Heathrow closure: what caused the fire and why did it bring down the whole airport?

The closure of Heathrow Airport has caused chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. More than 1,300 flights have been affected, about 120 of these were already in the air.

A panel of experts offer their insights – and consider the implications of such a major incident.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20250321-heathrow-closure-what-caused-the-fire-and-why-did-it-bring-down-the-whole-airport?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

Firefighting #rotorcraft shortfall prompts Bell’s 214ST reboot: https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/aircraft-propulsion/firefighting-rotorcraft-shortfall-prompts-bells-214st-reboot. Aerial #firefighting is an #aerospace niche but it is a critical one. Within that niche, #VTOL aircraft bring unique capabilities. They deliver water and retardant precisely, transport firefighters to remote areas, and perform aerial reconnaissance. VTOLs are essential assets for rapid response and effective wildfire management. #aircraft #aviation #emergencymanagement #engineering #verticalflight

CBS News: Federal funding cuts lead FEMA to cancel classes at National Fire Academy

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that National Fire Academy courses were canceled amid a "process of evaluating agency programs and spending to ensure alignment with Administration priorities," according to a notice sent to instructors, students and fire departments. Instructors were told to cancel all future travel until further notice.

Firefighters, EMS providers and other first responders from across the country travel to the NFA's Maryland campus for the federally funded institution's free training programs."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fema-national-fire-academy-cources-cancellation/

From a firefighter friend:
FEMA just cancelled all its National Fire Academy in-person training, if you want to know how great the consequences of the idiotic, chaotic and ill-planned cuts are going.

Interesting, new rig in Contra Costa County to protect fire crews working accidents on freeways.

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-bay/contra-costa-county-fire-protection-district-unveils-new-repurposed-rig-to-protect-crews/3770314/ #firefighting #safety

NBC News: Hiring freeze of firefighters could be deadly, Forest Service captain warns https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/hiring-freeze-firefighters-deadly-forest-service-captain-warns-rcna192494 #wildfires #firefighting #USFS

Water bomber model spotted at the JFK T4 #Lego store a few months ago. #airports #avgeeks #aviation #firefighting

Fair warning about fire risks in Australia.

The only thing I don’t like about the comments here is the focus on fires that had a direct impact on livelihoods.

There have been several recent fires that didn’t directly affect communities. But it proved that regions that have never experienced fires for tens and hundreds of years are now at risk.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-the-hell-is-going-on-top-firefighters-warning-for-australian-cities-after-la-fires/7az9gydpj
#AusPol #QldPol #NSWPol #VicPol #TasPol #SAPol #WAPol #NTPol #ACTPol #ClimateCrisis #EmergencyManagement #FireFighting

Looking at an approaching from across the way.

The time of final departure is approaching. The weather is good for the next week. The lingering bugs in the engines are getting worked out. Pre-journey test flights hopefully Saturday and Sunday! It's going to be a big weekend in #PortAlberni with the 1920s Steam Train and 1940s Flying Boat in operation!
#MartinMars #Aviation #WWII #Firefighting #BCWildfire #PhilippineMars #History

One of the unique things I get to do is go to large wildfires and provide information to the communities in the path of or around a fire. The sights are always awe inspiring.

"Blaze destroys multimillion-euro German fire station that had no alarms"

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/16/blaze-destroys-german-fire-station-fitted-without-alarms

OK, that had to have been an old building that-

"A state-of-the-art fire station in western Germany that was completed last year at a cost of tens of millions of euros has burned to the ground because it had not been equipped with a fire alarm."

Are you serious???