Complii subsidiary Fire Safe Services awarded Honeywell Platinum Partner status

Honeywell Platinum Partner status places Fire Safe Services among the UK’s top Gent fire detection specialists, strengthening delivery across design, installation and support

Fire Safe Services, a specialist fire detection and life safety business and part of Complii, has been awarded Honeywell Platinum Partner status within Honeywell’s partner programme for Gent fire detection systems.

The accreditation places Fire Safe Services among a select group of high-performing Gent system specialists in the UK and recognises the company’s technical competence, service delivery standards and customer support capabilities.

Nick Fenton, managing director at Fire Safe Services, said: “This is a significant milestone for Fire Safe Services and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team.

“For our clients, it means they can have absolute confidence that their fire detection systems are designed, installed, commissioned and supported by a business that Honeywell itself trusts to represent its brand at the very highest level.

“As part of Complii, this achievement further strengthens our collective capability and reinforces our commitment to setting the standard in building compliance.”

Honeywell’s partner programme recognises businesses that demonstrate high standards across technical training, installation quality, commissioning and ongoing support. Platinum Partner status is the programme’s highest tier and is awarded to organisations meeting strict performance criteria.

According to Fire Safe Services, the accreditation will provide clients with manufacturer-recognised expertise, direct access to Honeywell technical specialists and earlier insight into new Gent technologies, firmware updates and design guidance.

The company said the status also supports enhanced compliance assurance through regular Honeywell audits and performance reviews, while helping clients improve long-term system reliability and reduce maintenance burdens through technologies such as Gent Self Test and CLSS integration.

Fire Safe Services recently deployed Gent Self Test technology at University of Worcester as part of a project in the education sector.

The company said the Platinum accreditation would also strengthen confidence in complex and new-build projects across sectors including education, healthcare and commercial real estate, particularly in quality-weighted tender processes.

Partnership aims to advance fire service leadership and safety

Oklahoma State University and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to drive fire service leadership and safety

Oklahoma State University and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic partnership focused on strengthening fire service leadership, expanding applied research and improving firefighter safety across the United States.

The agreement brings together Oklahoma State University’s academic expertise in fire and emergency management with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s mission to honor fallen firefighters, support their families and reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

The partnership is designed to strengthen the NFFF Fellowship Program by providing fellows with access to academic mentorship, applied research guidance and faculty support from OSU’s School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management within the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to translating research into practice and ensuring firefighter safety initiatives are grounded in both real-world experience and academic rigor,” said Haley Murphy, associate professor in the School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. “Together, OSU and NFFF are creating new pathways for leadership development, evidence-based learning and professional dialogue across the fire service.”

Under the agreement, fellows will complete applied practicums addressing operational challenges within the fire service, with faculty providing academic oversight to ensure projects meet both professional and scholarly standards. The collaboration may also create opportunities for micro-credentialing and other forms of academic recognition for participants who complete fellowship requirements.

“This collaboration creates a unique space where academia and emerging fire service leaders come together with a focused purpose,” said Daniel T. Kistner, director of fire service programs for the NFFF. “It helps prepare fellows to engage with policymakers, regulators and peers while strengthening the connection between research, education and real-world practice.”

The partnership also reinforces ongoing research collaboration between OSU and the NFFF on firefighter leadership, behaviour and organisational culture.

A key example is the Firefighter Behaviors and Viewpoints Survey, a national research initiative examining firefighter perspectives on training, fireground tactics and safety practices. Findings from the project were recently published in the International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management, highlighting how academic and industry partnerships can inform operational decision-making and safety protocols.

Murphy was a principal contributor to the survey design, working with national partners to develop and analyse the data.

“When research is intentionally connected to practitioner needs, it becomes a powerful tool for improving safety and leadership,” Kistner said. “This partnership allows us to expand the impact of the Fellowship and ensure lessons learned are shared broadly across the fire service.”

As part of the collaboration, Fire Protection Publications at OSU may also develop a companion publication to the journal to showcase work from NFFF fellows and selected practicum projects, helping distribute applied research findings to both practitioners and scholars.

Future plans may include joint training initiatives, research symposia and presentation opportunities for fellows to engage with fire service leaders, policymakers and researchers.

Leaders from both organisations said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to improving firefighter leadership, safety and survivability while expanding access to evidence-based learning across the profession.

Educational materials, publications and events developed under the partnership may be co-branded to reflect the shared fire service mission of “Until Everyone Goes Home.”

“Until Everyone Goes Home reflects a commitment to honoring fallen firefighters through the relentless pursuit of reducing preventable line-of-duty deaths,” Kistner said. “Partnerships like this help move that work forward by strengthening leadership and expanding how knowledge is shared across the fire service.”

