Lewis Tyler – Page 6 – International Fire & Safety Journal

C-TEC releases new technical help videos

Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched a new series of CAST XFP technical help videos.

Created to give engineers clear, visual, on-demand guidance on the installation and operation of its powerful and super-intuitive CAST XFP fire detection and alarm systems, the videos include practical advice on updating firmware, auto addressing, adding new devices and taking downloads from the panel using a PC.

Terry Gordon, C-TEC’s Engineering/Technical Support Manager, said: “Our new help videos are designed to assist anyone installing CAST XFP. As a soft-addressing system, it’s very flexible and can programmed with our handheld programmer or by using the panel’s auto address function for fast sequential programming of all devices. Our videos highlight all these options and also share guidance on identifying loop integrity faults, updating firmware and much more.”

Other initiatives introduced recently to boost the company’s technical support services include the creation of a new CAST technical support team, a new dedicated tech support telephone number and a Cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system.

C-TEC is a leading UK manufacturer of world-class open-protocol fire detection and alarm system solutions for commercial and residential buildings. In addition to fire systems, lockdown systems and evacuation alert systems, the company also manufactures some of the UK’s most-respected call systems, disabled refuge systems and hearing loop systems.

Watch the videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QD14aSIqY8&list=PLQb1vAuFLRdm5qmzBRgnTRqDa1ty_LxEh

For more information, visit www.c-tec.com

ECCOTARP highlights rapid-deployment containment tanks

The ECCOTARP Self-supporting containment tanks have been designed for a wide range of applications. They can serve as emergency water reservoirs, transfer tanks, collection tanks for hazardous substances, or quarantine tanks for cooling down and extinguishing ignited EV batteries.

Their smart foldable design saves space during transport and storage, while assembly takes only a few minutes.

Integrated welded polypropylene plates ensure a firm and stable tank shape even when the tank is empty.

The company is inviting you to learn more about these multifunctional tanks used by emergency response units as well as across various industrial sectors at INTERSCHUTZ next week.

📍 Visit ECCOTARP at Booth E13, Hall 17.

ESS fire protection: how NFPA 855 and early warning systems are shaping energy storage safety

As energy storage system (ESS) deployments expand globally, Jim Dickinson of Fireaway explains how NFPA 855, early warning systems and layered ESS fire protection strategies are helping operators identify thermal runaway risks

What fire risks do energy storage systems present that fire service professionals need to be aware of?

One of the challenges is that there are many misconceptions around energy storage systems (ESS) and where those fires start. Everyone talks about lithium battery fires and the role they play, but around 90% of fires do not actually start in the battery itself. They start in the electrical areas of the ESS.

The batteries are getting a lot safer. The newer generation of batteries is improving, but if a battery goes into thermal runaway, you get a mixture of gases coming off it, and they are very difficult to deal with.

Once it gets into a deep-seated lithium fire, there is not really any product on the market that can simply put that out. At that stage, you are struggling to contain it. For us, the focus is twofold.

The first part is providing a layered fire protection approach across ESS. The first stage is prevention. We do that using UltraSense. We have an all-gas flammable sensor that provides early warning. It is UL-listed, and it gives warning before an event develops.

We can link that to the battery management system in the ESS. We do that with a number of partners globally, and that is the first key part of the approach.

The next part is detection. We use standard detection, and we work with partners to provide those detection systems Suppression is provided using Stat-X aerosol. That is designed with our engineering team to protect the areas at risk.

We are trying to get to the earliest possible stage of fire protection. The aim is to get an early indication and connect that with the battery management system, so people can get to site before the situation develops.

How do fire protection strategies vary between utility-scale ESS sites and smaller in-building installations?

Large-scale ESS sites have a lot more management around them. They are more detailed, with more energy management and more fire detection and suppression planning.

They also need more planning at local level. If you go somewhere like California, you have local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) making decisions around what can go in and how it can be deployed.

In Europe, it is very different. Europe does not have its own standard for this, so everybody follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855. That is the global industry standard.

It would be good if other standards were being presented, but NFPA 855 is the main one that is out there. It is the one we follow, and it is the one the ESS manufacturers use.

ESS fire protection: how NFPA 855 and early warning systems are shaping energy storage safety

I was in China last week, and that is the standard everybody is following there as well. Some companies say that, if they are in Europe, they need to use a European Norm (EN) version. The issue is that there is no EN approval for an ESS system.

