MAGB launches Technical Committee and cavity fire barrier construction guidance

Construction guidance on cavity fire barriers

The Masonry Association of Great Britain (MAGB) has launched a new Technical Committee and published its first Technical Note on cavity fire barrier installation.

MAGB announced the cross-sector group alongside Technical Note TN-01/26, which addresses cavity fire barriers and raises concerns about increasing use of zero-compression products.

MAGB said the Committee brings together senior technical specialists from across the masonry supply chain, including brick and component manufacturers, fire barrier and insulation suppliers, façade contractors, structural engineers, warranty providers and training bodies.

TN-01/26 marks the first step in a programme intended to raise awareness of long-term fire safety performance within masonry construction.

What TN-01/26 sets out on compression

In Technical Note TN-01/26, MAGB states that zero-compression cavity barriers may achieve compliance in laboratory fire testing, and that buildings change over time.

The guidance outlines structural frame shortening caused by creep and shrinkage, brickwork settlement, mortar movement, thermal expansion and construction tolerances as factors that can increase cavity dimensions.

Barriers installed without positive compression rely on exact geometry at the point of installation.

As movement occurs, gaps of only a few millimetres may allow flame and hot gases to bypass the barrier.

Because these interfaces are concealed once construction is complete, failures are not detectable through routine inspection.

The Note recommends installing horizontal and vertical cavity fire barriers with compression, with a nominal minimum preload of 5mm unless greater compression is justified by manufacturer testing.

Committee remit and next publications

Keith Aldis, chair of the Masonry Association Technical Committee, said: “This Committee has been formed to bring senior technical expertise from across the masonry sector into one forum with a clear purpose – to identify emerging risks and provide practical, evidence-based guidance to the industry.

“Our first Technical Note (TN-01/26) reflects our collective assessment of how buildings behave in reality over time.

“Laboratory fire testing is conducted under controlled conditions, but real structures are subject to settlement, shrinkage and differential movement.

“Positive compression in cavity fire barriers is fundamental to maintaining contact and continuity as that movement occurs.

“Our guidance is intended to support long-term fire integrity and promote durable, movement-tolerant solutions across the sector.

“This publication is the first in a series of Technical Notes intended to support long-term fire integrity and promote movement-tolerant, durable solutions across the sector.”

MAGB confirmed that further Technical Notes and guidance documents will follow as part of its ongoing technical programme.

Aspen partnership brings AI-powered wildfire suppression aircraft to WUI operations

Coordinated autonomous system ordered for Colorado wildfire response

Aspen Fire Protection District is set to receive a coordinated autonomous wildfire suppression system from Seneca in summer 2026.

Seneca announced the five-year, multi-million dollar partnership in a PRNewswire release.

The Seneca Strike Team will comprise five autonomous suppression aircraft, a mobile operations base and five years of software, connectivity and maintenance.

Each strike team has a capacity of approximately 500 gallons of finished foam per sortie.

A single pilot can operate multiple aircraft due to the system’s artificial intelligence and autonomy capabilities.

The system is intended to support operations in the wildland – urban interface (WUI).

Funding, intended uses and training timeline

According to the PRNewswire release, the aircraft system acquisition was supported through public private partnerships involving Aspen Fire Protection District (AFPD), the Aspen Fire Foundation and local donors.

Over the coming years, Seneca and AFPD aim to deploy additional autonomous aerial response bases.

Those bases are designed to respond within seconds of detection to reach new starts earlier.

The system is intended to help with starts in inaccessible areas, support night operations, maintain the safety of pile and prescribed burns and carry equipment on incidents in complex terrain.

Stuart Landesberg, Founder and CEO of Seneca, said: “Aspen has a unique blend of high-risk terrain, exceptional collaboration across their valley, and a highly skilled and forward-thinking team.

“They understand the importance of modernizing wildfire response to safeguard communities across the American West.”

Chief Jake Andersen, Fire Chief and CEO of Aspen Fire, said: “We are partnering with Seneca because this technology will help us save homes and save lives.

“Wildfires in our region are moving faster and growing more complex every year.

“Stu and the full Seneca team have listened to firefighters and built a system designed for the realities we face on the ground.

“This gives us another critical tool to protect our community before small starts become major incidents.

“We are grateful to the donors who partnered with Aspen Fire to make this possible, and we are proud to bring this capability to Aspen this summer.”

