FIS launches e-learning module to support building regulation compliance

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new e-learning module to help construction professionals understand and meet their responsibilities under the latest building regulations.

The competency-led course, ‘Building Regulation Compliance: Contractor Roles,’ provides practical guidance on compliance requirements and how they apply to contractors. It is aimed primarily at directors, managers and senior leaders, while also offering valuable insight for project teams and supervisors responsible for maintaining standards on site.

A key focus of the course is addressing the misconception that roles such as Principal Contractor and Contractor apply only to higher-risk buildings. These roles are mandatory across all regulated works, making a clear understanding of responsibilities essential for compliance.

According to FIS, the course explains these requirements in a straightforward, accessible way, helping contractors understand where they fit within the regulatory framework and what is expected of them.

Developed in collaboration with FIS members and industry experts, the module aims to simplify complex regulatory requirements and support organisations in embedding best practice.

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the new regulations and the building control process, while strengthening organisational competence and capability. The course also provides CPD points to support professional development.

The training forms part of FIS’s support of the sector through regulatory change, providing timely, practical training that reflects the realities faced by contractors.

FIS members can access the module free of charge through the FIS Academy while non-members can enrol for a fee.

Pye-Barker acquires Fire Protection Specialists

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Fire Protection Specialists, adding integrated fire protection services to its existing fire alarm and security offerings for customers in the Northwest of the U.S.

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, said: “As we join forces, I’m excited for us to strengthen our customer service in Washington and beyond.”

Fire Protection Specialists serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California with the installation and servicing of fire suppression and fire alarm systems for commercial and industrial customers, including education, utility, government and healthcare facilities. The company’s fire protection solutions include advanced system monitoring, system inspections and testing, and fire extinguisher service.

Fire Protection Specialists provides clean agent fire suppression systems to extinguish fire in high value spaces, such as data centers, equipment vaults and MRI/CAT scan rooms. It also supplies automatic extinguishing systems for commercial kitchens and off-road fire suppression systems for heavy mobile equipment.

The latest deal follows an extremely active 2025 in terms of acquisitions from the company, when it added 57 fire alarm, fire sprinkler, suppression and security companies to its portfolio.

FlamePro to provide life-saving kit to fire services

East Yorkshire-based firefighter PPE manufacturer FlamePro has been awarded a place on the UK’s National Firefighter PPE Framework, overseen by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), to supply life-saving kit to fire services.

FlamePro has been named on six lots within the framework, covering both its structural firefighter and lightweight firefighting PPE.

Tony Arnett, FlamePro’s Managing Director, said: “Our selection for this framework will widen our customer base in the UK significantly, and enable us to help more fire and rescue services protect their crews when called out on life-saving operations.”

The company’s structural firefighter kit is strong, but lightweight, and provides crews with maximum protection, while also ensuring comfort and fit, and is suitable for fire crews engaging in complex, lengthy search and rescue missions, as well as responding to road traffic accidents.

Through the framework, fire services can either purchase PPE or have a fully managed service for the term of the contract, with the latter seeing FlamePro also manage the cleaning and maintenance of clothing.

FlamePro has teamed up with workwear laundry service provider CLEAN to offer fire services a hassle-free, swift and efficient kit maintenance experience.

One of the reasons FlamePro was named on the framework was the company’s development of its comprehensive asset management app, FlamePro Central, which is said to enable fire services and other customers to track each individual piece of clothing and kit.

Kit will be provided with a built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, which ensures fire services have real-time visibility of the location of items of clothing and kit. For example, if kit is sent for cleaning, the fire service will receive notifications when individual garments are in transit, at the cleaning facility, and being returned.

Fire services will be able to use the app to check kit returns at the station after a callout, reducing the risk of items being lost or misplaced. It also means fire services have a complete record of how many times each piece of kit has been cleaned, so they know accurately when a garment has reached the end of its life.

The National Firefighter PPE Framework will run for eight years, with FlamePro selected for all six lots the business tendered for.

Ballyclare selected as preferred supplier on National Firefighter PPE Framework

National Firefighter PPE Framework appointment sees Ballyclare chosen across multiple PPE and service categories for UK fire and rescue services

Ballyclare has been selected as a preferred supplier on the National Firefighter PPE Framework, a new procurement initiative designed to provide modern firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services to the UK’s approximately 50,000 firefighters.

