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NFPA Journal cover May/June 2017
May/June 2017 2017 NFPA Conference and Expo Preview

In this issue, NFPA Journal previews the 2017 NFPA Conference and Expo by tackling a variety of conference session topics from firefighter health, to mobile fueling, flammable refrigerants, virtual inspections, and more. Plus: A look at how the Boston Fire Department has become a national leader in addressing firefighter cancer; how Boston has adapted its approach to emergency management since the 2013 marathon bombings; protecting structures from wildfire; and more.

FEATURES

Facing Cancer

As the nation’s fire service acknowledges the toll cancer is taking on its ranks, Boston emerges as a leader trying to better protect its firefighters.

Hot Work

Investigations of hot work incidents in the U.S. reveal key lessons for maintaining safety.

Marathon Bombing

How Boston adapted its approach to emergency management and planning since the 2013 marathon bombings—and what other communities can learn from it.

New Fuels New Fueling

Mobile fueling and hydrogen fuel cells: One is a new way of delivering traditional gasoline, the other is a potentially game-changing new fuel. Are either safe?

Freezer burn

Most refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners could soon be using flammable refrigerants. Are we ready?

Verified via Video

How a building inspection department short on time, resources, and manpower utilizes remote video inspection to meet customer demand.

Structural Survival

Heavy losses in recent wildfires in California and Canada raise a central question: How can we better protect homes and other structures against wildfire?

In Compliance

NFPA 72

Considering smoke detector spacing in beamed ceilings.

NFPA 101

How NFPA 101 can help prevent tragedy after an occupancy change.

NFPA 70

NEC changes consider electrical safety and swimming pools.

NFPA 13

A note on protecting valuable cultural spaces with preaction sprinkler systems.

Columns

Outreach

Another needless death underscores again why fire sprinklers must be required in new homes.

International

In developing nations, substandard fire protection can lead to tragic collapses.

Washington D.C.

A presidential order reducing regulations could be a big deal for standards developers.

Research

What do we know about smoke alarm use in the U.S.? Not much, actually.

First Responder

The vital connection between responders and NFPA is central to this year’s conference.

Wildfire

Volunteer fire departments need more resources to contend with wildfire.

P.O.V.

First Word

NFPA President Jim Pauley on the fire data problem and how to fix it.

Perspectives

A peek at the possible changes in store for the 2018 edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®

Feedback

Feedback from the NFPA Journal audience.

News + Analysis

Dispatches

An ongoing research project on Boston’s Cocoanut Grove fire.

Firewatch

Fire Incidents from across the country.

Looking Back

New research helps explain the deadly Boston molasses flood of 1919.