Modern society has come light years from its ancient counterparts. This is true even in the firefighting industry – portable water pumps gave way to advanced firefighting foam. However, there is no denying the fact that firefighting is a dangerous profession. It involves running into a scene from which others are hastily running out. Despite the occupational hazards, these heroes faithfully serve their communities and uphold people’s welfare. Thankfully, new technologies and changes are on the horizon to make firefighter lives easier. These expected to game-changers in protecting firemen’s safety and health. In this article, we will discuss what the future of firefighting will look like.

The Shift to Electric Fire Trucks

Climate change, though much in conversation circles, is not a buzzword. Electricity is the answer to the conservation of fossil fuels. Just like regular vehicle fleets are gradually being run on electricity, so will firefighting trucks. It is even expected that over half of US car sales will be all-electric by 2030. Volvo Penta is one company that is releasing an electric driveline for emergency response purposes. These trucks designed to be capable of hard braking, easy maneuverability, high speed, and quick acceleration. Such features are exactly what firefighters need to perform their tasks efficiently and timely. The case for electro-mobility is strong because such fire trucks will eliminate tailpipe emissions at the site. Besides contributing to a cleaner environment, electrification will ensure a safer emergency scene for firefighters. There’s no need to worry about hot and gross-smelling exhaust. Another advantage at the scene is that electric fire trucks do not carry with them any risks of diesel engine noise. Compared to the typical roar of a diesel engine, firefighters may expect minimal pump noise at the time of fire suppression (nothing more).

The Hope of a Fluorine-Free Future

Currently, firefighters put their lives on the line, even when it comes to their daily equipment. In other words, firefighting foam used to extinguish Class B fires contains harmful chemicals. Also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam, AFFFs made using a complex group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals were discovered in the 1950s and preferred due to their low viscosity. PFAS-based firefighting foam is extremely able to tackle fast-spreading liquid-fuel fires. However, all of this comes at a heavy price. Firemen have had to pay for it with their lives or health as many developed cancers of the kidneys, bladder, testicles, etc. For decades, they were oblivious to these health dangers. In 2017, victims began filing AFFF lawsuits to seek legal justice for their injuries. This litigation divided into water contamination and personal injury cases. Though a global settlement has been made for the former, the latter is currently in its pre-trial stages. As per TruLaw, the first Bellwether trial will be scheduled sometime around early 2024. Four trial dates will given and depending on when a settlement reached, payouts will made for individual cases. As of now, countries worldwide have banned PFAS production. 3M has declared that it will stop manufacturing these chemicals by late 2025. PFAS-free alternatives that are safe for human life and the environment are being developed. Though still in its nascent stages, fluorine-free foam research is steadily gaining steam. Its expected that the alternatives will be equally effective whilst being non-toxic.

The Move towards Firefighting Drones

As technology is gaining a firm footing in the firefighting industry, we may see more drones supporting firemen at the emergency scene. Drones can fit into narrow, hard-to-reach areas, thereby warning firefighters of high-danger zones. They well-equipped with thermal sensors and cameras to detect any firefighter who may have fallen unconscious in a red zone. The most important use of these unmanned aerial vehicles is in curbing wildfires. The key to putting out a wildfire or preventing it from spreading is early detection. Mechanical aerospace engineers are working on developing drones that can detect a wildfire as soon as it breaks out. This research extensively carried out by engineers at the University of California, Davis. Essentially, the drones they’re designing can sniff out smoke just like a search dog. This is possible through air samplers installed onboard these devices. The technology is so accurate that smoke-sniffing drones can detect smoke even before traces of it are caught by cameras or sensors. Once detected, the drone follows the trail of the scent and pinpoints the exact origin of the fire. This way, firefighters can contain the fire before any major damage takes place.

Final Thoughts

Advancements in all areas are rapidly underway to make firefighting safer for firefighters and the environment. As the years pass, its expected that the firefighting industry will see more automation, robots, toxic-free alternatives, etc. Even the training aspect for such professionals will become safer through mobile centers, real-world simulations, digital fire technology, and more. Some centers have started using smoke generators when it comes to training for rescue and initial fire attacks. These should help firefighters develop critical thinking skills whilst keeping the frontline experience safe.