The National Firefighter PPE Framework, managed by the Kent and Medway Towns Fire and Rescue Authority, aims to streamline procurement processes for fire and rescue services while providing access to high-quality PPE ensembles and maintenance services.

Following a competitive tender process that included technical assessments, cost evaluations and practical user trials, Ballyclare secured selection across several categories, including Managed Services, Structural Firefighting PPE, Lightweight Firefighting PPE, Structural Firefighting Boots, and Cleaning and Maintenance.

The company’s submission included a next-generation version of its Xenon structural firefighting ensemble, designed to provide protection during structural firefighting operations. The ensemble incorporates a three-layer fabric construction, reinforced elbow and knee protection, and fire-retardant phosphorescent tape intended to improve visibility in low-light environments. The garment has also been engineered with durable seams, stitching and fabrics to withstand operational demands and repeated cleaning cycles.

Also selected under the framework was Ballyclare’s newly developed lightweight hybrid jacket and trouser ensemble for technical rescue and wildland firefighting applications. The garment is designed to meet the relevant EN standards for both operational environments and features flame-retardant fabrics intended to provide protection against blood-borne pathogens, chemicals and particulates while maintaining wearer comfort.

Through the framework, Ballyclare will additionally supply two fire boot models from its Tuffking range, which are used by fire and rescue services across the UK.

The company will also provide cleaning and maintenance services through the framework, offering a seven-day turnaround service for the collection, cleaning, repair and return of firefighting kit. Ballyclare said the service will be delivered in partnership with a professional cleaning provider operating facilities at multiple locations across the UK.

Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, said: “We are delighted that our services have been selected through such a competitive process and that our kit has been recognised for its technical performance, wearer comfort and overall value for money. Our success reflects the strength of our product innovation, our deep understanding of the fire sector, the agility of our company as a UK-based SME and the expertise of our teams across design, manufacturing and service delivery.

“Ultimately, this is about making sure the UK’s firefighters have kit they can trust when it matters most, and we’re proud to be delivering that on a national scale.”

The framework is intended to simplify procurement for fire and rescue services while ensuring access to compliant PPE and support services through approved suppliers. Ballyclare’s appointment positions the company to support fire and rescue organisations across the UK through the framework’s procurement structure.

Is the safety of fire suppression systems considered in BESS hazards?

In today’s era of large-scale energy storage deployment, fire safety is no longer simply a matter of “whether a fire can be extinguished.” When a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, it releases large quantities of flammable gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.

When these gases mix with air and accumulate within confined spaces such as BESS containers, they can reach explosive limits. Once that happens, any ignition source can trigger a violent explosion.

However, one risk that has long been overlooked is that the fire suppression product itself can become the ignition source for an explosion.

Conventional fire suppression systems can become ignition sources

Conventional fire suppression systems—such as gas systems, CO₂ extinguishers and FK-5112 systems—typically contain high-pressure vessels, solenoid actuators and electrical tubing.

In the event of flammable gas accumulation inside an energy storage enclosure, if these devices activate or malfunction, their internal electrical contacts, motor operation and high-pressure discharge can generate electrical arcs, high temperatures or mechanical sparks—potentially igniting the surrounding flammable gas atmosphere.

In other words, a fire suppression system without explosion-proof design can be more dangerous in an energy storage explosion scenario than the fire itself.

Are aerosol fire suppression systems suitable for hazardous BESS environments?

Aerosol fire suppression systems have become one of the commonly used fire protection solutions in BESS due to their non-pressurised design, simple installation and maintenance and environmental benefits. So, the question is: how do aerosol units perform in potentially explosive atmospheres?

If we look at the design standards for aerosol systems, not all aerosol products are automatically suitable for use in hazardous explosive areas:

EN 15276-2:2019—Fixed firefighting systems—Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems—Part 2: Design, installation and maintenance—Clause 4.3 explicitly states: Where aerosol generators are used in potentially explosive atmosphere, the compatibility of the generator to the atmosphere for the determined lifetime should be assessed according to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU[5].

ISO 15779:2011—Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems—Requirements and test methods for components and system design, installation and maintenance —General requirements—Clause 4.6 similarly states: Under certain conditions, the potential for explosive atmospheres may exist. Areas where such potential may exist are classified as hazardous. Condensed aerosols may be used in hazardous areas subject to the manufacturer obtaining the specific listings and approvals for such areas from the appropriate authorities.

