Conference update: Revised date for IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety event

by Breaking NewsEventsIFSJ ExclusivesIFSJ LeadersMENAMENA - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

We would like to inform all invited attendees that the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference in Dubai has been rescheduled to Thursday, 8 October 2026.

After a comprehensive review of recent regional developments, we consider the decision to move the event to October to be the most responsible and appropriate course of action.

Please note this is a postponement, not a cancellation. If you have a confirmed ticket this remains valid and no action is required from you at this stage.

We would also like to reaffirm our continued commitment to supporting the international fire and safety industry. The UAE remains a regional hub for fire and safety innovation, professional development and strategic investment, and we remain fully dedicated to contributing to the advancement of the sector through the Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference and our wider industry activities.

Our team will provide updated event details and next steps in the coming weeks.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you in October for a highly valuable and timely gathering of regional fire and safety leaders.

Ramtech publishes 2026 construction fire safety whitepaper

by Breaking NewsConstructionResearchSafety

Ramtech whitepaper revisits NFPA 241

Ramtech has relaunched its construction fire safety whitepaper with a 2026 edition focused on NFPA 241 gaps, expected code changes and the use of wireless systems on US projects.

Ramtech said the refreshed paper is titled Closing the Gaps in Construction Fire Safety and follows its earlier whitepaper No Site Left Behind: The Modern Fire and Life Safety Solutions for Construction.

The paper says fragmented adoption across states, reliance on older editions and a minimum code mindset continue to weaken site fire safety.

It gives early insight into expected areas of change in the forthcoming NFPA 241 2026 revision, including guidance for mass timber construction, tighter site security requirements, clearer Fire Prevention Program Manager responsibilities and stronger links with other NFPA and International Fire Code standards.

James Pecz, Ramtech’s North America lead and member of the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group, said: “Across the U.S., adoption of NFPA 241 is still highly inconsistent.

“My work on the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group has highlighted how reliance on older editions or minimum-code compliance leaves sites exposed, especially as projects become larger and more complex.

“Wireless detection and notification systems can bridge these gaps, helping contractors meet best-practice standards while protecting people, assets, and schedules.”

Project examples and US office opening

The report includes project insight from Barton Malow, Space Age Electronics and Ramtech, alongside case material from large developments in Detroit and California.

Kyle Jarvenpaa, vice president of business development at Space Age Electronics, said: “Projects with hundreds of workers across dozens of floors present unique challenges.

“The real test isn’t just knowing the code – it’s making sure every worker hears the alarm, every floor is cleared, and safety teams have real-time visibility.

“Coordinated wireless detection and notification systems turn complex safety plans into action, giving workers confidence they’ll be alerted immediately in an emergency, while helping teams respond faster and keep projects moving efficiently.”

The report says Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are increasingly recognising wireless fire detection and notification systems as a practical way to address compliance gaps when permanent systems are not yet operational.

On the $1 billion Hudson’s Detroit development, project safety professional Anna Kahl said: “On a project of this size, evacuation planning can’t rely on assumptions.

“Noise, height, changing access routes, and limited visibility are the norm, not the exception.

“A coordinated alarm system that reached all workers at the same time was vital – it kept our team safe and gave us confidence in every drill.”

A case study in the whitepaper also describes the deployment of more than 350 wireless devices on a $1.3 billion resort development in California.

The relaunch follows the official opening of Ramtech’s dedicated US office in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October.

New £70m building safety package backs inspectors and fire engineers

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Building safety funding announced for key professions

New £70 million funding has been announced to address shortages in building safety professions and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said on 26 March 2026 that the three-year programme will increase the number of Registered Building Inspectors by up to 700 and expand fire engineering education.

The funding is split between Building Control, which will receive £55 million, and Fire Engineering, which will receive £15 million.

It is intended to increase the number of Registered Building Inspectors, including those in Class 3H who can inspect High-Risk Buildings.