Aspen Fire expects training to begin in the early summer, with firefighters integrating Seneca into their core operations as fire season intensifies.

Southern Spain research identifies drivers of suppression performance

Southern Spain study reports what suppression achieved in Andalusia

An assessment of wildfire management in Andalusia found that suppression operations protected an estimated 67% of the potentially burnable area across 39 wildfires recorded between 2011 and 2019.

The findings were published in 2026 by Ortega M, López Sancho A and Molina JR in the International Journal of Wildland Fire.

The study estimated that for every unit of cost invested in suppression, about three units of potential economic losses were averted.

The authors concluded that operational performance and economic return varied according to province, fire behaviour and timing within the season.

Provincial, seasonal and fire behaviour patterns shaped results in Spain

The analysis identified consistent differences between provinces in southern Spain, with Córdoba and Sevilla recording higher effectiveness and higher cost-benefit values than Huelva and Cádiz.

Fire growth rate was linked to lower effectiveness, with faster-growing fires more difficult to contain.

Longer control times were associated with improved cost-benefit and cost effectiveness values.

The study reported lower containment effectiveness for fires occurring in June compared with July and August.

Later-season fires were associated with higher cost effectiveness.

Wildfires igniting during daytime were less effectively contained than those starting at night.

Higher rates of spread and longer flame lengths were linked in the modelling to increased technical efficiency values, alongside longer control times.

Modified index proposed to reflect area saved rather than area burned

The paper reported that the traditional Management Index relates suppression costs to total area burned, which can produce low values when fires are kept small.

To address this, the authors proposed a modified Management Index that links suppression costs to the area saved from burning.

The mean technical efficiency value reported in the study was 0.61, and the mean modified index value was 0.33.

The authors stated that combining measures of operational effectiveness and economic efficiency provides a multidimensional framework for assessing wildfire suppression performance in Spain.

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons to pair gas and flame detection

MSA Safety on gas and flame detection systems

A blog post from MSA Safety outlines how flame detection can be integrated with gas detection in industrial environments where flammable or toxic gases may be present.

The article describes gas detection systems as tools designed to identify combustible, toxic or asphyxiating gases in air and provide early warnings before conditions become dangerous.

It states that gas detection does not address what happens if a leak ignites and presents flame detection as a complementary layer that identifies the presence of fire, including in cases where gas concentration has not reached detectable levels.

Seven reasons from MSA Safety to add flame detection

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons for including flame detection within a gas detection system.

First, combining gas and flame detection is presented as a way to mitigate hazards by addressing both leaks and ignition events.

Second, flame detection is described as enabling a faster response to fire emergencies where a gas leak ignites within seconds.

Third, it is positioned as helping to eliminate blind spots where a leak occurs outside monitored zones or ignites directly.

Fourth, the blog highlights high-risk industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing where flammable gases may be present.

Fifth, it notes that safety regulations can require both gas and flame detection systems to meet legal and industry standards.

Sixth, early flame detection is said to support activation of suppression systems, limit fire spread and reduce equipment damage and downtime.

Seventh, integrating both systems is described as contributing to operational safety and continuity by reducing the likelihood of accidents and enabling quicker recovery following an incident.

The post also addresses perceived barriers such as cost, complexity or maintenance and states that reliance on gas detection alone may overlook how quickly a leak can escalate into a fire.

Desu Systems to exhibit flame, gas and kitchen fire safety at Fire Safety Event 2026

Desu Systems at The fire safety event 2026

Desu Systems will exhibit flame and gas detection equipment and kitchen fire safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2026, from 28 to 30 April at the NEC Birmingham in the UK.

The company will exhibit at stand H40 with teams present from across its divisions.

Its presence will centre on practical discussions, personal demonstrations and pre-scheduled meetings for visitors.

Portfolio and technology partners

Desu Systems will place emphasis on its Flame and Gas Detection division and its Kitchen Fire and Hygiene Solutions portfolio.

The stand will host ongoing presentations and hands-on demonstrations, supported by meeting spaces for direct interaction with technical specialists and commercial teams.

As a European master distributor, the company represents Spectrex Flame and Gas Detection Equipment and Buckeye Kitchen Safety Solutions.

It works with partners including Spectrex, Rosemount, Hansentek, Buckeye and Sensia.

