Ci Global to demonstrate its full intelligent building-safety ecosystem live at Intersec Dubai

by Breaking NewsEvents

At Intersec Dubai (12-14 January 2026), visitors to Ci Global’s stand (8G12) will be able to see live demonstrations of the world’s most complete, prevention-first fire and building safety system: Ci Safe.

Electrical fires remain one of the most devastating and misunderstood risks in modern buildings.

Despite being responsible for the majority of fatal fires worldwide, the basic wall socket design has barely changed in over a century.

Overloaded outlets, failing chargers, counterfeit devices and silent electrical faults continue to trigger catastrophic fires, often at night when people are asleep and detection comes too late.

Chairman and Founder, Ci Global, Anthony D. Parfitt’s statement

Anthony D. Parfitt, Ci Global‘s Chairman and Founder explained: “The safest fire is the one that never starts.

“We cannot continue to treat electrical fires – as well as water leaks, gas leaks and the early conditions for mould – as inevitable. The technology now exists to stop these dangers before they escalate.”

Anthony D. Parfitt has spent his career inventing, designing and commercialising technology that protects lives.

From early innovations for the UK Government, Network Rail and Police to Home Office–approved safety systems for critical public infrastructure, his work has always been driven by one purpose – safety.

That purpose took on new urgency after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, 2017.

A connected, intelligent building-safety ecosystem

Ci Safe is an intelligent, embedded building-safety system designed to protect people, property, and infrastructure at scale.

Using smart sockets, sensors, and a central command-and-control layer, it continuously monitors electrical, thermal and environmental conditions in real time.

The system cuts power instantly when it detects overheating or electrical faults, shuts off water and gas at the source to prevent leaks and identifies high-risk temperature and humidity patterns associated with mould.

Through Ci SafeLink, the platform integrates with existing fire-detection, suppression and building-management systems, giving a unified picture of what’s happening inside a building.

Next-generation emergency support

Beyond prevention, Ci Safe is designed to transform emergency response. 

Ci SafeMap creates a live, interactive digital twin of a building, showing real-time risks, hazards and sensor activity.

Laser-guided evacuation and firefighting support is delivered through Ci PathFinder, and Ci’s rooftop-mounted autonomous drone provides instant external inspection to guide crews before entry.

Together, these tools give emergency responders and building managers faster, safer situational awareness when every second counts.

Powered by cloud AI and offline Intelligent Autonomy, Ci Safe operates continuously – online or offline – uniting prevention, detection, response and emergency coordination into one seamless safety layer for homes, buildings, and entire cities.

Global recognition

Ci Global’s patented, multi-award-winning technology has been named a Finalist from more than1,400 entries at the Intersec 2026 Awards Gala Dinner on 15 January.

See it live in Dubai!

Visitors can experience live demonstrations and meet the engineering team behind Ci Safe at Stand 8G12, Intersec Dubai.

Evolving formulations: How Fomtec navigated C8, C6 and SFFF development challenges

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ ExclusivesResearch

Magnus Johnsson, R&D specialist at Fomtec, details the move from C8 to C6 and SFFF foams for regulatory and operational progress

The move from long-chain C8 foams through C6 formulations and now into synthetic fluorine free foams (SFFF) has reshaped the firefighting sector.

Meeting the performance requirements of UL, ICAO, military and other test regimes has required extensive development and live fire testing on varied fuels.

At Fomtec, this is a hands-on process, with Research & Development staff directly engaged in large-scale fire trials.

Working alongside Fomtec’s chemists on the formulation and evaluation of new foam concentrates, Magnus Johnsson has played a central role in bridging laboratory research with real-world fire testing.

He oversees the company’s large-scale fire testing programmes to international standards, including EN 1568, UL 162 and FM 5130, and acts as Fomtec’s lead firefighter during these trials.

In this interview, he discusses his experience in product development, the challenges of meeting diverse certification requirements and the key focus areas driving current foam research.

How would you describe the journey from C8 foams to C6 and now to SFFF, and what has it meant for your work in R&D?

C8 to C6 was billed a “small change” of a fluorosurfactant, but in reality it involved reformulation of all our PFAS-containing foam agents and recertification.

Reformulating the higher-performing foams such as the UL/FM sprinkler foams or the US DOD Mil Spec was more involved than we thought it would be.

Moving to SFFF was something we started back in 2011, some five years before the move from C8 to C6 needed to be completed.

This SFFF journey was, and continues to be, a rollercoaster ride, as we are pretty much starting with a clean piece of paper with the formulations.

What defines C8, C6 and SFFF formulations, and why has the sector evolved through these stages?

In very basic terms, the 8 and the 6 relate to the number of carbon atoms in the chains of the fluorochemicals that are used within the foam concentrate.

SFFF is the acronym for Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam and is the term adopted by NFPA, UL, FM and Fomtec to cover a foam concentrate with “no intentionally added PFAS.”

The driving force for the journey through these phases is environmental concerns from the family of chemicals called PFAS.

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals where ongoing research indicates that they are extremely persistent, and some are also toxic and bioaccumulative.