The programme will also increase the number of Fire Engineers and the availability of Fire Engineering education.

How the funding will be used

Funding for Building Control will support local authorities’ building control teams in England to recruit new Registered Building Inspectors and train them to the required Class 2 standard.

It will also fund the upskilling of existing Registered Building Inspectors, with many training to the standard needed to inspect High-Risk Buildings in Class 3H.

Additional funding will support the training of new entrants in Registered Building Control Approvers and local authorities.

For Fire Engineering, the funding will develop higher education provision through postgraduate bursaries, along with research and academic development.

The mechanisms for applying for the funds are currently under development and more information will be published in the coming months.

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “We’re boosting the building safety workforce to get more skilled building inspectors and fire engineers into the system quickly to keep people safe and unlock the new homes this country needs.

“This is a vital step in building 1.5 million safe homes and ensuring we continue to deliver on lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”

The government said the programme responds to recommendations from the House of Lords regulatory committee, along with concerns raised by the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel, responses to the Building Control Independent Panel’s call for evidence and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Britannia Fire launches AVD extinguisher and blanket for battery fires

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Britannia Fire adds AVD products for battery fires

Britannia Fire has launched a 6-litre Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) fire extinguisher and an AVD fire blanket for lithium-ion battery fires.

Britannia Fire said the products were developed in response to a rise in UK incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, e-bikes and scooters, consumer electronics and communication systems.

The new AVD extinguisher is the latest addition to the company’s P50 range.

It uses a water-based extinguishing fluid mixed with vermiculite particles for lithium-ion battery fires.

When discharged onto a fire, the water cools the affected area and the vermiculite forms an insulating layer to smother flames and help prevent reignition.

The blanket is made from high-silica glass fibres with flame and heat-deflecting surface coatings and an oxidised base fabric.

It is designed to be placed over a burning battery-powered device to help contain flames, block heat radiation and limit fire spread.

The P50 AVD can then be discharged under the blanket edge to cool and extinguish the fire.

Product details and intended use

Britannia Fire said the new products are intended for areas with charging stations or groups of battery-powered devices.

Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “It’s concerning that fires involving lithium-ion batteries are on the rise.

“These fires are by nature more explosive and intense than typical fires and can be particularly difficult to manage.

“Our new P50 AVD fire extinguisher and AVD fire blankets provide a powerful, complementary solution for tackling these fires.

“The blanket isolates and contains the incident, helping to prevent escalation, while the P50 AVD rapidly cools and suppresses the flames with precision and safety.”

Spence added: “Many of us rely on lithium-ion powered devices every day, both at home and at work, which is why having the right fire protection in the right places is essential.

“Our new AVD products are particularly suitable for areas with charging stations or clusters of e-battery devices, whether that’s car parks, warehouses, work spaces, bike storage areas or IT equipment rooms.”

The AVD fire blankets are available in three sizes for electronics, e-bikes or scooters, and electric cars.

Britannia Fire said the P50 AVD is fully recyclable, has a 20 year life span and comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Simple checks can be carried out by a responsible person, with record-keeping logged through the Britannia Fire App.

Collaborative safety culture: Novus Property Solutions explains Building Safety Act duties

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

David Barnes, Operations Manager – Compliance at Novus Property Solutions, explains how contractors maintain the golden thread of information on projects involving passive fire protection

Granted Royal Assent on 28 April 2022, the Building Safety Act overhauled existing regulations and created three new bodies to provide effective oversight including the Building Safety Regulator which oversees the safety and performance of all buildings.

By introducing a series of critical gateways covering the design, construction, and occupation phases, the Building Safety Act sets out clearly what role every link in the supply chain plays and where responsibility lies at each stage.

Gateway 1 is the design stage and focuses on obtaining planning permission, demonstrating proposed designs meet all necessary safety requirements and the specification must be fit for purpose.

Gateway 2 involves inspections during the construction phase to verify adherence to approved plans with evidence to show compliance.

The final stage is gateway 3 which ensures the building is fit for occupation.

The aim is to improve accountability, facilitate early risk identification and ensure ongoing compliance.

It’s also important to create a clear trail of information throughout a building’s lifecycle – something which is often referred to as the ‘golden thread of information’.

As a contractor we concentrate on gateways 2 and 3, although we can advise clients on the design and materials specification for gateway 1, the accountability here lies with them so it’s crucial they understand their responsibilities.

The idea is that at any point in the future all the information about works that have been done previously, including products used and their expected lifespan, even who signed it off would be readily available and accessible, removing any guesswork.

But we must all play our part to supply reliable information at every stage if we’re to accurately maintain the golden thread of information and this is where having access to good quality reliable data is crucial.

How to maintain the golden thread through refurbishments

Typically, the projects we tend to work on are refurbishments rather than new build which brings a different set of challenges.

When we’re working with existing products it’s important to understand how they will interact with each other.

A critical stage is to undertake client surveys before works start and pick up any fire risks to identify any defects before works start.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) measures ensure the building structure is protected so that in the event of a fire, the spread of flames, smoke and toxic gases are contained long enough for safe evacuation and emergency response.

But by their very nature PFP products are typically hidden from sight so regular checks are needed to maintain and ensure they’re up to standard and performing as intended.

Scheduled maintenance dates, particularly for fire doors, should be integrated within the golden thread.

We have robust procedures in place and use the Onetrace software app which allows us to easily track everything from start to finish – including uploading installation photos.

Working with third party accredited industry bodies and associations such as BM Trada and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) and FIRAS offers clients peace of mind that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure works completed are complaint and fit for purpose.

As a BM Trada registered contractor, we are subject to regular spot checks and audits conducted at random to make sure we’re maintaining the golden thread and doing our due diligence across the board or risk losing our BM Trada registered status.

We use BM Trada products, or ones from our trusted supply chain, to ensure all materials we work with will provide the required level of fire protection, looking at all individual components as a system within the building.

The essence of the golden thread of information is to ensure full transparency at all stages including factoring in future planned and reactive maintenance programmes.

This is really important with PFP as products could be compromised which would negatively impact their effectiveness so anyone undertaking future works must be aware of what PFP measures are in place and how to work around them effectively.

As part of the Building Safety Act, any changes need to be notified with the Building Safety Regulator.

A collaborative approach to training and knowledge-sharing

One of our responsibilities as a main contractor is that we must show evidence of competency.

This means that keeping up to speed with training and being aware of changes to products or materials being specified is crucial.

It’s also vital as a contractor that we bring our clients and supply chain partners on the journey with us to ensure we all feed into the golden thread of information to make it as data-rich as possible.

It will only work if there is buy-in from all parties.

For a project to be PFP certified carries with it caveats for clients to uphold – there are certain things they need to do and that’s something we’re working closely with clients to make sure they fully understand their responsibilities to maintain the certification.

We’ve been working with some of our social housing and local authority clients to offer training.

We’re also guiding clients on the nuances of the Building Safety Act, and we’re able to offer a Building Safety Act training course outlining clearly where different responsibilities lie.

It’s about joining the dots with the client, designers, product manufacturers and installers so that nothing falls between two areas.

As an industry we must collaborate, share information to uphold the golden thread and make sure our buildings are built and maintained to the highest standards.

The responsibility for building safety ultimately lies on all our shoulders.

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Are civilian fire officers putting communities at risk?

by Breaking NewsIndustry Comment

Questions are emerging about whether technical expertise alone can match the enforcement judgement shaped by frontline operational experience, write Duncan J. White

Across global fire services, a recurring question is gaining traction: Does the increasing use of civilian fire service enforcement officers compromise fire and life safety?

From London to Sydney and Toronto, services are expanding civilian enforcement teams in response to tightening budgets, rising call volumes, and regulatory complexity.