Only when an aerosol unit has obtained the necessary approval for use in explosive atmospheres can it be installed in BESS. This is likely a design requirement that has been overlooked within the industry.

Explosion-proof fire suppression design is becoming critical for energy storage safety

Energy storage safety is a complete, multi-layered defense: it requires preventing thermal runaway, controlling flammable gas accumulation and—most critically—ensuring that the fire suppression equipment that activates under accident conditions is itself safe and reliable.

With their non-pressurised design, arc-free operation and modular construction, aerosol fire suppression systems—after obtaining explosion-proof certification—are a fire protection solution worth prioritising in energy storage applications.

Energy storage safety is no longer just about “whether the fire can be put out.” Under the most severe accident conditions, whether the fire suppression product itself remains safe and operational is what designers should consider most. An effective system design is one that strictly follows the fire suppression system’s design standards.

How aerial firefighting platforms improve access and control during complex fire incidents

Bronto Skylift explains how aerial firefighting platforms support safer firefighter access, elevated suppression and improved operational control across urban, industrial and port environments

Fire and rescue services face incidents where restricted access and height can affect firefighter safety. Urban areas include tall buildings and façades that can be difficult to reach from ground level. Industrial sites, including ports and petrochemical facilities, add hazardous materials and restricted approach routes.

Their value is no longer defined only by height. A platform creates a safer operating position, places crews or monitors where they are needed and delivers extinguishing agents from a controlled location.

Why aerial firefighting platforms are designed for different operational risks

Fire risks vary between regions and operating environments. A municipal fire service in a dense city centre faces different demands from an emergency team protecting a refinery or port. The equipment must reflect those differences.

Truck-mounted aerial platforms have become an established option for fire departments because they combine extinguishing capacity with rescue capability. With vertical reach ranging from 28 to more than 100 metres and the ability to reach below ground level, they can be used across high-rise buildings and difficult access points.

Stefano Leporale, Fire & Rescue Director at Bronto Skylift, identifies versatility as the defining factor in urban response: “The urban landscape holds a multitude of structures requiring the utmost versatility from firefighting equipment. Versatility is the single most important benefit of an aerial platform.”

That versatility concerns configuration as well as movement. Pump capacity, water and foam systems, cage design and control options can be adapted to the risk the platform is expected to address.

Configuring aerial firefighting platforms for municipal and industrial response

Municipal and industrial firefighting place different technical demands on aerial equipment.

In municipal environments, platforms must support rescue and suppression at the same time. They need to be lighter and manoeuvrable, with the ability to work around confined streets and restricted access points. Integrated cage systems allow crews to work at height with their equipment, supporting rescue operations from a stable position.

In industrial environments, the main demand is often high-output suppression. Fires in petrochemical or oil and gas settings can involve hazardous materials and pressurised systems. These incidents require high water discharge capacity, foam application and the monitor positioned at a safe distance from heat or toxic atmospheres.

Industrial aerial platforms are often built with larger water and foam capacity and higher pump performance. In some industrial models, the rescue cage can be omitted in favour of water and foam towers, with powder systems added where the risk profile requires them.

How aerial firefighting platforms improve urban and industrial fire access

In a high-rise incident, internal access can be delayed, obstructed or unsafe. An aerial platform gives crews an external route to the working area and allows firefighting or rescue tasks to be carried out from a controlled elevated position.

The cage is central to municipal use. It allows personnel and equipment to be positioned at height, supporting rescue work and suppression without relying solely on internal stairwells or fixed systems.

Industrial incidents can develop in environments where direct approach exposes firefighters to radiant heat, toxic smoke or unstable structures. Aerial platforms reduce that exposure by placing the extinguishing system above or beyond the hazard.

In petrochemical and oil and gas operations, integrated foam systems allow elevated application onto pressurised tanks, loading racks or pipeline manifolds. Remote control and camera options allow the unit to be operated from a distance, keeping firefighters further from the hazard area.

Ports present a different set of access problems. Standard pumpers may struggle to reach parts of the incident ground, particularly where the target is above deck level or below the surrounding surface. An aerial platform gives fire and rescue services a way to apply water or foam from height onto ships or port-side structures.

How Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service uses the Bronto F70RPX

Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service provides a practical example of how an aerial platform can be configured around local operating conditions. The service operates one of the tallest aerial rescue platforms in Germany, the Bronto F70RPX, known locally as the TMF 70. The 70-metre platform was developed in close cooperation with Hamburg and tailored to the city’s requirements.