The memorandum of understanding took effect upon final signature and will remain in place for three years, with an option for renewal.

Safe Space Fire Solutions joins Britannia Fire distributors network across the UK

Safe Space Fire Solutions joins Britannia Fire distributors network across the UK

Britannia Fire has announced a new distribution partnership with Safe Space Fire Solutions, expanding its network of UK distributors and increasing access to its flagship P50 composite fire extinguisher range.

Safe Space Fire Solutions will operate as a distributor for the full Britannia Fire product portfolio, including the P50 range, which is designed as a long-life alternative to traditional steel extinguishers. The partnership strengthens Britannia Fire’s UK presence as demand grows for fire safety products with stronger environmental credentials.

Operating across the UK, Safe Space Fire Solutions is a newly launched venture led by directors based in Glasgow, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The company was founded by a team of fire industry specialists with experience spanning frontline emergency response, consultancy and fire safety leadership.

The business is chaired by Dave Etheridge, who spent 30 years in the fire service, including serving as Chief Fire Officer of Oxford Fire and Rescue Service and President of the Chief Fire Officers Association. He is joined by directors Graeme Binning, former Chief Fire Officer; Ruth Gill, former Junior Officer and member of the UK National Executive Committee of Women in the Fire Service; and Martin Thomas, former CEO of the Fire Service College.

Safe Space Fire Solutions will supply a range of fire suppression products selected for their operational performance, affordability and sustainability credentials. Alongside Britannia Fire’s P50 extinguishers, the company will also distribute Plumis Automist sprinklers and Firepro condensed aerosol generators.

Dave Etheridge said: “Each of us in the Safe Space team has spent years evaluating which equipment performs reliably in real-world, high-pressure situations, meaning we understand exactly what works, what fails and why. This gives customers confidence that any product we recommend has been assessed through a lens of expertise rather than salesmanship.

“Britannia Fire’s fire extinguishers have been designed to make fire safety simple, affordable and sustainable. The innovative P50 composite range is multi-purpose, corrosion free, PFAS free, fully recyclable and has a 20-year life span. It’s a win-win for customers as they save on servicing time and costs, and it helps them meet sustainability targets.”

Safe Space Fire Solutions joins Britannia Fire’s established UK distributor network, which includes Safelincs and Freedom Fire in Lincolnshire, Eastern Extinguishers in Norfolk, Eco Fire Safety in Nottinghamshire and Tower Fire in Wales.

Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire comments:
“This partnership marks an important step in further expanding access to our P50 range across the UK. Safe Space brings exceptional operational experience and credibility, and that gives customers real confidence they’re getting solutions that are both practical and proven. We’re excited to be welcoming another distributor to the Britannia Fire family that shares our focus on innovation, sustainability and raising standards in fire safety.”

For more information, visit Safe Space Fire Solutions or Britannia Fire.

Collapsible Spill Berm ECCOTARP to be showcased at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Collapsible Spill Berm ECCOTARP on show at INTERSCHUTZ in June

The Collapsible Spill Berm ECCOTARP helps contain hazardous substances after traffic accidents, during liquid transfer operations, and in many other emergency situations.

The berm features a flexible design, allowing easy deployment in confined spaces or around obstacles, and is made from chemically resistant material. Integrated manipulation straps make handling the filled berm easier, with a load capacity of up to 200 kg.

The berm is available in many size options. Larger models from the ECCOTARP range can also be used as decontamination stations.

Watch the video and come see our spill berm in person. We look forward to meeting you at Booth E13, Hall 17 at INTERSCHUTZ 2026.

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions expand group across UK and Ireland

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions have continued with three new deals aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in Scotland, Ireland and North-West England.

Ranger Fire and Security has confirmed it has acquired three additional businesses, bringing its total portfolio to 21 companies as it accelerates its buy-and-build strategy across the UK and Ireland.

The Group has added Edinburgh-based iFire Fire and Security, Galway-based Henderson Fire and Safety, and Warrington-based FireCheck to its expanding platform, strengthening its regional coverage in Scotland, Ireland and the North-West of England.

According to the company, the latest Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions milestone underscores the company’s strategy to build a national “one-stop shop” for fire and security services, combining local specialist businesses under a single Group structure backed by Hyperion Equity Partners.

iFire Fire and Security provides commercial fire and security installations including fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems for retail, office and industrial customers across Scotland. The business is known for delivering tailored compliance-focused solutions for commercial environments.

Henderson Fire and Safety, based in Galway, offers a range of fire protection services including suppression systems, extinguishers and safety equipment, alongside training programmes such as fire warden and fire safety awareness courses.

