Smart Firefighting
Smart Firefighting Podcast covers real-world deployments of smart technologies through conversations with technologists, innovators, companies, and forward-thinking public safety and government agencies. Learn from interviews with leaders as they share their insights and offer their expertise every week! Host Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who loves to explore change management and technology in public safety.
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Episodes
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Here’s how diversity and inclusion contribute to a more effective fire service workforce:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
The importance of well-fitting PPE for firefighter safety and confidence
The value of end-user feedback in improving PPE design
Why psychological safety is key to innovation and decision-making in the fire service
Hear from Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton - the Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service - and Michael Morgan - the Director at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
This episode delves into the critical issues of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and diversity and inclusion within the fire service. The guests discuss how well-fitting and appropriate PPE not only ensures safety but also boosts the confidence and identity of firefighters. They explore the value of diversity and inclusion, emphasizing how it leads to a more effective and cohesive workforce.
Through personal stories and initiatives like end-user engagement and shadow boards, the conversation reveals the importance of listening to feedback to improve PPE design. The discussion also touches on psychological safety, its role in fostering good decision-making, and the Institution of Fire Engineers' efforts to promote professionalism and networking in the industry. The episode wraps up with an inspiring discussion about the sense of purpose in the fire service and the positive influence of dogs on the well-being and mental health of firefighters.
So take a listen to hear what they have to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Here’s how to promote competency and safety in the fire sector:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How the IFE supports fire professionals through exams, CPD, and knowledge sharing
The role of collaboration in addressing global challenges in fire engineering
Why continuous learning is key to adapting to new technologies and industry trends
Hear from Hayley Burgess - the International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).
Hayley explores the organization's role in supporting fire professionals worldwide. She discusses how the IFE promotes competency through examinations, continuous professional development, and structured membership grades, ensuring that industry professionals are prepared for their critical roles.
The conversation highlights the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing, emphasizing how global challenges in fire engineering benefit from shared solutions and best practices. Hayley also shares her journey into the fire safety field, her passion for continuous learning, and the importance of staying adaptable in a field that evolves alongside new technologies and construction trends.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
How is PVStop training first responders and electrical technicians to safely handle solar panels?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
A liquid blanket that de-energizes solar panels, making them safe for emergency response
PVStop’s new drone delivery system for high-rise and difficult-to-access solar installations
The potential for collaboration with insurers to enhance solar safety measures
Hear from Jim Foran - the Director at PVStop International Pty Ltd.
Jim shares their innovative approach to making solar energy safe for firefighters and first responders. Their flagship product, PVStop, acts as a liquid blanket that can be sprayed onto solar panels, blocking light and de-energizing the panels to create a safe working environment during emergencies. They introduce their new drone delivery system, designed to spray the coating on solar panels in hard-to-reach areas like high-rises.
The discussion also covers PVStop's commitment to providing training and education tools for first responders and electrical technicians, ensuring safe practices around solar installations. Additionally, they are exploring partnerships with early detection companies to prevent electrical incidents from escalating into fires.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
What are the unique challenges that tunnels face in terms of fire safety and ventilation?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
The impact of training videos as effective tools for educating firefighters
How 3D BIM models and real photographs can create immersive training experiences
Strategies for future-proofing infrastructure to adapt to long-term changes
Hear from Craig Hiscock - the Technical Director of Global Fire Safety at Tactix-Sener Group.
Craig dives into the potential of training videos for firefighters with insights drawn from the creation of a training video for the New Zealand Fire Service. The discussion highlights how combining 3D BIM models with real photographs can transform traditional training into a more immersive experience.
The conversation also explores the unique challenges of fire safety in tunnels, where limited ventilation and airflows influenced by vehicles or trains present complex risks. The episode further examines the importance of future-proofing infrastructure by considering long-term changes like population growth and evolving vehicle types. Emphasis is placed on preserving valuable knowledge for future generations through efforts like those of the Institute of Fire Engineers.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
How can we improve evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
The challenges of designing evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities
The gap between regulations for accessibility and evacuation
How occupant evacuation elevators and areas of refuge can improve safety during evacuations
Hear from Daniel Nilsson - a Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (CNRE) professor at the University of Canterbury - and Kevin Frank - the Senior Fire Engineer at Fire and Emergency NZ.
Daniel and Kevin talk about their work on designing evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities. They highlight the disparity between regulations for building accessibility and those for evacuation, pointing out the responsibility of building owners to find suitable evacuation methods.