Fire safety legislation has evolved into a technical, risk-based discipline.

Building systems now incorporate advanced suppression, smoke management, and performance-based design solutions that demand specialised knowledge.

Critics argue that removing uniformed firefighters from frontline enforcement risks weakening the system.

Operational experience brings insight into fire dynamics, tactical realities, and the consequences of building failures under incident conditions.

Firefighters who have advanced hose lines through smoke-filled corridors understand why compartmentation, detection and access matter.

That experience can carry weight when challenging non-compliant building owners.

But this debate risks framing the issue too narrowly.

Modern enforcement requires operational credibility and a deep understanding of codes, engineering principles, human behaviour in fire and legal processes.

Many civilian enforcement officers come from backgrounds in building control, fire engineering or regulatory compliance.

In complex, high-risk occupancies, that technical depth can exceed traditional career pathways.

The greater risk to fire and life safety is fragmentation.

When enforcement teams, civilian or uniformed, operate in isolation from response crews, silos emerge.

Inspection findings may not inform pre-incident planning.

Operational lessons from real fires may not shape enforcement priorities.

Conversely, services that integrate enforcement and operations often strengthen overall resilience.

Joint training, shared risk data and structured communication channels ensure that technical expertise and frontline experience reinforce one another.

Dedicated civilian officers can focus consistently on high-risk premises, complex investigations and sustained compliance strategies.

There is also a workforce reality.

In many jurisdictions, emergency medical and all-hazard responses dominate call volume.

Expecting suppression personnel to absorb expanding regulatory responsibilities risks overextension and fatigue.

Civilian enforcement officers can provide continuity in prevention functions, protecting operational readiness and regulatory effectiveness.

The central question is not who delivers enforcement, but how competence, governance and integration are assured.

Fire and life safety outcomes depend on standards, accountability and collaboration, not uniform colour.

Properly structured civilian enforcement models do not inherently compromise safety.

Poor integration does.

Fire services must focus on capability.

The future of fire and life safety will be defined by how well prevention and protection align with evolving hazards.

Stay Safe

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

ZIEGLER delivers six new HLF vehicles to Göttingen

by Breaking NewsProductsVehicles

ZIEGLER has delivered six new HLF 20 firefighting vehicles to the Göttingen Professional and Volunteer Fire Departments.

According to the announcement, by procuring these identical firefighting vehicles, the city of Göttingen is sending a clear signal of its commitment to the ongoing modernization of its firefighting equipment.

An expanded emergency fleet

The new vehicles will form an important part of the emergency fleet in the future and are designed for a
variety of operational scenarios.

Whether for firefighting or technical rescue – the new ZIEGLER HLF 20 combines powerful firefighting technology with comprehensive equipment tailored precisely for this purpose.

The HLF 20 are built on a MAN TGM 13.320 4×4 BL chassis with 235 kW (320 HP) engine power and a
wheelbase of 3,950 mm.

The superstructure is based on the latest-generation of ALPAS and is controlled
via the Z-Control operating concept.

The crew is accommodated in the ZIEGLER Z-Cab with a group crew (1+7), which is easily accessible via
a three-step entry system.

The built-in ZIEGLER FPN Z-Pump 10-2000-1H is complemented by a water tank with a capacity of 1,600 liters. In addition, a 120-liter foam tank is available.

This ensures that the vehicles are ideally equipped for both conventional firefighting operations and other operations involving foam.

Numerous practical solutions have also been integrated for day-to-day operations – including a swivel
wall in the equipment compartment, a PUSH hygiene board, a roof box, an Action Tower and a 230-volt
cable reel with 40 meters of cable.

Digital components also play a role: The Z-Connect digital operational management system allows for the efficient management of vehicle and incident data.

Area Sales Manager, ZIEGLER, Markus Kulick’s statement

Markus Kulick, Area Sales Manager at ZIEGLER explained: “Implementing six identical HLF 20 in a single project is something special for us as well.