Ronald Verkroost, the CEO of Desu Systems, said: “Events like The Fire Safety Event are valuable because they create space for meaningful conversations.

“Our role goes beyond supplying technology.

“We work closely with partners and customers to ensure solutions are applied correctly, perform reliably, and meet the demands of real operating environments.”

Emile Hippe, the Managing Director, said: “The UK market places strong emphasis on compliance, reliability, and long-term performance.

“By exhibiting with our full team at stand H40, we can offer visitors direct access to the people who support projects from early specification through to implementation and ongoing operation.”

Meetings and company background

Journalists and industry professionals can book pre-arranged meetings or private briefings with the Desu Systems team to discuss market developments and current fire safety requirements.

The Fire Safety Event 2026 follows the company’s 20-year anniversary in 2025.

Desu Systems operates in over 60 countries.

IFE highlights fire sector career pathways during National Careers Week 2026

IFE activity during National Careers Week 2026

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is taking part in National Careers Week from 2 to 7 March 2026.

The IFE said it is using the week to promote the range of roles available across the fire sector.

The campaign includes a series of interviews with members sharing career journeys, insights and guidance for people considering the profession.

The IFE has also produced job packs that set out career pathways across the fire sector, including fire response and compliance, design, systems, safety management and academia.

Resources and CEO comments

The IFE said the job packs are intended to provide practical information on the breadth of opportunities available in the profession.

Steve Hamm, IFE CEO, said: “Fire safety is far from a one-size-only career.

“We need to encourage future generations to pursue their goals and careers that they desire.

“The IFE supports and nurtures all future talent.

“Fire safety careers play a vital part in building safety and the creation of safe, sustainable places for people to work, live and go about their lives.”

The IFE said it provides learning, recognition and networking opportunities through its Elevate webinars and annual Graduate Lecture.

The organisation said it will share updates during the week on LinkedIn.

BSR update shows 108 new build decisions over 12 weeks to 25 February

BSR Gateway 2 update and reporting changes

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has set out planned changes to how it reports progress on Gateway 2 applications, alongside updated volumes for decisions, invalidations and live cases in the 12-week rolling period to 25 February 2026.

The BSR said it has changed how it represents application progress by removing invalid applications from progress percentages, describing invalid applications as those lacking basic critical safety information and normally invalidated within around one week.

Percentages of withdrawn, rejections and approvals are now shown as a proportion of the total number of applications that passed validation.

Closed applications across all categories totalled 639 in the past 12 weeks, including 273 invalidations.

The number of live applications of all categories was reported as 1,212.

Across all Gateway 2 categories, 65% of closed applications were related to London cases, with 404 made in the capital over the past 12 weeks.

Remediation improvement plan due to be announced

A remediation improvement plan is set to be formally announced and introduced over the coming weeks.

The plan is intended to improve the efficiency, quality and timeliness of applications for remediation projects.

It will focus on strengthening BSR resource capacity, improving internal processes and supporting industry to submit higher quality applications.

The update reported 86 remediation decisions made since December 2025, including 41 in London, and 77 new cases received.

There were 279 live remediation cases being processed, representing 24,282 units.

The BSR said late 2025 and early 2026 remediation applications are averaging around 18 weeks, with complex older remediation cases taking longer for decisions.

It said it will publish specific remediation guidance in the coming weeks, alongside improved feedback and support for applicants.

New build decisions, legacy cases and Innovation Unit activity

Gateway 2 new build applications in the 12-week rolling period to 25 February recorded 108 decisions, with 82 new applications received.

New build applications representing 15,178 residential units were received, with decisions on 23,197 units issued, including 10,514 approvals.

There were 31,191 units in live cases.

Legacy cases reduced from 60 at the start of December to three normal applications, with a separate cohort of 18 applications with significant technical issues moved into a complex case category.

The BSR said approval rates of legacy cases continue to be 53%.

The BSR Innovation Unit (IU) made 27 decisions in the past 12 weeks, including 10 in London, and is currently managing 123 live new build applications representing 26,224 units, with 69 of those in the capital.

Eleven applications have been approved with a median approval time of 18 weeks.

For post-validation applications, 33% are approved and 33% rejected, with the remainder under active account management.

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Building Safety Regulator, said: “We continue to see improvements to the numbers of decisions being made for new build applications, and the numbers of safe homes being made available for the future.

“We also continue to engage even more closely with applicants to help improve the quality of those applications and that continues to see tangible results that will make a real difference.