The discussion covers innovative solutions like occupant evacuation elevators and designated areas of refuge, stressing the importance of clear communication to ensure these systems are used effectively.
Daniel and Kevin also share their co-creational development process, using virtual reality to gather input from end users and develop design tools that cater to their needs. The conversation also touches on the role of the Institute of Fire Engineers in unifying and spreading knowledge throughout the global fire service.
So take a listen to hear what they have to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Here’s how to build community resilience:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why resilience is a community effort
How to shape decisions on land use and rebuilding after disasters
How the role of governance can be a major obstacle, and what to do about it
Hear from Beck Dawson - the Chief Resilience Officer for Greater Sydney.
Beck dives into the critical importance of resilience and risk management in urban environments. She describes resilience as a community effort, emphasizing that true resilience means working together and looking out for one another.
Beck highlights the need for collective collaboration and open dialogue among various stakeholders to make informed decisions on land use and rebuilding after disasters. She also discusses governance challenges as a significant barrier to achieving long-term resilience. Despite these obstacles, Beck is encouraged by the growing awareness and commitment to addressing resilience challenges across Sydney.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
The big question that we all want the answer to: how should we tackle climate change?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How the 'Be Ahead Ready' report encourages forward-thinking strategies in disaster risk management
The potential of personalized warnings and technology to improve community engagement and planning
The need for collaboration between public and private sectors
Hear from Andrew Gissing - the CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia.
Andrew talks about the pressing challenges of climate change and natural hazard risks in both Australia and the United States. He emphasizes the importance of aligning efforts and resources to better support first responders and protect communities. A key focus is the 'Be Ahead Ready' report, which promotes innovative thinking in disaster risk management, including ideas like personalized warnings and leveraging technology for more effective engagement and planning.
Andrew also highlights the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and ensuring effective resource allocation. The conversation touches on ongoing research projects and the need to address the challenge of relocating communities that are at risk from natural hazards.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Who is James Braidwood and how did he transform the fire service?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
What “finding the seat of the fire” means, and the role of airflow
A blueprint for firefighting science and the science of fire
How sharing knowledge strengthens the fire service sector
Hear from David Dow - a firefighter at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
David gives an exploration of the legacy of James Braidwood, the pioneering superintendent of the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment. Braidwood was instrumental in bringing together insurance brigades and founding the world's first municipal fire service. He taught firefighters the importance of locating the seat of a fire for effective extinguishment and emphasized the role of airflow in controlling fires.
His scientific approach to firefighting and commitment to sharing knowledge had a lasting global impact, influencing fire services in cities like London, Sydney, Boston, and New York. Braidwood's story is one of determination, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve the fire sector.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
What is sense-making, and how can it transform firefighters’ decision-making?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
The importance of training and sense-making for effective decision-making in the fire service
Research on moral injury and its impact on the mental well-being of firefighters
The Institute of Fire Engineers' role in bridging the gap between fire engineers and firefighters
Hear from Dr. Greg Penney who is part of Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Education and Training Committee.
Dr. Penney shares his journey into the world of wildfire engineering, inspired by his personal experience during a life-threatening fire. He discusses the critical role of training and sense-making in helping firefighters make sound decisions under pressure, emphasizing the need to interpret complex information quickly.
Dr. Penney also dives into his research on moral injury in the fire service, exploring how these challenges impact the mental well-being of responders. He highlights the efforts of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) in fostering collaboration and education between fire engineers and firefighters. The conversation wraps up with Dr. Penney's reflections on the pride and satisfaction he feels in giving back to the next generation of firefighters.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
How has Amazon Web Services (AWS) made an impact on the first responder industry?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s role in emergency management platforms and smart city solutions
The potential of AI, IoT, and satellite technology in improving public safety outcomes
The importance of storytelling and communication when implementing tech solutions
Hear from Craig Lawton - the Principal AI & Data Technologist for Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Craig shares insights into the company's role at the AFAC event in Sydney and their contributions to the smart city space. He explains how AWS supports emergency management platforms by providing flexible cloud computing capabilities that adapt to the needs of first responders.
Craig discusses various applications of AWS in public safety, from fire notification systems to AI-powered analysis of camera footage and river flow predictions. He also explores the future potential of IoT and low-Earth orbit satellite technology in enhancing public safety. The episode wraps up with Craig emphasizing the importance of communication and storytelling in the successful adoption of new technologies.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn