Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires ResponseTECH to expand life safety services

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Maryland-based ResponseTECH, strengthening its security and life safety capabilities while expanding its customer reach across the state

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of ResponseTECH, Inc., a Rockville, Maryland-based provider of security and life safety solutions.

The acquisition will see ResponseTECH join Pye-Barker’s existing Maryland operations, enabling the combined business to deliver a broader range of fire protection, life safety and security services to customers across the region.

ResponseTECH provides integrated security systems, including intrusion and fire alarms, access control, central station monitoring, nurse-call systems and mass emergency notification solutions. The company supports customers from system planning and design through to testing and maintenance, serving commercial, education and senior living sectors.

Avner Skolnik, Owner of ResponseTECH, said: “One thing has always emerged as a driver for me throughout my tenure in business: company culture. It’s about outstanding customer service, honest business practices, long-lasting client relationships and giving back to the community. I see those values every day in Pye-Barker, which is why I’m so energised by this partnership.”

Bart Proctor of Pye-Barker added: “I often say I can tell if a company will be a good cultural fit within five minutes of our first conversation. It was clear that ResponseTECH’s team shares our passion for customer relationships, and that together, we can deliver world-class service to our Maryland communities.”

ResponseTECH’s technicians will continue serving customers throughout Maryland following the acquisition. Legal counsel for Pye-Barker was provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

Resilience360 conference to launch alongside Emergency Services Show 2026

The Resilience360 conference will bring together leaders from government, emergency services and critical infrastructure

Nineteen Events, organisers of the Emergency Services Show and Emergency Tech Show, have announced the launch of the Resilience360 conference.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham this September alongside the Emergency Services Show, the event has been created as a new leadership forum focused on operational resilience, critical infrastructure protection and continuity of operations.

The new conference has been developed to bring together government representatives, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services leaders and industry professionals responsible for maintaining essential services during disruption, crisis and major incidents.

Strategically positioned at the intersection of operational resilience, emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure, Resilience360 will examine how organisations can prepare for, respond to and recover from disruption in an increasingly complex risk environment.

The conference comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rising cyber threats, climate-related disruption and supply chain instability. Organisers say the programme will provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration and leadership on resilience strategy and operational continuity.

Hayley Simpson, Event Director for The Emergency Services Show, said: “By bringing Resilience360 together with the Emergency Services Show and Emergency Tech Show, we can offer something genuinely joined-up: frontline response, emergency coordination and long-term resilience planning, all under one roof.

“For Nineteen Group, this is about making sure the show reflects how disruption actually plays out for organisations – as an ongoing cycle of prepare, respond and recover, rather than a single moment in time. Our ambition is to bring critical infrastructure leaders into the same room and spark real collaboration, sharper strategic thinking and ideas people can actually use, for the future of resilience.”

The conference will bring together senior leaders responsible for resilience strategy, security operations, crisis management, business continuity and infrastructure protection from sectors including energy, utilities, transport, telecommunications, government, healthcare and critical national infrastructure.

Organisers say the combined Emergency Services Show, Emergency Tech Show and Resilience360 will represent the full lifecycle of disruption, covering frontline response and emergency coordination through to recovery, continuity and long-term resilience planning.

Mark Tilley, Conference Producer, said: “The risks facing organisations responsible for critical services have never been more interconnected or complex. Resilience360 has been created as a dedicated leadership platform for those responsible for keeping operations running during disruption, whether that disruption comes from cyber attacks, infrastructure failure, climate events, supply chain instability or major incidents.

“By bringing together leaders from critical infrastructure sectors, we hope to create a space for meaningful collaboration, strategic discussion and practical learning around the future of resilience.”

Hochiki Europe launches FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting

FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting has been introduced by Hochiki Europe to provide a discreet emergency lighting solution for theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and other design-conscious venues

Hochiki Europe has expanded its emergency lighting portfolio with the launch of the FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting range, offering a discreet solution for entertainment venues where maintaining the visual atmosphere is a priority.

