In today’s era of large-scale energy storage deployment, fire safety is no longer simply a matter of “whether a fire can be extinguished.” When a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, it releases large quantities of flammable gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.
When these gases mix with air and accumulate within confined spaces such as BESS containers, they can reach explosive limits. Once that happens, any ignition source can trigger a violent explosion.
However, one risk that has long been overlooked is that the fire suppression product itself can become the ignition source for an explosion.
Conventional fire suppression systems can become ignition sources
Conventional fire suppression systems—such as gas systems, CO₂ extinguishers and FK-5112 systems—typically contain high-pressure vessels, solenoid actuators and electrical tubing.
In the event of flammable gas accumulation inside an energy storage enclosure, if these devices activate or malfunction, their internal electrical contacts, motor operation and high-pressure discharge can generate electrical arcs, high temperatures or mechanical sparks—potentially igniting the surrounding flammable gas atmosphere.
In other words, a fire suppression system without explosion-proof design can be more dangerous in an energy storage explosion scenario than the fire itself.
Are aerosol fire suppression systems suitable for hazardous BESS environments?
Aerosol fire suppression systems have become one of the commonly used fire protection solutions in BESS due to their non-pressurised design, simple installation and maintenance and environmental benefits. So, the question is: how do aerosol units perform in potentially explosive atmospheres?
If we look at the design standards for aerosol systems, not all aerosol products are automatically suitable for use in hazardous explosive areas:
EN 15276-2:2019—Fixed firefighting systems—Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems—Part 2: Design, installation and maintenance—Clause 4.3 explicitly states: Where aerosol generators are used in potentially explosive atmosphere, the compatibility of the generator to the atmosphere for the determined lifetime should be assessed according to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU[5].
ISO 15779:2011—Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems—Requirements and test methods for components and system design, installation and maintenance —General requirements—Clause 4.6 similarly states: Under certain conditions, the potential for explosive atmospheres may exist. Areas where such potential may exist are classified as hazardous. Condensed aerosols may be used in hazardous areas subject to the manufacturer obtaining the specific listings and approvals for such areas from the appropriate authorities.
Only when an aerosol unit has obtained the necessary approval for use in explosive atmospheres can it be installed in BESS. This is likely a design requirement that has been overlooked within the industry.
Explosion-proof fire suppression design is becoming critical for energy storage safety
Energy storage safety is a complete, multi-layered defense: it requires preventing thermal runaway, controlling flammable gas accumulation and—most critically—ensuring that the fire suppression equipment that activates under accident conditions is itself safe and reliable.
With their non-pressurised design, arc-free operation and modular construction, aerosol fire suppression systems—after obtaining explosion-proof certification—are a fire protection solution worth prioritising in energy storage applications.
Energy storage safety is no longer just about “whether the fire can be put out.” Under the most severe accident conditions, whether the fire suppression product itself remains safe and operational is what designers should consider most. An effective system design is one that strictly follows the fire suppression system’s design standards.
Bronto Skylift explains how aerial firefighting platforms support safer firefighter access, elevated suppression and improved operational control across urban, industrial and port environments
Fire and rescue services face incidents where restricted access and height can affect firefighter safety. Urban areas include tall buildings and façades that can be difficult to reach from ground level. Industrial sites, including ports and petrochemical facilities, add hazardous materials and restricted approach routes.
Their value is no longer defined only by height. A platform creates a safer operating position, places crews or monitors where they are needed and delivers extinguishing agents from a controlled location.
Why aerial firefighting platforms are designed for different operational risks
Fire risks vary between regions and operating environments. A municipal fire service in a dense city centre faces different demands from an emergency team protecting a refinery or port. The equipment must reflect those differences.
Truck-mounted aerial platforms have become an established option for fire departments because they combine extinguishing capacity with rescue capability. With vertical reach ranging from 28 to more than 100 metres and the ability to reach below ground level, they can be used across high-rise buildings and difficult access points.
Stefano Leporale, Fire & Rescue Director at Bronto Skylift, identifies versatility as the defining factor in urban response: “The urban landscape holds a multitude of structures requiring the utmost versatility from firefighting equipment. Versatility is the single most important benefit of an aerial platform.”
That versatility concerns configuration as well as movement. Pump capacity, water and foam systems, cage design and control options can be adapted to the risk the platform is expected to address.
Configuring aerial firefighting platforms for municipal and industrial response
Municipal and industrial firefighting place different technical demands on aerial equipment.
In municipal environments, platforms must support rescue and suppression at the same time. They need to be lighter and manoeuvrable, with the ability to work around confined streets and restricted access points. Integrated cage systems allow crews to work at height with their equipment, supporting rescue operations from a stable position.
In industrial environments, the main demand is often high-output suppression. Fires in petrochemical or oil and gas settings can involve hazardous materials and pressurised systems. These incidents require high water discharge capacity, foam application and the monitor positioned at a safe distance from heat or toxic atmospheres.
Industrial aerial platforms are often built with larger water and foam capacity and higher pump performance. In some industrial models, the rescue cage can be omitted in favour of water and foam towers, with powder systems added where the risk profile requires them.
How aerial firefighting platforms improve urban and industrial fire access
In a high-rise incident, internal access can be delayed, obstructed or unsafe. An aerial platform gives crews an external route to the working area and allows firefighting or rescue tasks to be carried out from a controlled elevated position.
The cage is central to municipal use. It allows personnel and equipment to be positioned at height, supporting rescue work and suppression without relying solely on internal stairwells or fixed systems.
Industrial incidents can develop in environments where direct approach exposes firefighters to radiant heat, toxic smoke or unstable structures. Aerial platforms reduce that exposure by placing the extinguishing system above or beyond the hazard.
