Intersec Global launched as unified global brand for Intersec events

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Intersec Global brand launched at Intersec 2026

Intersec Global has been launched as a unified international brand bringing together Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s security, safety and resilience events under a single platform, with the brand headquartered in Dubai.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East announced the new brand on 13 January during a press conference at Intersec 2026 in Dubai, UAE.

The press conference featured Eng. Arif AlJanahi, Security Consultant, SIRA, Lt. Col. Taher Hassan Al Taheri, The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence, and Eng. Khalid Al-Khatib, Chairman, NAFFCO.

The company described Intersec Global as an evolution of the event into a connected international ecosystem intended to bring together governments, regulators, industry leaders and innovators.

It also positioned Dubai as the global anchor and convening point for dialogue, collaboration and best practice across physical, digital and human security domains.

Portfolio scope and what Messe Frankfurt Middle East says changes

Intersec Global is set to sit above a portfolio of events, with Intersec Global described as the flagship event intended to foster collaboration across the wider network.

The portfolio listed includes Intersec Buenos Aires, Intersec Europe, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Intersec Shanghai, Secutech Taipei, Secutech India, Secutech Vietnam, Secutech Thailand, and the Adria Security Summit.

Ted Bloom, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Intersec journey began nearly three decades ago with a modest gathering in Dubai, and it has since evolved into one of the world’s most influential platforms for security, safety and fire protection.

“That growth mirrors Dubai’s own transformation into one of the smartest and safest cities globally, driven by ambition, collaboration and long-term vision.

“The launch of Intersec Global is not about redefining who we want to be, but about reflecting what Intersec has already become: a truly international meeting point where governments, industry and innovators work side by side to address increasingly complex challenges.

“Anchored in Dubai and shaped by the region’s unique ability to turn vision into delivery, Intersec Global will build on decades of partnership, investment and trust to drive deeper collaboration, meaningful dialogue and real-world impact for the global security and safety community.”

The company said the unveiling builds on a legacy that began in Dubai as a regional meeting point for the security, safety and fire protection community, and that the event has since grown into a leading exhibition for the sector.

It also linked the scale and scope of Intersec 2026 to UAE national priorities including resilience, crisis preparedness, infrastructure protection and future-ready regulation.

The announcement referenced strategic support for Intersec 2026 from The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

Nathan Waugh, Portfolio Director – Security, Technology & Production Portfolio, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec Global represents more than a name change; it’s a commitment to uniting the industry around shared challenges and solutions.

“The brand reflects the UAE’s growing influence in setting international standards, developing talent and fostering cross-border cooperation.

“From National Security & Law Enforcement and Surveillance & Physical Security to Cybersecurity & Resilience, Fire, Rescue & Emergency Response and Safety & Wellbeing, the platform is designed to support long-term industry development beyond the exhibition itself.”

How the Dubai event is intended to link to other regions

Messe Frankfurt Middle East said Intersec Global will create a two-way exchange where insights generated in Dubai inform discussions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

It said innovations and best practices from international markets will feed back into the flagship UAE event.

Fomtec introduces Enviro NEO fluorine-free foam for high-hazard firefighting

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Enviro NEO and the shift to fluorine-free foams

Fomtec has introduced Enviro NEO, a synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam developed for use in high-hazard industries including petrochemical, oil and gas and marine applications.

The company said the product is intended for environments where consistent performance is required across different fuels, water qualities and application systems.

Enviro NEO is described as the latest outcome of Fomtec’s Enviro Programme, which the company said is based on thousands of full-scale fire tests.

The product is described as being suitable for use in demanding offshore and petrochemical settings.

Formulation, fuels and application systems

Fomtec said Enviro NEO uses 100% hydrated polymers to avoid issues associated with partially hydrated polymers and unstable viscosity.

The company said this approach is intended to support reliable proportioning and uniform foam performance from initial discharge through to extinguishment.

Enviro NEO is described as being designed for use with fresh, brackish and seawater, making it suitable for coastal, marine and offshore installations.

Fomtec Enviro 3×3 NEO is described as a sixth generation alcohol resistant synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrate with no intentionally added fluorinated surfactants and polymers (PFAS).

