Latest News from PSL
Here we'll be updating our customers with latest news happening both at PSL and other fire-related matters of interest from our partners from around the world. Be sure to check this page regularly for updates.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) Testing Prototype Appliances
PSL's sister company Fire Response Pty Limited in Sydney, Australia, the importers of Elkhart Brass products, are currently supplying monitors on a new prototype fire appliance being evaluated by the CFA built by Varley.
These appliances are fitted with forward and side facing Elkhart EXM Sidewinder monitors which are electrically controlled from the safety within the appliance cab. They are designed to provide both fire fighting capabilities all around the vehicle as well as protection for the vehicle itself, hence limiting the danger to its fire fighting crew.
The Elkhart EXM Sidewinder monitors control system features: Joystick control on all 3 monitors, providing selectable flow and nozzle pattern; Foam expansion applicator; water valves on/off; horizontal and vertical travel; electronic position stops; Electronic stow positioning on the two side facing monitors; Position indication as well as remote wireless hand held controllers.
The manufacturer of the EXM Sidewinder monitors, Elkhart Brass USA , with Fire Response Pty Limited, have been actively involved in the prototype appliance built by Varley.
Following a successful trial, the CFA are looking to build a number of these appliances over the next five years utilizing the latest Elkhart Brass technology as additional protection for fire fighters and the control of bush fires.
(Article posted August 2010)
FlameFighter Extinguishers NOT Affected by Recall
A competitor has recently announced the recall of their own branded dry powder extinguishers over concerns they may not work correctly. Further information about this can be found on the following NZ Herald news item (click here) which details the sizes and brands affected by this recall.
PSL's National Sales Manager, Mark Van Dorsten, stated that FlameFighter ABE Portable Dry Powder extinguishers meet AS/NZS Standard 1841:5 and are not affected by any recall that has been promulgated in the media in recent times.
(Article posted July 2010)
New National Sales Manager Appointed
PSL are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Van Dorsten to the position of National Sales Manager.
Many of our customers will already be familiar with Mark as we have promoted him from his previous role in PSL as Key Account Manager for the Upper North Island.
Mark has a wealth of business experience to bring to the role, as well as prior experience in the fire industry, and is a welcome addition to the executive team.
Greg Sager has also just joined PSL as a Key Account Manager. He is also charged with the role of promoting our Pelican and other consumer brands within New Zealand, more details on this to follow shortly.
We are confident both Mark and Greg will make a positive change to PSL and our service and relationships with our customers - their contact details have been updated to our Contact Us page.
(Article posted April 2010)
Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge
PSL sponsored World Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor Sean Jackman and his teammates from the Cust Volunteer Brigade are taking the challenge!
The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge attracts hundreds of firefighters from around New Zealand and overseas who race to the top for the chance to become the fastest man, fastest woman and fastest team. Firefighters race up 51 flights - or 1,103 Sky Tower steps - wearing full fire-fighting kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.
In addition to the physical challenge, the Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge is a charity event to raise funds for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF). The Cust team including: Johnny Riley, Mick Cook and Edward Jackman are keen to give it a nudge for a very good cause. They are currently running the PWC building in Christchurch (20 floors) for practice, much to the amusement of the tenants!
As Sean says "It is a completely different event to the Combat Challenge, but I guess the stairs training will be good for both!"
If you like to know more or help the Cust team and their cause just click here and look for the 'Click Here to Sponsor Us' button.
(Article posted April 2010)
Airports Fiji delighted with Bristol Gear
Airports Fiji Ltd recently took delivery of their new fire fighting protective clothing consisting of Bristol B-Tech Fire Coats and Trousers, gloves and Pacific F3CK/2 Helmets.
"This protective clothing is of modern design and they suit our tropical weather conditions, providing extra protection and comfort to the wearer while executing their duties as a Fire Fighter" quotes Abdul Shaheed, Deputy Chief of Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Service at the Nadi Airport, Fiji.
Delivery of the equipment concluded a long and robust selection process, with the contract signed last year by PSL's International Sales Manager, Mike Monaghan. All equipment was made to measure for the fire crews and supplied from a number of countries consolidating in a single shipment to the client.
This contract was typical of the expertise PSL can bring to our customers - sourcing the best available from around the world and providing a single one-stop shop solution to our customers.