FireCheck, based in Warrington, specialises in fire extinguisher servicing and fire risk assessments, while also providing fire marshal training, PAT testing, fire alarm servicing and evacuation chair solutions across the North-West of England.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said the milestone reflects the Group’s continued expansion since launch.

“With our latest acquisitions we have brought together 21 companies under the Ranger umbrella since launch. With companies spanning the breadth and width of the UK and Ireland, we are solving the fragmented nature of the fire and security sector, which has limited many businesses from scaling,” he said.

He added that the new businesses would strengthen Ranger’s specialist capabilities and expand customer offerings across multiple regions.

David Boyle, Managing Director of iFire Fire and Security, said joining the Group would enhance growth opportunities while maintaining service standards.

“Our mission has always been to provide customers with a trustworthy and expert service that they can rely on. As part of the Ranger Group, we will continue to deliver this standard of work to our clients, now with the added support of Ranger’s senior leadership team,” he said.

“With backing from Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger is on a mission to become the leading one-stop provider for fire and security services across the UK and Ireland. Through strategic acquisitions and investment in technology and talent, Ranger offers a comprehensive range of services at a regional and national level, all while providing a seamless customer experience.”

Fire safety behaviour change central to UK built environment reform, says Fire Aware

Fire safety behaviour change is central to efforts to improve standards across the UK built environment supply chain, Fire Aware has said in comments made this week to industry members and stakeholders.

Fire safety behaviour change is being positioned as a key requirement for delivering lasting cultural reform across the UK built environment supply chain, according to membership organisation Fire Aware.

The organisation said this week that its expanding membership base reflects growing recognition across construction, asset management and building operations that responsibility for fire safety extends across all levels of the sector.

The emphasis on behavioural reform comes amid ongoing changes following the Grenfell Inquiry, which has driven sustained scrutiny of safety culture across the industry.

The inquiry, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, has previously called for a shift towards ethical responsibility and cultural change, rather than reliance on regulatory compliance alone.

Regulatory oversight has also been strengthened through the creation of the Building Safety Regulator, which is tasked with improving competence and raising standards across the built environment.

Fire Aware chief executive Gavin Skelly said behavioural change across contractors, subcontractors, asset owners and managers remains essential to achieving consistent safety outcomes.

He said the challenge is not limited to compliance, but extends to attitudes and day-to-day decision-making across different professional disciplines.

“Changing behaviour can be difficult especially across different disciplines whether you are a contractor, sub contractor, asset owner or manager. However, it is the difference between meeting the cultural change that is needed or not,” he said.

Skelly added that exceeding minimum compliance standards is increasingly seen as both a safety expectation and a commercial differentiator in the post-Grenfell environment.

“Actions do speak louder than words. Adopting best practice above the minimum requirements of compliance can feel like an unnecessary step – yet it is a valuable USP for any business with a duty of care in the post Grenfell era,” he said.

Fire Aware said its members are joining to adopt its code of conduct and sector-specific charters designed to standardise expected behaviours across the supply chain.

The organisation said this is intended to create a more unified approach to competence, accountability and professional responsibility across the industry.

It also highlighted that fire risk is particularly acute in hospitality settings such as bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as healthcare environments where vulnerable occupants may require additional support during emergencies.

Fire Aware said its wider aim is to embed behavioural standards across the built environment by linking moral responsibility with professional practice and regulatory expectations.

Built to move: The difference behind Lamella in curtain wall fire protection

In facade design, passive fire protection must perform over time in real building conditions, not just in testing.

This is especially important in curtain wall construction, where facades accommodate movement from wind loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. In these cases, a firestop or perimeter seal must do more than fit at installation. It must maintain the seal over time as the building moves.

This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.

Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance

Passive fire protection performance depends on more than fire rating alone. It must also maintain the right form, fit, and compressibility over the life of the system.

Some standard stone wool solutions use a horizontal fiber structure. While stable, this can reduce their ability to accommodate repeated lateral compression over time. As movement and compression continue, internal fiber bonds can break down, reducing the product’s ability to recover and potentially allowing gaps to form between the fire protection and the facade or slab edge.

In curtain wall systems, where movement is expected, that loss of recovery can become a critical performance issue. Passive fire protection must remain closely fitted between the facade and the floor slab or inner construction, maintaining integrity as those elements move relative to one another. If the material cannot flex, recover, and sustain contact, the long-term effectiveness of the seal may be at risk.