The F70RPX can operate in winds up to 12.5 m/s. An integrated anemometer monitors wind speed continuously and automatically limits movement if conditions exceed the safe threshold. The Bronto+ control system monitors outrigger width, boom angle, platform load and other operating parameters to support safe deployment.

For Hamburg, the platform was acquired to close a defined operational need. Lars Scheugl, Instructor at Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The F70RPX is a great acquisition for us. It improves our ability to reach high places and is vital for the city of Hamburg.”

The platform provides a working height of 70 metres and a horizontal outreach of 33 metres. At 40 metres, the boom still delivers 28 metres of outreach, supporting up-and-over access across roofs and façades. The water monitor can provide a throw distance of up to 100 metres using water, foam or a combined mixture. The unit also includes an integrated Cobra Cutting System. This uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasive material to cut through walls or roofs from the outside, allowing crews to begin attacking a fire without entering the structure.

Operational experience shaping aerial firefighting platform design

The Hamburg platform was jointly designed with technical coordination by Thorsten Ahrens, Technical Procurement of Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service. Scheugl and his team also contributed operational experience from special vehicle use and active firefighting.

This cooperation influenced control logic and cage layout. The aim was to produce a platform suited to Hamburg’s working environment, including industrial facilities and maritime exposure.

The result is a platform that supports work at height and below ground level. The hydraulic outrigger system and control mechanics support stability at full outreach or on uneven terrain.

Scheugl described how this applies in port conditions: “When we’re working here in the harbour, we often face accessibility issues involving ships and various harbour operations. With this unit we can perform rescue operations and other work below ground level.”

After initial training by Bronto Skylift, Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service developed a dedicated training programme for special-purpose vehicles. Clear control layouts and an intuitive control system helped crews bring the unit into service.

Why access and control remain critical in aerial firefighting operations

The role of an aerial platform is best understood through the operational problem it solves. Fire and rescue services need to place crews and extinguishing agents where ground access is limited, unsafe or too slow.

A municipal service may need cage capacity and manoeuvrability for rescue work. An industrial operator may need higher foam output and remote operation. A port authority may need reach above deck level and below quay level.

Height alone does not define capability. Outreach and stability shape how the equipment performs, along with below-ground access and extinguishing output.

Aerial platforms extend operational reach by allowing crews to work from a controlled distance from the hazard. Their value sits in creating access where it is restricted and maintaining control where conditions leave little margin for error.

Advanced fire protection systems for battery storage, offshore wind and critical infrastructure

HAFEX CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın discusses how advanced fire protection systems are evolving to support battery energy storage, offshore wind, marine operations and critical infrastructure in increasingly complex risk environments

As industries accelerate investment in renewable energy, electrification, critical infrastructure and offshore operations, fire protection requirements are becoming increasingly complex.

From Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and offshore wind turbines to marine vessels, high-risk environments require suppression systems designed specifically for operational demands that conventional solutions may not fully address.

In this context, HAFEX, a fire protection engineering company specialising in suppression technologies for technically demanding sectors, develops and manufactures fire protection systems with a focus on reliability, certification and performance in mission-critical environments.

Led by Fire Engineer and CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın, the company has expanded internationally by developing sector[1]specific solutions tailored to challenging operating conditions, including offshore environments, battery storage installations, telecommunications infrastructure and military assets.

“The key factor has been our ability to combine engineering expertise with sector-specific fire protection solutions,” Günaydın tells IFSJ. “These industries require more than standard fire suppression; they demand reliability, certification, adaptability and a deep understanding of operational risks.”

Fire protection strategies for battery energy storage systems

As renewable energy deployment accelerates globally, HAFEX has identified BESS as a major strategic growth area.

“BESS applications are one of the most important focus areas for us,” says Günaydın. “Lithium-ion battery fires behave very differently from conventional fires, especially because of thermal runaway and the risk of re-ignition.”

To address these challenges, HAFEX has developed aerosol and clean-agent suppression technologies designed for rapid activation, early-stage suppression and protection within enclosed battery environments.

The company also places emphasis on system integration, detection and risk-based design, aiming to reduce fire spread and support safer long-term operation of infrastructure.

Fire protection challenges across offshore wind and marine infrastructure

Marine and offshore environments represent another major focus area for HAFEX, particularly as offshore wind development continues to expand globally.