There is no European or UK standard for that. The biggest point is making sure the risk is assessed at the early planning stage. Firefighters and fire professionals should be engaged early, as they are in the United States (US), where the local AHJ will be involved. Europe is a little different.

Australia is slightly different as well, with its own regional variations. It is a tough area, because practices vary by region. Batteries are also changing. We used to have large 40-foot containers with plenty of space to install systems.

Batteries have now become more condensed. They have improved efficiency, and systems have become smaller, more compact and lower risk.

That was one of the reasons we got into UltraSense. It allows us to offer something compact that can go into those areas and detect early. That was important for us. In the US, fire marshals are heavily involved in decisions.

In Europe and the UK, that level of involvement is generally not there in the same way. With smaller-scale systems, we see this in charging facilities and in buildings. There is a risk, but those systems are often not assessed in the same way.

We have seen buildings where people have not carried outa full risk assessment and have not properly assessed the hazard itself. That is where the issue sits.

Could you explain how condensed aerosol systems are applied within ESS environments and what they are designed to achieve?

The suppression part of the approach is Stat-X aerosol. It is designed to protect the areas at risk within the ESS. It forms part of a wider layered approach. UltraSense gives the early warning, standard detection can sit alongside that, and Stat-X provides suppression for the protected areas.

The key point is that this is designed around the risk. Our engineering team works on that design to make sure the system is protecting the right areas.

What role does early detection play in identifying thermal runaway and supporting effective incident response?

Early detection is the key to this. UltraSense can be linked to the battery management system. That allows the system to identify the cell that is starting to go off and allows everything to be shut down.

You then have standard detection alongside that, followed by suppression. That is the approach we take. The aim is to get a warning as early as possible, before the situation develops into something more difficult to manage.

How are standards influencing how ESS fire protection systems are designed and deployed?

NFPA 855 is the main standard being followed globally. Even in China, that is the standard everybody is following. ESS manufacturers are using it, and it is the one we follow.

There is no EN approval for an ESS system at the moment, so if somebody is looking for a European or UK standard, there is not one in place in that form. That means NFPA 855 has become the main reference point across the industry.

When operators or fire services assess ESS protection solutions, what factors guide decisions?

The main factor is whether the risk has been assessed properly. That needs to happen at the early stage, during planning. Firefighters and fire professionals should be involved from the start.

In the US, the local AHJ is involved in those decisions. In other regions, that involvement can be different, so the process needs to reflect local requirements. The other factor is whether the system provides a layered approach. For us, early warning should be supported by detection, with suppression designed around the areas at risk.

What lessons from recent ESS incidents should fire service professionals consider when planning for future risks?

The main lesson is that the hazard needs to be assessed properly. People often focus only on the battery, but most ESS fires start in the electrical areas. That needs to be understood when systems are planned and protected.

The other lesson is that early warning matters. If you can identify a problem early, link that information to the battery management system and shut things down, you have a better chance of managing the risk before it develops.

That applies across utility-scale systems, charging facilities and smaller systems in buildings. The scale changes, but the need for proper assessment and early engagement remains the same.

Li-ion BESS fire safety standards: how off-gas detection is reshaping battery safety regulations

As lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) deployments accelerate worldwide, Honeywell explains how evolving Li-ion BESS fire safety standards and off-gas detection technologies are transforming thermal runaway prevention and regulatory compliance

The global stationary lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market is entering a period of rapid expansion. Driven by net-zero commitments, grid modernisation and surging energy demand linked to AI infrastructure and data centres, the sector is expected to grow at more than 18.5% annually through 2034, according to Global Market Insights.

But as deployment accelerates, so too does scrutiny of one of the sector’s biggest risks: thermal runaway.

Until recently, the stationary BESS industry operated in a relatively underdeveloped regulatory environment, despite the growing use of large-scale lithium-ion battery systems in utilities, data centres, telecoms and commercial infrastructure.

That began to change in 2020 with the introduction of new off-gas detection technologies capable of identifying electrolyte solvent vapours released before thermal runaway begins.

These systems represented a significant shift in fire safety strategy. Rather than relying solely on conventional fire suppression, ventilation or flammable gas detection, the industry began focusing on earlier intervention.