“However, we recognise that current determination times are falling short of our targets for remediation.

“Our Remediation improvement plan, which will be formally announced and rolled out operationally over the coming weeks, will represent a targeted package of focussed measures to reset the system.

“But speed can never come at the cost of safety, whether that be for new build or existing homes.

“Our goal continues to be to ensure that industry can construct safe buildings, and that residents can see the essential safety improvements they deserve without unnecessary delays.”

The update also described a batching pilot for bundling new build and remediation applications for accelerated assessment, stating that initial data indicates faster processing times than previous methods and that the model remains under evaluation.

New construction product PAS 2000 links Grenfell recommendations with UK reform

Construction products PAS 2000 published by BSI

A new framework designed to strengthen product safety and support regulatory reform across the built environment sector has been published following a recommendation that came out of the Grenfell Inquiry.

BSI stated that PAS 2000, Construction products – Bringing safe products to market – Code of practice, sets a practical framework for construction product manufacturers to demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to best ensure products placed on the market are safe for their intended use.

The code of practice was sponsored by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

The PAS aligns with Recommendation 3.3 of the Morrell-Day Review which called for industry collaboration with BSI to produce guidance on the due diligence expected when placing a construction product on the market.

Link to Grenfell and construction product regulatory reform

The PAS was developed following recommendations in the Morrell-Day Testing for a Safer Future report and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report.

It also responds to the UK Government’s programme of construction product regulatory reform.

BSI said this included the launch of the Construction Product white paper on 25 February.

Ian Richardson, Sector Lead, BSI said: “This publication reflects our clear commitment to responding constructively to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Morrell-Day Review, and to supporting safety across the built environment.

“At a time of significant regulatory reform, PAS 2000 has been developed to support greater transparency, accountability and due diligence across the supply chain.

“By setting clear expectations and good practice, manufacturers and other economic operators should be empowered to embed robust product safety governance and align with evolving regulatory requirements.

“We encourage organizations across the built environment sector to engage with the standard and support its adoption.”

Launch event scheduled for 10 March

BSI said it will host a launch event on 10 March to explain the background to the development of PAS 2000 and outline the structure, content and practical benefits of the standard.

The event is also set to clarify how organisations can implement the framework and provide an opportunity for questions and industry engagement.

Speakers are due to include representatives from OPSS, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Dr Hywel Davies OBE as the technical author for PAS 2000.

The standard and its launch event are positioned as part of ongoing construction product regulatory reform work.

UK Construction Products Reform White Paper proposes licensing for testing bodies

Construction Products Reform White Paper is product-focused, Harmony Fire says

A UK government white paper has set out proposed reforms to the construction products regulatory regime, including changes to product coverage, testing and enforcement.

The proposals are described in the Construction Products Reform White Paper and are framed as part of the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and subsequent reviews.

Construction products reform white paper coverage and testing proposals

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s Construction Products Reform White Paper proposes bringing all construction products into regulatory requirements through designated standards or a general safety requirement (GSR).

The document sets out a licensing regime in which UK Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) would be licensed by the national regulator for construction products.

The white paper also links these proposals to oversight of the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) by the national regulator.

Construction products reform white paper enforcement and regulator plans

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government states that breaches of the construction products regime would be punishable by an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

The white paper also describes consultation on civil monetary penalties as an alternative to prosecution.

It says additional sanctions following prosecution could include director disqualification and recovering proceeds of crime.

It also sets out an intention to create a single construction regulator, with the proposal that it would take on the national regulator for construction products role and the responsibilities of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

Harmony Fire commentary on deliverability and supply chain impacts

Graham Oliphant, Managing Director of Harmony Fire’s consultancy business, wrote: “The Construction Products Reform white paper will be closely analysed in the coming days and weeks, but here are some initial observations on its direction and deliverability.

“One of the most significant reforms concerns Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), which will now be licensed by the national regulator to bring greater consistency and rigour to testing and certification.

“Failures in testing and commercial conflicts of interest were explicitly referenced in the Grenfell Inquiry.”

Oliphant wrote: “The single construction regulator will be central to implementation, and alignment with EU-CPR 2024 on sustainability should reduce trade friction and regulatory duplication while supporting international supply chains.

“There is no detail on increased enforcement capacity, investment in testing laboratories or long-term funding.

