Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today launched FSTAResearch.org, a new Firefighter Safety Through Advanced Research (FSTAR) website, to improve fire and emergency service access to research.
FSTAR has built a searchable web-based library of research for the fire and emergency service members to use in improving their operations, health and wellness programs, and community-preparedness efforts. Scientific research is uncovering information and knowledge the fire service hasn’t previously had access to. Leveraging the federal government’s significant investment into fire research in the last decade, FSTAR brings the power to disseminate and translate that knowledge.
FSTAR has broadened its efforts to translate research into real-world, usable knowledge. Beginning with fire dynamics, FSTAR is now translating research in areas such as firefighter health and wellness, tactics, technology, and building construction and codes. FSTAR has built on the previous FSTAR project and the Researchers Creating Usable Emergency Solutions (RESCUES) efforts to create a state-of-the-art, usable website.
“The fire service is using research to make our firefighters and our communities safer,” said Chief Keith Bryant, IAFC president and chairman of the board. “Research has the power to change our profession in many positive ways. FSTAR is providing streamlined access to research, erasing a barrier we’ve previously experienced.”
“The IAFC is proud, with the support of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, to lead the fire and emergency service into the future,” said Mark Light, IAFC CEO and executive director. “As leaders, fire chiefs are responsible for ensuring their departments operate as safely as possible. Research, applied in the real world, can improve our operations and tactics in ways we didn’t previously know.”
FSTAR is funded by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant/Fire Prevention and Safety grant award.
Visit FSTAResearch.org to learn more about FSTAR’s effort to promote research within the fire and emergency service.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
Learn more