This technological development has since influenced a wave of new fire safety standards, product certifications and building codes aimed specifically at Li-ion BESS risks.

For fire safety engineers, OEMs, system integrators and BESS operators, understanding this evolving regulatory landscape is now critical to ensuring compliance and future-proofing installations.

Why Li-ion BESS thermal runaway demands a new fire safety approach

Thermal runaway remains the defining fire hazard in lithium-ion battery systems. Before thermal runaway, lithium-ion cells typically vent trace amounts of electrolyte vapours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Detecting these early warning signs can provide a critical intervention window (in some cases up to 30 minutes) to isolate affected batteries, stop charging and activate ventilation.

This shift from reaction to prevention is now being embedded into standards worldwide.

How NFPA and UL standards are reshaping Li-ion BESS fire safety

The US-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), whose standards are widely referenced globally, has been central to this regulatory evolution.

NFPA 855 has become the cornerstone standard for stationary energy storage installations. The updated edition introduced stronger requirements. Notably, Annex G of NFPA 855 explicitly recognises the limitations of Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) sensors and battery voltage monitoring as thermal runaway safeguards.

Instead, the guidance highlights off-gas monitoring as one of the most effective methods for early detection, stating that cell-level detection close to or inside battery modules provides the most reliable pre-thermal-runaway warning.

The standard also notes that early detection can enable electrical isolation of affected cells, potentially stopping overheating before escalation.

NFPA 75 addresses lithium-ion battery fire risks in data centres

The rapid growth of AI and hyperscale data centres has increased reliance on lithium-ion Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs), bringing new fire risks into critical digital infrastructure.

Reflecting this, the 2024 edition of NFPA 75, covering fire protection of information technology equipment, introduced off-gas detection requirements for Li-ion UPS systems for the first time.

The standard specifies that approved systems must monitor for electrolyte vapour released prior to thermal runaway and be installed according to manufacturer instructions.

Importantly, NFPA 75 also clarifies that conventional flammable gas sensors are not suitable substitutes. At early off-gas stages, released vapours occur only in trace concentrations – often at ppm or ppb levels – far below thresholds designed for explosion prevention.This means specialised off-gas detection is necessary.

NFPA 76 strengthens Li-ion battery fire safety for telecom facilities

Similar revisions were made to NFPA 76, which governs telecommunications facilities.

The 2024 update requires approved systems to monitor electrolyte vapour release in battery installations above 20kWh where batteries are grouped within close proximity.

Upon detection, systems must automatically stop charging affected batteries and disconnect them from load.

Again, the standard reinforces that traditional flammable gas sensors are insufficient for thermal runaway detection.

NFPA 400 ventilation requirements for Li-ion BESS fire safety

The NFPA 400 Hazardous Materials Code (2025) adds another important dimension, requiring exhaust ventilation systems to account for the density of potential vapours released from hazardous materials.

Off-gas detection systems can support compliance by automatically

triggering ventilation when electrolyte vapours are detected.

Li-ion BESS product certification evolves with fire safety standards

Alongside installation standards, product certification requirements are becoming more rigorous. The recently revised UL 2075 Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors standard introduces updated requirements covering detector design, construction and performance.

For off-gas detection manufacturers, this creates a clearer pathway for third-party validation of systems designed to detect lithium-ion electrolyte vapours, hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

How insurers are driving higher Li-ion BESS fire safety standards

Insurance providers have also emerged as influential drivers of BESS safety best practice.FM Global’s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 5-33, widely referenced by industrial operators and insurers, provide guidance for the design, operation and protection of stationary Li-ion BESSs.

The 2023 revision introduced new recommendations for thermal runaway prevention. Section 2.5.3.3 calls for early intervention systems capable of automatically and electrically isolating affected batteries when cell temperatures exceed thresholds and VOCs indicate pre-thermal[1]runaway venting.

The guidance requires FM approved VOC detectors which the new FM Approvals Standard 6540 fulfils with the establishment of dedicated testing and verification criteria for off-gas detectors certification.

This reflects growing insurer demand for independently verified detection performance in high-risk energy installations.

Why early off-gas detection is becoming central to BESS fire safety

Europe has also been active in formalising guidance around lithium-ion battery fire risks.The UK’s Fire Industry Association (FIA) was among the earliest organisations to formally endorse off-gas detection.