In petrochemical and oil and gas operations, integrated foam systems allow elevated application onto pressurised tanks, loading racks or pipeline manifolds. Remote control and camera options allow the unit to be operated from a distance, keeping firefighters further from the hazard area.
Ports present a different set of access problems. Standard pumpers may struggle to reach parts of the incident ground, particularly where the target is above deck level or below the surrounding surface. An aerial platform gives fire and rescue services a way to apply water or foam from height onto ships or port-side structures.
How Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service uses the Bronto F70RPX
Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service provides a practical example of how an aerial platform can be configured around local operating conditions. The service operates one of the tallest aerial rescue platforms in Germany, the Bronto F70RPX, known locally as the TMF 70. The 70-metre platform was developed in close cooperation with Hamburg and tailored to the city’s requirements.
The F70RPX can operate in winds up to 12.5 m/s. An integrated anemometer monitors wind speed continuously and automatically limits movement if conditions exceed the safe threshold. The Bronto+ control system monitors outrigger width, boom angle, platform load and other operating parameters to support safe deployment.
For Hamburg, the platform was acquired to close a defined operational need. Lars Scheugl, Instructor at Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The F70RPX is a great acquisition for us. It improves our ability to reach high places and is vital for the city of Hamburg.”
The platform provides a working height of 70 metres and a horizontal outreach of 33 metres. At 40 metres, the boom still delivers 28 metres of outreach, supporting up-and-over access across roofs and façades. The water monitor can provide a throw distance of up to 100 metres using water, foam or a combined mixture. The unit also includes an integrated Cobra Cutting System. This uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasive material to cut through walls or roofs from the outside, allowing crews to begin attacking a fire without entering the structure.
The Hamburg platform was jointly designed with technical coordination by Thorsten Ahrens, Technical Procurement of Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service. Scheugl and his team also contributed operational experience from special vehicle use and active firefighting.
This cooperation influenced control logic and cage layout. The aim was to produce a platform suited to Hamburg’s working environment, including industrial facilities and maritime exposure.
The result is a platform that supports work at height and below ground level. The hydraulic outrigger system and control mechanics support stability at full outreach or on uneven terrain.
Scheugl described how this applies in port conditions: “When we’re working here in the harbour, we often face accessibility issues involving ships and various harbour operations. With this unit we can perform rescue operations and other work below ground level.”
After initial training by Bronto Skylift, Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service developed a dedicated training programme for special-purpose vehicles. Clear control layouts and an intuitive control system helped crews bring the unit into service.
Why access and control remain critical in aerial firefighting operations
The role of an aerial platform is best understood through the operational problem it solves. Fire and rescue services need to place crews and extinguishing agents where ground access is limited, unsafe or too slow.
A municipal service may need cage capacity and manoeuvrability for rescue work. An industrial operator may need higher foam output and remote operation. A port authority may need reach above deck level and below quay level.
Height alone does not define capability. Outreach and stability shape how the equipment performs, along with below-ground access and extinguishing output.
Aerial platforms extend operational reach by allowing crews to work from a controlled distance from the hazard. Their value sits in creating access where it is restricted and maintaining control where conditions leave little margin for error.
Ahead of INTERSCHUTZ 2026, Streamlight® introduces new fireground lighting solutions and safety-rated products designed to improve visibility, coordination and operational safety across modern fire and rescue environments
Across fire and rescue operations, effective lighting supports visibility, safety and control in some of the most demanding working environments. It is a critical part of operational safety, situational awareness and effective decision-making.
From hazardous atmospheres and smoke-filled interiors to large incident scenes, responders require lighting tools that are matched to the task, the risk and the environment.
Streamlight® will be showcasing its latest fire industry product launches and wider professional lighting offerings at INTERSCHUTZ 2026, taking place from 1 to 6 June 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
Visitors will be able to see the Streamlight® products on Stand H37, Hall 27, including a broad selection of safety-rated and general fireground lighting solutions.
New fireground lighting solutions from Streamlight®
Streamlight® recently expanded its professional fire and emergency response offerings with two new products announced at FDIC International. The Portable Scene Light III and LiteBox® 1Million® add further capability to the company’s portfolio, supporting both wide-area scene illumination and long-range search applications.
The Portable Scene Light III builds on the capabilities of the Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light II, which came before it. It is a rugged, waterproof, high-lumen portable lighting solution designed for demanding emergency scenes, job sites and first responder applications.
Featuring twelve powerful LEDs with wide-pattern reflectors, it delivers a uniform beam for maximum coverage, helping crews illuminate large working areas quickly and effectively.
With three adjustable brightness levels, the Portable Scene Light III can be adapted to suit the operational requirements. On High, it delivers 10,000 lumens, 121,000 candela and a 696 metre beam distance, with a run time of two hours.
Medium provides 5,000 lumens, 61,100 candela and a 494 metre beam distance, running for four hours, while Low offers 2,500 lumens, 38,000 candela and a 390 metre beam distance, with an eight hour run time.
Designed for flexibility in the field, the Portable Scene Light III supports multiple power options, including a swappable Streamlight® SL-P6™ Lithium-Ion battery pack, dedicated charger, AC power supply or DC power source. Its light head offers 360° rotation and 180° pivoting, giving crews a full range of motion to direct illumination exactly where it is needed.
The included wireless remote controls all functions from up to 75 feet away and can be paired with multiple lights for simultaneous use. The modular design allows the light head to be used with or without the heavy-duty tripod, supporting both elevated scene lighting and more flexible close-range deployment.
With rugged construction, IPX7 waterproof rating with the battery installed, reversible spiked tripod feet and an integrated carry handle, the Portable Scene Light III is built for all-weather use across demanding emergency environments.
For long-range search and scene lighting, the LiteBox® 1Million® provides a powerful new option within the Streamlight® line-up. It is a rugged, heavy-duty, rechargeable and fully portable high-intensity search light/scene light engineered for demanding professional use.
