CTIF and Metro Fire Chiefs renew MoU

by AmericasFeatured News

Milan Dubravac reinforces ties with Metro Fire Chiefs at Columbus conference

Milan Dubravac, President of The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) recently attended the Metro Fire Chiefs Conference in Columbus, Ohio, taking the opportunity to delve into the purpose of CTIF and foster a stronger bond between the two fire safety organisations.

During his visit, Dubravac signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the recently appointed Metro President, Loy Setter. This updated MoU, which outlines the anticipated cooperation between the two entities for the next five years, extends their mutual commitment until 2028.

The collaboration between CTIF and the Metro Chiefs is a continuation of the MoU first established in 2014.

Staging ground for future collaborations

Dubravac took the chance to discuss CTIF’s vision at the conference, expressing an eager anticipation for more fruitful cooperation with Metro Fire Chiefs in the future.

The event also served as a networking platform as Dubravac and Setter were joined by other esteemed personnel in the fire safety industry including US Fire Administrator, Dr Lori Moore-Merell, and the CEO of NFPA, Jim Pauley.

Expert Insight: Dealing with water damage

by AmericasBreaking NewsPassive

Hochiki looks at reducing the risk of water damage to UK business

Water damage is one of the most common causes of insurance claims across multiple sectors in the UK, from leisure, retail, hotels and restaurants, communication sites, utilities infrastructure, power generation and data sites, right through to cultural and heritage sites, hospitals, healthcare centres and education to name but a few.  It can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from natural disasters such as flooding and storms to simple plumbing issues like leaky pipes and malfunctioning air-conditioning systems, particularly when they fail to regulate humidity levels, leading to condensation or the formation of ice.

Whatever the cause, the damage can be significant, resulting in costly repairs and disruptions to business operations and almost every building in the UK is at risk. Claims of this nature are consistently one of the most expensive, costing insurers an estimated £1.8m a day, and worryingly are on the rise.

Hotels, often with multiple floors, rooms, and amenities require a lot of plumbing. A common cause of water damage in hotels is leaking pipes, which can cause significant damage to walls, floors, and furniture. If left unchecked, the resulting damp environment introduces the risk of mould, which can be a health hazard to both guests and employees.

Data centres which store and process vast amounts of data can be significantly impacted by downtime caused by water leaks. Water entering a data centre can damage electrical systems, including power distribution units, servers, and switches. It can also damage cooling systems, which can lead to overheating and further damage to equipment.

The financial cost of water damage

Due to the spiralling costs of water damage claims, insurers are increasingly scrutinising how commercial property owners are effectively managing water damage risk and subsequently applying substantial premium increases and higher excesses to premises where there continues to be issues. Insurers are also demanding more stringent protections – especially for new and repurposed buildings. In fact, many insurers are now beginning to be involved at the design and construction stages to ensure protections are in place, much like they do with a fire risk assessment.

In addition to the cost of claims, water damage can also have other financial impacts on the insurance market, such as increasing premiums for businesses in high-risk areas or industries. Insurers may also need to invest in new technologies and services to prevent and mitigate water damage, which can increase their operating costs.

Preventing water damage

There are several steps that businesses across the board can take to prevent water damage and minimise the risk of insurance claims. Regular inspections of plumbing systems and roofs can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. In addition, it is important to have a plan in place for dealing with water damage, including procedures for shutting off water, evacuating guests, or employees, and contacting restoration professionals.

If water damage does occur, it is important to act quickly to minimise the damage and prevent mould growth. Hotels, retailers, financial, tech and commercial buildings should work with trusted professionals who can respond quickly to emergencies. In addition, the damage should be documented thoroughly, including taking photos and keeping detailed records of any repairs or replacements.

Investing in water detection systems, which continuously monitor for water leaks help to mitigate the risk of water damage. The installation of water leak detection systems is being recommended by commercial insurers more frequently as part of risk assessments and is often a requirement for full cover. These systems alert staff or building management teams to leaks and flooding before they can cause significant damage.

Selecting a leak detection solution

When looking to install a new leak detection system there are several features you should consider.

Programming for effective cause and effect – Look for leak detection systems which use probes and wires which can be freely allocated to any zones – this provides a greater flexibility in its use. An added benefit would be a system which groups zones to trigger preconfigured outputs or relays and system logic which can interpret leak scenarios and drive the desired outputs.