“Offshore and marine environments are challenging because fire protection systems must operate under harsh conditions such as vibration, humidity, saltwater exposure, limited access and extreme weather,” Günaydın explains.

For its part, HAFEX has developed systems incorporating real-time fire detection, continuous temperature monitoring and daily reporting of environmental changes to support early risk identification.

The company protects wind turbine risk zones separately, including nacelles, transformers and electrical cabinets, allowing more targeted suppression and risk management.

This approach has already been tested in operational environments. According to HAFEX, seven discharge cases have been recorded within installations for Enel Green Power Mexico across more than 300 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, with three confirmed fire incidents successfully extinguished.

Following these deployments, the company has expanded further into the Asia-Pacific region, where it has reported protecting more than 400 offshore wind turbines across multiple global turbine brands.

Fire suppression solutions for critical electronic infrastructure

Meanwhile, in environments containing sensitive electronic infrastructure, fire suppression requirements differ significantly from conventional industrial settings. The priority is not only extinguishing fire quickly but doing so without damaging critical assets or disrupting operations.

“For sensitive electronics, the goal is not only to extinguish the fire but also to protect the equipment and avoid damaging the electronics,” says Günaydın.

Accordingly, HAFEX manufactures a certified strontium-based aerosol suppression system designed to avoid the conductivity issues that potassium-based extinguishing agents faces, particularly strontium-based aerosols has no hydrophilic characteristics.

The company proves that it’s clean and electrically non-conductive suppression technologies are suitable for data centres, server rooms, electrical cabinets and telecommunication systems.

HAFEX also reports protecting more than 4,000 4G and 5G base stations globally. “Our approach focuses on fast detection, targeted suppression and minimal residue—nearly none—which allows critical systems to remain protected without causing secondary damage,” Günaydın explains.

Fire protection requirements for defence and military applications

HAFEX also supplies fire suppression systems for naval and air force applications, where reliability and compliance requirements are significantly more demanding than in many commercial projects.

“Defence applications require a much higher level of reliability, durability and technical compliance,” says Günaydın. “Systems must perform under vibration, shock, restricted space, temperature variation and demanding operational conditions.”

Because defence platforms often involve mission-critical assets, fire protection systems must be engineered to function consistently under extreme operational stress.

In that respect, its defence-focused aerosol generators incorporate three detection and activation mechanisms within a single unit, alongside self-activation capability at 300°C.

Preparing for future fire risks

Looking ahead, HAFEX sees one of the biggest challenges as managing fire risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies. “The biggest challenge will be protecting new technologies before risks become widespread,” Günaydın explains.

Electrification, automation, renewable energy infrastructure, data centres and high-density battery systems are all creating new fire scenarios that legacy suppression technologies may not fully address.

At the same time, they are creating new opportunities for manufacturers capable of delivering specialised and application-specific solutions. “We believe the future will require smarter, more compact, environmentally responsible and application-specific suppression systems,” says Günaydın.

How fireground lighting solutions are supporting safer fire and rescue operations

Ahead of INTERSCHUTZ 2026, Streamlight® introduces new fireground lighting solutions and safety-rated products designed to improve visibility, coordination and operational safety across modern fire and rescue environments

Across fire and rescue operations, effective lighting supports visibility, safety and control in some of the most demanding working environments. It is a critical part of operational safety, situational awareness and effective decision-making.

From hazardous atmospheres and smoke-filled interiors to large incident scenes, responders require lighting tools that are matched to the task, the risk and the environment.

Streamlight® will be showcasing its latest fire industry product launches and wider professional lighting offerings at INTERSCHUTZ 2026, taking place from 1 to 6 June 2026 in Hannover, Germany.

Visitors will be able to see the Streamlight® products on Stand H37, Hall 27, including a broad selection of safety-rated and general fireground lighting solutions.

New fireground lighting solutions from Streamlight®

Streamlight® recently expanded its professional fire and emergency response offerings with two new products announced at FDIC International. The Portable Scene Light III and LiteBox® 1Million® add further capability to the company’s portfolio, supporting both wide-area scene illumination and long-range search applications.

The Portable Scene Light III builds on the capabilities of the Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light II, which came before it. It is a rugged, waterproof, high-lumen portable lighting solution designed for demanding emergency scenes, job sites and first responder applications.

Featuring twelve powerful LEDs with wide-pattern reflectors, it delivers a uniform beam for maximum coverage, helping crews illuminate large working areas quickly and effectively.

