The facility is often referred to as ‘Ferrybridge C’ A fire has broken out at Ferrybridge power station, near Castleford. Huge plumes of black smoke could be seen coming from the facility, which is often referred to as "Ferrybridge C". West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service dispatched about 50 firefighters and 10 pumps to the site at about 14:00 BST. Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it had sent a hazardous area response team to the coal-powered fire station. No people are reported to be trapped at the site. BBC Travel News said there was slow traffic on the M62 in both directions between Junction 32 at Pontefract and Junction 33 at Ferrybridge Services because of smoke blowing across the road. The A1(M) is also affected between junction 42 for the A63 and junction 41 for the M62. The B6136 Stranglands Lane in Knottingley is closed. Ferrybridge power station is situated on the River Aire and is the third coal-fired power station to be built on the site since 1924. The power station first fed electricity into the national grid in February 1966. It is operated by SSE, formerly Scottish and Southern Energy.

AMX 2.17 now supports a wider range of fire control panels  Drax Technology, one of the UK’s leading providers of fire alarm monitoring solutions, has launched an updated version of the AMX alarm management platform. AMX 2.17 now supports a wider range of fire control panels and adds many new and innovative feature enhancements to ensure that the system maintains its leading position in the market. According to Alex Cother, Sales and Marketing Director for Drax Technology: “AMX 2.17 makes it even easier for organisations to centralise the monitoring and management of diverse systems and deliver the most appropriate and efficient response to fire alarms. It allows organisations to make more effective use of resources, reduce costs and deliver higher visibility of all installed systems regardless of location.” AMX 2.17 is now Windows 8 compatible and supports virtually all leading fire control panels with the addition of the ADT MX/ZX, C-Tec, Kidde Vega and Morley DX Connexion systems. It provides a real-time view of the status and performance of all connected devices and enables faults to be rapidly identified across the network without having to physically check each remote control panel. The system also allows individual devices to be isolated remotely in the event of building work or other activities that occur in a specific zone to eliminate the incidence of false alarms. The system’s synchronisation capabilities have also been enhanced to improve operational efficiency. AMX 2.17 now allows clocks in remote fire alarms and connected devices to be synchronised to ensure that reports and event logs are more accurate. Also, when multiple AMX workstations are connected as part of a group, they are synchronised to ensure that a single data set is used to simplify future reporting. “Drax Technology’s latest version of the AMX system is a cost effective solution that allows all installed alarm systems to be monitored in real-time using the existing IT infrastructure, Wi-Fi or 3G/4G connections. It eliminates the need for costly and disruptive cabling installations and allows organisations to reduce the incidence of false alarms and demonstrate compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005,” concluded Alex Cother.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday night Fire crews have saved a "huge amount" of Eastbourne Pier after fire ripped through the Victorian structure leaving only a metal skeleton. The blaze broke out on Wednesday night behind some wood panelling in the arcade building. Chief fire officer Des Pritchard said the outgoing tide and low water pressure hampered the crews but their hard work had "paid off". Fire minister Penny Mordaunt is to visit the scene later. No-one was injured and the fire is not being treated as suspicious. Mr Pritchard, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said "there’s a great deal that’s still there". "Pier fires are notoriously difficult to fight because there is one way on and one way off – and the tide can caused additional problems," he said. "The hard work of our firefighters has paid off in that we have been able to save a section of this iconic landmark but I know for the people of Eastbourne, this will still be devastating." He thanked everyone who was involved in the operation. RNLI lifeboat crews helped reach the remaining hot spots during the night. About 20 firefighters are still damping down. The arcade has been left a shell and a number of small buildings have been badly damaged, a fire service spokesman said. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way. Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said: "The good news is that we don’t have a Brighton or Hastings scenario where the whole pier is destroyed." Mr Lloyd is due to meet the pier’s owners and local councillors later to discuss the blaze and its aftermath. Ms Mordaunt said she would be visiting Eastbourne "as a priority" to speak to local people and thank firefighters for their efforts. "It is heart-breaking to see such a wonderful Victorian pier so damaged. Thankfully no-one appears to have been hurt," she said.