Its 2020 guidance on Li-ion battery fires concluded that systems capable of detecting low-concentration off-gases can provide early warning of impending thermal runaway and trigger shutdown systems to electrically isolate battery racks before escalation.

It also emphasises strategic sensor positioning to account for cooling airflow and the use of reference sensors to reduce false alarms.Meanwhile, the UK Fire Protection Association’s Need to Know Guide RE1 recommends early detection of off-gases or electrolyte vapours for critical and significant BESS installations, linked directly to shutdown and disconnection systems.

Together, these documents signal a broader European shift toward integrating early gas detection into battery fire protection strategies.

How local fire codes are strengthening Li-ion BESS safety requirements

Beyond standards bodies, regional building and fire codes are increasingly codifying these requirements. Among the earliest examples was the 2022 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, which introduced provisions requiring systems capable of detecting electrolyte vapours at the start of battery venting, automatically shutting down affected BESS racks, transmitting fire alarm signals and activating mechanical ventilation.

Austin City Council’s 2024 Technical Building Codes, effective from July 2025, include similar requirements. For lithium-ion BESS installations above 20kWh, systems must include off-gas detection that both operates independently from the Battery

Management System (BMS) and identifies the affected rack. These provisions suggest local codes may act as regulatory accelerators, particularly in jurisdictions with fast-growing battery deployment.

New research supports off-gas detection for Li-ion BESS safety

Academic and industry research is also reinforcing the importance of early detection. A DNV study found that off-gas detection combined with automated shutdown protocols can prevent thermal runaway progression.

“Importantly, NFPA 75 also clarifies that conventional flammable gas sensors are not suitable substitutes.”

Separately, a 2024 study showed that commercial VOC sensors consistently triggered during cell venting events, even in large battery packs.

Research supported by UL Research Institutes and ESRI is also exploring improved off-gas monitoring in BESS applications, suggesting standards may become more prescriptive.

So, the stationary lithium-ion BESS sector is no longer operating in a regulatory vacuum Across North America and Europe, fire safety standards, insurer requirements and local building codes are converging around a common conclusion: early detection of electrolyte vapours is essential for mitigating thermal runaway risk.

For developers, operators and manufacturers, this means compliance is no longer simply about installing suppression systems or meeting baseline fire codes. It increasingly requires a proactive safety architecture built around prevention, early warning and automated intervention.

Supporting Li-ion BESS compliance through early off-gas detection

Honeywell’s Li-ion Tamer has emerged as one of the best-known systems designed specifically to address the early detection requirements now referenced across multiple standards and guidance documents.

Unlike conventional flammable gas detection, Li-ion Tamer is engineered to identify trace levels of electrolyte vapours released during the earliest stages of battery cell failure, before thermal runaway occurs.

This enables operators to respond earlier through shutdown, electrical isolation and ventilation strategies, helping reduce the risk of escalation. The system has been referenced throughout the industry’s regulatory evolution because it addresses a critical gap in traditional battery fire protection approaches: detecting battery distress before smoke, heat or explosive gas concentrations are present.

As BESS deployments expand into utilities, data centres, telecoms and commercial buildings, early intervention is becoming central to fire safety design. Solutions such as Li-ion Tamer can help operators and system integrators align installations with increasingly specific requirements around off-gas detection, rack-level monitoring and automated response protocols.

With regulatory scrutiny increasing, technologies that support earlier warning and actionable intervention are likely to play a growing role in helping the industry build safer, more resilient energy storage infrastructure

How AVD Fire is setting the global safety standard in lithium-ion battery fire suppression

As lithium-ion battery adoption accelerates, AVD Fire explains how certified lithium-ion battery fire suppression technologies are redefining fire safety, containment and thermal runaway mitigation

From electric vehicles and airport ground operations to logistics hubs and energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries now underpin critical infrastructure. Yet with this growth comes a well-documented and escalating challenge: thermal runaway events that are difficult to suppress, highly volatile and prone to re-ignition.

For fire safety professionals, insurers and regulators, the question is no longer if lithium-ion battery incidents will occur – but how effectively they can be controlled, contained and mitigated.

This is where Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) has emerged as a globally recognised, field-proven solution – redefining expectations for lithium-ion fire suppression.