With three adjustable brightness levels, the Portable Scene Light III can be adapted to suit the operational requirements. On High, it delivers 10,000 lumens, 121,000 candela and a 696 metre beam distance, with a run time of two hours.

Medium provides 5,000 lumens, 61,100 candela and a 494 metre beam distance, running for four hours, while Low offers 2,500 lumens, 38,000 candela and a 390 metre beam distance, with an eight hour run time.

Designed for flexibility in the field, the Portable Scene Light III supports multiple power options, including a swappable Streamlight® SL-P6™ Lithium-Ion battery pack, dedicated charger, AC power supply or DC power source. Its light head offers 360° rotation and 180° pivoting, giving crews a full range of motion to direct illumination exactly where it is needed.

The included wireless remote controls all functions from up to 75 feet away and can be paired with multiple lights for simultaneous use. The modular design allows the light head to be used with or without the heavy-duty tripod, supporting both elevated scene lighting and more flexible close-range deployment.

With rugged construction, IPX7 waterproof rating with the battery installed, reversible spiked tripod feet and an integrated carry handle, the Portable Scene Light III is built for all-weather use across demanding emergency environments.

For long-range search and scene lighting, the LiteBox® 1Million® provides a powerful new option within the Streamlight® line-up. It is a rugged, heavy-duty, rechargeable and fully portable high-intensity search light/scene light engineered for demanding professional use.

Delivering 1.25 million candlepower, it emits a focused beam capable of illuminating objects up to 1.39 miles away, while also providing peripheral light for broader visibility.

The LiteBox® 1Million® offers High and Low modes. On High, it delivers 3,300 lumens, 1,250,000 candela and a 2,236 metre beam distance, with a run time of 4.5 hours. On Low, it provides 525 lumens, 200,000 candela and an 894 metre beam distance, with a run time of 22.5 hours.

Its articulating light head pivots 135° and rotates 270°, allowing users to position the beam for long[1]range identification, scanning and scene support.

For fire and rescue teams, the LiteBox® 1Million® is particularly valuable in outdoor searches, perimeter assessment, waterway operations, large incident grounds and other situations where long-distance visibility is essential.

Its rechargeable lithium-ion power system, integrated battery status indicator, heavy-duty shoulder strap and IPX4 water-resistant design make it a practical tool for demanding professional use.

Together, these products are impressive new additions to an already strong selection of fire lighting solutions offered by Streamlight®.

Why safety-rated fireground lighting matters

Alongside these new additions, Streamlight® offers a comprehensive selection of fire lighting tools designed for hazardous environments. In areas where flammable gases, vapours or dust may be present, safety-rated lighting is essential. Streamlight® ATEX and HAZ-LO® products are designed for defined hazardous location use, helping fire and rescue professionals select equipment suited to the risks they face.

For turnout gear and right-angle lighting, the Survivor® X ATEX and Survivor® Pivot ATEX are core firefighter lights designed to clip directly to gear, providing hands[1]free illumination in smoke-filled or confined environments.

The Survivor® X ATEX is Zone 0 and Zone 20 rated, while the Survivor® Pivot ATEX provides a versatile right-angle light with a pivoting head, allowing users to direct light where needed during operations. Both are available as Alkaline or Rechargeable systems.

For hazardous location scene lighting and lantern use, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX and Vulcan® LED ATEX provide portable, rechargeable lighting options. The Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX features an articulating head that allows the beam to be aimed where required, while the flat base allows the light to stand on its own for scene lighting.

The Vulcan® LED ATEX offers a lightweight lantern option with a tight beam suited to firefighting applications.

Compact handheld and inspection lighting also plays an important role in hazardous environments. The Dualie® 3AA ATEX provides both forward-facing and downward-facing beams, with Spot, Flood, and Spot and Flood modes for inspection and area lighting.

The 2AA ProPolymer® HAZ-LO® ATEX flashlight adds a lightweight, waterproof, intrinsically safe option for inspections, equipment checks and general navigation in hazardous locations.

For hands-free use, the Enduro® Pro HAZ-LO® ATEX headlamp supports firefighters during technical work, rescue operations and equipment handling. With spot/flood combo, spot and flood modes, it allows users to maintain visibility while keeping both hands free.

Fireground lighting tools for search, rescue and incident response

Not every fireground task takes place in a hazardous atmosphere, and Streamlight® also offers a broad selection of non-safety rated lighting tools for general firefighting, rescue and outdoor operations.

The Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light II, predecessors to the new Portable Scene Light III, support rapid deployment at incident scenes, helping crews illuminate wide working areas, staging zones, road traffic collisions and outdoor operations. Portable scene lighting is essential for reducing trip hazards, improving coordination and establishing safe work areas during extended incidents.

For long-range search and assessment, the Waypoint® 400 offers powerful directional lighting. Its portability and long run time make it well suited to searching, scanning and identifying hazards at distance, particularly during night operations or low-light outdoor incidents.

Helmet-mounted and hands-free lighting also remains important during close-range tasks. The Vantage® provides compact, helmet-mounted illumination for firefighting and industrial use, delivering a focused beam designed to cut through smoke and haze while supporting visibility and awareness in demanding, low-light environments.

Together, these products demonstrate how fireground lighting is not about relying on one device, but about building a layered

approach. Scene lights provide wide-area visibility, lanterns and right-angle lights support movement and task work, headlamps and helmet lights keep hands free, and handheld spotlights provide reach for search and assessment.

Visit Streamlight® at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

INTERSCHUTZ will provide an opportunity for professionals to see the latest technologies, equipment and solutions shaping the future of emergency response.

Streamlight® will be exhibiting at Stand H37, Hall 27, where visitors will be able to explore the company’s latest product launches, including the Portable Scene Light III and LiteBox® 1Million®, alongside its wider fire lighting offering. The stand will provide visitors the opportunity to see how Streamlight® products support real-world fire and rescue operations. Visitors can also expect added activity on the stand, including a social media competition to win a Streamlight® product. For fire and rescue professionals attending, the show provides the ideal opportunity to meet the team, see the latest products and explore lighting solutions designed for the demands of modern emergency

How firefighter PPE standards are evolving for modern firefighting challenges

HAIX UK Sales Manager Simon Ash explains how climate change, evolving fire risks and stricter regulations are driving new performance expectations for firefighter PPE and firefighting footwear

In the high-stakes world of firefighting, there are fundamental commonalities that transcend borders and languages. Whether it is a professional crew navigating Europe’s urban density, a wildfire team in the United States, or a volunteer department in a rural village, the mission remains the same: to protect and save lives.

This shared dedication to protecting the public creates a unique global community, one that is united by fire. At the same time, firefighters operate in an increasingly complex environment.

Changing climate conditions, changing fire characteristics and heightened regulatory standards are reshaping the demands placed on both personnel and their equipment.

Despite differences in the environment, geography, cultures and on-the-ground challenges, there remains a critical interdependence across the sector, a nod to shared pressures, demands and passion for keeping society safe.

The concept of excellent PPE across the industry has therefore never been more relevant than today with the desire for high-quality, versatile and comfortable footwear being a universal requirement.

As the industry changes, PPE must meet baseline standards and actively enable strong performance, resilience and long-term wellbeing. PPE manufacturers must support current and future generations of firefighters so they are able to perform to the best of their ability as safely as possible.

The critical role of firefighting footwear in operational safety

Firefighters are inherently practical. They are engineers of emergency who operate in a world defined by physics, dynamic and often unpredictable conditions and split-second decision-making. For this demographic, the mindset is typically a fact-first approach and a need to understand the what, how and why behind decisions, actions and PPE equipment.

There is a strong and important connection between a firefighter and their equipment. The industry often focuses on the heroic narrative of the individual or team, but it is the technical reliability and performance consistency of PPE that underpins operational effectiveness.

If a firefighter is distracted by discomfort or concerned about the integrity of their PPE, such as from their footwear, their focus is split, which can lead to dangerous situations and reduced efficiency. By ensuring that every firefighter has access to the highest quality PPE, operational safety, biomechanical support and performance optimisation are maximised.

For HAIX, the role of advanced PPE is considered in every step. Its 70 years of expertise ensure that every element of manufacturing, design and quality benefits from proven German engineering principles. This expertise is translated into measurable performance outcomes at the point of need, ensuring that in the very instant a firefighter requires reliability most, they are supported by innovative, comfortable and protective footwear.

How climate change Is reshaping firefighter PPE requirements

Within the varied global requirements for adequate protection, the industry is currently facing a period of intense change. This includes regulatory developments, increasingly diverse fire profiles (from wildfires to lithium-ion battery incidents), advancements in material science, stricter safety standards and a growing emphasis on long-term firefighter health, including ergonomics and contamination management.