Sophisticated protocol – If you are looking for a high integrity system then you need to look for a system with a sophisticated protocol which uses dedicated two-wire cabling, designed to provide power and data over a single pair of cables. The protocol should be designed to provide a fast response to water leak conditions and be critically resilient to external interference. Importantly, any leak detected should take priority over any other data.

Tried and tested technology – Look for leak detection systems which utilise fire alarm technology in their design. The standards for fire alarm designs in the UK are of some of the highest and most stringent in the world. This will provide you with the same reliability and integrity attributed to BRE approved fire detection systems, meaning there should be no risk of failure, downtime and significantly fewer false alarms.

24 hour monitoring – Simply because water damage does not occur Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm it is vital any system installed protects your company’s building and assets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is also advisable to look for a system which has the facility for 72-hour battery standby in the event of a power failure as a minimum.

Linear and point detection – Choosing a system which continuously monitors large areas is particularly important for corporate business. This is often achieved when the system uses a linear offering with flexible cabling, so that when even a small amount of water or moisture encounters the wire it will trigger an alarm. Point leak detection can then also be provided by detection probes, which are fixed to the floor at high-risk locations and adjusted to give the required detection level.  Both should be connected to the control panel via a junction box.

By taking preventative measures and having a plan in place for dealing with water damage, businesses can minimise the risk of insurance claims, the impact on productivity, loss of data and ensure a speedy recovery in the event of an emergency. Working with trusted and experienced installers and manufacturers who produce reliable and technologically advanced systems is also key to reducing the risk. Hochiki Europe are experts in life safety systems and devices including water damage detection.

LEAKalarm from Hochiki Europe is a fully addressable, intelligent, highly reliable water leak detection system, providing vast coverage and value for money. The LEAKalarm system is adaptable to a broad range of environments and applications. From small, to very large areas, the cables and probes can be designed to fit almost any environment. LEAKalarm provides reliable, high sensitivity, water, and leak detection in bespoke application specific installations.

To find out more about Hochiki’s Water Leak Detection System, LEAKalarm, visit: www.hochikieurope.com/leakalarm

This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

FEMA gives tips on combatting the effects of wildfire smoke

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Understanding wildfire smoke and its risks

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released guidance on mitigating the dangers posed by wildfire smoke. This noxious by-product of wildfires is a cocktail of gases and microscopic particles produced by the combustion of trees, plants, buildings, and other materials. This week has seen major cities in North America affected by smoke emitted by ongoing wildfires across Canada.

The agency warns that these pollutants can cause significant irritation to the respiratory system, particularly in individuals who are most vulnerable. This includes those suffering from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease patients, children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and outdoor workers.

Key steps to minimise exposure to wildfire smoke

FEMA strongly advises the public to stay informed and be proactive in reducing their exposure to harmful wildfire smoke. Key steps include:

  • Regularly monitoring the Air Quality Index or consulting the Air Now Fire and Smoke Map for updates on air conditions.
  • Opting to stay indoors in cleaner air spaces if outdoor air quality is compromised.
  • Utilising air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and window shades to maintain comfortable temperatures during hot days, whilst avoiding equipment that draws in air from outside.
  • Limiting strenuous outdoor activities when smoke levels are high, or choosing less strenuous exercises to lower smoke inhalation.
  • Wearing an N95 respirator to provide protection from inhaling wildfire smoke particles.
  • Engaging with healthcare providers to understand and implement additional protections against wildfire smoke.
  • Stocking up on necessary medications and supplies to limit outdoor shopping trips during smoky conditions. If available, home delivery services can be used to minimise outdoor exposure.

Essential tools to help communities brace for wildfire smoke

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a Smoke Ready toolbox, designed to help communities better prepare for wildfire smoke. Additional resources include:

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s smoke forecast tool, which provides Air Quality Forecast Guidance.
  • InciWeb, a resource for tracking the locations of active wildfires.
  • The guide, ‘Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials’, to aid in planning for smoke events, ensuring public safety, and communicating health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Preventing Wildfires: Collective Action Required

FEMA emphasises the importance of community involvement in reducing wildfire incidents and the subsequent harmful smoke. Simple, often low-cost measures can drastically reduce the potential for homes to ignite during a wildfire, preventing accidental ignitions and promoting safer communities.

Further information and resources

The US Fire Administration provides additional resources and information to assist communities in their efforts to become more resilient to wildfires. FEMA encourages everyone to learn more about how their communities can adapt to be more fire resistant which be found by clicking here.