The new FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting has been developed for theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and similar venues where traditional white emergency lighting can stand out in darkened spaces. Its black finish is designed to blend into contemporary interiors while delivering the same performance as the standard FIREscape Nepto range.

The addressable system is built around a control panel connected to self-contained LED luminaires and exit signs using screened, extra-low voltage cabling. Each luminaire features an intelligent back-up battery capable of providing the required three hours of emergency operation in the event of a power failure.

According to Hochiki Europe, the low-voltage design and continuous self-testing and monitoring capabilities help simplify installation and maintenance while reducing associated costs compared with central battery or mains-powered emergency lighting systems.

The luminaire batteries have an expected lifespan of 10 years, helping to minimise replacement and maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the installation. The luminaires are certified to BS EN 60598-2-22 and BS EN 62034 Type PERC, while exit signs comply with BS EN ISO 7010. The complete system also meets the requirements of BS 5266.

The FIREscape Nepto range is designed to be scalable, with each control panel supporting up to two lighting lines and 127 devices per line. Up to 12 panels can also be networked together and controlled from a single keypad, making the system suitable for both single-site installations and larger estates.

The system includes adjustable lighting levels, day and night operating modes and the ability to configure luminaires as maintained or non-maintained, allowing users to tailor operation outside emergency situations.

While aimed at entertainment venues, Hochiki Europe said the Black Edition is also suitable for other environments where aesthetics are important, including premium retail spaces, gyms and modern office developments.

The FIREscape Nepto Black Edition is available now from Hochiki Europe.

Ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper released by FirePro UK

New ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper examines the risks, costs and regulatory pressures

FirePro UK Ltd has published a new white paper examining the growing operational, compliance and financial challenges associated with ageing pressurised gaseous fire suppression systems.

Authored by Managing Director Tony Hanley, the paper, Considerations for the Extended Lifecycle and/or Replacement of Obsolete or Aged Pressurised Fire Suppression Gas Systems, explores the issues affecting legacy FM200, CO₂ and similar systems as they approach the end of their service lives.

Drawing on more than 40 years of fire engineering experience, Hanley examines factors including hydrostatic test failures, pipework degradation, increasing refill costs, environmental regulations and concerns over long-term reliability.

The paper states: “Older cylinders may often fail the test, making them noncompliant and requiring replacement,” and highlights that enclosure integrity, a critical requirement for gas-based suppression systems, can become increasingly difficult to maintain as buildings are modified and age over time.

The publication also outlines FirePro’s condensed aerosol fire suppression technology as an alternative to conventional pressurised gaseous systems. According to the company, the technology uses a solid-state, non-pressurised generator that chemically interrupts combustion rather than relying on room pressurisation or maintaining a specific gas concentration.

FirePro says this approach removes the need for cylinders, pipework, hydrostatic testing, refills and room integrity testing, while providing a certified 15-year lifecycle and lower ongoing maintenance requirements.

The paper also states that the technology is suited to retrofit projects, older buildings and mission-critical environments where maintaining airtight enclosures may be impractical. It further highlights environmental characteristics including negligible global warming potential (GWP), the absence of PFAS and CFCs, and compliance with BS/EN 15276 safety requirements.

Hanley, who serves as Managing Director of FirePro UK, Vice Chairman of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), and received the FIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, said the white paper is intended to help industry stakeholders make informed decisions as legacy fire suppression systems reach the end of their operational lives.

The white paper is available for facilities managers, insurers, fire engineers and other industry professionals seeking guidance on lifecycle risks, regulatory considerations and replacement options for ageing fire suppression systems.

FirePro UK has also released an accompanying video alongside the publication.

The only FM approved automated monitor system

FM approved automated monitor systems have received dedicated guidance for the first time under FM Data Sheet 4-14. Ryan Fogelman of Fire Rover explains what the new standard means for industrial fire protection, insurers and high-risk facilities

For years, automated monitor fire suppression technology has occupied a unique position within the fire protection industry. While conventional sprinkler systems have long been regarded as the gold standard for property protection, certain occupancies and hazards have continued to present challenges.

