At the first edition of the Fireforum Awards Professor Paul Vandevelde from Ghent University was honoured with a 'Life Time Achievement' award. The award was given in recognition of his contribution in promoting the concept of "Fire Safety Engineering”.
Fireforum’s LifeTime Achievement Award in honour of Prof. Em. Paul Vandevelde:
Prof. Vandevelde was the man who introduced the Belgian industry to a new approach to “fire safety”. His vision far surpassed the traditional construction characteristics such as “fire resistance” and “fire behaviour”. He paved the way for a truly scientific study of Fire Safety Engineering in Belgium. Any stakeholder (federal government services, professional associations, manufacturers,designers,…) always found him willing and able to offer expert advice in a manner that was typically both concise and convivial. The clear-cut research he performed for both the High Council and numerous NBN and CEN committees ensured that their documents are of the highest level and practically relevant.
On the occasion a further seven awards were bestowed:
Voluntary Fire Brigade: Zelzate Fire Brigade
- Mixed Corps Fire Brigade: Beveren Fire Brigade
- Professional Fire Brigade: Antwerp Fire Brigade
- Science & Technology / Building safety: A2RC Architects
- Science & Technology / Scientific Paper: Ghent University Steven Verstockt
- Social Interest: Ghent University FSE training
- Entertainment: Mail Service, MidWest Zone Roeselare
Fireforum Awards aims to reward both individuals and organisations that have in one way or another delivered a contribution in the field of fire fighting. They are bestowed by Fireforum VZW, a non-profit organisation founded by Agoria, PFPA, BVV (Fire Brigade Association of Flanders) and FRCSPB/afg (Fire Brigade Association of Wallonia). Fireforum engages them in its mission to further boost fire safety efficiency in favour of individuals and goods.
For this first edition of the Award ceremony 37 projects were submitted for entry. A total of close to 200 competitors from all over the country entered for the ceremony. Their backgrounds vary from industry, key figures from science, fire brigade representatives, civil service officials, etc.
