With the effects of climate change being felt in all corners of the fire industry, there is an increasing focus on sustainability, protecting the environment and the life within it. The current state of the industry is in constant flux; coming together to address these issues is paramount.
The overarching theme for this year’s Fire Buyer Live will be predicting and preparing for the future of fire safety, drawing collaborators and innovators from every part of the world to share and compare knowledge of their own fire safety landscapes to develop and advance the future of fire protection.
Fire Buyer Live is your opportunity to get involved in some of the most important ongoing conversations within the industry and provide your own unique insight and analysis. You have until the end of the year to provide your submissions on the following topics. We are especially interested in real world practice, stories and case studies from frontline firefighting staff and industry leaders that help add flavour and insight to our discussion topics.
We will split the topic list into the two distinct industry categories – active and passive – and we will be looking for submissions on the following:
Wildfires
- Wildfire fighting technologies and strategies
- Variations in response from different areas of the globe
- The effects on the environment brought on by climate change
Global Fire Departments
- International panel of firefighters discussing their respective regions
- Firefighting differences in rural, urban and isolated environments
- Differing strategies and technologies for regional fire and rescue services
Firefighter Health
- Risks to firefighter physical and mental health
- How to support change in these fields
- What support is currently available and what more needs to be done
Suppression Technologies
- The future of efficient suppression tech, from water mist to water droplets
- How to prevent property damage, while maintaining total combative power
- Interconnected water suppression systems in unconventional buildings
Critical Communications
- Subterranean communications and its issues
- Ensuring clear and concise communications
- Effective communication in challenging environments
PPE
- Sustainability in PPE: from manufacturing to maintenance
- Evolution in PPE textiles
- Ensuring the protection of short and long-term wearer health
Vehicles Technology
- Retrofitting existing vehicles to accommodate wildland navigation
- Manufacturing bespoke vehicles designed specifically to combat wildfires
- Aerial firefighting and its respective strategies and technologies
Equipment
- Ensuring manufacture of long-term and sustainable equipment
- Producing equipment that adheres to the changing legislation landscape
- The manufacturing process with sustainable materials
Pumps and Foams
- Fluorine-free foams and the production of eco-friendly products
- The overhaul of foams legislation itself and the transitory process
- Digital integration of current and future pump technologies
Training
- VR and digital training and its advantages
- On-site training and its advantages
- The changes in trends regarding training
Detection
- Inclusivity of alarm systems, tailored towards people with sensory issues
- Interconnectivity of detection systems within smart homes
- Ensuring effective detection of chemicals and compounds
Regulations
- Cladding standards in the UK as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy
- Safer living conditions for people, especially in public housing
- The changes in attitudes regarding fire safety regulations
International Codes and Standards
- The different standards upheld in different corners of the world
- The arguments for and against international homogeneity of regulations
- How these different standards benefit their respective regions
Interconnected Systems
- The current trend towards digital interconnectivity between devices
- The areas of the fire industry that can best utilise this trend
- How connectivity could unlock the potential of a much safer future
Fire Prevention in Hazardous Environments
- Unique hazardous environments, like chemical factories or power plants
- The added training needed for fire and rescue services
- The equipment needed to aid the handling harmful wastes and fires
Evacuation
- The London Plan and how it enforces evacuation lifts to be mandatory
- Its relevance with the ongoing consultations around PEEPS
- The differences in installing an evacuation lift, from users and installers
Diversity in the Fire Industry
- The need for inclusivity in the fire industry
- The benefits of having a multicultural and diverse set of minds
- Stories and experiences from these marginalised groups
Competency
- The benefits of using third-party accredited organisations
- Third party contributors in passive fire protection and active fire systems
- The legislation in fire risk assessments
Construction Materials
- Pros and cons of different construction materials in new build housing
- Ensuring fire protection with these new materials and techniques
- Adhering to recent standards while remaining cost effective
Fire Doors
- Current trends from last year’s Fire Door Safety Week
- Fire door regulations and their implementation & enforcement
- How best to safely evacuate residents from high-rise buildings
