FireCast

Send us Fan Mail

Inspections are a critical part of ensuring passive fire protection systems are installed correctly and are aligned with design intent. However, these elements are often concealed as construction progresses, making verification more challenging. Senior Technical Engineer at Siderise, Barnaby Carrick, came on the show to discuss the value of manufacturer inspection support and how the company's new Inspection App makes accessing these service easier than ever before. 

For more information https://www.siderise.com

Send us Fan Mail

This podcast explores the upcoming AFAC26 Conference and Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ, through conversations with sector leaders and industry experts. AFAC26 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-21 August and will explore the theme ‘Leading together: Integrity, inclusion and impact’. 

In this episode, Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM, Fire Rescue Victoria, shares the importance of AFAC26 for Victoria’s emergency management sector and the benefits of being a host agency for this year’s event alongside Country Fire Authority, Emergency Management Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, State Emergency Service Victoria, and Tasmania Fire Service.

Commissioner Freeman discusses how AFAC26 helps connect frontline experience, leadership, research, technology and industry, and the key conversations the sector should be having throughout the 4-day program. He hopes that agencies have a chance to reflect on recent operational experiences, share lessons learned, and contribute to national conversations about ways to improve the sector.

Send us Fan Mail

This podcast explores the upcoming AFAC26 Conference and Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ, through conversations with sector leaders and industry experts. AFAC26 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-21 August and will explore the theme ‘Leading together: Integrity, inclusion and impact’.

In this episode, Melinda McDonald CF, Senior Firefighter, Fire Rescue NSW, and President of Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) discusses why AFAC26 is a significant event for women in firefighting and the emergency services, highlighting the important topics that will be explored throughout the conference.

Melinda provides insight into what delegates can expect to gain from attending the WAFA stream sessions, whilst also encouraging everyone to hear different perspectives, find common ground, and work together to solve shared challenges. She looks forward to having deeper conversations that encourage inclusive workplace cultures, creating environments where diverse voices inspire innovation and are heard and valued.

Send us Fan Mail

The AFAC25 podcast offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this year’s premier emergency management conference, AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, returning to Perth from 26–29 August 2025. Through insightful interviews with Jason Foster, Chair of the AFAC25 Steering Committee, Quinn Cramer, President of Women and Firefighting Australasia, and Rob Keen, Event Director at Hannover Fairs Australia, listeners will get an early look at what to expect across the four-day program and 15,000sqm exhibition.

This year’s theme, From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection, sets the stage for a packed agenda that dives into resilience, technology, cultural fire practice, and more. Keynote speakers include Whadjuk Balardong Noongar leader Ingrid Cumming, UN disaster risk expert Mami Mizutori, and journalist Leigh Sales, all exploring different facets of resilience in an evolving world.

Listeners will also hear about the seven newly structured exhibition sectors, designed around real-world roles and functions within emergency management. From fleet and equipment to community risk reduction and response operations, the expo aligns technologies with the operational needs of a broad visitor base, from first responders to policy makers.

The podcast covers the expanded features of the event, including the AIDR Knowledge Centre, Solutions Theatre, and Demo Zone, along with highlights from the Research and Innovation Day and the closing Professional Development Program. Field trips and specialist workshops round out the learning experience, with themes ranging from Indigenous-led fire programs to climate-ready strategies and equitable emergency design.

Whether you’re managing emergencies on the front line or planning safer communities, this podcast gives you a glimpse of what AFAC25 has in store, and why it’s a must-attend. Listen now, explore the full program online, and secure your place at Australia’s leading emergency management event.

Send us Fan Mail

Are you confident that your passive fire protection strategy will hold up under real-world scrutiny — or is it based on assumptions and substitutions?

With increasingly complex infrastructure and rising safety demands, decision-makers can’t afford to overlook the critical role of passive fire protection in project design, execution, and compliance. This episode dives deep into how early engagement and verified certification can save lives — and protect reputations — in the fire and highway industries.

Here’s what you’ll gain from this episode:

• A practical understanding of why early engagement with fire protection specialists leads to more flexible and compliant designs.
• How third-party certification and rigorous site inspections prevent dangerous substitutions and uphold safety standards.
• Insights into global regulatory gaps — and how industry leaders like Siderise are shaping safer standards across regions.

 Listen now to discover how to future-proof your projects by integrating certified, enforceable passive fire protection systems from day one.

Donel Dippi Bio:

As Head of Technical and Compliance for Siderise Middle East, India and Asia Pacific regions, Donel Dippi is an experienced stakeholder who specialises in passive fire protection and acoustic solutions for the building envelope.

With a deep understanding of testing, certification, compliance, and regulatory codes, he helps architects, façade consultants, contractors, developers, and fire and rescue services navigate the complexities of fire safety in both the new construction and retrofitting of buildings, whilst giving guidance on where there is scope for improving current performance levels.