Delivering 1.25 million candlepower, it emits a focused beam capable of illuminating objects up to 1.39 miles away, while also providing peripheral light for broader visibility.
The LiteBox® 1Million® offers High and Low modes. On High, it delivers 3,300 lumens, 1,250,000 candela and a 2,236 metre beam distance, with a run time of 4.5 hours. On Low, it provides 525 lumens, 200,000 candela and an 894 metre beam distance, with a run time of 22.5 hours.
Its articulating light head pivots 135° and rotates 270°, allowing users to position the beam for long[1]range identification, scanning and scene support.
For fire and rescue teams, the LiteBox® 1Million® is particularly valuable in outdoor searches, perimeter assessment, waterway operations, large incident grounds and other situations where long-distance visibility is essential.
Its rechargeable lithium-ion power system, integrated battery status indicator, heavy-duty shoulder strap and IPX4 water-resistant design make it a practical tool for demanding professional use.
Together, these products are impressive new additions to an already strong selection of fire lighting solutions offered by Streamlight®.
Why safety-rated fireground lighting matters
Alongside these new additions, Streamlight® offers a comprehensive selection of fire lighting tools designed for hazardous environments. In areas where flammable gases, vapours or dust may be present, safety-rated lighting is essential. Streamlight® ATEX and HAZ-LO® products are designed for defined hazardous location use, helping fire and rescue professionals select equipment suited to the risks they face.
For turnout gear and right-angle lighting, the Survivor® X ATEX and Survivor® Pivot ATEX are core firefighter lights designed to clip directly to gear, providing hands[1]free illumination in smoke-filled or confined environments.
The Survivor® X ATEX is Zone 0 and Zone 20 rated, while the Survivor® Pivot ATEX provides a versatile right-angle light with a pivoting head, allowing users to direct light where needed during operations. Both are available as Alkaline or Rechargeable systems.
For hazardous location scene lighting and lantern use, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX and Vulcan® LED ATEX provide portable, rechargeable lighting options. The Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX features an articulating head that allows the beam to be aimed where required, while the flat base allows the light to stand on its own for scene lighting.
The Vulcan® LED ATEX offers a lightweight lantern option with a tight beam suited to firefighting applications.
Compact handheld and inspection lighting also plays an important role in hazardous environments. The Dualie® 3AA ATEX provides both forward-facing and downward-facing beams, with Spot, Flood, and Spot and Flood modes for inspection and area lighting.
The 2AA ProPolymer® HAZ-LO® ATEX flashlight adds a lightweight, waterproof, intrinsically safe option for inspections, equipment checks and general navigation in hazardous locations.
For hands-free use, the Enduro® Pro HAZ-LO® ATEX headlamp supports firefighters during technical work, rescue operations and equipment handling. With spot/flood combo, spot and flood modes, it allows users to maintain visibility while keeping both hands free.
Fireground lighting tools for search, rescue and incident response
Not every fireground task takes place in a hazardous atmosphere, and Streamlight® also offers a broad selection of non-safety rated lighting tools for general firefighting, rescue and outdoor operations.
The Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light II, predecessors to the new Portable Scene Light III, support rapid deployment at incident scenes, helping crews illuminate wide working areas, staging zones, road traffic collisions and outdoor operations. Portable scene lighting is essential for reducing trip hazards, improving coordination and establishing safe work areas during extended incidents.
For long-range search and assessment, the Waypoint® 400 offers powerful directional lighting. Its portability and long run time make it well suited to searching, scanning and identifying hazards at distance, particularly during night operations or low-light outdoor incidents.
Helmet-mounted and hands-free lighting also remains important during close-range tasks. The Vantage® provides compact, helmet-mounted illumination for firefighting and industrial use, delivering a focused beam designed to cut through smoke and haze while supporting visibility and awareness in demanding, low-light environments.
Together, these products demonstrate how fireground lighting is not about relying on one device, but about building a layered
approach. Scene lights provide wide-area visibility, lanterns and right-angle lights support movement and task work, headlamps and helmet lights keep hands free, and handheld spotlights provide reach for search and assessment.
Visit Streamlight® at INTERSCHUTZ 2026
INTERSCHUTZ will provide an opportunity for professionals to see the latest technologies, equipment and solutions shaping the future of emergency response.
Streamlight® will be exhibiting at Stand H37, Hall 27, where visitors will be able to explore the company’s latest product launches, including the Portable Scene Light III and LiteBox® 1Million®, alongside its wider fire lighting offering. The stand will provide visitors the opportunity to see how Streamlight® products support real-world fire and rescue operations. Visitors can also expect added activity on the stand, including a social media competition to win a Streamlight® product. For fire and rescue professionals attending, the show provides the ideal opportunity to meet the team, see the latest products and explore lighting solutions designed for the demands of modern emergency
HAIX UK Sales Manager Simon Ash explains how climate change, evolving fire risks and stricter regulations are driving new performance expectations for firefighter PPE and firefighting footwear
In the high-stakes world of firefighting, there are fundamental commonalities that transcend borders and languages. Whether it is a professional crew navigating Europe’s urban density, a wildfire team in the United States, or a volunteer department in a rural village, the mission remains the same: to protect and save lives.
This shared dedication to protecting the public creates a unique global community, one that is united by fire. At the same time, firefighters operate in an increasingly complex environment.
Changing climate conditions, changing fire characteristics and heightened regulatory standards are reshaping the demands placed on both personnel and their equipment.
Despite differences in the environment, geography, cultures and on-the-ground challenges, there remains a critical interdependence across the sector, a nod to shared pressures, demands and passion for keeping society safe.
The concept of excellent PPE across the industry has therefore never been more relevant than today with the desire for high-quality, versatile and comfortable footwear being a universal requirement.