“With around 28,000 manufacturers and the vast majority of these in the SME category, resourcing remains a critical question.”

Oliphant added: “The term ‘system’ appears 142 times in the White Paper and there is acknowledgment of the cladding system level risk that created the perfect storm at Grenfell Tower.

“Yet the reforms remain product-focused, this is significant missed opportunity or worse.

“There is no certification for assembled systems, no integrated liability across designers, specifiers and installers, and no dynamic risk assessment for substitution during construction.

“The fragmentation highlighted in the Inquiry remains largely unaddressed.”

Oliphant wrote: “Finally, the administrative and cost burden will fall heavily on small and micro businesses, which make up around 94% of the manufacturing base.

“GSR assessments, digitisation and expanded liability will increase costs, risk market consolidation and reduce choice and innovation, potentially increasing reliance on imports if the domestic base contracts.”

Iran missile interceptions linked to fire incidents at Gulf aviation, port and energy facilities

Gulf airport, port and refinery sites report fire incidents following Iran attacks

Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, launched in retaliation after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, have reportedly caused damage and secondary fires at multiple sites in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), primarily from falling debris of intercepted projectiles.

These affected Dubai’s aviation, hospitality, and port infrastructure, including Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab and Fairmont The Palm hotels, and Jebel Ali Port.

A separate incident in Saudi Arabia saw two Iranian drones intercepted near Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, with debris triggering a limited fire and prompting a precautionary operational shutdown.

Executive Brief – MENA Escalation and Infrastructure Impact

According to a March 2 security advisory issued by global risk consultancy MAX Security, hostilities across the Middle East have broadened following U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, with Hezbollah and Iran-backed Iraqi militias entering the conflict between March 1–2.

The update reports continued Iranian missile and UAV attacks targeting Gulf states, identifying Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait as among the most heavily affected.

Projectiles and debris have reportedly impacted civilian and economic infrastructure, including airports, ports and high-rise buildings across the Gulf.

On March 2, an Iranian UAV struck Saudi Arabia’s Aramco refinery in Ras Tanura, causing a fire and a temporary suspension of operations.

The advisory also references maritime incidents involving commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, alongside airspace closures and flight suspensions across multiple states.

The report assesses that the security environment across the Levant and Gulf remains volatile, with continued retaliatory activity and operational disruption likely in the short term.

UAE air defence interceptions and reported casualties

The UAE Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence forces detected 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks on February 28.

It reported that 152 ballistic missiles and 506 drones were intercepted, while other munitions were destroyed or fell into the sea or within UAE territory, causing material damage, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The Ministry also reported three fatalities and 58 minor injuries linked to the attacks and their effects, as carried by the Qatar News Agency. Casualty reporting was also covered by TIME.

Dubai: hotel and landmark sites affected

Dubai International Airport (DXB): Reuters reported that a concourse sustained minor damage in an incident that was “quickly contained,” and that four people were injured, citing statements carried by Dubai’s media office.

Burj Al Arab: Reuters also reported damage at the landmark hotel. Additional reporting from Al Jazeera and coverage from The New York Times described incidents in Dubai linked to debris from intercepted drones or missiles, including a minor façade fire that was brought under control.

Fairmont The Palm (Palm Jumeirah): A fire near the entrance/lower levels of the hotel during the attacks was reported by BBC News, with additional video coverage from The Guardian. Authorities said the blaze was brought under control and injuries were reported.

Jebel Ali Port: berth fire and operational disruption

A fire broke out at a berth at Jebel Ali Port after debris from an intercepted projectile fell at the site, according to imagery and reporting from Reuters. Broader disruption to Gulf transport and business operations was further detailed by Reuters and covered by BBC News.

Regional aviation disruptions

Air travel across the Middle East remained affected as the conflict moved into its third day, with airlines urging passengers to check flight status amid shifting airspace restrictions, according to Euronews. Broader logistics and business impacts across the Gulf were also reported by Reuters.

Saudi Arabia: Ras Tanura refinery incident

On March 2, Reuters reported that Saudi Aramco shut its Ras Tanura refinery (550,000 barrels per day capacity) after a drone strike, citing an industry source.

The report stated that the incident caused a small fire, with no reported injuries, and that operations were halted as a precaution while damage was assessed.

Additional reporting from Bloomberg and Anadolu Agency also covered the drone incident and resulting operational suspension.