The product information states it is effective on both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel fires at a 3% concentration.

Its suppression mechanism is described as using a foam blanket to block oxygen, cooling from the foam’s water content and prevention of re-ignition on extinguished fuel surfaces.

When applied to polar solvents, the product is described as forming a polymeric membrane that enables effective extinguishment, including on foam destroying liquids such as MTBE.

Proportioning, storage and industry context

Fomtec said Fomtec Enviro 3×3 NEO contains no partially or un-hydrated polymers and is not subject to viscosity increase caused by water ingress.

The product information states a 3% proportioning ratio is intended for hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvents, with 0.3% to 1% recommended for Class A fires depending on application method and discharge device.

The foam is described as suitable for low and medium expansion use, including mobile firefighting with foam branchpipes and monitors, as well as fixed systems designed around recommended application rates and durations.

Typical data listed includes a clear yellowish liquid appearance, a specific gravity at 20°C of 1.06 plus or minus 0.02 g/ml, a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 and a freezing point of minus 14.6°C.

The recommended storage temperature is listed as minus 14 to 55°C, with shelf life in excess of 10 years stated for temperate climates when stored in original unbroken packaging.

Fluorine-free foams have become a growing focus across the fire safety sector as operators and asset owners assess the long-term environmental and operational implications of fluorinated substances in firefighting agents.

Fomtec also describes the wider Enviro by Fomtec range as non-PFAS foam concentrates intended for emergency response and system applications across Class A and Class B hazards, including low, medium and high expansion discharge devices.

Enviro NEO is described by the company as having been validated through fire testing standards including EN 1568, UL 162, ICAO, IMO and LASTFIRE.

Intersec panel discussion spotlights AI use in frontline risk decisions

by AI & Deep LearningBreaking NewsHealth and Safety

Intersec discussion examines AI in safety-critical operations

Senior government and industry leaders at Intersec discussed how artificial intelligence is moving into everyday frontline operations in safety-critical environments.

The session, titled “AI & Safety 4.0: Rethinking Human Risk,” focused on how AI is being used in safety practices, ethical decision-making and risk management culture.

Panellists said AI tools should enhance human responsibility and leadership in safety-critical settings.

Accountability, trust and risks from reduced manual checks

Panellists described current uses of AI including predictive analytics, identifying risk patterns and triggering early warnings in complex operations.

Dr Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi said: “We delegate responsibility, but we do not delegate accountability.

“So, the employer, anybody who engages with AI or uses AI, continues to carry the accountability.”

Speakers referenced refinery cases where AI-based predictive tools were followed by a drop in manual inspections, raising concerns about over-reliance on technology and new blind spots in safety systems.

Dr Islam Adra said: “When you put ‘trust’ and ‘AI’ in the same sentence, it’s kind of an oxymoron.

“There’s a contradiction there, because AI has done a very good job building a [very] bad reputation.

“When we think of AI, especially in the workplace, we think of surveillance, we think of control, we think of monitoring, and even the replacement of workers.”

The panel was moderated by Isaac Ochulor and also included Hari Kumar Polavarapu.

The speakers urged boards and executives across the region to integrate AI into their safety strategy, treating it as part of wider safety management.

The session formed part of the Intersec Health & Safety Conference 2026, powered by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Wildland Fire Service to unify Interior wildfire programmes across bureaus

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking News

Who will lead the Wildland Fire Service rollout?

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) is moving to establish the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with a new leader appointed to oversee implementation, the department said on 12 January 2026 in Washington.

The DOI described the plan as an effort to unify wildland fire management programmes across its bureaus and offices.

Wildland fire responsibilities are currently distributed across the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Office of Aviation Services and the Office of Wildland Fire.

The DOI said the goal is to streamline decision-making, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the department’s ability to respond quickly to wildfire threats.

The department said the service is intended to support protection of lives, communities, critical infrastructure and public and tribal lands through a more integrated wildland fire management approach.

Leadership and implementation

The DOI selected Chief Brian Fennessy to oversee the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, who brings experience leading large wildfire response operations in California.

Fennessy said: “Wildfire response depends on coordination, clarity and speed.