As the industry changes, PPE must meet baseline standards and actively enable strong performance, resilience and long-term wellbeing. PPE manufacturers must support current and future generations of firefighters so they are able to perform to the best of their ability as safely as possible.
The critical role of firefighting footwear in operational safety
Firefighters are inherently practical. They are engineers of emergency who operate in a world defined by physics, dynamic and often unpredictable conditions and split-second decision-making. For this demographic, the mindset is typically a fact-first approach and a need to understand the what, how and why behind decisions, actions and PPE equipment.
There is a strong and important connection between a firefighter and their equipment. The industry often focuses on the heroic narrative of the individual or team, but it is the technical reliability and performance consistency of PPE that underpins operational effectiveness.
If a firefighter is distracted by discomfort or concerned about the integrity of their PPE, such as from their footwear, their focus is split, which can lead to dangerous situations and reduced efficiency. By ensuring that every firefighter has access to the highest quality PPE, operational safety, biomechanical support and performance optimisation are maximised.
For HAIX, the role of advanced PPE is considered in every step. Its 70 years of expertise ensure that every element of manufacturing, design and quality benefits from proven German engineering principles. This expertise is translated into measurable performance outcomes at the point of need, ensuring that in the very instant a firefighter requires reliability most, they are supported by innovative, comfortable and protective footwear.
How climate change Is reshaping firefighter PPE requirements
Within the varied global requirements for adequate protection, the industry is currently facing a period of intense change. This includes regulatory developments, increasingly diverse fire profiles (from wildfires to lithium-ion battery incidents), advancements in material science, stricter safety standards and a growing emphasis on long-term firefighter health, including ergonomics and contamination management.
This changing environment tests the strength of the firefighting world, particularly in relation to consistency of PPE standards, access to innovation and the ability of equipment to perform under increasingly difficult conditions. This is why global brands, such as HAIX, are developing solutions that address international requirements.
Whether responding to large-scale wildfires or tackling emerging urban risks, such as e-mobility-related fires, the needs of the modern firefighter must be met.
Access to comfortable, secure and innovative footwear is a critical component of risk mitigation and performance readiness. Firefighters facing unpredictable climates now require footwear that balances structural protection against heat and penetration hazards with lightweight construction and ergonomic flexibility, enabling mobility and endurance over extended operational periods.
The expectation is for multi-functional PPE solutions that perform across a range of incident types and environmental conditions without compromising on comfort or safety. The need is for a singular boot that is effective in multiple scenarios and environments, while maintaining performance throughout long shifts. Future generations must also be considered in PPE development.
What works for firefighters now must also reflect the needs of the next wave of professionals, whether based on changing operational demands, increased diversity within the service or a greater focus on long-term health outcomes. Manufacturers that prioritise user-led innovation, field testing and continuous product development will play a key role in ensuring the industry remains both connected and future-ready.
The future of firefighter PPE and industry collaboration
The coming years will bring new challenges to the fire and rescue sector. From the impacts of climate change to the complexities of the built environment, the demands on firefighters will only increase.
Every firefighter plays a key role in the global safety puzzle and deserves equipment that meets a standard and sets a new one. The response must be to double down
on the values that have always sustained the service: camaraderie, expertise and a relentless pursuit of quality. For PPE manufacturers, this means investment in innovation and rigorous quality benchmarks.
Fire Eagle 3.0
HAIX’s latest innovation, the Fire Eagle 3.0, will be unveiled at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Characterised by speed, weight and feel, the third iteration in the best-selling series is a picture of technology influenced by real-life firefighter research and input. It is a refinement of the quality, craftsmanship and excellence ingrained in HAIX’s 70-year legacy.
Effective procurement
To ensure the delivery of high-performance PPE that meets the specific demands of the fire sector, the following strategies are recommendedfor procurement and supplier teams: End-user engagement: Involve frontline personnel early as their insight is critical to defining meaningful requirements and identifying improvements for safety and comfort Feature prioritisation: Distinguish between mandatory and desirable criteria to ensure a balance between innovation and technical possibility Standards compliance: Clearly define requirements that comply with the most recent and relevant safety standards Continuous communication: Maintain open dialogue between procurement officers and suppliers to ensure clarity at every stage of the process Quality focus: Ensure that safety, quality and compliance are prioritised throughout the process and valued above the price point
Fire chiefs urge parents to speak to young people after four teenagers drown over bank holiday weekend
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an urgent water safety warning as hot weather continues across the half term holidays, following four confirmed drownings of teenagers in inland water over the bank holiday weekend.
Fire chiefs said the incidents were a “stark reminder” of the dangers posed by open water, with rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs attracting more visitors during periods of warm weather.
The NFCC warned that despite high air temperatures, water in open environments can remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement within seconds.
Emergency services often see a rise in water-related incidents during warmer weather, with officials warning that many people underestimate the dangers of open water. Hidden currents, submerged objects and sudden drops can pose serious risks, even for strong swimmers used to pools rather than open water conditions.
Research released by Bournemouth University in 2024 found that when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, the risk of accidental drowning increases fivefold compared to days averaging 10°C. The analysis also showed three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days where temperatures reach 25°C or higher compared with the seasonal average.
Gavin Ellis, NFCC drowning prevention lead, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water. We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous.
“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water. Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather.
“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.”
The NFCC is urging families to follow water safety advice during the warm weather, including swimming only in supervised locations, avoiding jumping into water to cool off and never entering the water to attempt a rescue.
People spending time near water are also encouraged to install location apps such as what3words to help emergency services identify their location quickly in the event of an incident.
Fire chiefs are also reminding the public of the “Phone, Float, Throw” advice if they see someone in trouble in the water:
Phone 999 immediately.
Encourage the person to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats.