Now, a significant development from FM is helping to reshape the conversation. In April 2026, FM published Data Sheet 4-14, Automated Monitor Fire Suppression Systems, marking the first time the organisation has issued dedicated guidance covering FM Approved automated monitor fire suppression systems.

For Fire Rover, the publication is particularly noteworthy because it reflects years of development, testing and industry adoption that have helped establish automated monitor technology as a recognised fire protection solution for some of the most challenging hazards faced by industrial operators.

The hardest part to understand is that an automated monitor is not what you think it is. The automated monitor solution still requires use of a UL/FM approved central station in order to be considered “automatic.”

FM Data Sheet 4-14 signals a new era for automated monitor fire suppression systems

Historically, water monitors have primarily been used as supplementary fire protection equipment. In many facilities they have supported sprinkler systems, assisted firefighting operations or provided additional suppression capabilities in difficult-to reach areas.

FM’s new guidance acknowledges that modern automated monitor systems are fundamentally different from traditional manually operated monitors. Equipped with advanced detection technology, thermal imaging, visual analytics, remote monitoring capabilities and automated targeting, these systems can identify a fire, locate its source and direct suppression streams without human intervention.

The data sheet recognises that while automated monitor systems are typically used as supplementary protection, there are specific applications where they may serve as sole have viewed automated monitor technology as an enhancement to sprinkler protection.

FM’s new guidance now recognises that in certain environments these systems can provide primary protection when designed and installed in accordance with FM’s occupancy-specific guidance and approval requirements.

Waste and recycling facilities drive demand for automated monitor technology

The occupancies identified within FM’s guidance are not typical commercial or industrial environments. Instead, they represent some of the most demanding fire protection challenges in the industry.

Among the applications specifically highlighted are waste fuel-fired facilities, including tipping halls and bunker buildings. These areas frequently contain large volumes of combustible waste materials, constantly changing fuel loads and operational conditions that can make traditional sprinkler protection difficult.

Waste facilities face a unique fire risk profile. Materials are often delivered continuously, stockpiles change throughout the day and fires can develop deep within waste piles before becoming visible. Early detection and rapid suppression are critical to preventing significant losses, operational disruption and environmental impacts.

Automated monitor systems have increasingly been deployed in these environments because they are capable of continuously monitoring large areas and directing high-volume water streams precisely at developing fire events.

FM’s recognition of tipping halls and bunker buildings as suitable applications for automated monitor protection reflects the industry’s growing understanding of how these systems can address hazards that do not always fit conventional models. “

Firestopping InternationalFireandSafetyJournal.com 29 July 2026 But all solutions are not the same. While some automatic systems have shown vulnerabilities during their deployment, especially in “active” locations with a ton of activity, like we see on tipping floors, baling operations and bale storage operations.

In these cases, the only FM Approved Smart monitoring Solution has proven 99.9% effective stopping major or catastrophic losses during events. The Fire Rover solution can work with front line responders to provide experienced firefighting capabilities to the front lines.

Last year Fire Rover agents responded to over 3600 confirmed fires/hotspot and suppressed 473 fires on the front lines. This year they are on pace to suppress over 700 fires. Expanding recognition within storage environments

The FM guidance also recognises applications within pulp and paper operations, particularly or primary protection. This distinction is significant. For many years, facility owners, insurers, engineers and risk managers outdoor storage and storage within non-combustible buildings associated with baled wastepaper.

Fire protection within bale storage environments has long presented challenges. Traditional suppression approaches can face limitations when dealing with large, densely packed storage arrangements.

Automated monitor systems provide an alternative method of applying large volumes of water directly to affected areas while maintaining coverage. For operators managing baled wastepaper, recycling materials and related commodities, the inclusion of these occupancies within FM’s guidance provides additional recognition of automated monitor technology as a viable protection strategy when implemented in accordance with FM recommendations.