“This initial planning effort is about bringing programs together, strengthening cooperation across the Department and building a framework that better supports firefighters and the communities they serve.

“I want to thank Secretary Burgum for this opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working alongside of the brave men and women of the fire community.”

The DOI said Fennessy previously served as Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and as Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority.

It said he began his career with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and has led wildfire suppression, aviation operations and emergency response.

Administration policy context

The DOI said the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service aligns with the Trump Administration’s approach to modernising wildfire response, mitigation and prevention, as outlined in Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “Wildfire does not discriminate.

“It impacts rural towns and major cities, businesses and families alike.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department of the Interior is taking decisive steps to strengthen coordination and preparedness as we confront an escalating wildfire challenge.”

The department also said wildfires are increasing in size, intensity and cost, with impacts it listed including communities, infrastructure, tribal trust assets, agriculture and local economies.

The DOI said it views wildfires as posing risks to public health, energy systems, water supplies and national security.

The department said the new structure is intended to position it to meet evolving wildfire challenges.

PVSTOP solar panel block-out system added to Britannia Fire P50 range

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionSafety

What the solar panel hazard means for emergency response

Britannia Fire has launched PVSTOP, a solar panel block-out solution supplied in composite P50 units.

PVSTOP is a liquid coating designed to block light on contact and shut down solar panel power generation during an emergency.

Solar panels generate electricity whenever exposed to light and cannot be switched off during an incident.

This creates a DC electrical hazard that persists regardless of isolator switches, rapid shutdown systems or other electrical controls.

PVSTOP works by blocking light at source to stop power generation on contact.

Partial coverage is intended to break the electrical circuit and render panels electrically safe.

Intended use and material properties

Britannia Fire says the system is intended to allow first responders and maintenance teams to isolate solar panels after a short circuit, storm damage or early signs of smoke or arcing.

PVSTOP is non-flammable, fire-retardant and weatherproof.

It can be applied to wet and dry surfaces.

The coating solidifies and peels away without damaging solar panels.

It can remain in place for up to 12 months.

PVSTOP is water-based and non-toxic, with disposal through general waste.

Verification, units and partner comments

Britannia Fire says PVSTOP is the only solar safety solution to achieve ISO 14034:2016 Environmental Technology Verification, with independent testing confirming effectiveness.

The technology has been operationally validated by London Fire Brigade, Fire Department of New York and Singapore Civil Defence Force.

PVSTOP is available in 6L and 9L composite P50 units that do not require annual servicing.

The composite cylinders are up to 50% lighter than steel models, corrosion resistant and suited to outdoor or coastal solar installations.

Jim Foran, Co-Founder and CEO of PVSTOP International, said: “PVSTOP solves a problem most people don’t know exists.

“Solar panels generate potentially lethal DC electricity when exposed to light, regardless of any switches or shutdown systems.

“Until now, there’s been no practical way to eliminate this hazard at source.

“This partnership with Britannia Fire combines our proven de-energisation technology with their market-leading composite delivery system to provide UK organisations with a genuine safety solution.”

Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “As the UK’s solar industry expands, safety innovation must keep pace.

“The partnership with PVSTOP International demonstrates Britannia Fire’s commitment to innovation and protecting people, property and the environment.

“Our composite units are popular with customers because they’re lightweight, easy to handle and require minimal maintenance.

“The addition of PVSTOP strengthens the P50 product range and provides a solar safety solution for public and private sector sites.”

The companies framed the product as a way to address electrical hazards linked to live solar panels during incidents.

Intersec 2026 opens with 50,000 visitors expected

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Sheikh Mansoor opens Intersec 2026 as organisers outline three-day agenda

Intersec 2026 opened on 12 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will run until 14 January.

The organisers said the 27th edition brings together more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and is expected to welcome more than 50,000 visitors.

The organisers said the event spans about 65,000 square metres and includes an agenda of conferences and events with participation from more than 250 experts and speakers.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, opened the event and toured the exhibition.

He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, His Excellency Lieutenant General Awad Hader Al Muhairi, Vice President of Dubai’s State Security Department, His Excellency Mishal Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and His Excellency Khalifa Ibrahim Al-Sleis, CEO of the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

The tour included visits to the pavilions of Transguard, LINEV Systems, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and Axis Communications.

