How firefighters tackle residential blazes will be the focus of a new study conducted by NIST.
The International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) announced Tuesday it will use its $618,696 Fire Prevention and Safety grant for the project.
NIST is partnering with the South Carolina Fire Academy on the project that involves research and the creation of a training module.
"This is a unique opportunity for us to utilize the great research work of UL and NIST to create reality training focused on the National Fallen Firefighter Foundations Life Safety Initiatives, partner with NIST and gather new information that will be included in a firefighter training module that explores firefighter behavior at residential fires," South Carolina State Fire Marshal Shane Ray said in a prepared statement.
Ray, a former ISFSI vice-president added: "This research will lead to training that changes behavior and improves decision making from the firefighter to the incident commander."
During eight live fire burns, NIST researchers will be collecting data on firefighting techniques.
From that, officials will develop a training curriculum that instructors from around the country will be able to utilize.
Ray said of the opportunity: "This grant is a great example of how federal, state, local, and private partnerships conduct research and create training programs that improve service to the citizens and firefighter safety. Recent research from UL and NIST indicate the need to change our tactics based on conditions."
ISFSI President Doug Cline said: "This research and the outcome as a result would not be possible without the assistance of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The programs as a result of this grant will allow fire instructors to train thousands of firefighters across the US and beyond."