Available in two variations Apollo Fire Detectors, the world-leading independent fire detector manufacturer, has added an EN54-20 approved Point Based ASD to its range of specialist detection products. The Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) is an essential tool when it is impractical to place the detector head in situ. The point based ASD has an IP65 enclosure, which provides protection against ingress from the environment. The code protection controls and bespoke removal key provide protection against vandalism and tampering. Available in two variations, both use Discovery optical detectors and are fitted with a mini-switch monitor which allows for the monitoring of fail-safe fault relays. A maximum of 50m of sampling pipe can be utilised on a single chamber (ASD-1) and the dual version of this product allows for two 50m sampling runs (ASD-2). The ASD is designed to operate in a wide range of environments and is often used in secure facilities where anti-ligature and anti-vandal are requirements; in lift shafts where access is difficult; in wet or dusty environments or in clean environments where access is restricted. Neil Taylor, Sales & Marketing Director for Apollo, said: “We are delighted to have launched the Aspirating smoke detector. It adds another dimension to our product range and enhances our reputation as a world-leader in the development and manufacture of fire detection equipment.” For more information on the ASD, visit the website www.apollo-fire.co.uk/discoveryasd

Wireless fire alarm system A division of BAM, one of the UK’s top construction groups, has already installed the Bull Products Cygnus wireless fire alarm system on over 10 construction sites since the new system was launched in May this year. One of these projects is a new development Hayes Retail which incorporates an Asda supermarket of 8,000 sq.m. floor space including car park and petrol filling station. Due to the large site footprint and separate office and welfare complex, the project management team at BAM Fire Protection Services has chosen to install the Cygnus system as the temporary fire alarm system. Mike Whitfield, Contracts Manager at BAM Fire Protection Services was so impressed with the development of the new Cygnus system by Bull Products that he, along with the Health & Safety Department, have put the system forward under Safety Best Practice to the entire BAM London region as a recommendation to all BAM site managers, project managers and health and safety officers. He comments, “We were looking to adopt a wireless fire alarm system within the group and as Bull Products were very responsive to our needs and were happy to develop a system with us, we have been pleased to specify the new Cygnus system. We particularly like the system’s addressibility and Bull Products integrated a first aid alert into the call point which satisfied our needs.” Bull Products are now working on a future option for controlling panels remotely. Launched only two months ago, the Cygnus wireless fire alarm system has the capability of linking together no less than 480 units in 15 different zones around a construction site, with each zone having the capacity to accommodate 32 units. The individual units can be fire alarm call points, first aid alert points, smoke detectors, heat detectors and a combined call point first aid alarm. The alarms which can be used time and again are addressable to the panel and can be re-addressed very simply after being relocated. Intended purely for use on construction sites, the Cygnus system has been specifically designed for use in dense concrete and steel structured buildings and areas where there are many other radio frequencies in operation, and so particular attention has been given to achieving an impressive connection range. Where there are multiple sites within range of each other, the Cygnus system has been designed to operate on different site addresses in order to keep each system separate and free from interference. A major feature of the Cygnus system is the optional control panel which provides a very sophisticated capability with an event log function which records any events such as an alarm activation, low battery warning, and signal faults, all of which can be viewed if necessary in the history folder held on the panel. The system also has the ability to test all units and has an evacuate function which will act as a call point to the rest of the alarm units. Each unit in the system can provide the panel with information at regular intervals. This explicit information confirms the unit is still present and what the battery status of each device is. Known as the ‘heart beat’ this message is monitored by the control panel where fitted and if the ‘heart beat’ is not heard for several intervals, the control panel logs a full status for that unit. Bull Products offers a one-year guarantee on all Cygnus devices and provides high levels of technical, on-site and after-sales service support in addition to its standard maintenance contracts. Further information on the new Cygnus combined first aid alert and call point alarm is available from Bull Products on 0844 669 1111, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the company’s website at www.bullproducts.co.uk

