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15 March 2021

Drones and Robots Boost Fire Fighting Efficiency

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Technology has become a critical factor in accidents. Drones are already being used for forest fires, industrial fires or fires that are difficult to access. Robots save firefighters from being affected by explosions or high temperatures. In addition to all that, protective clothing is increasingly resistant, and fire prevention regulations are more effective.

Fire protection systems (detection and extinction) are becoming more and more innovative, says Antonio Tortosa, Vice President of TECNIFUEGO, the Spanish Association of Fire Protection Companies. One of the technological developments with the greatest potential is fire-fighting robots, “an automatic and innovative system in the fight against smoke and fire.” Firefighting robots already played a leading role in extinguishing the Notre Dame fire in 2019, showing areas inaccessible to firefighters. “They’re suitable for places that are very dangerous due to explosion risk or high temperatures.”

Drones are being used to fight forest and industrial fires or those in places difficult to access. “Their main function is to fly over the affected areas and send back real-time information to the firefighting teams. For example, using high-resolution video images and heat maps.”

The proliferation of new technologies has also expanded Fire Alarm and Detection Systems (FAS) possibilities using remote connections. The Fire Alarm Receiving Centre (FARC) monitors the FAS and responds to alarm events to alert the emergency services and fire brigade. Remote management also ensures that systems can be remotely connected and continuously tested.

More Resistant Clothing and Footwear

Firefighting innovation has improved clothing, too. Montserrat Iglesias-Lucía is the Director of the School of Prevention and Integrated Safety at the UAB. She explains that uniforms and clothing “must ensure safety for the people who wear them. They must allow people to do their work in the safest and most effective way, in extreme circumstances.”

So, “they have to be made of resistant materials that won’t tear, break or propagate flames. They have to withstand all kinds of heat, which allow the transfer of high temperatures.  They also have to be waterproof, steam-proof, and impenetrable to pathogens while ensuring breathability and visibility to others.”

Regulatory Framework

Pablo Gárriz Galván is Chairman of the Spanish Fire Fighting Association (ASELF). He explains that creating and developing the regulatory framework for preventing occupational hazards has been “a before-and-after event. It’s profoundly affected the safety sector in general and the safety and emergency sector in particular.”

Firstly, because “it forced a change of mentality, as the regulatory changes created major legal responsibilities.” Secondly, “it introduced a technical approach in all areas. That entailed the obligation to apply PPE selection criteria that were tighter, more rigorous and more demanding about user protection.” Thirdly, because “protective equipment manufacturers and vendors have had to compete with products and solutions that have forced them to guarantee the highest quality standards and, if necessary, undergo specific certification processes.”