Portland Fire and Rescue to roll out electric fire truck

by AmericasFeatured NewsVehicles

Portland welcomes electric fire truck from Pierce with push-in ceremony

Portland Fire and Rescue, in a stirring nod to tradition, is heralding in the future on 12 June with an old-world “push-in” ceremony marking the entrance of a groundbreaking Pierce Volterra electric pumper into service. The event, set to start at midday at Station 1, located at 55 SW Ash, Portland, Oregon, will be open to all.

The Pierce Volterra, an electric fire pumper first launched in 2021, is a trailblazer in its own right. As the first of its kind in service in North America, the new truck is set to strengthen Portland’s environmental sustainability initiatives with its innovative green technology.

The ‘Push-In’ Ceremony

The tradition of the ‘push-in’ ceremony dates back to the 1800s when firefighters would disconnect the fire equipment from the horses and manually push the fire apparatus back into the bays. This tradition has survived the times, and even today, when a new fire engine is purchased, fire departments often mark the occasion with a ceremonially push of the new truck into the bay.

Public viewing and live Q&A

In-person attendees will have a unique opportunity to get an up-close view of the electric fire apparatus, explore the cab and its cutting-edge technology, and even ask their burning questions. According to event details, photography and video during the event are welcome. For those who can’t attend, footage of the “push-in” ceremony will be posted after the event.

Public officials and fire chiefs at the forefront

The ceremony will see the participation of an array of public officials and firefighters, including Rick Graves, Public Information Officer for Portland Fire and Rescue; Rene Gonzalez, Portland City Commissioner of Public Safety; Sara Boone, Fire Chief, Portland Fire and Rescue; Bill Goforth, Deputy Chief, Portland Fire and Rescue; and Marc Faluotico, Regional Vice President, Pierce Manufacturing. The session will conclude with a “push-in” conducted by the on-duty crew and a closing address by Rick Graves.

IFSJ Exclusive: Igniting a new era with Kidde Commercial

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive

Arman Saeidnia, General Manager for the Kidde Commercial Fire business in Europe and Africa, discusses the future of the company

In April 2023, Kidde Engineered Systems, a leading fire and life safety brand committed to delivering the highest standards in commercial fire and life safety protection for more than 100 years, announced its new Kidde Commercial brand identity. Kidde Commercial unveiled its new branding and holistic commercial fire solution capabilities at The Fire Safety Event, in Birmingham, UK on 25-27 April.

With plans to continue the introduction its global rebranding introduction across the US, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle Eastern regions, IFSJ spoke to Arman Saeidnia, General Manager for the Kidde Commercial Fire business in Europe and Africa, to find out more about the company and its brand overhaul.

Who is Kidde Commercial and what is its background and current position in the fire and safety market?

Founded by Walter Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection and fire suppression, Kidde Commercial is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products. Each day, we work to expand upon our legacy of innovation, providing advanced solutions to protect people and property from fire and related hazards.

Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Kidde Commercial provides systems that help protect properties from small commercial offices to large, complex environments such as airports.

In addition, our range covers both wired and wireless solutions, meaning that we can cover most fire detection applications, whatever the size. We have a great track record with a wide range of installations from the Los Angeles Airport to The Duomo in Florence and many others in between.

Can you tell me about the decision to launch the Kidde Commercial branding – how did this come about and what does it mean for the brand?

Through the introduction of the new Kidde Commercial brand, we will be putting four brands – Aritech, Kidde Engineering Systems, Kilsen and Ziton – under one umbrella.

Customers will start seeing a higher profile of the Kidde brand – a name that is already well known in Europe and Africa – as well as faster product development and more focused customer support as we operate under the Kidde Commercial approach.

What is new in the fire and safety market from Kidde Commercial?

Installers, specifiers and end-users are looking for both value and operational efficiency. As part of this drive, wireless technology is becoming increasingly popular as it is easy to install, operationally efficient and can be fitted without affecting the fabric of the building – vital in applications such as historic buildings

In addition, fire detection systems will increasingly be integrated with Building Automation Systems, allowing for centralised control of all building systems, including fire detection, HVAC and security.

This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fike unveils advanced Fire Monitors for superior fire suppression

by AmericasFeatured NewsProducts

Innovative water cannons precisely target difficult-to-reach fires within seconds

Fike Corporation, a leading worldwide manufacturer and provider of fire protection systems, has launched its most recent fire suppression product, the Fike Fire Monitors.

