, the system tracks ecological changes within the forest, offering insights into imminent natural fires. This feature enables proactive measures to mitigate fire spread, safeguarding the environment and nearby communities. The strategic placement of sensor nodes and the use of durable yet straightforward components reduce the risk of system damage due to environmental extremities. Overall, the FDPA system emerges as a promising tool for forest fire management. Its ability to detect, predict, and analyse forest fires in real‐time positions it as a vital asset in minimising the detrimental impacts of forest fires on the environment and human settlements.

Australian Fire Danger Rating System Research Prototype: a climatology†

Background Historical records of fire weather phenomena provide valuable insights into spatial and temporal trends which can inform further research and are important tools for planning. Aims We outline a 19-year climatology of a Research Prototype (AFDRSRP), of the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System, documenting its spatial and temporal characteristics. Methods The analysis utilises the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s high-resolution reanalysis suite (BARRA), together with fuel data provided by Australian fire agencies. We examine the spatial and temporal distribution of the AFDRSRP. Distributions are categorised by fuel type, analysing relative variability across time and space. Key results The results validate the broad behaviour of the new system and provide insight into the variation of fire danger throughout Australia, adding detail to the understanding of timing of peak fire danger both diurnally and annually. Conclusions While the AFDRSRP differs from the operational system in its fire danger rating categories and tuning of algorithms, it nonetheless provides useful insights into the operational implementation. Implications These results will be essential for planning during fire seasons.