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First Responders

Last Updated: | Blog

Fighting Fire with Knowledge on Lithium-ion Battery Hazards

S&T, the Fire Department of the City of New York and U.S. Fire Administration recently hosted a workshop with firefighters and scientists from across the nation to discuss emerging hazards and threats from community electrification and rising incidents of lithium-ion battery fires.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Bomb Technicians Train on Trains

Under the streets of Philadelphia and at power stations nearby, local first responders recently trained with S&T for events they hope will never happen.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: AI Means Better, Faster and More for First Responders

S&T is working to identify the best ways to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into daily operations to support first responders.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

S&T, USFA, and FDNY Collaborate on Lithium-Ion Battery Risks at Public Safety Workshop

DHS S&T, in collaboration with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), hosted a comprehensive two-day workshop titled Charging Forward: Public Safety in Community Electrification. 

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders in Rural Environments

S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory tested how UAS systems support first responders in the field.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

S&T Marks National Preparedness Month with Colorado Wildfire Sensor Delivery and First Responder Forum

DHS S&T announced the delivery and phased implementation of wildland fire sensors throughout Colorado that can detect the early stages of wildfires before they spread

Last Updated: | Publication

Big City Fire Fact Sheet

The Big City Fire Working Group (BCF) brings together representatives from 12 of the largest fire departments in the United States, as measured by number of stations and operational personnel. BCF members are senior leaders who understand the highest priorities of their departments and collaborate to identify and discuss the needs and challenges of fighting fire in dense urban settings. The S&T's NUSTL convenes and manages the BCF in support of the Directorate’s first responder portfolio and is responsible for setting strategy, executing process and identifying potential research, development, test and evaluation opportunities associated with the group.

Last Updated: | Publication

Bellbird Aerial Communications Platform Fact Sheet

The Bellbird is an aerial drone capable of two-way communication and projecting highly intelligible voice commands to enhance the capability of law enforcement crowd management operations, reducing the likelihood of unintended impacts or injury to officers and citizens.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Edge Computing at the Wildfire’s Edge

S&T and the University of California San Diego recently collaborated with local California fire departments to evaluate WIFIRE’s edge computing and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Last Updated: | Site Page

Where the Literal Hot Spots Are

Join the kick-off event as S&T and our partners at the U.S. Fire Administration and across Hawai’i announce a new round of beta testing for wildfire sensors. These devices can detect smoke and use artificial intelligence to distinguish between normal activities (such as barbeques) and smoldering fires, automatically alerting officials to give them more time to coordinate response or evacuation efforts.