It also included Motorola Solutions, Keniventi (Robert Bosch), UXE and WEFLO, plus Lichfield Fire and Safety and Bristol Fire Engineering.

The tour also covered the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence pavilion and concluded at NAFFCO, where Sheikh Mansoor reviewed fire protection, safety and emergency response systems.

Sheikh Mansoor said: “Intersec has become one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to security and safety, and the scale of international participation reflects the growing confidence in Dubai’s ability to host major global events that help shape the future of key sectors through an environment that supports innovation and knowledge exchange.

“The rapid evolution of security, safety and emergency response technologies requires constant integration between innovation, institutional readiness and practical application. Dubai is committed to reinforcing this approach by organising exhibitions that bring together global expertise, helping to strengthen community security and enhance the efficiency of safety systems in line with the highest international standards.”

What is on the agenda through 14 January

Intersec 2026 is presented as covering five sectors: Homeland Security and Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial and Perimeter Security, Fire and Rescue, and Health and Safety.

The organisers said the opening day included expert-led sessions focused on security, safety and protection.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The opening of Intersec 2026 marks a key moment for our industry.

“At a time of rising complexity, convergence of risks and increasing expectations on preparedness, Intersec provides a platform where leaders from government and industry can engage in practical dialogue, share real-world experience and shape the next generation of security, safety and emergency response solutions.”

Tomorrow’s programme is set to continue with further sessions as part of the International Security Leaders’ Summit, the Fire and Rescue Conference organised by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Control Room Innovation Theatre and the Innovation Forum.

The second day will end with the Intersec Awards, with the 2026 winners due to be announced during a ceremony at the Conrad Dubai.

The organisers said the event continues until 14 January.

Intersec 2026 opens in Dubai with expanded fire and safety programme

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec 2026 opens in Dubai

Intersec Dubai 2026 opened at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE on Monday 12/01/2026.

The 27th edition runs until Wednesday 14/01/2026 and includes an expanded Fire & Rescue exhibition alongside a specialist conference programme.

Organisers said the event brings together manufacturers, regulators, engineers and frontline responders from around the world.

Intersec reported more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries are participating, with tens of thousands of trade visitors expected across the three days.

The programme combines exhibition activity with conference sessions aimed at fire safety practice, compliance and emergency response planning.

Fire & Rescue exhibition across multiple halls

The Fire & Rescue element of Intersec Dubai 2026 includes dedicated exhibition space across multiple halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organisers said the show floor spans fire suppression, fire detection, passive fire protection, integrated life safety systems and specialist rescue equipment.

Returning exhibitors listed for the Fire & Rescue section include NAFFCO, Hochiki, UL, Bristol Fire Engineering, FM Approvals and ATEIS.

The exhibition is positioned as a procurement and specification opportunity for those assessing equipment ranges and system integration options.

The event also frames the show floor as a meeting point for civil defence authorities, architects, engineers and fire protection consultants involved in complex projects.

Fire & Rescue Conference themes and sessions

Intersec’s Fire & Rescue Conference runs alongside the exhibition over the three-day show.

The conference programme covers early fire prediction using artificial intelligence (AI), integration of building life safety systems, human behaviour in crisis situations and the effects of climate change on fire dynamics.

Organisers said day one includes keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on structural risk management and fire prevention design.

Sessions also cover project delivery challenges and protection of critical infrastructure, including data centres.

Speakers and panellists are described as drawn from fire protection engineering, civil defence leadership, safety regulation and technical specialist roles across the Middle East, Europe and North America.

NFPA Day spotlights codes and standards

The second day of the Fire & Rescue Conference includes NFPA Day, hosted in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Organisers said the sessions examine how standards including NFPA 915, NFPA 72 and NFPA 4 are applied to modern fire protection practice and complex construction projects.

A scheduled session includes a fireside chat with Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA.

Panel discussions also cover fire and life safety challenges in mega projects and the management of evolving standards across the UAE construction sector.

Passive Fire Day with ASFP

Intersec hosts Passive Fire Day on Wednesday 14/01/2026 in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

The day focuses on passive fire protection elements designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes and maintain structural integrity without reliance on active systems.