Pictured left are Ronal Kumar, Semi Banuve and Sandeep Singh (in the protective clothing) with Abdul Shaheed, Deputy Chief, on the right.
(Article posted March 2010)
Tsunami Warning Sirens
Given the recent major disasters in Chile and Samoa and the resulting media attention around Tsunamis, it's little wonder there is increased awareness around having proper warning systems in place for low lying or coastal areas.
PSL has been working hard in the last 3 months fielding numerous enquiries for over 50 x 5HP Double Ended Sirens not only from New Zealand but from overseas locations such as Samoa, Maldives, Vietnam, Rarotonga, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Already we have exported a number of sirens to Vietnam and various Pacific Islands and as recently as today have had to confirm how quick we can manufacture 25 units for an export client.
We currently manufacture two types of warning sirens - double ended three phase and single ended single phase, with many additional options available on these two models. We can also source other sirens if needed depending on the application, performance and location requirements.
Please look at the web page on this site for sirens for more information, or contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist further.
(Article posted 11th March 2010)
UFBA Conference - Christchurch
The 131st Annual UFBA Conference took place in Christchurch between 26th to 28th February 2010, followed by the National Road Crash Rescue (RCR) challenge through to the 2nd March.
The conference was very well attended this year with many delegates from all over New Zealand. 
Dignatories speaking at the official opening included the UFBA President Lex Calder, Hon Nathan Guy (Minister for Internal Affairs), UFBA Board Chairman Peter Drummond, and President of the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades Association Nigel Lilly.
The Conference was followed by the National RCR with 13 teams competing from Balclutha, Blenheim, Cromwell, Fielding, Greytown, Hawera, Kirwee, Milton, Morrisville, Ranfurly, Rolleston, Stratford and Whitianga. The competition was staged inside a large warehouse and was very professionally organised and fun, with the teams working to a very high standard.
The team from PSL were joined by Ian Landreth from Ogura Rescue tools based in Panang. There was a great interest shown in the lithium ion powered rescue tools we had on show, these were also demonstrated at the road crash rescue competition with the crew from Hawera trying the Combi Tool out.
PSL would like to thank the UFBA for putting on a great conference and we look forward to attending the next event. You can download the UFBA Confernece event report "K1" by clicking this link (1mb download, Adobe PDF Format)
(Article posted March 2010)
Variety Bash 2010 underway with PSL sponsored Vehicle
The 2010 20th Variety Bash kicked off on the 7th March with the traditional water fight in Cathedral Square, Christchurch. From there the convoy moves north through Hanmer Springs, Nelson, Takaka, Blenheim, Wellington, Masterton, Wanganui, The Chateau, finally finishing at the Museum of Transport & Technology, Auckland on the 15th March.
PSL have been assisting Karl Bevan equip his 1978 Commer Fire Appliance for this event. The vehicle is painted a distinctive Blank and Silver, complete with LAPD SWAT livery and is part of a number of other SWAT type vehicles in the convoy.
The Variety Club Bash is a great charity event, with over $230,000 worth of grants being distributed during the event to sick, disabled and disadvantaged kids throughout the country. Keep an eye out for the vehicles on the convoy, and if you can get in behind this great event.
More information about the Variety Club Bash event in 2010 can be found on the Variety Club website.
(Article posted March 2010)
Major Fire in Dunedin now controlled (Updated story)
A major fire broke out late yesterday (23rd Feb) afternoon at the Mount Allen Forest just north of Mosgiel, near Dunedin.
Reports coming in indicate this is over a wide area having burnt in excess of 700 hectares, and has been battled by over 10 helicopters and 50 firefighters.
PSL received a late night call for emergency foam supplies, which our South Island Technical Account Manager, Jock Little, retrieved from our Christchurch warehouse and personally delivered the foam to the fire crews overnight. It was a 12 hour return trip for Jock, but he was glad to be able to assist in this instance.
More information on the fire can be found at the Otago Daily Times website
Update 25 Feb: Low wind overnight has reduced the spread of the fire, advises Wenita Forest Products Ltd spokesman John Kerr, however the fire continues to spread in an direction they do not want. Aerial drops are continuing this morning, and heavy machinery will be used to make fire walls as it is still too unsafe for ground crews.