The NFCC is also promoting the “Float to Live” guidance for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water, advising people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax to control breathing, move their hands to stay afloat and call for help or swim to safety once the initial shock passes.
Many older buildings still carry fire detection systems that were never designed for how people live in those spaces today. Some rely on standalone alarms installed years ago. Others still use aging battery-powered units that do not communicate with each other at all. The problem is easy to overlook until a real emergency exposes the gaps.
Research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that nearly 59% of home fire deaths happened in properties with either no smoke alarms or alarms that were not working properly. At the same time, around 84 million homes built before 1993 still depend on isolated battery-powered alarms or outdated detection setups instead of modern interconnected systems.
That is one reason wireless smoke alarms have become a popular choice for retrofit projects. They give property owners and installers a way to improve coverage without opening walls or running large amounts of new wiring through finished spaces. In older homes, occupied buildings, and renovation projects, that flexibility matters.
Still, retrofit installations bring challenges that rarely appear in product brochures. Signal interference, battery dependency, compatibility issues, false alarms, and compliance concerns can all create problems after installation if the system is not planned carefully.
This blog looks at the real-world challenges behind wireless smoke alarms in retrofit environments, including where these systems work well, where they struggle, and what building owners should consider before upgrading older properties.
Why Wireless Smoke Alarms Are Preferred for Retrofits
Most retrofit projects start with the same problem. The building was never designed for modern interconnected alarms, but opening walls and ceilings to add new wiring creates another layer of work nobody wants to deal with. That is why wireless smoke alarms have become common in older properties. Installers can connect alarms without running cables through finished spaces, which makes upgrades far less disruptive in occupied homes, apartment buildings, and renovated structures.
In many retrofits, the issue is not installing the alarm itself. It works around thick walls, older layouts, decorative ceilings, or spaces that have already been remodeled several times over the years. Wireless fire alarm systems make that process more manageable because they do not tie placement directly to existing wiring routes.
They also help reduce some practical installation problems:
less damage to walls and ceilings
shorter installation time
easier upgrades during future renovations
simpler setup for interconnected smoke alarms
That interconnection matters in larger buildings. If one unit detects smoke, the connected alarms activate throughout the property. Older standalone systems cannot always provide that level of coverage. Cost is another reason retrofit smoke alarm systems are widely used. The devices themselves may cost more upfront, but property owners often save money on labor and post-installation repairs.
Still, wireless installation advantages come with disadvantages. Signal reliability, battery dependency, and long-term maintenance can all become issues later, especially in older buildings with concrete walls or interference-heavy environments.
Why Is Battery Dependency a Major Concern?
Wireless smoke alarms usually make retrofit installation easier. The harder part starts later, once the system has been sitting in the building for a few years, and somebody still needs to keep every unit maintained properly. That sounds simple at first. In reality, it often is not.
In older properties, alarms may be spread across multiple floors, loft conversions, stairwells, or areas people rarely think about day to day. Over time, battery checks get delayed. Testing schedules become inconsistent. A low-battery chirp might get ignored for weeks because nobody knows which alarm is causing it.
Some studies have estimated that roughly 20% of U.S. homes had smoke alarms installed, but none of them were working properly, often because batteries were dead or missing. That is part of the reason smoke alarm battery maintenance still becomes a major issue in retrofit environments, even with newer systems.
The problem grows in buildings using several interconnected units. More alarms usually mean more maintenance responsibility. Some owners also assume long-life battery-powered smoke alarms no longer need regular attention, which creates another issue later when devices are not checked as often as they should be.
Older buildings can make maintenance harder, too. High ceilings, awkward layouts, and difficult access points turn simple upkeep into something people keep postponing until there is an obvious problem. The concern is not really about batteries alone. It is a fact that wireless systems depend heavily on consistent long-term upkeep. If maintenance slips over time, reliability can slip with it.
Wireless vs Hardwired Smoke Alarms in Retrofits
In retrofit work, the decision between wireless and hardwired alarms is usually less about which system is better and more about what the building can realistically handle. Some older properties make rewiring painfully difficult. Others are already under major renovation, so adding new cabling is not as disruptive as it would be in a finished home or occupied building.
Factor
Wireless
Hardwired
Retrofit installation
Less disruptive
Requires more rewiring
Expansion
Easier to extend later
More difficult to modify
Power source
Battery dependent
Connected to mains power
Installation speed
Faster in finished spaces
Slower during retrofits
Ongoing upkeep
Regular battery checks
Electrical system maintenance
Several retrofit smoke alarm systems lean toward wireless simply because the installation process is easier to manage in older spaces. Installers are not opening ceilings across multiple rooms or trying to route wiring through layouts that were never designed for modern interconnected systems in the first place. Hardwired setups still work well in some projects, though. Especially if walls are already open during construction or the building already has infrastructure that supports the upgrade without creating extra repair work afterward.
Some properties end up using wireless and hybrid alarm systems instead of sticking fully to one approach. That happens quite a bit in buildings that have been renovated in stages over the years, where one section supports hardwired upgrades and another part does not. In the end, retrofit decisions tend to become very building-specific. What works smoothly in one property can turn into a complicated installation in another.
How Reliable Are Interlinked Wireless Smoke Alarms?
One of the biggest reasons people choose wireless interlinked smoke alarms in retrofit projects is the added warning coverage across the building. If one alarm detects smoke, the connected units activate together instead of sounding only in a single room. In older homes with multiple floors, converted spaces, or closed-off layouts, that wider alert system can make a real difference.