Donel is an advocate of best practices in testing, design, installation, inspection, and auditing. He takes great pride in encouraging developing countries to avoid repeating the mistakes of others by adopting standards and practices that promote safer buildings to allow their people to live, work, learn, play, and worship with peace of mind – “doing the right thing today is one step closer to protecting the people of tomorrow”.

Send us Fan Mail

AFAC25 Conference and Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ is Australasia’s largest and most comprehensive emergency management conference and exhibition. 

Brought to you by AFAC, Deutsche Messe, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia), Women and Firefighting Australasia and the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience. In 2025, the theme for the event is 'From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection'. 

In an era where opportunities for fire and emergency services transcend borders, the presentations, exhibitions, and discussions at AFAC25 will aim to find new connections and optimise systems to drive progress and innovation. 

In anticipation of the conference program launch, host agency representative and AFAC President DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM, provides a preview of what visitors can expect when they walk through the event doors and explore the greater Perth and WA regions.

For more information, go to www.afacconference.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

In this insightful episode of The Firecast, hosted by Paul Hutton, we dive deep into the critical realm of emergency flood rescue training. As flooding events become increasingly frequent due to climate change, the need for well-prepared first responders has never been more crucial. Joining Paul are industry experts Scott Shipley, Director of Swiftwater and White Water at Calibre Engineering and Andy Laird, Director at EPD UK. Together, they explore the innovative strides being made in swiftwater rescue training facilities designed to simulate realistic conditions in a safe, controlled environment. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the groundbreaking design of training centers like the Houston Storm Range and New York’s Swift Water Training Facility at the State Preparedness Training Center. These state-of-the-art facilities are revolutionizing how first responders hone their skills, ensuring they’re ready to face the challenges posed by modern flooding scenarios. 

The discussion highlights the importance of putting first responders in the right place with appropriate equipment, addressing the hazards that often accompany swiftwater rescue training. Scott and Andy share compelling case studies that underscore the necessity of advanced simulation facilities to prepare responders without the inherent risks of real-life training. 

As they delve into the phrase "the century of floods," the episode reinforces the urgent need for preparedness and safety in disaster response. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the fire and emergency services, offering essential insights into enhancing public safety and disaster readiness in an era of unprecedented flooding events. Tune in to learn how technology and innovation are shaping the future of rescue operations.

Send us Fan Mail

AFAC24 Conference and Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ is Australasia’s largest and most comprehensive emergency management conference and exhibition. 

Brought to you by AFAC, Deutsche Messe, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience. The theme for 2024 is Embracing innovation and disruption: designing the future for our sector. 

The INTERSCHUTZ Trade Exhibition is an ever popular and ever expanding show floor which will feature a variety of local and international exhibitors, occupying over 18,000sqms of floor space. The exhibition will showcase the latest products, technology, services, and solutions to support best practice outcomes in the emergency management sector. 

AFAC24 Event Director Rob Keen and Executive Director of the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, Dr Margaret Moreton share what to expect at this year’s event, and how the AFAC24 exhibition is diversifying its offering to delegates, and reinforcing its reputation as a hub for innovation and connection.

See the AFAC 24 Exhibitor Showcase in association with Asia Pacific Fire Magazine… AFAC24 - AFAC Portal Page and Exhibitor Showcase (globalfireevents.com)

For more information, go to: www.afacconference.com

Send us Fan Mail

AFAC24 Conference and Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ is Australasia’s largest and most comprehensive emergency management conference and exhibition. Brought to you by AFAC, Deutsche Messe, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience. The theme for 2024 is Embracing innovation and disruption: designing the future for our sector.

The AFAC24 program will feature a wide variety of content, beginning with the AFAC Research and Innovation Day and followed by the multi-streamed two-day AFAC conference. The AFAC Conference will feature the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference and the IFE Australia National Conference, running as concurrent streams of the conference program.

Chair of the AFAC24 Steering Committee and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Park Operations Naomi Stephens share what they are looking forward to at AFAC24, and conference program highlights when the event comes to the Sydney ICC on 3-6 September 2024.

For more information, go to: www.afacconference.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Battery fires within energy storage systems (ESS’s) aren’t as rare as one might think. The reason they are often underpublicized and, fortunately, there haven’t been more tragedies is because ESS’s are often installed away from residential or commercial areas.  

However, with the increased efforts in renewable energy production and therefore the exponential deployment of ESS’s, these units will no longer be isolated in remote locations, but rather will soon be found almost everywhere you look as they continue to push further into our suburbs and cities. 

During a thermal runaway event, the temperature of a malfunctioning battery cell increases rapidly, which leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of heat generation that propagates into nearby cells and produces extreme fire and even explosion risks.   

Join Mark Kendall, General Manager - Fike, Fire Safety Technology as he discusses the risks and protection methods that have been used to attempt to suppress thermal runaway, as well as the effectiveness of the new cascading thermal runaway suppression system, Fike Blue.