The importance of FM approval

One of the most significant aspects of the new data sheet is its emphasis on FM Approved systems. The document repeatedly stresses that automated monitor fire suppression systems are more complex than conventional sprinkler systems and that approval, testing, validation and compliance with manufacturers’ design, installation, operation and maintenance requirements are critical to achieving acceptable levels of reliability and performance.

FM notes that only one FM Approved automated monitor system was commercially available at the time of publication. That solution is Fire Rover. Please reach out to rfogelman@ firerover.com if you are interested in learning more.

This highlights the extensive testing, evaluation and validation required to achieve approval status. For facility owners and insurers, FM Approval provides confidence that systems have undergone rigorous assessment for performance, reliability, functionality and integration.

In an industry where reliability is paramount, third-party validation plays a crucial role in supporting adoption and acceptance. Beyond suppression A defining characteristic of modern automated monitor technology is that it extends beyond simple water delivery. Today’s systems integrate advanced detection capabilities, thermal imaging, visual analytics and automated decision-making.

These capabilities allow facilities to identify developing incidents at a much earlier stage than would be possible through traditional suppression systems alone.

Rather than waiting for a fire to activate a sprinkler head, automated monitor systems continuously observe protected areas, detect abnormal heat signatures or visible flames, verify incidents and initiate suppression activities.

This combination of early detection and targeted suppression can be particularly valuable in environments where fires can grow rapidly or develop within large open areas. The technology’s ability to provide continuous monitoring also delivers operational benefits beyond fire suppression, including improved situational awareness, faster incident verification and enhanced support.

What FM recognition means for the future of automated monitor fire protection

The publication of Data Sheet 4-14 is not occurring in isolation. Automated monitor systems are also referenced within other FM property loss prevention data sheets covering specific hazards and occupancies.

This broader integration demonstrates how the technology is increasingly being recognised as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.

As FM continues to gain experience with automated monitor systems and as additional applications are evaluated, future guidance will likely continue to evolve. The data sheet itself notes that the range of recognised occupancies may expand as technology develops and additional performance experience is gained.

For Fire Rover and the wider automated monitor sector, FM’s publication represents an important milestone. The new guidance reflects a growing industry recognition that certain hazards require specialised protection strategies beyond traditional approaches.

It acknowledges the role that automated monitor systems can play in addressing those challenges

Blackpool Airport fire service appoints new Senior Airport Fire Officer

Paul Lake brings more than 40 years of aviation firefighting and rescue experience to Blackpool Airport fire service

Blackpool Airport fire service has appointed Paul Lake as Senior Airport Fire Officer. Bringing more than 40 years of aviation firefighting and rescue experience, he joins the airport as it continues to support its long-term growth and operational resilience.

Blackpool Airport has appointed Paul Lake as its new Senior Airport Fire Officer (SAFO), bringing more than four decades of aviation fire and rescue experience gained across military, civilian and international airport operations.

Lake will lead the airport’s fire service, drawing on a career that has spanned operational leadership, firefighter training and international airport fire management in the UK and overseas.

He began his aviation firefighting career at Farnborough Airport before going on to hold senior operational and training roles at Boscombe Down, RAF Leeming, the International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) in Teesside, where he trained aviation firefighters from around the world, the International College of Engineering & Management in Oman and Falck Fire.

Most recently, he served as Chief Fire Officer at King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest airport by land area, leading a team of 150 firefighters across four fire stations.

Returning to the UK to join Blackpool Airport, Lake said: “After 40 years in the fire service I still love my job and I’m delighted to be back in the UK to take up the position of SAFO at Blackpool Airport.

“It’s an exciting time to join the airport and play a part in its growth masterplan. The team here is fantastic and it was great to see a few familiar faces from my time as an instructor in Teesside.”

Steve Peters, Airport Director, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to Blackpool Airport. His wealth of experience, leadership credentials and international expertise make him an outstanding addition to our team.