This changing environment tests the strength of the firefighting world, particularly in relation to consistency of PPE standards, access to innovation and the ability of equipment to perform under increasingly difficult conditions. This is why global brands, such as HAIX, are developing solutions that address international requirements.

Whether responding to large-scale wildfires or tackling emerging urban risks, such as e-mobility-related fires, the needs of the modern firefighter must be met.

Access to comfortable, secure and innovative footwear is a critical component of risk mitigation and performance readiness. Firefighters facing unpredictable climates now require footwear that balances structural protection against heat and penetration hazards with lightweight construction and ergonomic flexibility, enabling mobility and endurance over extended operational periods.

The expectation is for multi-functional PPE solutions that perform across a range of incident types and environmental conditions without compromising on comfort or safety. The need is for a singular boot that is effective in multiple scenarios and environments, while maintaining performance throughout long shifts. Future generations must also be considered in PPE development.

What works for firefighters now must also reflect the needs of the next wave of professionals, whether based on changing operational demands, increased diversity within the service or a greater focus on long-term health outcomes. Manufacturers that prioritise user-led innovation, field testing and continuous product development will play a key role in ensuring the industry remains both connected and future-ready.

The future of firefighter PPE and industry collaboration

The coming years will bring new challenges to the fire and rescue sector. From the impacts of climate change to the complexities of the built environment, the demands on firefighters will only increase.

Every firefighter plays a key role in the global safety puzzle and deserves equipment that meets a standard and sets a new one. The response must be to double down

on the values that have always sustained the service: camaraderie, expertise and a relentless pursuit of quality. For PPE manufacturers, this means investment in innovation and rigorous quality benchmarks.

Fire Eagle 3.0

HAIX’s latest innovation, the Fire Eagle 3.0, will be unveiled at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Characterised by speed, weight and feel, the third iteration in the best-selling series is a picture of technology influenced by real-life firefighter research and input. It is a refinement of the quality, craftsmanship and excellence ingrained in HAIX’s 70-year legacy.

Effective procurement

To ensure the delivery of high-performance PPE that meets the specific demands of the fire sector, the
following strategies are recommendedfor procurement and supplier teams:
End-user engagement: Involve frontline personnel early as their insight is critical to defining meaningful requirements and identifying improvements for safety and comfort
Feature prioritisation: Distinguish between mandatory and desirable criteria to ensure a balance between innovation and technical possibility
Standards compliance: Clearly define requirements that comply with the most recent and relevant
safety standards
Continuous communication: Maintain open dialogue between procurement officers and suppliers to ensure clarity at every stage of the process
Quality focus: Ensure that safety, quality and compliance are prioritised throughout the process and valued above the price point

Water safety warning issued as hot weather continues across half term

Fire chiefs urge parents to speak to young people after four teenagers drown over bank holiday weekend

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an urgent water safety warning as hot weather continues across the half term holidays, following four confirmed drownings of teenagers in inland water over the bank holiday weekend.

Fire chiefs said the incidents were a “stark reminder” of the dangers posed by open water, with rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs attracting more visitors during periods of warm weather.

The NFCC warned that despite high air temperatures, water in open environments can remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement within seconds.

Emergency services often see a rise in water-related incidents during warmer weather, with officials warning that many people underestimate the dangers of open water. Hidden currents, submerged objects and sudden drops can pose serious risks, even for strong swimmers used to pools rather than open water conditions.

Research released by Bournemouth University in 2024 found that when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, the risk of accidental drowning increases fivefold compared to days averaging 10°C. The analysis also showed three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days where temperatures reach 25°C or higher compared with the seasonal average.

Gavin Ellis, NFCC drowning prevention lead, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water. We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous.

“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water. Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather.

“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.”

The NFCC is urging families to follow water safety advice during the warm weather, including swimming only in supervised locations, avoiding jumping into water to cool off and never entering the water to attempt a rescue.

People spending time near water are also encouraged to install location apps such as what3words to help emergency services identify their location quickly in the event of an incident.

Fire chiefs are also reminding the public of the “Phone, Float, Throw” advice if they see someone in trouble in the water:

Phone 999 immediately.
Encourage the person to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats.

The NFCC is also promoting the “Float to Live” guidance for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water, advising people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax to control breathing, move their hands to stay afloat and call for help or swim to safety once the initial shock passes.