Ground crews are hampered by the ferocity of the fire and the terrain of the forest. It is thought the cost of the fire will be in the millions, and could take weeks to fully extinguish.
Update 4 Mar: The fire is now out and crews continue to mop up hot spots, potentially for a few more weeks yet. The final area of the fire consumed approx 820 hectares of the Mt Allan plantation and costs of fighting the fire are expected to exceed NZ$500,000. The battle to fight the fire engaged fire crews from stations all around the district, including Waitaki, Clutha and Dunedin City as well as the company Wenita Forest Products Ltd.
Residents of fire evacuated properties have returned to their homes, and some of the walking tracks in the area are also reopened.
(Photo courtesy of Gerard and Fiona Hyland and Otago Daily Times, Article first posted 24 February 2010)
Roll out of new Fleet Vehicles begins
February saw PSL take delivery of the first of our new look fleet vehicles. Standardising on Nissan Navara ST-X Double Cab utes, these vehicles will be fitted out with various display systems to assist our sales team in promoting our products around the country and at the numerous trade shows and events we attend.
The vehicles are also distinctively signwritten with our logo and contact details as well as a large graphic of a silhouetted firefighter, and is already drawing many favourable comments.
The Nissans are also proving to be a popular choice of vehicle, given the number visible on our roads, and with their economic diesel engines and long life will ensure good financial investment for the business for a number of years ahead.
(Article posted February 2010)
Rural Fire History of New Zealand
An excellent new website has been recently launched by the Forest & Rural Fire Association of New Zealand Inc to document the evolution of New Zealand's rural fire management, the events, and the people that fostered it through the centuries.
I'ts also a superb source of information about New Zealand's history both pre and post European colonisation, concerning the evolution of forestation and vegetation over time, the influence of man on the landscape, and how this has shaped rural firefighting in this country.
We recommend the Rural Fire History of New Zealand (click to view) site for those of you interested in these topics. If you have any further information, pictures or stories you would like to contribute, please contact Gavin Wallace at gavin.wallace@clear.net.nz.
(Article posted February 2010)
Ever wondered how Fire Hose is made?
Here is an interesting video on YouTube™ explaining the manufacturing process for Fire Hose.
Hello 2010
We are looking forward to a great 2010, and the signs so far show that there is definitely a more positive attitude about the economy and business activity looking forward into the new year. We've achieved some significant Company goals last year, and have been actively supporting a number of organisations and individuals in their pursuits, many of which have been reported on in this website.
Like most companies through 2009, we've said goodbye to a number of staff who have moved on, and we have also welcomed into PSL a number of very talented people to our team who are keen to continue our service to our customers, partners and suppliers throughout 2010 and beyond.
We'll have some exciting events and news to share again this year, so please remember to come back to our website for updates on what's coming up.
We already know that representatives from Bristol Clothing, UK, will be visiting New Zealand around mid March 2010, and also representatives from Ogura will be attending the UFBA Annual Conference with PSL in Christchurch at the end of February 2010. This will be an ideal opportunity to meet these suppliers for first-hand discussions about their products - if you are interested in meeting with them, please email Stuart Hampton, our Sales Director for more information.
We are also looking to expand the information on this website, including instructional videos, an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, top tips and more technical information and data on the variety of products we supply. We have already updated our Fireline Hose and Hose Coupling pages with a taste of some of the instructional videos that will be available.
(Article updated January 2010)
Euramco Safety News
Euramco Safety, manufacturer of quality portable ventilation systems, has received ATEX Certification for its RAMFAN Hazardous Location Turbo Blower Line.
Wayne Allen, President of Euramco Safety, announced the ATEX Certification and said the company was pleased their RAMFAN line of Hazardous Location Blowers will bear the EX mark issued by UL, attesting to their compliance with international Hazardous Location Safety Standards.
The whole-unit ATEX Certification is a first for the US Fire Rescue Industry.
More information about the Ramfan Hazardous Location Line of Ventilators from Euramco can be found here.
(Article posted January 2010)
2009 News from PSL
To access news events which happened both at PSL and other fire-related matters of interest from our partners from around the world during 2009, take a look at our 2009 News Page.
