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

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collapsible Spill Berm ECCOTARP to be showcased at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by Breaking NewsProducts

Collapsible Spill Berm ECCOTARP on show at INTERSCHUTZ in June

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

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

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

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

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions expand group across UK and Ireland

by Breaking News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionConstructionHealth and SafetySafety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - Featured NewsAmericas - ProductsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire EngineeringFire SuppressionFire SuppressionIFSJ ExclusivesPassiveProducts

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

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

This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.

Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance

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

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

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

A material engineered differently

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

A smarter experience on site

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

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

Built for the reality of modern facades

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

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

Holík to unveil craft-based brand identity at Interschutz

by Breaking NewsEvents

Holík International is set to unveil its craft-based brand identity at Interschutz.

The six day international tradeshow will take place between 1 – 6 June at the Hanover Exhibition Centre in Germany.

Holík International

Holík International belongs to a very small group of manufacturers worldwide. The manufacturers supply firefighters with a system of protective wear including gloves, footwear and clothing.

Holík highlighted that as it protective wear is made entirely from its own development and production, it puts the company in a unique position within the market where most companies combine equipment from various suppliers.

This capability is now, for the first time, placed firmly at the centre of the company’s communication.

In 1993, Ivo Holík, the owner of Holík International, took over a simple workwear glove production and instead of becoming a low-cost subcontractor, he decided to build his own brand.

He gradually added further key components, including firefighter footwear (2010) and intervention clothing (2024), creating a unique integrated protection system.

“We wanted to control the entire product”

Ivo Holík, Owner of the company said: “We didn’t want to depend on what someone else would commission from us. We wanted to control the entire product: from development all the way to real intervention in the field.”

The company reported that as a result of this, it now supplies equipment to more than 80 countries worldwide and can guarantee the functionality and compatibility of all gear components as a single integrated system – which is crucial in real-life operations.

Holík is now translating this technological and manufacturing advantage into its brand.

“Deeply craft-driven and human”

Working with acclaimed European marketer Michal Pastier, the company developed a new visual identity built on the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation.

Pastier said: “Holík International is not just a technology company. It is deeply craft-driven and human.

“Our task was to interpret into the brand exactly what it already carried – thanks to the Founder’s vision and the company’s values.”

Visual brand identity

With the help of Pastier, the dominant element of the new identity is the so-called Protective Green – a distinctive green colour symbolising protection and progress.

It is complemented by anthracite, referencing craftsmanship and material.

Alongside this, the key symbol is a spool of thread, connecting the brand’s origins with its current technological level.

The new slogan “Crafted to protect. Worn with pride.” replaces the generic communication of the original tagline “your safety comes first” and brings the brand closer to those who actually use its products, added Holík.

Interschutz 2026

Holík revealed that it will present its new identity at Interschutz in Hanover.

Alongside the company’s largest-ever exhibition stand, Holík will also take the stage at a special panel discussion on the topic of wildfire, that is set to take place on Tuesday 2 June at 11:00 am, Hall 17, Stand D70.

Both Ivo Holík and the company revealed that attending the tradeshow will be a symbolic moment for the company’s journey which started out delivering leather to seamstresses in an old van across surrounding villages.

It all began with craft, and craft is where it ends.

Euralarm publishes new guidance to support lockdown procedures

by Breaking NewsEvacuationSafety

Euralarm has published new guidance on the use of Fire Detection and Alarm systems to support lockdown and invacuation procedures.

The company said that this marks an important step forward in the evolution of multi-hazard safety strategies across Europe.

Advanced risk landscapes

Traditionally, FD&A systems have been designed and implemented to ensure safe and rapid evacuation in the event of fire.

However, today’s risk landscape increasingly requires buildings to respond effectively to a broader range of threats, including intruders, violent incidents, external hazards or environmental risks.

This new guidance demonstrates how existing FD&A infrastructures can be used to support both evacuation and lockdown scenarios in a safe, compliant and coordinated manner.

Guidance document

According to Euralarm, the document emphasises that while integration is possible and often beneficial, fire safety must always remain the highest priority. Any use of FD&A systems for non-fire purposes must ensure that fire detection, alarm transmission and evacuation signalling are never compromised.

Clear differentiation between signals is essential with distinct tones, messages and procedures to avoid confusion among building occupants.

A key principle highlighted in the guidance is that lockdown signalling can share FD&A infrastructure – leveraging its reliability, monitoring and resilience – provided that the system is carefully engineered. Fire alarm signals must remain clearly distinguishable and cannot be masked, delayed or overridden by other alerts .

The guidance also explores how different European countries are addressing this topic.

While there is no harmonised EU regulation, national frameworks increasingly support a multi-hazard approach.

Examples include the Netherlands, where evacuation alarm systems are explicitly intended for “fire or other emergencies,” and recent updates in the United Kingdom that allow fire alarm sounders to be used for lockdown with distinct signalling.

Beyond regulatory context, the document provides practical engineering and design recommendations.

These include conducting thorough risk assessments, defining clear cause-and-effect logic, ensuring signal intelligibility and establishing priority hierarchies between evacuation and lockdown functions.

The importance of integrating these strategies into the overall fire protection concept and gaining approval from the relevant authorities is also strongly emphasised, Euralarm added.

The guidance further highlights the importance of human factors. In emergency situations, occupants must be able to quickly understand what action to take.

This requires clear, intelligible messaging, regular training, and well-rehearsed procedures. Whether evacuating a building or securing it, the effectiveness of the response depends not only on technology, but also on preparedness.

Increased complexity and risks

Euralarm said that as buildings become more complex and risks more diverse, integrated emergency communication systems are becoming increasingly important.