AVD is not simply an incremental improvement on conventional extinguishing agents – it represents a fundamental shift in how lithium-ion fires are managed.Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on cooling or oxygen displacement, AVD introduces a dual-action mechanism:

Rapid cooling to reduce thermal escalation
Formation of a vermiculite barrier layer, preventing oxygen reintroduction and suppressing re-ignition

This unique approach directly addresses the core challenge of lithium-ion fires: sustained chemical reactions within the battery cells.The result is controlled suppression, reduced fire spread and significantly improved post-incident stability – a critical factor for emergency responders and site operators alike.

Certified lithium-ion fire suppression performance and proven credibility

As global scrutiny intensifies around lithium-ion fire risks, independent testing and certification are no longer optional – they are essential.AVD Fire’s product portfolio has been developed and validated to meet the highest international standards, assuring both regulatory bodies and commercial stakeholders.

AVD extinguishers are supported by a comprehensive framework of certifications and third-party validations, including:

UL witness testing conducted at AVD Fire’s UK test facility
Emirates Safety Laboratory testing, demonstrating performance under controlled conditions
NTA 8133 certification for lithium-ion fire extinguishing capability
British Kitemark accreditation, reinforcing product quality and manufacturing standards

These credentials are not merely technical milestones – they represent market trust, regulatory confidence and operational reliability.

DIN-certified EV fire blankets for lithium-ion battery fire containment

While fire extinguishers are critical for early-stage intervention, large-scale lithium-ion incidents – particularly involving electric vehicles – require a different strategy: containment.

AVD Fire’s EV Fire Blankets are engineered to meet the rigorous DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 Standard for EV fire containment. Key performance attributes include:

Resistance to sustained temperatures exceeding 1000°C
Structural integrity in oxidising environments
Capability to contain flames, heat and hazardous off-gassing
Protection against debris and projectile risks during thermal runaway

For high-risk environments such as airports, tunnels, ports and logistics centres, these blankets provide a critical first-response containment solution, limiting damage and enabling safer incident management.

Fire Suppression Kits (FSKs) for lithium-ion battery incident response

Recognising that lithium-ion incidents often require multi-layered response strategies, AVD Fire has developed Fire Suppression Kits (FSKs) to complement its core product range.

These kits are designed to support assisted mitigation, equipping personnel with:

Specialist tools for safe handling and isolation
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Integrated AVD extinguishing solutions

In environments such as distribution centres, manufacturing facilities and transport hubs, FSKs provide a structured and repeatable response framework, reducing reliance on improvised or inconsistent procedures.

Global lithium-ion fire safety distribution with local expertise

AVD Fire’s international growth has been driven not only by product innovation, but also through the development of a trusted global distribution network.Today, AVD Fire solutions are supported by established distribution and service partners across:

Europe
Middle East
North America
Asia-Pacific
Caribbean

This network ensures customers benefit from local technical expertise, regulatory understanding, product availability and rapid response capability within their respective regions.

As lithium-ion battery adoption continues to accelerate globally, AVD Fire remains committed to supporting its existing distribution partners, while selectively expanding representation in strategic regions where opportunities and market coverage gaps exist.

The company is currently open to discussions with qualified partners in selected territories worldwide, including parts of:

Latin America
Africa
Southeast Asia
Selected regions within North America
EMEA

For distributors and fire safety specialists, this represents an opportunity to align with a globally recognised lithium-ion battery fire suppression specialist in a rapidly growing market.

Full-scale lithium-ion battery fire testing and validation

While certifications and laboratory testing provide essential validation, real-world performance remains the ultimate benchmark.

To further demonstrate the effectiveness of its solutions, AVD Fire recently conducted two full-scale live fire tests in North America, involving electric vehicles undergoing thermal runaway.

In these controlled tests:

Two Tesla vehicles were intentionally ignited to simulate thermal runaway conditions
AVD Fire deployed both its DIN-certified EV blanket and Premium fire blanket
The fires were successfully contained and ultimately extinguished

The outcomes demonstrated:

Effective containment of flames and heat
Significant reduction in fire spread risk
Controlled suppression without escalation
Enhanced safety for operators and surrounding infrastructure

These tests provide compelling evidence that AVD solutions are not only compliant and certified but also operationally effective in the most demanding real-world scenarios.

Leading the future of lithium-ion battery fire safety

As lithium-ion battery technology continues to reshape industries, the fire safety sector must evolve in parallel.