DuPont launches its highest level of protection for fire-fighters With a global reputation for innovation and development in heat and flame protection for professional and voluntary firefighters, DuPont Protection Technologies has announced the launch of the new Nomex® 3DP outer shell fabric with intelligent Flux Technology. Building on over 40 years of successfully keeping firefighters safe, this new patented outer shell fabric is the latest innovation from DuPont and completes its Nomex® portfolio. Its integrated fabric technology provides extended escape time and gives extra seconds of wearer safety in situations where every second counts. Garments made from Nomex® 3DP also offer firefighters the benefit of high comfort levels. The new DuPont™ Nomex® 3DP outer shell fabric comprises two layers of fabric woven together using an intelligent weaving structure patented by DuPont as ‘Flux Technology’. The inner layer consists of DuPont™ Kevlar® with an outer layer of DuPont™ Nomex®. With different thermal shrinkage patterns, each layer reacts differently to heat flux, triggering increased levels of insulation. When a heat flux hits the outer layer of DuPont™ Nomex® the fibre reacts and thickens to increase the insulation barrier while the inner layer of DuPont™ Kevlar® offers high mechanical strength, providing three-dimensional protection and giving extra seconds of safety. The intelligent weaving structure of Nomex® 3DP provides a garment that is breathable, comfortable and flexible. This solution also optimises durability and mechanical strength to enable longer wear-life and lower repair and replacement costs, while retaining excellent aesthetics in use. To ensure the fabric can withstand the rigours of every day fire fighting, turnout gear made with the new Nomex® 3DP fabric has undergone an extensive 12 month wear trial, across different fire brigades located in three different countries. Mr Hans Wetzel, Senior Fire Officer of the Reutlingen Fire Brigade in Germany, explained: “We participated in the wear trial of a garment made with the DuPont™ Nomex® 3DP outer shell and were thoroughly impressed. We tested it to its limits, including laundering processes, various exercises and wood fire container tests. The garment and the outershell were comfortable to wear and work in and the heat protection was excellent. We wouldn’t hesitate to wear this garment in any fire fighting situation.” Frederique Favier, Application Development Leader Nomex® Personal Protection, commented: “Through our long-standing partnerships with fire and rescue services around the world, we understand the need to provide turnout gear with the highest levels of protection that is still cost-effective, comfortable and hard wearing. We worked alongside firefighters to develop the Nomex® 3DP outer shell fabric to offer an innovative solution to keep the wearer safe. In conjunction with the wear trials, we also tested garments made from Nomex® 3DP using DuPont™ Thermo-Man®, one of the most advanced thermal burn injury evaluation devices in the world. The results revealed that Nomex® 3DP was able to provide excellent protection with very low burn rates, providing increased time for firefighters to make a safe escape.” Since its invention in the 1950’s, DuPont has been protecting millions of people worldwide with the Nomex® fibre, a world leading inherently flame resistant and breathable fibre that is woven into fabric.

As part of 2014 giveaway program Globe, in partnership with DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has made the first award in the 2014 Globe Gear Giveaway program. Highlands Fire Department will receive four sets of new, state-of-the-art Globe turnout gear. Through the 2014 Globe Gear Giveaway program, Globe and DuPont are providing a total of 52 sets of turnout gear to volunteer fire departments in need. The program is administered through the NVFC and open to NVFC members in the U.S. and Canada. This is the third year for the giveaway program. “We are very pleased to announce the first three winners of the 2014 Globe Gear Giveaway,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “We received over 500 applications for gear, demonstrating the real need that exists for this type of program. Many departments are struggling to provide gear to their members and often have to make do with gear that is old, non-compliant, ill-fitting, and otherwise inadequate, putting the safety of the firefighters at risk. Thank you to Globe and DuPont for recognizing this need and supporting our nation’s volunteer fire departments through this remarkable donation initiative.” To be eligible to apply for the four sets of new Globe gear, departments had to be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or Canada, demonstrate a need for the gear, and be a member of the NVFC. To help departments meet this last requirement, Globe sponsored NVFC Department Memberships for the first 200 non-members to apply. The Highlands Fire Department is comprised of 50 volunteer firefighters who respond to an average of 170 calls per year. When Hurricane Sandy hit on October 29, 2012, the department was inundated by about 15” of water due to the storm surge. The small town of Highlands was under 8-10 feet of water, and the firefighters rescued over 90 people that were stranded in their flooded houses. In the days following the storm, the firefighters supplied food, water, cleaning materials, life safety for power restoration, and set-up of a temporary borough hall, police station, and first aid squad, putting their own flooded houses on hold until the needs of the community were met. Despite their best efforts to secure equipment and supplies before Sandy hit, the Highlands Fire Department still lost crucial equipment in the storm. The unexpected costs created by Sandy has left the department struggling to fulfill their normal operating expenses, including replacing outdated gear. The donation of the four sets of new Globe gear will enable the department to keep more firefighters in compliant gear while they focus their limited funds on other expenses created by Sandy. Additional awards through the Globe Gear Giveaway Program will be made monthly throughout 2014. A total of 52 sets of gear will be distributed to departments in need. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site, Dispatch newsletter, and page on Facebook, as well as the Globe page on Facebook, for additional information and announcements regarding the Globe Gear Giveaway Program.