Rapid and precise suppression

These innovative automatic water cannons are capable of extinguishing hard-to-reach fires, often within a short time span of just 15 seconds from the moment they are detected. Fike Fire Monitors are frequently paired with Fike’s own flame detectors equipped with HD cameras or thermal imaging systems. This combination provides a trustworthy, water-based fire suppression solution, especially useful in environments where total flood suppression may not be possible or desirable.

Advanced fire response

Once a fire is detected, the Fike Fire Monitors can be pre-set to spray up to 1,320 gallons of water per minute up to 87 yards away, focusing on specific areas and following a pre-established spray pattern. In addition, a remote human operator can manipulate the unit from any location globally using a joystick, application, or computer, giving a real-time response based on live video footage.

The fire monitors, when wall-mounted, can offer up to 180 degrees of coverage, while those installed on ceilings can deliver a complete 360-degree reach.

Diverse applications meet industry needs

Fike Fire Monitors can be particularly effective in various environments where fire hazards may arise, such as under heaps of trash, wood chips, scrap metal, on top of warehouse racks, rooftops with solar panels, and many more scenarios.

“We’ve seen a big demand in the industry for this product to be offered by Fike because of our focus on product quality, unmatched technical support, and accessible customer service,” said Joe Donato, Fike Product Manager, Water Suppression. “We are excited to meet the demand of the customers who have been waiting for Fike to offer its own version of this exciting technology.”

For more information about Fike Fire Monitors, visit Fike Corporation’s website.

About Fike Corporation

Fike manufactures industrial safety products that protect people and organizations from pressure-related explosions, combustible dust explosions and industrial fire hazards. Using internal product development, scientific research and testing and validation capabilities, Fike develops application-specific solutions consistent with or exceeding the world’s standards and regulations. 

America offers support to Canada amid wildfires

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

In a recent call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden extended further assistance to address the historic wildfires that are ravaging parts of Canada, as vast metropolitan areas in both countries have been shrouded in an orange haze.

The US President has ordered his team to dispatch all obtainable Federal firefighting assets, aiming to promptly aid in curbing the fires that are adversely impacting both Canadian and American communities.

This move is part of an ongoing effort by the United States to support its northern neighbour in battling these devastating fires. According to information provided during the call, the U.S. has already deployed over 600 American firefighters, support personnel, and other firefighting assets to aid in the Canadian crisis.

Continuing cooperation

The two leaders also discussed about fortifying ongoing cooperation to not only prevent such wildfires but also tackle the health repercussions these fires impose on the affected communities. In light of the persisting challenges, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau have pledged to maintain close communication about the emerging needs and response strategies.

The escalating wildfires, deemed both devastating and historically significant, have brought forth renewed cooperation between the two nations as they work jointly to protect communities and landscapes. The shared commitment illustrates a strengthening of ties between the US and Canada, as both countries face a common environmental adversary.

IFSJ Comment

The call underscores the crucial role that international collaboration plays in addressing larger scale environmental crises. As the situation unfolds, both countries continue to demonstrate their resilience and shared dedication to overcoming this environmental challenge.

The far-reaching impact of wildfire smoke

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsWildland Fire

As parts of the world are experiencing the impact of wildfire smoke first-hand, tens of millions of people in North America have been forced to confront dangerous air quality levels. The cause? Intense wildfires ravaging across Canada, particularly Quebec, where 160 fires are actively burning.

As forests burn, large volumes of smoke are released into the atmosphere, impacting air quality locally and often hundreds, even thousands, of miles away. From Toronto to New York, vast metropolitan areas have been shrouded in an ominous orange haze, briefly earning them the dubious distinction of having the worst air quality worldwide.

So what are the mechanisms behind smoke dispersion and the implications for air quality and human health?

How does wildfire smoke spread?

Smoke from wildfires consists of a mixture of gases and microscopic particles produced when organic matter burns. The spread of smoke is primarily dictated by weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.

When wildfires ignite, smoke is released and can ascend to high altitudes due to the heat of the fires. This smoke can then travel great distances, carried by wind currents. It’s not uncommon for wildfire smoke to cross state lines, oceans, and even continents. For instance, smoke from the 2020 US West Coast wildfires was observed over Northern Europe, illustrating the transcontinental reach of such events.

Smoke composition and its effects on air quality

Wildfire smoke is composed of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, and particulate matter. Of these, particulate matter—specifically PM2.5, or particles with diameters that are 2.5 micrometres and smaller—is the greatest concern for air quality and health. PM2.5 particles are small enough to be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs and even into the bloodstream, causing various health problems.