At the same time, reliability depends heavily on the building itself. Some retrofit environments simply create more communication challenges than others. Thick masonry walls, metal framing, and large floor layouts can sometimes weaken signals between interconnected smoke alarms, especially in properties that were never designed around modern wireless systems. A few building conditions tend to create the most problems:
thick concrete or masonry walls
metal-heavy structures
larger multi-floor layouts
interference-heavy environments
That does not mean radio-interlinked smoke alarms are unreliable. In many retrofit projects, they perform very well when the system is planned properly and tested consistently after installation. Placement matters more than some people expect, particularly in buildings where room layouts have changed several times over the years.
This is also where newer wireless smoke alarm technology has improved quite a bit. Modern systems are generally better at maintaining communication between alarms across larger spaces than older wireless models were. Still, no system works perfectly in every property, especially in buildings with unusual layouts or structural limitations. Much of long-term reliability comes down to how the system performs after everyday use begins. Small communication issues, missed testing, or poorly positioned alarms may not appear immediately after installation, which is part of the reason some problems only become noticeable later.
Common Wireless Smoke Alarm Problems After Installation
Many wireless smoke alarm problems do not appear during installation. The system may seem completely fine at first, then smaller issues start showing up months later, after the alarms have been exposed to everyday use, dust buildup, changing temperatures, and inconsistent maintenance.
False alarms are one of the complaints people notice first, especially in retrofit buildings where detector placement is not always ideal. Kitchens, steam-heavy areas, and poorly ventilated hallways can trigger repeated activations if alarms are installed too close to normal daily activity. After a while, some occupants stop reacting as seriously because the alarms go off too often. That is usually when false alarm challenges start becoming a bigger problem than expected.
Other issues develop more gradually. Dust from renovation work, older ceilings, or aging ventilation systems can slowly affect sensors over time. A chirping detector may not feel urgent initially, but missed battery replacements and neglected devices can eventually interfere with how interconnected smoke alarms communicate across the property.
In many retrofit projects, the same kinds of problems keep appearing. Nuisance alarms near kitchens, sensors clogged with dust, devices dropping off the network, or older alarms struggling to work consistently with newer wireless smoke alarms after partial upgrades.
Smoke alarm installation challenges can also show up later when buildings are renovated in stages over several years. A system may connect properly during setup, but long-term consistency becomes harder once different generations of equipment start operating together across the same property.
Most of these issues are manageable. The difficulty is that they usually build slowly, which makes them easy to ignore until inspections, maintenance checks, or an actual emergency expose the problem later on.
What Fire Safety Compliance Issues Affect Retrofits?
A lot of retrofit compliance problems start with one simple issue: older buildings were never designed around the fire safety expectations used today. Many still rely on outdated standalone alarms, partial upgrades, or layouts that no longer match how the building is currently being used.
That becomes more complicated during renovation work. A property may begin with a relatively small upgrade, then newer fire safety requirements start applying once additional changes are made to the building. In some retrofit smoke alarm systems, the challenge is not installing the alarms themselves. It is making sure the entire setup still meets current expectations for coverage, interconnection, and ongoing testing.
Wireless smoke alarms are often used in these situations because they make upgrades easier without major structural disruption. Even then, compliance is not always straightforward in older properties that have been renovated in stages over many years. Different generations of alarms, partial rewiring, and inconsistent placement can create gaps that are difficult to spot until inspections happen later.
A few issues appear repeatedly in retrofit projects:
outdated standalone alarms
inconsistent detector placement
mixed-generation systems
missing inspection records
Some buildings also run into problems when newer wireless smoke detection systems are added onto older infrastructure that was never designed to support interconnected coverage across the entire property. In many retrofit projects, compliance ends up becoming an ongoing process rather than a one-time upgrade. The earlier the system is planned around the building’s actual layout and long-term use, the fewer complications usually appear later.
Choosing the Right Wireless Smoke Alarm System
By the time most retrofit projects reach the alarm stage, the building has usually already gone through years of changes. Rooms get added, layouts shift, and older systems stay in place longer than expected. That is why choosing wireless smoke alarms is not always just about picking a newer system and installing it everywhere.
Some retrofit smoke alarm systems work perfectly in smaller properties, but then become difficult to manage in larger buildings with separated floors or awkward layouts. In older homes, especially, little things start mattering more than people expect. A detector placed too high to reach easily might not seem like a problem during installation, but it becomes one later when testing and maintenance get delayed.
Future renovations can complicate things, too. A property that feels finished now may still end up with another converted room, an extension, or part of the layout changing again a few years later. Wireless fire alarm systems that are easier to expand usually hold up better in buildings that keep changing over time.
Compatibility matters more than most people realize. Some older alarms stay in place while newer wireless units get added gradually, which can create inconsistencies later if the system was never planned as a whole. Many retrofit decisions end up being more practical than technical in the end. The system that works best long-term is usually the one that fits the building realistically, not necessarily the one with the longest list of features.
Conclusion
Wireless smoke alarms have made retrofit work much easier in buildings where new wiring would create too much disruption or cost. That is a big reason they are now widely used in older homes, apartment buildings, and renovation projects where layouts have changed over time. The difficult part is that retrofit systems rarely stay simple once the installation is finished. Older properties tend to keep evolving, and small issues with maintenance, placement, or system consistency often appear gradually rather than all at once. In most retrofit projects, the systems that hold up best long-term are usually the ones planned around the building realistically from the start, not just the ones that were quickest to install.
FAQs
Are wireless smoke alarms reliable in older homes?
Yes, although older homes sometimes make placement harder. Thick walls, converted rooms, or added extensions can affect how well wireless smoke alarms communicate across the property.
Do wireless smoke alarms work during power outages?
They do. Most wireless smoke alarms keep running during power outages because the system relies on battery power instead of the building’s electricity alone.
What causes wireless smoke alarms to lose connection?
Usually, it comes down to the building layout. Concrete walls, metal structures, long distances between alarms, or weak batteries can interrupt communication between interconnected units.
Are wireless smoke alarms better than hardwired systems for retrofits?
