Fire Protection Research Foundation receives grant funding for five projects

October 30, 2023 -- The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) has received grant funding for five projects. Two projects are being funded by the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), respectively; the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is funding one project. Following is an overview of each:

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) 

Understanding the Role of Training on Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention

• This two-year project aims to better understand the role that training plays on volunteer fire service recruitment and retention, and to provide recommendations for future associated considerations and implementation by volunteer fire departments and training academies. It also works to determine whether or not a correlation exists between training and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. Principal partners for this project include FPRF, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD).

Training Responders’ Awareness using Immersive Next-Generation Technology (TRAIN)

• This project will evaluate the application of Immersive Learning Technology (ILT) training tools that work to enhance firefighter practical and cognitive skills and create a positive impact on their health and safety during fireground operations. In addition, specific use-cases of fire apparatus driver/operator pumper immersive learning technology training will be examined to develop and validate an evaluation tool, enabling the fire service to assess ILT training tools. This two-year project, which will be conducted in coordination with the NAFTD, represents phase two of a recently completed project on the Firefighter Immersive Learning Environment. 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

WUI-SHOW: Assessment of wildfire evacuation data needs and prototyping of a WUI-NITY visualizer

• The objective of this one-year project is to develop a digital collaborative evacuation decision-making tool to assist WUI fire stakeholders in emergency management and response. Through two dedicated workshops (one in North America and one in Australia), stakeholder needs will be assessed and used to develop a novel tool called the WUI-SHOW, which features a multi-touch table that facilitates decision-making support for stakeholders. Partners for this project include Lund University, RMIT University, Movement Strategies, Imperial College London, and National Research Council of Canada.

Usage and Functionality of Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms in Households and Data Collection, Evaluation, and Analysis of Local Codes, Regulations, and Laws in Place for the Areas Surveyed

• To be conducted in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Eureka Facts, this one-year project will feature a survey that works to capture current data on smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installation and operability in U.S. homes. The findings will help inform codes and standards development, improve the performance of alarms in households, and identify needed educational messaging among target audiences.

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 

Lithium-ion Battery Transit Bus Fire Prevention and Risk Management

• Through funding from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), this two-year project will foster development of a guide for fire prevention and risk management of electric buses, including recommended practices for original equipment manufacturers, battery companies, transit agency facilities, and vehicle maintenance. The project will focus on a review of the root causes of lithium-ion battery powered electric bus incidents, along with an assessment of the risk mitigation options for facilities storing and charging e-buses indoors. The technical, economic, and institutional barriers to implementing these solutions will also be identified. Partners for this project include the University of Texas at Austin Fire Research Group, Energy Safety Response Group (ESRG), and the Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research.

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