High concentrations of these particles significantly degrade air quality, creating hazy conditions and reducing visibility. This can result in an Air Quality Index (AQI) that exceeds safe levels for humans and animals.

Impact on human health

Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health effects, some immediate and others potentially long-term. These can range from minor symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing, to more severe issues such as exacerbating chronic heart and lung diseases. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children are particularly vulnerable.

How far can wildfire smoke travel?

The extent of smoke dispersion is dependent on the size of the fire and prevailing weather patterns. In some instances, smoke from severe wildfires in western North America has been reported to affect air quality on the East Coast. In 2019, smoke from Australian bushfires circumnavigated the globe, returning to its origin – a clear demonstration of the far-reaching effects of these fires.

Mitigating the impact

As our climate changes and the incidence of large-scale wildfires potentially increases, understanding and mitigating the impact of wildfire smoke becomes crucial. Measures include improving forecasting of smoke spread, raising public awareness of the health risks, and implementing strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of wildfires.

Furthermore, individuals can take action by staying informed about the AQI in their area, especially during wildfire season, and taking necessary precautions like staying indoors and using air purifiers during periods of poor air quality.

IFSJ comment

The smoke from wildfires can have a profound and far-reaching impact on air quality, traveling great distances and impacting the health of people far removed from the fires themselves. As we grapple with the reality of an ever-changing climate, it becomes increasingly necessary to understand and address this smoky consequence of wildfires.

Innovators of water mist fire suppression technology honoured by NFPA

by AmericasFeatured NewsFire Suppression

Technology Leaders To Receive Accolades at the Annual NFPA Conference & Expo

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the winners of the 2023 Philip J. DiNenno Prize. Four individuals have been recognised for their instrumental roles in the creation and application of the groundbreaking Water Mist Fire Suppression Technology.

The recipients of this esteemed award are Göran Sundholm, Gerard (Jerry) Back, Jack Mawhinney, and Magnus Arvidson.

Disruptive Technology for Fire Suppression

First introduced approximately three decades ago, the water mist fire suppression technology was a revolutionary response to the demand for a safer, effective and environmentally responsible fire suppression system. This technology was a substitute to the ozone-depleting halon gas systems, which were previously widely used.

Originally intended for utilisation on marine vessels, this innovative technology has now become an indispensable asset for securing spaces susceptible to water damage by traditional fire suppression systems such as places of cultural importance, art galleries, passenger railway carriages, and commercial computer and data storage rooms.

Honouring Visionaries

Each of this year’s DiNenno Prize winners have contributed significantly to the development and advancement of this technology.

Göran Sundholm, founder of the MariGroup companies, was praised for his “visionary leadership”. Sundholm boasts an impressive portfolio of patents covering the design, manufacturing, testing, and installation of numerous systems. He is particularly noted for developing and patenting the Hi-Fog water mist technology.

Gerard (Jerry) Back, a seasoned fire protection engineer at Jensen Hughes, was recognised for his leadership and research in water mist technology applications, particularly for military vessels. His remarkable achievements include the invention of the “Navy” water mist nozzle, adopted by the US Navy for machinery space protection.

Jack Mawhinney, a retired fire suppression research engineer, was lauded for his research and for designing fine water mist suppression systems for challenging oil-field processing locations in the Alaskan North Slope.

Lastly, Magnus Arvidson, a fire protection engineer at the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), has made noteworthy contributions to water mist and sprinkler testing and research. Arvidson’s work has greatly influenced the development and application of water mist fire suppression systems.

Celebrating Achievements at the Annual NFPA Conference & Expo

The esteemed Philip J. DiNenno Prize is a notable honour that recognises innovative strides that significantly impact building, fire, and electrical safety. The prize includes a monetary award of $50,000 and honours the late Philip J. DiNenno, former CEO of Hughes Associates, for his exceptional contributions to fire safety.

This year’s winners will receive their awards at the “Stars at Night” ceremony during the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on Sunday, 18 June.

Moreover, the Conference & Expo will host a special panel on the morning of 19 June, which will focus on the pivotal role fire mist systems play in fire protection. The panel will feature all four award winners as panelists.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The NFPA is a global, self-funded, non-profit organisation established in 1896. It is committed to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association disseminates information and knowledge through over 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy. For more information visit www.nfpa.org.