What insights do you gain from taking part in live fire testing as both developer and firefighter?

Everything we do in the laboratory has to be validated in the fire tests, and I can’t imagine how I could do my lab work effectively if I was not involved with the fire testing.

Some test standards such as UL topside or Mil Spec require active firefighting and have pass/fail criteria based on extinguishing times.

Being the lead firefighter for product development to these standards is essential.

This is even more important with the development of SFFFs, as they can extinguish as quickly as a PFAS-based foam, but different techniques are required.

How do UL and MIL-SPEC test standards differ, and why must performance be assessed under each?

It has to be accepted that the authorities setting the fire performance standards and the associated test protocols do so as they believe that they are the most appropriate for their application.

Comparison between a product’s performance to one standard against another is rarely possible, and as we move to SFFF formulations I would suggest that this comparison is even more difficult.

Variables include the size and shape of the test pan, the fuels, the nozzle, the flow rates and application times.

Then we have different preburn periods and foam application times, as well as the criteria for pass or fail.

For example, the UL test pan is rectangular and 50 ft², whereas the Mil Spec pan is circular and 28 ft², and the test fuels are heptane for UL and gasoline and Jet A for Mil Spec.

What additional benefits come from running wider fixed-head and sprinkler tests beyond standard requirements?

Early on in the development work of our SFFFs, we began to see greater variability of performance with fuels which the authorities such as UL and FM had for many years placed into groups.

While we did see variability with hydrocarbon fuels, it was the polar solvents where we experienced greater variations.

It was MEK that first highlighted this, as Enviro ARK is a very strong performer on acetone and was expected to show similar performance with MEK.

This was not the case, and we needed to almost double the application density to extinguish and achieve the burn-back performance required by FM.

We realised that there are likely many chemicals being stored that we just don’t have the fire data on, and so we spent about two years developing an estimation tool that looks at some of the physicochemical properties of a chemical and then predicts how we should approach it in terms of application density.

We obviously did need, and continue to test, different chemicals to validate the tool.

What are your main R&D priorities, and what current trends are influencing that development work?

For some time now, we have been looking to improve the Enviro range’s performance with saltwater, but without resorting to using partially unhydrated natural polymers in the concentrate.

Fomtec maintains that the use of partially unhydrated polymers just reduces an already small window for stability of the foam concentrate, and it has taken many formulations and tweaks to finally meet this challenge.

We have been in the fire lab and at test houses over the past few months validating our findings and adding approvals.

How do you see foam technology evolving, and where do you expect to see the most progress?

I have to believe that SFFFs will go the way of AR-AFFFs, and we will start to see better-performing low-viscosity products.

At Fomtec, we have already launched our IMO-approved Enviro SEA range, for the ARFF mission the Enviro AIR, and to meet the needs of the US DOD, our Enviro MIL.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Apollo Fire outlines how CPD and UKAS rules reshape fire safety responsibilities

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire DetectionSafetyTraining

As CPD becomes central to competence under BS 5839-1:2025, Apollo Fire explores how new FRA rules and UKAS certification reshape professional responsibility

Competence in fire safety has always been central to protecting lives and ensuring compliance.

What is shifting now is the way competence is defined, assessed and legally recognised.

Recent updates to BS 5839-1:2025 and changes to Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) legislation from the Home Office and MHCLG are placing greater emphasis on demonstrable qualifications, continuous learning and independent certification.

The revised standard now acknowledges Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of what it means to remain competent, while new rules require FRAs to be delivered by UKAS-certified providers.

These developments set a new baseline for those designing, maintaining or assessing fire detection and alarm systems, with consequences for how businesses manage compliance.

As an accredited Apollo Partner and BAFE SP205-certified body, Veritas brings practical insight into what these changes mean in practice and how organisations can prepare to meet them.

Competence and CPD

BS 5839-1:2025 now links competence to ongoing learning.

The standard describes a competent person as: “a person, suitably trained and qualified by knowledge and practical experience, and provided with the necessary instructions, to enable the required task(s) to be carried out correctly.” It adds: “Maintenance of competence is likely to require continuing professional development.”

This shift moves CPD from desirable to expected.

It sits alongside the long-standing requirement that system design and related tasks must be undertaken by a competent person who accepts responsibility for the work.

Apollo’s pocket guide reinforces that designs should be signed off by a competent person and based on an FRA carried out by someone demonstrably qualified.

Why CPD matters

The reason is straightforward: fire safety evolves with new technology, standards and risks.

BS 5839-1:2025 makes clear that competence is not a one-off achievement but an ongoing obligation.

Apollo has called this a milestone because it embeds CPD into everyday practice rather than leaving it as an optional extra.

For practitioners, it means structured learning routes that keep pace with the standard and evidence that training has taken place.

From design to cause-and-effect programming, competence must be demonstrable and current.

The pocket guide’s emphasis on accurate documentation at handover underlines the case for refreshing knowledge through CPD across a system’s lifecycle.

New FRA rules

Under new Home Office and MHCLG rules, FRAs must now be carried out by a UKAS-certified body.