“As the airport continues to develop and grow, Paul’s knowledge and commitment will be invaluable in ensuring the highest standards of safety and resilience.”

The appointment reinforces Blackpool Airport’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while supporting its future growth and development plans.

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions expand UK footprint with two new businesses

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions strengthen the group’s presence in the North West and South of England, taking the total number of businesses in the Group to 25

Ranger Fire and Security has strengthened its national presence with the acquisition of two fire and security companies in the South and North West of England, continuing its expansion strategy following a recent majority investment from Inflexion.

The latest Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions see the Group add CIA Fire and Security Ltd, based in Cirencester, and AKD Fire and Security Ltd, headquartered in Cumbria.

The deals increase the number of businesses within the Ranger Group to 25 and bring total employee numbers to more than 500.

The announcement follows Inflexion’s recent majority investment in Ranger Fire and Security, which the company says will support an accelerated acquisition strategy across the UK and Ireland.

CIA Fire and Security, founded in 1982, provides a range of services including fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, fire extinguishers and keyholding services to customers across southern England and nationally.

The business also includes PFS, a fire and security maintenance specialist, and Pioneer Automated Controls, which focuses on gates and barriers. The combined operation is led by Matthew and Sally Harrison.

More than 80 employees will remain with CIA Fire and Security as it joins the Ranger Group. The acquisition strengthens Ranger’s presence in southern England alongside its existing regional businesses, including Fidelity Integrated Systems, Scion Communications Limited, Partnership Fire and Security and Universal Fire and Security.

Meanwhile, AKD Fire and Security provides fire alarms, security systems and access control services, with a strong focus on servicing, maintenance, remedial works and reactive call-outs. Its customer base includes commercial, hospitality, public sector and residential clients.

The acquisition also expands Ranger’s North West presence, creating a stronger geographic link between its Syncro business in the North West and its Secureshield operation in Motherwell.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Our two latest acquisitions, CIA Fire and Security and AKD Fire and Security, bring decades of industry experience to the Ranger Group and will help extend our presence across the North West and South of England. With existing Ranger businesses already well-established in both regions, our two new companies will be able to bring their experience and knowledge to the team, helping Ranger meet more of the fire and security needs of local businesses.

“With backing from Inflexion we will continue to step up our acquisition strategy, bringing on board the UK and Ireland’s best fire and security experts to fulfil our mission of becoming the one-stop shop for all customer’s fire and security needs.”

Matthew Harrison, Managing Director of CIA Fire and Security, added: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group marks a significant moment for our team, enabling us to extend our services to new customers across the local region and beyond.

“Working alongside Ranger’s group of industry experts will give us a greater opportunity to cross-sell and we look forward to bringing our own experience and skill set to the Group, including strengthening the business’s service delivery and expanding their fire and security offering.”

The acquisitions form part of Ranger Fire and Security’s strategy to build a national platform by bringing together established regional businesses while maintaining local expertise.

BS 5839-1:2025: Why cyber security is now essential for modern fire alarm systems

Nicholas Whiting, VP Alarm Signalling, AddSecure UK, explains why the updated code of practice reflects the growing need to protect both the physical and digital resilience of modern fire alarm systems

The updated BS 5839-1:2025 code of practice reflects the increasing connectivity of fire alarm systems, introducing stronger guidance on remote access, signalling resilience and system security. As fire alarm technology evolves, cyber security is becoming a core part of protecting life safety and ensuring resilient fire detection.

How BS 5839-1:2025 is reshaping fire alarm best practice

Introduced in 2025, BS 5839-1:2025 replaced the previous 2017 edition, marking a significant evolution in how the fire alarm sector approaches the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings. While the standard remains a code of practice rather than a new regulatory requirement, it reflects the growing complexity of connected fire alarm environments and highlights the increasing importance of cyber security alongside fire safety.

As the industry approaches a year since the publication of BS 5839-1:2025, the updated guidance offers valuable lessons on how fire safety and cyber security are becoming increasingly interconnected.