The transition requires:

New suppression technologies designed specifically for lithium-ion risks
Certified, standards-driven solutions that meet global regulatory expectations
Integrated response systems that combine suppression, containment and operational safety

AVD Fire is at the forefront of this transition – delivering solutions that are scientifically advanced, independently validated, and globally deployed.

Why the fire safety industry must act on lithium-ion battery risks

The challenge of lithium-ion battery fires is not theoretical – it is immediate, growing and

increasingly complex. For fire safety professionals, infrastructure operators and distributors, the priority is clear: Adopt solutions that are proven, certified and designed specifically for the risks at hand.

AVD Fire invites industry stakeholders to:

Explore its full range of lithium-ion fire protection solutions
Engage in collaborative testing and validation programmes
Partner in expanding global distribution and implementation

The future of fire safety demands more than adaptation – it demands leadership. AVD is setting that standard.

Fluorine-free firefighting foam without compromise: The role of Enviro 3×3 NEO from Dafo Fomtec

John Olav Ottesen explains how the company’s new fluorine-free firefighting foam combines evidence-led testing, fully hydrated polymer technology and operational reliability

In January 2026 Dafo Fomtec announced the launch of Enviro 3×3 NEO, the sixth-generation alcohol-resistant synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam (AR SFFF) that represents the culmination of its Enviro Programme.

Following the launch, International Fire & Safety Journal sat down with Founder and CEO John Olav Ottesen to discuss what sets the new concentrate apart, why an evidence-led testing programme has underpinned Fomtec’s approach to the fluorine-free transition and why the Middle East remains central to its strategy as the GCC accelerates its own move away from PFAS-based foams.

Enviro 3×3 NEO is described as the sixth generation in the Enviro range. Where does it sit in Fomtec’s line-up and why now?

NEO is the product that the Enviro Programme has been driving towards from the beginning. It is an alcohol-resistant synthetic fluorine-free concentrate engineered specifically for petrochemical, oil and gas, marine and offshore operations.

The timing of the launch reflects both where the regulatory landscape is heading and where our evidence base has brought us.

NEO delivers the performance profile those high-hazard industries demand, while meeting the environmental expectations industry and regulators are rightly placing on us. It is, in every sense, a no-compromise product.

You describe the Enviro Programme as the foundation of everything Fomtec has done in SFFFs. Why has it mattered so much and what has it actually delivered?

When we began the Enviro Programme more than a decade ago, we recognised early that removing fluorine from firefighting foam could not be a marketing exercise and had to be science.

Fluorinated foams had decades of real-world data behind them; a credible fluorine-free

alternative needed a comparable evidence base and it did not yet exist. The Programme has been built on full-scale fire testing at a scale few have attempted: over 2,500 full-scale fires to date, on hydrocarbons from heptane to Jet A-1 to plant-based fuels and gasoline blends, alongside polar solvents, foam destroyers and fuels tested with fresh, brackish and sea water.

Out of it has come the entire Enviro family (Class A, ICAO, USP, ARK, 3×3 Plus, Ultra, eMax and now NEO). We have also developed an analytical modelling tool that allows us to predict performance on a client’s fuel without setting it on fire.

For Fomtec, the Enviro Programme is a benchmark for how fluorine-free foam should be developed and not just a research project.

The launch material highlights the elimination of the “hidden gum” effect associated with partially hydrated polymer systems. Can you expand on this and explain where it sits within Fomtec’s broader formulation approach?

This goes to the heart of Fomtec’s formulation philosophy and it applies across the entire Enviro range. Alcohol-resistant foams need polymers to build the membrane that extinguishes polar solvent fires, but how those polymers are handled in the concentrate matters enormously.

There are broadly three possibilities. Un-hydrated polymers — essentially dry polymer added to the concentrate — will absorb water unpredictably over time, leading to viscosity drift, sediment formation and potential proportioning failure.

Partially hydrated polymers avoid the dry-powder problem but bring their own issue: the “hidden gum” effect, where viscosity increase, phase separation and polymer drop-out can develop when the foam encounters water ingress or suboptimal storage.

Either way, the operator ends up with a concentrate that no longer behaves like the product they originally approved. Fomtec’s commitment, across every AR product in the Enviro range, is to use only 100% fully hydrated polymers. That is a formulation decision, not a marketing one.

It means stable viscosity and known shear-thinning today and in the future. For high-hazard sites where systems can sit dormant for long periods and must perform on first demand, that reliability is not optional.