IFSJ Exclusive: Fanning the flames of success

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive

Darren Gamage, Group Chief Operating Officer at Kings Secure Technologies sits down with IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey to discuss the company’s growth in the fire market

Can you tell me about Kings Secure Technologies and its place in the market?

Kings Secure Technologies (KST) is one of the UK’s leading providers of security, fire safety and risk management with a focus on long standing commercial partnerships with our clients. The business was founded in 1971 and rapidly grew to become well known in the provision of security services. Its original focus was predominantly around electronic, mobile and static security services, predominantly into the retail market.

In 2017, a new senior management team including myself was brought into the business to drive expansion into new areas. We were brought in to expand the business. The business has grown substantially over the last five years, predominantly through both organic and acquisition growth.

We took more of an integrated service approach as we were finding clients that are looking to reduce their supply chain, particularly around the field of security, fire and risk. We’ve been quite successful at both retaining and developing our customer base into new sectors. Today, we’ve got over 800 employees across the UK working in a wide range of frontline business support roles.

Our headquarters is in Bradford, and we’ve got operational bases across the country to support our operational teams. Fire and life safety systems is a critical growth area: over the last four years, that’s been the biggest area of investment for us in terms of the development of services that support clients. Our approach is to work with them from early-stage risk identification all the way through to helping close out their fire and life safety risks.

What is your position and background within the industry?

I’m KST’s Chief Operating Officer. I joined the business as part of a new management team in 2017. I support and oversee the strategic planning, and the development of many of our new business streams. As well as the fire side acquisitions, we’ve made some acquisitions in the security side with Cougar Monitoring. We’ve also launched a number of new businesses including our specialist void protection business, which installs temporary fire alarm systems.

I’m responsible for the biggest divisions within the group. Both the fire and the electronic security systems businesses report into myself, including our smoke control business and our fire risk assessment business.

I’m also responsible for merger and acquisitions activity. I find strategic partners to work on, develop our strategic relationships, and then when relevant, make acquisition targets that bring them into the group. Finally, I’m involved with the commercial sales development – working with the sales team on targeting client sector development and making sure that we’re growing in the areas that we want to grow as a business.

Why did KST decide to integrate more fire safety into the business?

It’s something that we’ve grown mainly over the last five years. We had a small fire capability, like many others we were focused on security and dabbling in fire. Back in 2020 we acquired a business called Silver Group. Silver Group expanded our capabilities into the fire and life safety area, particularly around smoke ventilation. Then two months ago we made a further acquisition in the delivery of fire with a business called EFire. We also acquired a fire risk assessment business 18 months ago.

How did these acquisitions come about?

The acquisition around Silver Group was about strengthening our fire capabilities. We wanted to be one of the first and only ones in the market to be able to offer combined smoke, ventilation, fire alarms and systems, and maintenance and installation services. There are only a few companies at the moment that cover both smoke and fire. Silver Group was a natural acquisition as we had been working with the company for a number of years as a subcontract partner, so we decided to bring them in house.

For fire risk assessment, we saw substantial opportunities within the marketplace. We had opportunities among our existing clients who needed to carry out risk assessments. So we came across the Quidvis business and we saw that as a real differentiator, so we brought that into the group. Then recently we acquired EFire to further strengthen our national capabilities on fire, but equally to help move us into some sectors which are new to the business like healthcare, NHS and the government.

What is the plan for KST moving forward within the fire and life safety sector?

It’s a major area of investment for us. We’re going to continue to develop in that area and grow our portfolio. We are creating a number of strategic partnerships with companies in areas of services that we don’t currently deliver.

I see the opportunities around integrating passive and active fire protection very much in a more unified way. At the moment, passive and active are almost treated as two different disciplines. We’re just about to complete a strategic partnership with a business that will allow us to support our clients in the provision of fire doors, fire shutters and fast stopping.

If you just look at the fire doors market, it’s never really been considered, but in this post-Grenfell world people are now having to deal with that. We see the opportunity to be able to provide our clients that solution off the back of our core services.

There is also continued growth potential in terms of technology. We will continue to work with our manufacturer and supplier partners to look at how we can bring technology to the play to improve our service delivery. For instance, we’re working heavily with Honeywell Gent at the moment. We are a Gent partner and are looking at their automation systems. We plan to put them into places so that when we send engineers out, we’re proactively maintaining systems rather than reactively maintaining systems.

Smoke ventilation wise, a lot of companies installed smoke ventilation but never have them maintained. We see massive opportunities of growth in the maintenance of smoke vents, both natural and mechanical, in the future.

This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.