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Antitheft Devices Cause Fire Calls
From the Texas Fire Chiefs Association e-zine. Learn something new every day.
Chief Roy Harmon brought a potentially serious problem to TFCA's attention regarding a new burglary prevention device called Bandit (http://www.bandituk.co.uk/) that produces thick fog inside a building. Two similar products are FogSHIELD (www.fogshield.com) and Flashfog (www.ariastechltd.com/flashfog/index.htm). The devices can fill a 2000 square foot space with dense fog in 15 seconds. Flashfog also includes a bright strobe light flashing 12 times per second to disorient intruders.
The following are two reports from central Texas fire departments:
"If called to (name of store) be aware that this business is equipped with a burglar fogger device. When activated this device will dump fog throughout the store. There is the possibility that the Fire Department could get a call for smoke showing. Since this is part of the burglar alarm system, the police department should be on scene prior to or at our arrival. If you need to make entry, there is a Knox Box located to the left of the front doors. There is a sticker on the front of this business stating that it is equipped with a fogger device."
"At approx. 8:30am on Monday, November 3, 2008, a citizen called communication and reported the fire alarm was activated and smoke was coming from a building. Fire units were dispatched, police units responded for traffic control. The assistant manager had accidentally set off the burglar alarm."
The smoke was generated from a security system identified as Bandit. When activated, the Bandit system emits a thick, non-transparent, fog that fills the room and limits the vision capabilities of the burglars. When the burglar alarm system activates the Bandit and the fog will subsequently activate the smoke detectors and fire alarm. The fog will linger for approx. 1 hour if not vented. The actual unit resembles a stereo speaker, approx. 15" X 15", and can be bolted to the floor or mounted to a wall.
"The fog is (supposedly) non-toxic and has a slightly mint smell, to distinguish it from actual smoke generated by a fire. Any business or residence with a unit should display a sticker on the front door that advises of the presence of the system. After I left the building, I spoke with Lt. Johnson at the P.D and he was also unaware that the system had been installed. As far as anyone knows right now, there is only one unit in use in town."
Chief Roy Harmon brought a potentially serious problem to TFCA's attention regarding a new burglary prevention device called Bandit (http://www.bandituk.co.uk/) that produces thick fog inside a building. Two similar products are FogSHIELD (www.fogshield.com) and Flashfog (www.ariastechltd.com/flashfog/index.htm). The devices can fill a 2000 square foot space with dense fog in 15 seconds. Flashfog also includes a bright strobe light flashing 12 times per second to disorient intruders.
The following are two reports from central Texas fire departments:
"If called to (name of store) be aware that this business is equipped with a burglar fogger device. When activated this device will dump fog throughout the store. There is the possibility that the Fire Department could get a call for smoke showing. Since this is part of the burglar alarm system, the police department should be on scene prior to or at our arrival. If you need to make entry, there is a Knox Box located to the left of the front doors. There is a sticker on the front of this business stating that it is equipped with a fogger device."
"At approx. 8:30am on Monday, November 3, 2008, a citizen called communication and reported the fire alarm was activated and smoke was coming from a building. Fire units were dispatched, police units responded for traffic control. The assistant manager had accidentally set off the burglar alarm."
The smoke was generated from a security system identified as Bandit. When activated, the Bandit system emits a thick, non-transparent, fog that fills the room and limits the vision capabilities of the burglars. When the burglar alarm system activates the Bandit and the fog will subsequently activate the smoke detectors and fire alarm. The fog will linger for approx. 1 hour if not vented. The actual unit resembles a stereo speaker, approx. 15" X 15", and can be bolted to the floor or mounted to a wall.
"The fog is (supposedly) non-toxic and has a slightly mint smell, to distinguish it from actual smoke generated by a fire. Any business or residence with a unit should display a sticker on the front door that advises of the presence of the system. After I left the building, I spoke with Lt. Johnson at the P.D and he was also unaware that the system had been installed. As far as anyone knows right now, there is only one unit in use in town."
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