NEO is a 3 × 3 product (3% for hydrocarbons and 3% for polar solvents). Why does that matter operationally?

For any facility holding both hydrocarbon and polar solvent inventories a single 3% concentrate simplifies almost everything. One product in the tank, one proportioning setting, one set of procedures.

The envelope includes MEK, ethyl and butyl acetate, IPA, methanol, ethanol and acetone, and it handles what we call “foam destroyers” such as MTBE. For a fire officer, that breadth under one SKU is a real operational advantage.

Performance with seawater and brackish water is repeatedly highlighted in the NEO documentation. Does that tie back to what we have just been discussing?

Directly. Many GCC and offshore installations draw firewater from the sea and the quality is simply not a controlled variable. We have validated NEO across fresh, brackish and sea water so the performance envelope is the same whichever source the deluge draws from.

The 100% hydrated polymer formulation holds its viscosity and shear-thinning profile and proportioning remains uniform. For Gulf operators, marine and offshore facilities anywhere in the world, that consistency across water qualities is what separates a predictable fire performance margin from a guess.

ECHA’s restriction dossier is advancing, with SEAC and RAC opinions due by end-2026 and legislation anticipated in 2027. How should end users interpret the timeline?

I would urge end users not to confuse the regulatory timetable with their own planning timetable. Even with the derogations we expect — and Fomtec has

consistently supported the time-limited derogations approach — the direction of travel is settled globally, not just in Europe. The GCC is watching ECHA closely and procurement specifications in the region are already shifting toward fluorine-free.

A safe transition takes time, and Fomtec continues to supply fresh, approved C6 foam to customers while they plan and execute that work. That is not a contradiction; it is how we reduce risk. A responsible transition is holistic — the foam, the system, the procedures, the training.

What should the industry, and the Middle East region in particular, take from NEO and the next phase of the Enviro Programme?

First, demand evidence: ask your foam supplier for full-scale data on your fuels, your hardware and your water quality. Second, treat fluorine-free as an engineering project, not a procurement decision. Third, start now. Enviro 3×3 NEO is where the Enviro Programme was always heading, but the Programme continues — more fuels, more hardware combinations, more validation.

The Middle East will be central to that next phase, through Leaders in Fire 2026, through Intersec and through engagement with the region’s NOCs and the wider JOIFF community. We are ready for what comes next — and with NEO, our customers are too.

New leak patch from ECCOTARP at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

At INTERSCHUTZ 2026, ECCOTARP will also introduce a completely unique SILICONE MAGNETIC LEAK PATCH designed for the rapid emergency sealing of hazardous substance leaks from punctured drums, tanks, cisterns, and similar containers.

The unmatched silicone material used allows the patch to be deployed in environments where high standards of health safety and cleanliness are required – such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, laboratories, aviation operations, and highly demanding paint shop applications.

The patches feature exceptionally strong magnetic holding force and wide chemical resistance, which can be further enhanced by using a special PTFE protective layer.

The patches are supplied together with ratchets and fixing straps in a practical carrying case designed to eliminate magnetic force during storage and transport.

The patch is available in two sizes and is also supplied in a POLYURETHANE version.

Wildfire safety warning issued as fire chiefs urge caution amid warm weather

Fire chiefs have issued a wildfire safety warning ahead of expected warmer, drier conditions

Fire chiefs are urging the public to take extra care during the upcoming bank holiday, with forecasts indicating warm and dry weather that can increase the risk of wildfires and accidents around open water.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its appeal for vigilance as wildfire activity continues to rise. NFCC National Resilience data shows more than 270 wildfires have already been recorded in England and Wales. By November, fire and rescue services had responded to just over 1,000 wildfires in 2025, exceeding the 994 incidents recorded in 2022, previously the worst year on record.

Officials said many wildfires are preventable and are often caused by everyday behaviours such as disposable barbecues or carelessly discarded smoking materials.

Fire data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) shows fire and rescue services in England responded to around 40,000 more incidents in the year ending December 2025 compared with the previous year, driven largely by a 29% rise in fires linked to outdoor incidents.