“We are very pleased to be able to support the fire departments in Göttingen in the further development of their vehicle fleet.”

With the commissioning of the new vehicles, the city of Göttingen is sustainably strengthening its
operational readiness while simultaneously creating modern and future-proof working conditions for its
emergency personnel

Gore welcomes Jonas Andersson to its UK fire team

by Breaking NewsPeople

UK fire team expansion for Gore

Gore has revealed that Jonas Andersson will be taking responsibility for its UK sales in the fire market, replacing Oli Wilson who is moving on after six years with the company.

Jonas is based in Yorkshire and has been with Gore in the UK for 22 years.

Jonas Andersson’s statement

In that time, he has worked with manufacturing partners and end users across the UK and Europe in the defence and industrial workwear sectors.

Supporting the development and provision of high-performance protective garments designed to protect in high hazard working environments. 

According to the announcement, he will bring a ‘head to toe’ approach to firefighter protection in the UK with a portfolio of GORE-TEX Products designed to deliver high performance protection in structural and rescue gear, as well as footwear and gloves.

GORE-TEX Moisture Barriers protect many of the UK’s firefighters and Jonas will continue to work with fire and rescue services and garment manufacturers to provide the highest standard service across the sector.

Jonas Andersson’s statement

Commenting on his new role, Jonas said: “I’m excited to take on this new role and looking forward to continuing our strong relationships with fire and rescue services across the country.

“Our focus is on understanding firefighters needs and designing the best possible protection that allows them to do their job with full confidence in their gear.”

3M expands fire portfolio through $1.95 billion Madison Fire & Rescue deal

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsMergers & Acquisitions

3M Fire deal sets out joint venture structure

3M has agreed to acquire Madison Fire & Rescue with Bain Capital through a new joint venture, with the transaction announced on 19 March and expected to close in the second half of 2026.

3M said it will contribute Scott Safety to the new company, receive $700M in cash proceeds on closing and hold a 50.1% stake, with Bain Capital holding 49.9%.

Under the terms of the agreement, 3M and Bain Capital will acquire Madison Fire & Rescue from Madison Industries for $1.95B.

The business includes rescue technology and fire suppression products sold under the Holmatro, Amkus, Task Force Tips, Fire Fighting Systems and Waterax brands.

Scott Safety and Madison Fire & Rescue products

According to 3M, the new company will combine Scott Safety’s premium Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) solutions with Madison Fire & Rescue’s wider product portfolio.

The company said the combined business is intended to serve firefighters, first responders and industrial workers.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, said: “This strategic transaction broadens 3M’s safety portfolio, one of our priority verticals, by expanding our market reach and building scale for future growth.

“It positions us to enhance margins and generate strong free cash flow, and enables continued investment in innovations that create value for customers and shareholders.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Stability versus variability: Fomtec explores polymer performance trade-offs

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Even Ottesen, International Sales Manager, MENA Region at Fomtec, discusses polymer stability, testing validation and implications for industrial foam system reliability

In January, Fomtec exhibited at the Dubai Intersec Show for the 12th time.

The event brings together manufacturers, consultants, contractors and end users from across the Middle East and North Africa, a region with extensive petrochemical infrastructure and transport operations that rely on foam systems.

Fomtec used the exhibition to introduce Enviro 3 x 3 NEO, an alcohol resistant synthetic fluorine free foam concentrate developed through extensive testing and designed to meet international performance standards while maintaining stability over time.

Why is Dubai Intersec important to Fomtec’s marketing?

The Dubai Intersec Show is one of several exhibitions and conferences we support in the region, and it was the first we attended regularly.

The MENA region, with its large oil reserves and downstream petrochemical business, represents one of the largest markets for firefighting foam and foam systems, and the industrial sector is supported by a mature transport sector which is also a major user for firefighting foam.