For many years, BS 5839-1 has provided the fire and alarm industry with a framework for good practice. The 2025 revision builds on this by improving fire safety guidance, strengthening detection requirements in higher-risk areas and incorporating lessons learned from major incidents, including Grenfell Tower. The revised code also introduces clearer expectations around documentation, false alarm reduction and protecting vulnerable building occupants.

Key changes for Category L and Category P fire alarm systems

Under BS 5839-1:2025, Category L systems, which prioritise life safety, should use smoke or multi-sensor detectors as the default in sleeping accommodation. Zone plans are now considered essential in multi-zone installations and must be verified for accuracy during maintenance.

For residential care premises, the updated guidance recommends automatic transmission of fire signals to alarm receiving centres, recognising that the absence of remote monitoring is no longer considered acceptable. Meanwhile, Category P systems, designed to protect property, include refreshed guidance on detector positioning around structural obstacles, simplified manual call point distances and enhanced signalling requirements. These include alarm signal transmission within 120 seconds and reporting catastrophic loss of both signalling paths within 31 minutes for dual-path systems.

Why cyber security is now part of fire alarm system design

Perhaps the most significant development within BS 5839-1:2025 is its recognition that fire alarm systems are no longer standalone installations. Modern systems are increasingly integrated into wider building networks, communicate over IP infrastructure and can often be accessed remotely for diagnostics and maintenance.

While these capabilities deliver operational benefits, they also introduce cyber security risks that were largely absent from traditional fire alarm systems. Any system capable of remote access presents the potential for unauthorised interference if appropriate safeguards are not in place.

Historically, engineers were required to attend site to diagnose faults or carry out maintenance. Today’s connected systems allow faster fault identification, earlier notification of issues and, in some cases, remote servicing. However, BS 5839-1:2025 makes it clear that improved functionality must be matched by appropriate security measures.

Although the guidance stops short of mandating specific cyber security controls, it outlines best practice for securing remote access. This includes using secure authentication before connections are established and ensuring equipment used to facilitate remote access is housed within locked cabinets or tamper-resistant enclosures. Whether systems communicate via IP or mobile networks, the revised code reinforces the importance of protecting remote access against unauthorised activity.

Strengthening signalling resilience under BS 5839-1:2025

The updated standard also places greater emphasis on signalling resilience, recognising that reliable communication is fundamental to effective fire protection.

For property protection systems, alarm signals should be transmitted within 120 seconds, while life safety systems are expected to achieve even shorter transmission times due to their higher-risk nature. Dual-path signalling devices must report catastrophic loss of both communication paths within 31 minutes (DP2) for Category P systems, helping ensure faults are detected and escalated promptly.

Dual-path radio systems may be used where they satisfy the reporting requirements for DP2 and DP3. For Category L systems, however, catastrophic failures should be reported within three minutes (DP4), with alarm signals transmitted within 90 seconds. DP3 dual-radio systems should only be used where a documented variation justifies their installation, such as where a fixed IP connection is not technically feasible.

These requirements demonstrate that signalling resilience extends beyond the fire alarm panel itself. As remotely monitored systems become increasingly common, installers are relying more heavily on manufacturers and signalling providers to deliver secure, resilient infrastructure capable of meeting the expectations set out in BS 5839-1:2025.

Training and future resilience

Alongside technological improvements, the revised standard also recognises the importance of ongoing competence. Modern fire alarm systems are active, connected assets that require continual management rather than one-off installation. The guidance recommends that installers invest in continuous professional development to ensure their knowledge evolves alongside increasingly sophisticated systems.

As fire alarm technology continues to become more connected, remotely managed and integrated within wider building management systems, cyber security is no longer a separate consideration. BS 5839-1:2025 demonstrates that protecting connected fire alarm systems now requires both physical and digital resilience. The updated code of practice reflects an industry where fire safety and cyber security are becoming inseparable, requiring manufacturers, installers and building owners to consider both as part of delivering resilient life safety systems.