This new guidance provides a harmonised framework to help stakeholders design and implement systems that support both evacuation and lockdown strategies without compromising safety or compliance.

With this publication, Euralarm continues to support its members and the wider industry in adapting to evolving safety challenges, promoting best practice and enhancing the protection of people and property across Europe.

Advanced’s deploys alert system to protects John Street, Newham

by Breaking NewsEvacuation

John Street, Newham, a high‑rise residential development comprising Blocks A and C, has been equipped with a comprehensive life safety solution from Advanced.

According to the company, this deployment has incorporated the SmokeGo smoke control and EvacGo evacuation alert systems to support a stay‑put fire strategy and enhance resident safety.

Advanced said that the project, delivered as part of a wider life safety installation by Simple Life Safety Systems Limited, required a robust and compliant approach to smoke control and evacuation alert across two buildings with different heights and risk profiles.

Block A is a 14‑storey, high‑rise residential block, while Block C is a smaller, four‑storey building. Each block was equipped with one SmokeGo panel and one EvacGo panel, providing dedicated control tailored to the specific needs of each structure.

SmokeGo

SmokeGo was specified to deliver active smoke control via the fire system, supporting the management of smoke in common escape routes and critical areas.

Designed to comply with EN 54 Parts two and four, as well as BS 7346‑8 and ISO 21927‑9, SmokeGo enables automatic and manual control of smoke control fans and dampers from a single, intuitive interface.

Advanced said that its simple matrix‑based configuration allowed the project team to clearly define smoke compartments and cause‑and‑effect relationships, helping ensure smoke is contained and extracted effectively in the event of a fire.

EvacGo

EvacGo was installed as a fully independent BS 8629-compliant evacuation alert system, giving the fire and rescue service a reliable and secure means of alerting residents if evacuation beyond the affected flat is required.

Each EvacGo panel is housed within a robust, tamper‑proof enclosure and is designed exclusively for use by the fire and rescue service, helping prevent misuse while ensuring clear, decisive control during an incident, Advanced added.

“The tools they need”

John Newton, Director Life Safety at Simple Group commented: “John Street was a complex residential project that required careful coordination between smoke control and evacuation alert systems.

“Using SmokeGo and EvacGo allowed us to deliver a fully compliant solution that aligns with the fire strategy while giving the fire and rescue service the tools they need to manage incidents safely and effectively,” he concluded.

“They deliver confidence”

Shaun Scott, Applications Engineer at Advanced added: “Projects like John Street highlight the importance of implementing smoke control and evacuation alert systems correctly.

“SmokeGo makes complex smoke control logic far simpler to configure and manage, while EvacGo provides a clear, compliant evacuation alert solution. Together, they deliver confidence for installers, building managers and emergency responders alike.”

Dedicated life safety systems

The SmokeGo smoke control system and EvacGo evacuation alert system operate as separate dedicated life safety systems, ensuring smoke movement can be actively controlled while evacuation decisions remain firmly in the hands of the fire and rescue service.

This layered approach supports resident safety without undermining the stay‑put strategy that underpins the building’s fire design.

With one SmokeGo panel and one EvacGo panel installed in each block, the John Street development now benefits from a coordinated life safety solution that addresses both smoke management and evacuation alerting in line with current best practice and regulatory guidance.

The company said that this project demonstrates how Advanced’s specialist systems can be combined to meet the evolving safety requirements of modern residential buildings, delivering compliant, practical solutions that prioritise both resident safety and operational simplicity.

Britannia Fire secures Dubai government approval

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionMiddle East - Featured News Archives

Britannia Fire has revealed that its P50 fire extinguishers have officially been certified for use by major government entities in the Emirate of Dubai including Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Airport and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

According to the company, the Certificate of Conformity (COC) was obtained from the Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) by the Concorde-Corodex Group, Britannia Fire’s distribution partner across the Middle East and North Africa.

Britannia Fire

A global leader in the design and production of composite fire extinguishers, Britannia Fire manufactures the P50 range from its factory in Norfolk, UK.

The advanced composite materials remove the need for annual servicing, with refurbishment only required after ten years, while the multi-purpose, fully recyclable and PFAS-free design helps support sustainability.

The approval comes as many government facilities in Dubai continue to rely on conventional steel extinguishers, which require annual servicing, have shorter operational lifespans and often contain PFAS.

“Enhanced operational efficiency and significant cost savings”

Asharaf Pallath, Sales Manager at Concorde-Corodex commented: “Government organisations in the region are showing strong interest in the P50 PFAS-Free Foam model.

“It is suitable for Class A, B and F fires and is also safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V.

“In many cases, a single P50 can replace two separate extinguishers, offering enhanced operational efficiency and significant cost savings through reduced servicing needs and fewer overall units required,” he concluded.

Concorde-Corodex

Concorde-Corodex already supplies more than 5,000 P50 fire extinguishers annually in the Abu Dhabi region to the industrial and oil and gas sectors, where the P50 has long held Abu Dhabi Civil Defence approval.

The new certification paves the way for further expansion into the Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

“An important step in our growth”

Andy Spence, Managing Director at Britannia Fire added: “This certification marks an important step in our growth across the Middle East.

“Working closely with Concorde-Corodex, we are well positioned to support organisations in Dubai who are committed to improving both safety and environmental performance.”

Navy Shore Enterprise announces 2025 Fire and Emergency Services Award winners

by Aerial FirefightingAmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAssociations and OrganisationsAviationBreaking NewsPeoplePorts & Maritime

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

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

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

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

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

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

Navy Shore Enterprise awards in full

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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