Dubai has established itself as a crossroads for trade, and the Dubai Intersec Show and Saudi Intersec Show are the largest and best attended shows in the region, allowing us to promote products to end users, consultants, contractors and potential partners efficiently.

Our regional business partners all attend the Dubai Show, so we run training programmes alongside the show and set aside time for business meetings with partners.

What can you tell us about Enviro 3 x 3 NEO?

After more than three years and nearly 500 fire tests, we have brought to market an alcohol resistant SFFF with the highest ratings under EN 1568-3 and -4 with both fresh and saltwater.

Why should customers be excited about Enviro NEO?

There are products on the market with the same 1A:1A performance according to EN 1568-3 and -4, but they are based on what we call hidden gum, or partially hydrated polymers.

Enviro NEO, like all Fomtec SFFF products, is formulated with fully hydrated polymers.

Achieving the fire performance figures without using partially hydrated polymers means Enviro NEO offers performance and long term stability.

Why avoid hidden gum technology despite strong test performance?

The use of hidden gum technology leads to excellent fire performance in the test laboratory, and for some existing systems, especially mobile apparatus, pumping and proportioning equipment may have been designed to handle foam concentrates of a defined viscosity.

We believe viscosity is an engineering issue, and when the system is designed or pumping and proportioning equipment is specified, the greater viscosities found with fully hydrated polymer technology can be engineered to be effective.

When designing an effective system, a steady and known viscosity is desirable.

Variable viscosity with the foam concentrate in bulk storage, and the impact on shear and friction loss in pipe runs over time, is the real concern.

If you cannot guarantee the correct proportioning and application density of the finished foam when it is needed, this risk was considered too great to proceed with hidden gum technology.

Are there differences between laboratory approvals and field performance?

With hidden gum technology there is an inherent instability issue with the foam concentrate.

Partially hydrated polymers are held in suspension but want to hydrate and swell to their fully hydrated state.

We do not have quantifiable data addressing the impact of temperature fluctuations or evaporation cycles in relation to partially hydrated polymers.

We ran tests on competitors’ products to measure viscosity versus water ingress, and with four products tested between 15% and 40% water ingress, viscosity increased more than 300%.

The same test on Enviro NEO saw approximately a 20% reduction in viscosity.

Why launch Enviro NEO in Dubai specifically?

With the temperatures and temperature fluctuations in many countries in the MENA region, we believe the stability issues with hidden gum technology are likely to be a greater risk for end users in this region.

By launching in Dubai, we addressed an audience familiar with polymer based foams and highlighted our position on the stability of NEO and instability of hidden gum products.

How can end users identify partially hydrated polymer formulations?

Neither the technical data sheet nor the safety data sheet is required to provide data on the inclusion of partially hydrated polymers, so end users need to ask the manufacturer or supplier directly.

We demonstrated a simple method at the launch involving taking approximately 100 ml of foam concentrate, adding approximately 15 ml of water and stirring.

If the mixture becomes more viscous within a few minutes, the concentrate is hidden gum based.

What approvals and testing has Enviro NEO completed?

We have EN 1568-1 and -2 on heptane, and apart from heptane on EN 1568-3 we also tested Jet A-1 and hexane with fresh and saltwater.

We repeated all hydrocarbon fuel fires with a gentle type II application, which is not required under EN 1568-3 if you achieve a 1A rating with forceful application.

To the acetone and IPA required for EN 1568-4, we added methanol, ethanol, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetic acid and MEK.

We tested and approved to ICAO Level B on Jet A1 and completed testing required for UL 162 on heptane, acetone and IPA, and the listing went online this week.

Third party witness testing was carried out to IMO 1312 and LASTFIRE protocols on heptane and ethanol.

We are looking to add further fuels and conduct larger scale fires in the first six months of 2026.

We view NEO as an evolution of the Enviro programme.

We are achieving the highest levels of fire performance while offering stability and real world deployability when the foam is required.

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.