In Oscala, Florida PyroLance is pleased to announce that it will open a new production facility in Ocala, Florida USA. Due to our success in attracting major customers including the U.S. Air Force; U.S. Navy; DFW International Airport; Mojave Air and Space Port; AMT railways, Canada; Panama Canal Authority; Dubai Port World Sokhna, Egypt; Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical, Saudi Arabia; Egyptian Ministry of Defence; Bangchak Petroleum, Thailand and others we felt that a new state of the art factory was necessary. We will begin sales, manufacturing, assembly and warehousing operations in a 6000 sq. ft. (600 sq. meter) facility in August 2014. Ocala, Florida is a major center for firefighting apparatus and equipment innovation. It is home to several of the major players in the industry. This new facility will allow us to achieve the highest levels of quality and on-time delivery. Additionally, this will facilitate our introduction of additional innovative products to the fire-rescue market. We look forward to you visiting with us in Ocala.

Addition of new high performance products to coatings range provides enhanced protection  PPG has announced the release of new products within its market-leading STEELGUARD range of intumescent fire protection coatings for steel structures. Designed for use on I-section beams and solid columns, STEELGUARD 701/801 has been developed to target 30 and 60-minute fire scenarios with lower film thicknesses. STEELGUARD 702 is designed specifically for application on hollow sections, for fire scenarios up to 90 minutes STEELGUARD coatings are designed to deliver fire protection for civil buildings and are particularly appropriate where exposed steel structures have been used as part of the design, such as in shopping centers, airport terminals, sports stadiums and schools. Drawing on PPG’s long heritage in cellulosic fire protection, the products are designed to provide the vital extra time to help people escape a fire and minimize damage to the structure. Certified to EN13381-8 and BS476 standards, STEELGUARD 701/801 and STEELGUARD 702 lead the way in the structural steelwork fire protection market, according to Greg Bausch, Global Infrastructure and Power Segment Manager at PPG Protective & Marine Coatings.   “Most cellulosic intumescent coatings cover I-section beams, columns and hollow sections with one product. However, because the STEELGUARD system has been optimized for its purpose, it significantly outperforms the available alternatives in terms of loadings [lower dry film thickness or DFT]. As a result, the added value of STEELGUARD coatings is that they provide the vital extra time needed for evacuation in case of fire and may also allow fire fighters to save more of the building.”   In passive fire protection, the key factor is the amount of coating or loading, indicated in layer thickness, needed to protect steel from heating to the failure temperature in a specified period of time, such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes. An effective loading should have a low level of thickness, which also makes the coating easier to apply.   STEELGUARD coatings are also cost-effective to use. Fast drying primers and a specially-designed STEELGUARD 2458 topcoat enable application of up to three coats in one day. Another advantage of solvent based STEELGUARD intumescent coatings is that the coating can be left externally exposed up to 12 months without top coating, provided they are not subjected to ponding, running water or immersion. Key benefits of the STEELGUARD intumescent coatings range include :   Excellent fire protection for steel structures; High levels of corrosion protection against atmospheric conditions with suitable top coat; Economical and versatile; Smooth surface with excellent aesthetics; Topcoats available in many colors to match building design; Off-site versions available for in-shop application; Waterborne coatings available for on-site application; Global engineering and customer support through PPG network; Tested to international standards and certified to local requirements and independently approved.

With EN54-23 Compliant Visual Alarms Fire industry expert Gent by Honeywell introduces its new class leading S-Quad Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) that meet all of the requirements of the latest EN54-23 standards to help alert occupants in noisy environments and the hard of hearing. The industry leading devices combine Gent’s renowned sensor, sounder and speech technology with high efficiency EN54-23 compliant visual alarms. As these functions are incorporated into one single device, S-Quad continues to provide the most cost-effective option and helps to reduce valuable installation time. Designed for the widest range of building applications, Gent has a variety of high intensity S-Quad VADs that include variable power settings and are available with either red or white LEDs. Each variant includes three separate intensity settings achieving maximum flexibility for different room coverage while optimising the loop power capability of the entire FD&A system. Ben Wolf, product manager for Gent says: “It is the unique combination of our S-Quad sensor sounder technology with EN54 -23 visual alarms that makes these devices the most practical solution on the market. There are several key features such as the advanced power management that increases loop capacity and integrity allowing up to 100 sensor sounder VADs per loop. S-Quad also keeps EN54-23 design simple as our unrivalled light output allows our new range to be sited at standard smoke detector spacing meaning you can continue to design and install as you always have done. “We are delighted to be able to introduce these new devices to the industry which were designed to not only comply but to exceed the requirements of the latest standards for VADs. We have already carried out our first successful installation as part of a system refurbishment at the University of Leicester and the devices are performing perfectly.” The recent installation involved upgrading the existing FD&A system in one of the main student accommodation blocks at the University. The installation was carried out in less than one day and the S-Quad VADs are now fully operational as the primary source of indication for the building’s residents, if required.