In many retrofit projects, they are easier to install because there is less rewiring involved. Hardwired systems still make sense in some buildings already undergoing larger electrical upgrades.
How often do wireless smoke alarm batteries need replacement?
That depends on the alarm model. Some battery-powered smoke alarms use sealed long-life batteries, while others need replacement sooner and regular testing over time.
Can wireless smoke alarms be installed without professional help?
Some smaller homes can install them fairly easily. Larger retrofit properties usually need more planning, especially when multiple alarms must stay interconnected across several floors or converted spaces.
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
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.
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 NEOand 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.
Here is something most business owners do not fully appreciate until it is too late: grabbing the wrong fire extinguisher in a real emergency can turn a containable fire into something far worse. A water extinguisher on a chip-pan fire. CO2 on a burning pile of paper when foam would have worked better. These are not hypothetical scenarios; they happen in UK workplaces every year. Getting across the different types of fire extinguishers and what each one is actually for is not a box-ticking exercise.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal duty. And while compliance is reason enough, the more practical argument is simple: the right extinguisher, used correctly, stops fires. The wrong one does not. This article covers the main types of fire extinguishers, how the UK classifies fires, what the color codes mean, and which extinguishers belong in which types of buildings.
Types of Fire Extinguishers in UK Premises
There are six main types of fire extinguishers you will come across in UK commercial premises. Each one is built around a different extinguishing agent, and each agent targets a specific type of fire. What types of fire extinguishers UK premises are required to have depends entirely on the nature of the risks inside that building. There is no universal answer. An office needs something
different from a restaurant kitchen, and a warehouse with LPG storage needs something different again. For a wider look at common fire extinguishers across different industries, the starting point is always understanding fire classification.
Water extinguishers – for Class A fires only (wood, paper, fabric)
Foam extinguishers – handle Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids)
CO2 fire extinguishers – for electrical fires and Class B risks
Dry powder extinguishers – cover Class A, B, and C fires (gas-related)
Wet chemical extinguishers – designed specifically for Class F (cooking oils and fats)
Water mist extinguishers – a newer option that works across several fire classes
Understanding UK Fire Classes and Risks
Before you can match types of fire extinguishers to a building, you need to know what class of fire you are actually dealing with. The UK follows BS EN 2:1992 (amended 2005), which divides fires into the following categories:
Class A – Solid materials: wood, paper, textiles, plastics
Class B – Flammable liquids: petrol, paint, diesel, solvents
Class C – Flammable gases: methane, butane, propane
Class D – Metal fires: magnesium, lithium, sodium (relatively rare in most premises)
Electrical fires – Live equipment fires (not an official class under BS EN 2 but treated as a separate category across UK fire safety practice)
Class F – Cooking oils and fats, particularly in commercial fryers
This matters because the fire class dictates which extinguisher to use. It is really that direct. Your fire risk assessment, legally required for all non-domestic premises, should spell out which classes are most likely in your specific building. Once you have that, you can look at the different classes of fires and work backward to the right kit.
Water, Foam, CO2, and Powder Extinguishers Explained
Most people have seen a red extinguisher on a wall and assumed that was enough. It is not. The agent inside that casing matters enormously. Here is what the main types of fire extinguishers actually do.
Water Extinguishers (Red Label)
The most straightforward of all types of fire extinguishers. Water works by cooling burning material down below its ignition point. Effective on Class A fires: paper, wood, fabrics. That is where its usefulness ends. On electrical fires or flammable liquids, water is actively dangerous. Never use it near wiring, live equipment, or anything involving cooking oil.
Foam Extinguishers (Cream Label)
Foam is one of the most commonly deployed agents in UK commercial buildings, and with good reason. It handles both Class A and Class B fires. On a liquid fire, it forms a smothering layer across the surface, cutting off the oxygen supply while simultaneously cooling what is underneath. It is a solid general-purpose option for most office and retail environments, though, like water, it cannot go anywhere near live electrical equipment.
CO2 Extinguishers (Black Label)
If your building has server rooms, a trading floor, switchgear, or any serious concentration of electrical equipment, the CO2 fire extinguisher is what you need. CO2 displaces the oxygen around the fire. No oxygen, no fire. Critically, it leaves no residue, which matters enormously when expensive electronics are involved.
Dry Powder Extinguishers (Blue Label)
Powder extinguishers cover fire extinguisher classes A, B, and C, so they look good on paper. In practice, they are a poor fit for most indoor commercial settings. The powder clouds vision, triggers breathing issues, and leaves an absolute mess across everything it touches. Fine for outdoor fuel storage, LPG installations, or vehicle workshops. In an office or a kitchen, use something else.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Yellow Label)
The wet chemical fire extinguisher exists because no other extinguisher type can safely handle a Class F fire. When cooking oil reaches its flash point, which happens faster than people expect, the resulting fire cannot be smothered by foam or doused with water. Water on burning oil causes a violent steam explosion. Make sure staff have read up on the safe use of fire extinguishers; technique genuinely matters here.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for Workplace Risks
This is where many businesses go wrong. They buy extinguishers, often the cheapest available, without first conducting a proper risk assessment. That approach satisfies no one and genuinely protects no one. Picking the right types of fire extinguishers for your workplace means working through a few practical questions:
What materials are stored or used on the premises?
Is there significant electrical infrastructure: servers, switchboards, charging stations?
Is there a kitchen, canteen, or food prep area?
What heating systems or fuel sources are present?
What is the building layout: small rooms, open floors, multi-story?
In recent years, eco-friendly fire extinguisher technology has delivered suppression performance that rivals traditional agents while having considerably less environmental impact.
UK Fire Extinguisher Color Codes Explained
Every extinguisher in the UK has a red body, which is standard under BS EN 3. The color-coded panel near the top is what tells you what is inside. Learn these, and you can identify the right types of fire extinguishers at a glance, which is exactly what you need when something is on fire.