FireAngel launches Spec+ domestic safety alarms for professional installations

Domestic safety alarms range combines smoke, heat and carbon monoxide protection with flexible interconnection and 10-year battery backup

Domestic safety alarms specialist FireAngel has launched its new Spec+ range, introducing a portfolio of mains-powered smoke, heat, carbon monoxide and multi-sensor alarms designed to simplify installation, improve replacement and support long-term residential fire protection.

Developed for the UK professional market, the Grade D1 alarm range is aimed at installers, landlords, housebuilders and housing providers, with every product featuring a 10-year sealed rechargeable lithium back-up battery and compliance with the requirements of BS 5839-6 for most residential applications.

The Spec+ portfolio includes dedicated smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, alongside multi-sensor devices that combine smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection within a single unit. The products have been developed to support changing legislation and evolving domestic safety requirements while providing greater flexibility for residential installations.

FireAngel said the new alarms have been designed to make installation and replacement easier through a practical base plate design, while built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity enables up to 50 Spec+ devices to be interconnected wirelessly, via hardwired connections or through a hybrid of both without requiring additional communication modules.

The smoke alarms combine the company’s Thermoptek and UltraSense technologies, which operate in parallel to improve fire detection while reducing nuisance alarms caused by contaminants and everyday household activities. Bug mesh and dust compensation features have also been incorporated to improve product longevity and minimise interference that can lead to false alarms.

Across the range, alarms are designed for a 10-year service life and are backed by a 10-year warranty. FireAngel recommends replacing smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms after 10 years to maintain optimum protection, even if devices continue to function beyond that period.

The Spec+ range includes the SP500 smoke alarm, SP510 heat alarm, SP520 multi-sensor smoke and heat alarm, SP530 multi-sensor heat and carbon monoxide alarm, and the SP540 multi-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm. Compatible wireless and hard-wired low-level control units are also available.

All products in the range comply with recognised standards for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection, including BS EN 14604, BS 5446-2 and EN 50291-1 where applicable. FireAngel said every alarm is individually tested during manufacture and the range carries third-party SGS certification.

Nick Rutter, Chief Executive Officer at FireAngel, said: “Our new Spec+ range represents a significant product portfolio for FireAngel that will enable a step-change for the future of domestic safety. Spec+ has been designed around real installation needs, quality-first design principles and trusted protection for residents.”

He added: “The launch comes at an important time for the fire safety sector, where innovation and healthy marketplace competition are essential to continuously improving protection in homes across the UK. FireAngel believes that bringing new products to market plays a vital role in giving specifiers, contractors and housing providers greater choice, while ensuring safety-critical technology continues to evolve.”

IFE celebrates female fire engineers for International Women in Engineering Day 2026

IFE International Women in Engineering Day 2026 campaign highlights the achievements of female fire engineers from across its global membership

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is marking International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026 with a week-long campaign celebrating the achievements and contributions of female fire engineers from across its global membership.

Running from 21–28 June, the campaign recognises the expertise, leadership and innovation women bring to the fire engineering profession while highlighting their role in creating a safer built environment.

Throughout the week, the IFE will share stories from female members representing a range of countries, career stages and professional specialisms. The member spotlights will showcase how women are advancing fire safety, driving professional standards and inspiring the next generation of fire engineers.

The campaign will also examine how IFE membership has supported the professional development of female fire engineers by providing opportunities to connect with peers, access learning and development resources, gain professional recognition and contribute to the wider fire safety community.

Representing more than 15,000 members worldwide, the IFE said it remains committed to supporting greater diversity across the fire sector. The campaign features women from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and South Africa, reflecting the breadth of expertise within the global fire engineering community.

The IFE said that by celebrating female fire engineers across its membership, it aims to recognise the expertise strengthening fire safety today while inspiring the women who will help shape the profession in the future.

Professionals are also encouraged to join the IFE Women’s Networking Group, which provides a community for women across the fire sector to connect, share experiences, support professional development and inspire future fire engineers.