Sessions include discussion of competency frameworks, certification and practice in passive fire design and installation.

Contributors also address how regulatory frameworks and building regulations connect to product performance, and the role of early design engagement.

The programme includes panels on improving passive fire performance on site, compliance strategies and the move from laboratory conditions to real-world service life.

A further session examines fire suppression strategies for battery energy storage systems (BESS) as the use of renewable energy storage expands.

Wider context for fire safety activity

Intersec 2026 takes place amid regional activity focused on emergency preparedness and fire risk management.

Organisers referenced Dubai Civil Defence’s “1 Billion Readiness Project” as an example of public education initiatives linked to fire prevention and readiness.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is described as participating in that initiative as part of its outreach and codes adoption work.

Intersec also points to demonstrations of autonomous firefighting robots using 3D mapping technology, described as part of efforts to improve operational readiness in hazardous environments.

Government ambitions were described as including an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from fire incidents by 2050.

Who will use the information from Intersec 2026

Procurement teams and equipment specifiers can use Intersec Dubai 2026 to compare suppression, detection and rescue products across multiple halls, using direct access to suppliers listed for the Fire & Rescue exhibition.

Fire protection engineers, consultants and building services teams can use the Fire & Rescue Conference sessions on AI-enabled prediction, system integration and human behaviour to benchmark approaches for complex buildings and infrastructure.

Standards and compliance leads can track how NFPA Day frames the application of NFPA 915, NFPA 72 and NFPA 4 in large-scale projects, including discussion of standards alignment in the UAE construction sector.

Passive Fire Day content is directly relevant to those responsible for passive fire strategy, installation oversight and inspection regimes, with sessions on competency, certification and maintaining performance from design through service life.

Energy and industrial safety managers working with battery energy storage systems can also use the BESS session to map fire suppression considerations as renewable storage expands.

IFSJ Exclusive: Rethinking fire prevention in high-risk sites, with viAct

by Breaking NewsConstructionFire DetectionSafety

viAct examines the limits of reactive fire protection, fire prevention and argues for continuous monitoring of fire precursors across complex worksites

Industrial fires are often treated as sudden events.

In practice, they are usually the final outcome of conditions that have been developing for hours or days.

Across heavy industry, fire safety has traditionally relied on response mechanisms.

Alarms, suppression systems and evacuation procedures are designed to activate once smoke or heat reaches a defined threshold.

These systems remain essential for compliance and life safety, but they are triggered late in the sequence of events.

From viAct’s perspective, this reactive model leaves a gap between hazard formation and ignition.

Recent incidents have illustrated how quickly that gap can close.

The November 2025 fire in a high-rise housing and renovation complex in Hong Kong spread rapidly through combustible bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh materials.

Once ignition occurred, the speed of fire spread left little margin for intervention.

In environments such as construction, logistics, manufacturing and energy, viAct argues that fire safety effectiveness depends less on response speed and more on how early risk conditions are identified.

Why Traditional Fire Safety Still Leaves a Gap

Industrial workplaces remain among the higher-risk environments for fire.

According to a recent survey of workplace fires, industrial premises accounted for 24.85 percent of all workplace fires in the UK in 2024–25.

The National Safety Council reports that in the United States, fire departments respond to a fire incident every 23 seconds.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated an average of 4,300 construction fires each year, resulting in around 62 civilian injuries, five civilian fatalities and property damage worth $375 million.

Many established fire safety measures, including periodic inspections, manual audits and alarm-based detection systems, are designed to respond once defined thresholds are reached.

As a result, they primarily capture lagging indicators, recording events after ignition has occurred.

Earlier conditions that can contribute to ignition, such as gradual temperature increases, smouldering equipment, undetected gas leaks or the accumulation of combustible dust, may fall outside routine reporting and monitoring processes.

These conditions are often addressed informally or remain undocumented, despite their potential role in later incidents.

This interval between the presence of a hazard and the onset of a fire represents an area where additional monitoring and analysis methods are increasingly being explored.

Real-time fire intelligence in practice

Advances in computer vision, sensor integration and edge analytics now allow risk conditions to be monitored continuously rather than intermittently.