A material engineered differently

Siderise® developed its own unique Lamella to address these real-world demands. Rather than using a conventional horizontal fiber structure, Siderise Lamella is manufactured from a specially formulated stone wool with vertically oriented fibers. This vertical arrangement allows the product to better withstand lateral compression and to recover more reliably from movement. Accelerated age testing in accordance with EOTA Technical Report 024 has demonstrated that Siderise’s Lamella structure can be repeatedly laterally compressed without loss of recovery or flex.

A smarter experience on site

Lamella also brings practical advantages. The integrated foil facing is clearly marked on top/bottom, and with the fibers already oriented vertically, it significantly reduces the risk of installer error.

Traditional solutions can also require application of spray, with insulation cut and compressed onsite before being sealed with an elastomeric compound. Because Siderise’s product is pre-compressed in the factory, Lamella and the applied foil scrim provide such a high level of fire resistance that an additional wet seal is unnecessary. As that compression is applied, the facing visibly wrinkles, providing a visual indicator that the product has been installed correctly.

Built for the reality of modern facades

Siderise Lamella is engineered to maintain form, fit, and integrity in building envelope applications where movement is inevitable. In curtain wall systems, where small gaps can have significant consequences, that ability to move with the building is a critical performance requirement.

Learn more about the innovation behind Lamella at www.siderise-us.com/lamella

Magirus to showcase integrated civil protection systems at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Interschutz 2026 will see Magirus exhibit at the civil protection and security trade fair in Hannover from 1 to 6 June 2026, highlighting its evolving role as a system provider for fire and disaster control as well as defence and security.

Under the motto “Built to Protect,” Magirus Interschutz 2026 will be centred at Pavilion 32 at Interschutz 2026, where the company will present SmartControl turntable ladders, new equipment, live demonstrations and interactive formats designed to create a hands-on experience and place for industry exchange.

The company said the trade fair appearance reflects its transformation over more than 160 years, as geopolitical conflicts, emerging threats and rising demands for critical infrastructure protection continue to reshape civil protection requirements.

Magirus said it now operates across fire and disaster control and increasingly into defence and security applications, including tactical vehicle solutions for armed forces and security authorities.

Expanding role in defence and security systems

As part of its presence at Magirus Interschutz 2026, the company will emphasise its expanded Defence & Security business unit, positioning itself across the full spectrum of modern operational scenarios.

“The requirements for emergency services and operators of critical Infrastructure is changing noticeably. For us, Interschutz is therefore above all the place for personal exchange with customers, partners and emergency services,” said Thorsten Marquardt, Head of Global Sales at Magirus. “We want to expand our company and our solutions not only present, but make it tangible. The focus is on for us, the question is always how we can best support the responsibility for safety and security .”

Pavilion 32 as interactive hub for emergency services

The Magirus Pavilion 32 will function as an interactive hub featuring live demonstrations, partner engagement and the “Operation 112” firefighter challenge. The company said the format is intended to bring together emergency services, partners and the wider safety community.

Visitors will also be able to explore new operational ideas and technologies aimed at supporting future civil protection requirements, particularly around critical infrastructure and disaster response.

More information on exhibits, programme details and event updates is available via the company’s trade fair page at https://interschutz.magirusgroup.com/.

Navy Shore Enterprise announces 2025 Fire and Emergency Services Award winners

Commander, Navy Installations Command has announced the Calendar Year 2025 Navy Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Award winners, recognising fire and emergency personnel across the Navy Shore Enterprise for operational excellence and mission support.

The awards highlight teams and individuals responsible for emergency response across U.S. Navy installations worldwide, including structural fire suppression, aircraft rescue, hazardous materials containment and emergency medical response. According to the command, these capabilities are central to maintaining readiness across shore installations and supporting fleet operations.

By carrying out life-saving medical interventions and rapid emergency response operations, Navy F&ES teams help ensure that bases remain operational so that naval forces can train, deploy and conduct missions.

“Our personnel are the cornerstone of base resilience,” said CAPT Bill Lane, deputy director of CNIC operations. “Protecting our people and our tactical assets is essential for projecting power from the Shore Enterprise. These winners represent the best of the best in ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted.”

From this year’s recipients, three Navy representatives advanced to top honours in broader military competition at the Department of War (DoW) level: Naval Support Activity Annapolis; Katsuhiro Watanabe of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka; and Metro San Diego, a regional fire and emergency services organisation covering Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, and Naval Air Station North Island.

The awards span multiple categories recognising performance across different installation sizes and specialties.

Navy Shore Enterprise awards in full

In the Small Fire Department of the Year category, Naval Support Activity Annapolis received the DoW-level award, with Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay named runner-up. For Medium Fire Department of the Year, Naval Station Mayport was selected as winner, followed by Joint Region Marianas.