The NFCC is also warning of increased drowning risks during warmer weather, as more people spend time in and around water. Data from the Water Incident Database Water Incident Database, published by the National Water Safety Forum National Water Safety Forum, recorded 193 accidental drowning fatalities in the UK in 2024, with May seeing the highest monthly total at 28 deaths.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said, “With the risk of wildfires increasing as we go into the warmer months, we’re asking everyone to take a few simple precautions to help keep themselves, their communities and the environment safe this summer.

“Wildfires can start quickly and spread fast, but small actions make a big difference. Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside, take care not to drop cigarettes or leave glass behind, and follow local fire safety advice. If you see signs of fire, call 999 immediately.

“Fire and rescue services are already dealing with a high number of incidents, and by working together we can help reduce the risk and ease that pressure. Taking care outdoors helps protect homes, wildlife and open spaces for everyone.

“We’re also encouraging people to stay safe around water. Cold water can be a shock, even on warm days. If you see someone in trouble, call 999, encourage them to float, and throw something that floats to help.”

Officials also highlighted prevention advice, including avoiding disposable barbecues in open countryside, not discarding cigarettes or glass, and following local restrictions. The public is also urged to report fire risks immediately and contact police or Crimestoppers if arson is suspected.

Water safety guidance includes the “Phone, Float, Throw” approach promoted by the Crimestoppers Crimestoppers supported safety messaging and the National Water Safety Forum. It advises calling 999, encouraging floating, and throwing flotation aids to anyone in difficulty.

The NFCC also reinforced “Float to Live” guidance, encouraging people who find themselves in trouble in water to tilt their head back, relax, control breathing, and float until help arrives.

New appointment for Siemens fire safety division

Siemens fire safety division appointment supports push toward connected, intelligent fire protection.

The Siemens fire safety division has been strengthened with the appointment of Nicholas Bryan as Innovation & Consultant Manager.

Bryan joins from Siemens’ Utilities Division, where he spent two years working on system integration for critical national infrastructure, with responsibility spanning fire, security and building management systems (BMS) integration.

Before that, he spent a decade in the facilities management sector, holding roles at major providers including Mitie and Sodexo. In those positions, he focused on business development and supporting blue-chip clients across complex service environments.

His move comes as Siemens fire safety advances its portfolio with the introduction of the Cerberus and Sinteso Nova range, which aims to shift fire detection toward more proactive, connected and cloud-enabled safety solutions.

Bryan said: “I am delighted to be joining the team to engage with specifiers and consultants in demonstrating the potential our fire offering provides in the journey towards autonomous buildings. Through my background I understand the importance of integration so will also be focusing on that message and how Siemens as a business can help with our extensive portfolio of products and systems.”

New dates confirmed for INTERSCHUTZ 2030

INTERSCHUTZ 2030 will take place from 20 to 25 May in Hanover

INTERSCHUTZ 2030 will be held from 20 to 25 May 2030 at the exhibition grounds in Hanover, organiser Deutsche Messe AG has announced.

Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, said the early announcement provides certainty for exhibitors, partners and visitors around the world.

“By setting the new date at an early stage, we create planning certainty for exhibitors, partners and visitors worldwide,” Köckler said, “INTERSCHUTZ continues to strengthen its position as a central platform for innovation, exchange and international collaboration in the fields of fire services, rescue services and civil protection.”

He added that the event’s mix of exhibitions, conference programs and live demonstrations would again bring together international decision-makers, emergency responders and experts in Hanover after the 2026 edition.

Industry associations also welcomed the scheduling announcement.

Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Firefighters Association, described the decision as “a strong signal of reliability and forward-looking planning.”

“For fire services in Germany and beyond, it provides early planning certainty and gives us the opportunity to further develop innovation, training and cooperation in a targeted way,” Banse said.

Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of vfdb, said the new date supports long-term research and development efforts, particularly in civil protection.

“The new INTERSCHUTZ 2030 date opens up valuable prospects for research, development and transfer into practice,” Aschenbrenner said. “Particularly in civil protection, it is crucial to think long-term and to systematically advance innovation.”

Martin Zaindl, Chairman of VDMA Firefighting Technology, said the schedule provides a clear framework for the sector.

“This is an important foundation for driving technological developments forward in a focused way and making them visible internationally,” Zaindl said.

Köckler said preparations remain focused on the upcoming 2026 event while also looking ahead to the next edition in 2030.

“Looking ahead to 2030 underlines the long-term perspective – yet the future is already being written at INTERSCHUTZ 2026,” he said.