Colour
Extinguisher Type
Suitable For
Red
Water
Class A
Cream
Foam
Class A, B
Black
CO2
Electrical, Class B
Blue
Dry Powder
Class A, B, C
Yellow
Wet Chemical
Class F
White
Water Mist
Class A, B, C, F, Electrical
Proper extinguisher stands and wall-mounted signage make a real difference here and are a recognized part of workplace fire safety that inspectors specifically look for. There is a range of suitable workplace fire safety equipment designed to keep everything visible and accessible in UK commercial settings.
Fire Extinguishers for Offices, Kitchens, and Warehouses
Let us get practical. Here is what the right setup looks like for three of the most common UK premises types and what types of fire extinguishers UK facilities managers typically get wrong in each.
Offices
The main risks in a standard office are Class A (paper, furniture, fixtures) and electrical (computers, servers, cables). The go-to combination is:
CO2 extinguishers near server rooms, comms cupboards, and workstation clusters
Foam or water extinguishers in kitchenettes, break rooms, and corridors
At minimum, two extinguishers per floor, more in larger buildings or areas with higher density
One thing offices often get wrong is putting extinguishers in plant rooms or cupboards because they look untidy in an open-plan space. That is understandable, but it defeats the purpose.
Commercial Kitchens
Kitchens are, without question, the highest-risk environment in most commercial premises. The combination of heat, oil, and speed creates conditions in which fires develop extremely quickly. The required kit is:
At least one wet chemical fire extinguisher positioned within reach of every cooking appliance
A CO2 unit for electrical kitchen equipment
A fire blanket for smaller, pan-level incidents
Some kitchens try to get away with just a general foam extinguisher. That is not safe and likely not compliant.
Warehouses and Industrial Units
Warehouses vary enormously, so the assessment really matters here. Commercial fire extinguishers UK warehouse operators commonly need include:
Foam extinguishers in any area with flammable liquid storage
Dry powder extinguishers near LPG-powered equipment like forklifts
Water extinguishers across general storage areas with cardboard, pallets, and packaging
Coverage distances matter more in large open buildings.
UK Fire Extinguisher Regulations for Businesses
The legal framework here is not complicated but firm. UK fire extinguisher regulations are primarily set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to England and Wales. Scotland operates under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and Northern Ireland under the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. The obligations are similar across all three. Under UK fire extinguisher regulations, every responsible person for non-domestic premises must:
Conduct and record a fire risk assessment
Ensure that extinguishers are the correct type and number for all identified risks
Ensure equipment meets BS EN 3 standards
Have all units serviced annually by a certified, competent engineer
Train staff so they understand which equipment is for what
Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes to Avoid
Even businesses that take fire safety seriously make some predictable errors. These are the ones worth being aware of.
Using the wrong extinguisher
This is the most dangerous mistake on the list. Water on an electrical fire. Foam on a Class F. These are not rare; they happen because staff have not been shown which types of fire extinguishers are deployed where, or why. Training fixes this.
Blocking or hiding extinguishers
An extinguisher behind a filing cabinet or stacked behind stock is not a fire extinguisher in any practical sense. It needs to be visible, accessible, and mounted correctly. Appropriate workplace fire safety equipment wall brackets and dedicated stands exist precisely to prevent this.
Letting servicing lapse
Annual servicing is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Skipping a year or two because the extinguishers “look fine” is both non-compliant and genuinely risky. Pressure can drop. Seals degrade. You will not know until the moment you need it.
No practical training
The PASS technique Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep sounds straightforward, and it is. But people who have never handled an extinguisher before tend to freeze or use it incorrectly under stress. Short, regular training sessions with the actual types of fire extinguishers in your building make a measurable difference.
Poor or absent color code signage
Fire extinguisher color codes only help if they are actually visible. In smoke or dim lighting, a small panel on a cylinder is hard to read. Overhead signage, clear mounting, and some basic staff training are all it takes to make the color system work as intended.
Final Verdict
To sum this up, there is no clever shortcut here. Matching types of fire extinguishers to the real risks in your UK premises, maintaining them properly, and making sure staff know what to grab and when to grab it is the whole job. It is not glamorous, but it works. The CO2 extinguisher belongs in the server room. The wet chemical unit belongs in the kitchen. The foam goes in the corridor. Get that right, keep the servicing up to date, and make sure your people know the difference. That combination of the right equipment, placed correctly, with trained staff behind it, is what actually protects a building. Review your fire risk assessment annually. Things change: new equipment gets installed, layouts shift, staff turn over. What was right last year might not be right today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Fire Extinguisher Is Best for Electrical Fires?
CO2 is the standard answer, and for good reason. The CO2 fire extinguisher displaces oxygen without leaving any residue, which matters when you are dealing with computers, servers, or switchgear that still needs to work afterward.
How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required in a Workplace?
British Standard BS 5306-8 sets the practical benchmark: at least one extinguisher per 200 square meters of floor area, and no fewer than two per floor. That is the floor higher-risk areas need more.
Are Powder Fire Extinguishers Safe for Indoor Use?
Technically usable, practically problematic. Powder extinguishers cover fire extinguisher classes A, B, and C, which sounds impressive, but the discharge creates a dense cloud that cuts visibility almost immediately and can cause serious breathing difficulties in enclosed spaces.
Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Placed in Commercial Buildings?
The basic principle is Wall-mounted at a height of around one meter from the floor, along exit routes and near stairwells, with travel distances kept to no more than 30 meters for Class A risks.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced in the UK?
Every 12 months, minimum. All types of fire extinguishers in UK premises require a basic annual service from a qualified engineer: pressure checks, condition inspections, and tamper-seal verification.