Metro San Diego FES earned the Large Fire Department of the Year award, with Navy Region Northwest as runner-up. Joint Region Marianas was also recognised for Fire Prevention Program of the Year, alongside Navy Region Mid-Atlantic District 3, Naval Air Station Oceana, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story as runners-up.

Individual awards highlighted firefighters, officers, instructors and emergency medical personnel across the fleet. ABH2(AW) Kiara Robin of Naval Station Rota was named Military Firefighter of the Year runner-up, while ABH2(AW/SW) Joshua Acuna of Metro San Diego was also recognised. Civilian Firefighter of the Year went to Katsuhiro Watanabe of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (DoW winner), with Ahmed Dakail of Naval Support Activity Bahrain named runner-up.

Other honours included ABH1(AW/SW) Leaundre Johnson of Naval Support Activity Naples as Military Fire Officer of the Year winner, and Eric Boggess of Naval Station Mayport as Civilian Fire Officer of the Year winner. Additional categories recognised training, inspection, EMS provision, and fire prevention leadership across multiple installations.

The Navy also recognised legacy contributors to the Fire and Emergency Services community through Hall of Fame inductions. Inductees included retired fire chiefs and senior leaders such as Ruben Perez, Edward Stillwell, David Inman, William Casey, Kenneth Snyder, and Jack Woodard (deceased), reflecting long-term service across multiple regions.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented to senior leaders including Rodolfo Gonzales, William Killen, Christopher Connelly, and Daniel Gaumont, acknowledging decades of service within Navy fire and emergency operations.

Commander, Navy Installations Command oversees global Navy shore installation management, including infrastructure development, sustainment and quality of life programmes. The organisation manages 10 Navy regions and more than 70 installations, employing over 48,600 personnel focused on readiness, training and support for fleet operations.

According to the command, Navy installations function as operational platforms essential to supporting global naval missions and maintaining overall fleet readiness.

Reacton Fire Suppression wins King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 for innovation

Reacton Fire Suppression Ltd has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category, placing the company among 52 organisations across the United Kingdom recognised in the 2026 honours list.

As part of the award, Chief Executive Officer Sam Malins is due to meet His Majesty King Charles III at a ceremony at St James’s Palace. The King’s Awards for Enterprise are regarded as the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with 2026 marking 60 years of recognising achievement in British industry and innovation.

The award recognises Reacton’s fire suppression systems, which are manufactured in the UK and are used to protect assets valued at billions of pounds globally. The company’s technology is designed to automatically detect and extinguish fires at their source, using integrated detection and suppression systems.

At the core of Reacton’s system is a proprietary pneumatic detection tube filled with nitrogen. When exposed to heat or flame, the tube ruptures and triggers the immediate release of an extinguishing agent, operating without the need for an external power source.

The company’s power-independent design has been highlighted as particularly significant in high-risk environments where electrical systems may fail. Reacton systems can also use electronic linear detection as an alternative option, allowing deployment across a wide range of sectors including heavy machinery, bus engines, electrical control panels and CNC equipment.

Award recognises dual-agent fire suppression approach

The King’s Awards for Enterprise also noted Reacton’s dual-agent suppression approach. This system combines dry powder, which rapidly suppresses flames, with wet chemical agents that cool surfaces and help prevent re-ignition. The company also offers clean agent options using fluorinated ketones, which are discharged as gas and leave no residue, making them suitable for environments containing sensitive equipment or where people may be present.

Another key feature of the technology is its modular design. Reacton uses what it describes as a “one valve fits all” system, allowing the same core valve to be used across a wide range of applications, from small electrical cabinets to large-scale industrial machinery weighing up to 400 tonnes. Only cylinder size and agent volume vary, which the company says reduces complexity and installation time while improving reliability.

Reacton Fire Suppression Ltd traces its origins to 2010, when Sam Malins acquired a small start-up focused on addressing gaps in fire protection for high-value mobile equipment. Following the acquisition of Reacton Fire Suppression Ltd in 2016, the business expanded into an Essex-based manufacturing, research and development, and international sales operation.

Today, the company supplies fire suppression systems across multiple sectors, including public transport, mining, information technology infrastructure, manufacturing and defence. Its international markets include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Africa and Central Asia. Clients include JCB and DP World.

Reacton says its systems are designed not only to protect equipment but also to reduce risk to human life by preventing fire escalation in industrial and operational environments.

Commenting on the award, Sam Malins said: “This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team. We’ve always believed that even in the face of challenges, there is a solution—you just have to go and find it. This award is proof of that mindset in action.”

The King’s Award for Enterprise continues to highlight UK businesses demonstrating innovation, international growth and sustainable development, with this year’s recipients representing a broad range of industries across the country.