Articles

Figure 2A (PFOS levels) and 2B (PFHxS levels) in a large cohort of Australian firefighters shown as individual values in ascending order.
Reducing PFAS levels in firefighters by blood and plasma donation
Historically firefighters have been occupationally exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances such as PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA…
Figure 1: Helicopter engine and exhaust. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
An innovative flame-detector solution for helidecks and aircraft hangars

Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc. (FGD) is addressing the daily problems that impact productivity,…

Areas of NSW were inundated with flooding between February and April, 2022. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Science to guide our relationship with nature

CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, Dr Richard Thornton, reflects on the floods in Queensland…

USAR professionals always conduct the search in disaster scenes. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Use of search cameras during USAR operations
In Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations, and in particular structural collapse incidents, search cameras…
Steel bull bar and brush bars with cab activated batter sprays on both sides and rated tow points. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Introducing the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ) designed ‘Fusion Cruiser’

The RFBAQ are fusing the crew safety learnings from the Innovation Platform onto the RFBAQ…

Standards Australia 2022 Innovation Award.
Award-winning just-in-time innovation
The fire-protection industry is accustomed to change and innovation. Despite being able to trace its…
Areas of NSW were inundated with flooding between February and April, 2022. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
A rainy, fatal summer: how the 2021–22 La Niña season stacks up with previous seasons

Some 41 people have drowned (including three missing presumed dead (mpd)) over the 2021–22 La…

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System will replace the current pictured rating system. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Changing the way we predict and respond to fire nationally

Nova Systems Geospatial (formerly Geoplex) has worked closely with AFAC and NSW RFS to tackle…

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous icons in Australia. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Standards Australia’s Iconic Nation Report

As part of its centenary year, Standards Australia has released the Iconic Nation Report. This…

FT4250 Airbus Supa Puma. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Innovative design sees Helitak gain additional approvals

Now widely used all over the world, Helitak have continued to build on their original…

The frequency of fire-generated thunderstorms has increased in the last 20 years, with Australia entering an era of violent pyro-convection. This research helps predict the formation of fire-generated thunderstorms, such as this one forming over Lake King in Western Australia, February 2020. Image courtesy of Christine Harper, DBCA, Western Australia
When fires cause storms

New technology is now available that predicts fire-generated thunderstorms, prompted by a sharp increase in…

Australia’s building industry is starting to recognise the importance of passive fire product certification. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
The history of product certification
Third-party product certification schemes build on and strengthen the assurance provided by testing. They help…
Figure 2: FLS-IR3-H2-HD flame detector. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Becoming green and the challenges for optical flame detection

We are all too aware of the drivers to become greener. In some cases, the…

Retail outlet application for conventional detectors. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
The conventional market is not going away

For many people, the advent and growth of addressable fire detection indicated the end of…

Taking protective action during floods and storms

Public safety messages for floods and storms will be broadcast on ABC Radio this severe…

Remote testing system setup for a FireDos GEN III proportioner. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
GEN III Smart Proportioner – remote testing system

Regular testing and maintenance ensure a maximum service life and functional and failure-related safety of…

Water being applied from a safe distance from the machine and to avoid smoke, extinguishing burning material and reduce dust emissions. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Suppression strategies for peat fires – Part 3

The main factors that affect fire spread in peat are moisture content, oxygen supply, and…

Fig. 2: Depiction of typical fire-resistant polymeric cables in vertical installation after fire exposure.
Is your life-safety equipment ‘fit for purpose’?

Life-safety, firefighting and critical emergency systems depend on the unfailing reliability of electric cables during…

Climate change will increase the number and severity of wildfires.
Climate change and wildfire: a call to arms

Australia’s Black Summer of bushfires in 2019–20 was utterly unprecedented. Fires started in winter then…

As a trusted partner of the Australian Government, Standards Australia engages with countries in the Pacific.
Standards Australia supports quality infrastructure in the Pacific

As a trusted partner of the Australian Government, Standards Australia engages with countries in the…

Deploying the Fire Blanket over a burning vehicle.
Safely tackling electric vehicle and internal combustion engine fires

With Australia and New Zealand plans to accelerate the sales of electric vehicles (EV) over…

Real-time fire mapping of a small fire in Parkdale, Oregon. Drones can support early detection and rapid mapping of wildland fires before they grow too big. Image courtesy of TK-7, Overwatch Imaging
The future of fighting wildfires is drones

From California to Turkey to Australia, wildfires, also known as bushfires, are everywhere – and…

Asia Pacific Fire is the only quarterly journal for the Asia Pacific Fire protection, fire service and emergency management communities. Asia Pacific Fire is dedicated to keeping our readers up to date with current research, new and innovative equipment, techniques and training methods. We also cover regional news stories and current issues.

Our articles are written and read by leaders in the fire and disaster management world, looking at the issues around protection, prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. We are very much aware of the importance of looking to the future to solve problems before they arise within the community and agencies.

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