In practical terms, this can involve identifying unsafe states such as blocked fire exits, combustible materials positioned near heat sources, sparks in restricted zones or early smoke particles that fall below alarm thresholds.

By analysing visual data, air quality, temperature change and historical patterns together, fire risk can be treated as a dynamic condition rather than a binary event.

Manufacturing plants have used machine vision systems to alert supervisors when debris blocks heat vents hours before temperatures reach critical levels.

Large logistics hubs have deployed particle-level smoke analytics to identify smouldering pallets long before sprinklers activate.

“Real-time fire intelligence isn’t about replacing fire marshals or safety officers — it’s about expanding their field of vision,” says Gary Ng, CEO of viAct. “When hidden thermal build-up or risky worker routines surface early, safety teams can intervene before danger turns irrecoverable.”

From detection to foresight

In complex industrial environments, risk is rarely static.

Equipment heats gradually, layouts shift and temporary works introduce new ignition sources.

When data from cameras, sensors, maintenance logs and environmental conditions is analysed together, patterns can emerge that are difficult to detect through manual checks alone.

A motor running slightly hotter than its baseline or debris repeatedly accumulating near a vent may appear insignificant in isolation, but can become more meaningful when tracked over time.

viAct views this as a shift from detection to foresight.

A complementary approach

Real-time fire intelligence does not remove responsibility from duty holders.

It also does not replace alarms, suppression systems or trained personnel.

It requires governance, defined thresholds and integration with existing safety management systems.

Industrial sites are becoming larger, denser and more automated, so continuous monitoring approaches are gaining attention as a way to supplement scheduled checks and conventional detection.

From viAct’s perspective, established protections and continuous risk awareness can work together to support earlier intervention.

Fires are sometimes preceded by signals that can be detected, but identifying them in time depends on what is monitored, how consistently it is tracked and how findings are acted on.

London Fire Brigade faces £18m in cuts, FBU warns

by Breaking NewsEMSFire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has claimed that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is facing £6 million in budget cuts, with a further £12 million in what it described as “unidentified savings.”

In a statement released on its website, the union criticised the LFB for borrowing heavily for a new headquarters redevelopment while threatening these cuts to the already overstretched frontline.  

It said that the LFB 2026-2027 budget submission also removes key operational budgets such as for uniform and communications upgrades.  

David Shek, Fire Brigades Union Executive Council Member for London said that “senior leaders of the London Fire Brigade are sitting on reserves and borrowing millions for property projects while fire engines sit idle, without enough firefighters to crew them.” 

The FBU has alleged that between 1 January and 8 November 2025, the full fleet of fire engines was only available for 33 shifts as a result of cuts to crewing, amounting to 1 in 20 shifts.

It said the last time that every LFB fire engine was available was 30 September.  

Magirus eyes further acquisitions, aims to double revenue

by Breaking NewsProductsVehicles

Germany-headquartered fire engine manufacturer Magirus has said that it is evaluating further acquisitions, with the aim of enhancing quality and delivery speed.

The company, which said it entered 2026 “stronger than ever” thanks to a strong order backlog, revealed that it could target specialised vehicle manufacturers, workshops or distribution partners.

That would follow its purchase of Achleitner Fahrzeugbau, an Austrian firm specialising in special-purpose vehicles, in October 2025.

Fatmir Veselaj, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Magirus, said: “The expansion of our product portfolio through the acquisition of Achleitner, the stabilisation of our processes and the introduction of a platform‑based organisation focused on project execution ensure Magirus’ operational excellence in the long term.

“In this way, Magirus will continue to make a significant contribution to the advancement and future of firefighting and emergency‑response technology.”

Magirus revenue targets for 2030

In 2025, Magirus said it managed to cut delivery times, increase operational efficiency, and realign its sales team.

Meanwhile, the company also unveiled a plan to double revenue by 2030. According to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mathias Scholz, the success of 2025 has positioned the company “financially and structurally to achieve sustainable growth in a challenging market environment.”

He said: “The past months have demonstrated how crucial clear governance, well‑defined interfaces and consistent project management are for successful transformation and carve‑out processes.

“With the measures implemented, the company aims to further strengthen its competitiveness and secure its long‑term position in the global market.”