BFRL Program

Advanced Fire Service Technologies

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At an increasing rate, the fire service is learning to put to use existing technologies such as thermal imaging and positive pressure ventilation techniques, and is anticipating the integration of new innovative technologies, such as tactical decision aids, training simulators, and improved protective clothing. For existing technologies, it is critical that performance be measured and evaluated in a scientifically sound method and that the technology be successfully transferred to the fire service through training programs and fire fighting simulators. For emerging technology, industry needs science-based performance metrics to evaluate and improve their products and develop new technology, and an understanding of the requirements of the fire service. For both existing and emerging technologies, it is critical that the technology be successfully transferred to the fire service through computer model simulations, virtual training programs and science-based training materials.

BFRL is taking a leadership role that is recognized nationally and internationally for the transfer of science, metrics, and technology, into the hands of fire fighters, incident commanders, and other first responders. Approximately half of the measurement science effort is focused on providing the science that supports the development of performance metrics, standards, and testing protocols for existing equipment and technology. About forty percent of the measurement science effort is applied to exploit emerging innovative technologies that allow the fire service to quickly take advantage of the technology and/or the information rich environment. The remaining ten percent of the measurement science effort is directed at fire fighting simulators and training programs to insure that the above science and technology can be successfully transferred in a usable form to the fire service.

Through this program, fire fighting technology developers and manufacturers will have a proven set of performance metrics, standards, and testing protocols for evaluating existing technology and developing new technology.  The results of the program will provide uniform, unbiased, and science-based standards that will encourage improving current fire service equipment and enable the creation of next generation fire service technologies.

Component Projects:

• Emergency Responder and Occupant Locator Technology

• Fire Fighter Protective Clothing Performance Standards

• Hose Stream Characterization and Effectiveness Modeling

• Tactical Decision Aids for Emergency Responders

• Characterization of Internal Flow Field of Fire Fighter Respirators

• Evaluating Positive Pressure Ventilation in Large Structures

• Analysis of Fire Plume/Wall Interaction and Burn Pattern Repeatability

• Performance Metrics for Critical Electronic Equipment for Emergency Responders

• Virtual Fire Fighter Trainer

• Thermal Imaging Technology

• Fire Safety and Preparedness

• Technology Transfer for the Fire Service

Contact:
Nelson Bryner
(301) 975-6868
nelson.bryner@nist.gov

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