At present, this requires compliance with the BAFE SP205 scheme.

SP205 mandates that works are audited, and authors undergo peer review to confirm CPD, DBS checks and Professional Indemnity insurance.

These requirements build on the framework of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, in force since 2006.

The Order places duties on those in control of premises to assess and reduce risks, plan for containment and ensure safe escape.

Fire alarm designs must be risk-based, assessments kept under review, and findings properly recorded.

Risks of non-certification

FRAs carried out outside third-party certification lose statutory legal defence.

If a report is later judged inadequate by an enforcing authority, the responsible person cannot rely on the provider.

The rules also warn against credentials below UKAS level.

Non-UKAS trade body memberships may now be deemed insufficient to meet the threshold of competence, a position recognised by magistrates and coroners.

The clear message is that only UKAS-backed certification provides legal assurance.

BAFE SP205 explained

SP205 provides assurance at both company and individual level.

Organisations offering FRA services are independently audited, while assessors are peer-reviewed to prove CPD, probity and insurance cover.

This mirrors BS 5839-1:2025’s approach to competence: knowledge must be current and backed by governance.

Because SP205 is tied to UKAS certification, using a certified provider directly meets the Home Office and MHCLG requirement.

Dutyholders can therefore show their process is not just robust in practice but defensible in law.

CPD support

Apollo supports the sector’s learning needs through fortnightly CPD sessions and on-demand webinars covering technical subjects and practical application.

The updated BS 5839-1:2025 pocket guide also provides a concise reference for site-level decisions.

It addresses categories of protection, detector selection and spacing, call point placement, audibility, visual alarms, cabling and documentation.

For those with design or maintenance duties, it ensures alignment with the standard in day-to-day practice.

What businesses should do now

Organisations should first review how competence is evidenced.

Roles linked to system design should align with BS 5839-1:2025’s requirement that a competent person signs the design certificate.

Competence must be maintained through CPD, with records kept alongside drawings, certificates and log books.

Next, review your approach to Fire Risk Assessments.

Future FRAs must be commissioned from UKAS-certified providers, currently achieved through SP205.

Confirm that assessors are named, peer-reviewed and insured.

If you use providers with only non-UKAS memberships, change course quickly.

Finally, use Apollo’s CPD programme and pocket guide to brief teams on technical points of BS 5839-1:2025.

Whether dealing with audibility in sleeping accommodation, detector spacing in corridors, or fire-resistant cabling, these resources anchor compliance in practical detail.

The wider framework remains unchanged.

The Fire Safety Order has long required competent assessment, training and accurate records.

What has shifted is the clarity around how competence is proven.

With BS 5839-1:2025 tying it to CPD, and UKAS certification setting the benchmark for FRAs, the route to defensible compliance is now far clearer.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Advancing fire safety in spas and leisure with Call Systems Technology

by Breaking NewsEvacuationFire DetectionSafety

Bruce McNair, Commercial Director, Call Systems Technology Ltd. (CST), explains how innovation is transforming fire safety and emergency response in leisure facilities

From saunas to pools, modern leisure facilities are embracing intelligent, integrated safety systems to protect guests, staff, and assets without compromising the guest experience.

Wellness and leisure spaces have evolved far beyond simple relaxation zones.

Today’s spas, steam rooms, and pools are high-tech environments that demand cutting-edge safety solutions.

Behind the calm and luxury, these facilities face unique challenges, heat, humidity, flammable materials, and heavy footfall that push traditional fire and emergency systems to their limits.

Fortunately, innovations in integrated safety, wireless communication, and intelligent fire messaging are helping operators worldwide create environments that are safer, smarter, and more connected, giving both guests and staff confidence that help is never far away.

A unique environment with unique risks

Few areas within a leisure facility test the limits of safety technology quite like those requiring cable runs across large spaces.

Beyond the challenges of lengthy installations and the disruption caused by cabled systems, these environments often combine high temperatures, humidity, and continuous operation conditions that can rapidly corrode traditional electrical components and undermine the reliability of standard emergency call systems.

To address these challenges, many facility operators are adopting wireless emergency call systems.

These fully monitored systems are supported by intelligent software that records activations and daily testing routines, enabling automatic report generation for Health and Safety audits.

This not only demonstrates the facility’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety but also provides clear evidence of system performance and response times during incidents.

Beyond the spa: integrated safety and rapid response

While specialist equipment like air-operated call buttons and waterproof switches remains essential, the future of leisure safety lies in integration.

Modern wireless systems now link panic alarms, pool alerts, disabled toilet alarms and first aider call points into a cohesive network, eliminating the need for disruptive cabling, simplifying installation, and ensuring critical alerts reach key responders instantly.

A compelling example can be seen at the University of Surrey’s Sports Park, where Call Systems Technology (CST) partnered with the university to enhance safety across spa, pool, and leisure areas.

Twelve wireless First Aider Call Points and two Sauna Call Points were strategically installed throughout key leisure zones, including spa treatment areas, poolside locations, and changing facilities, to ensure immediate access to assistance when needed.

Each call point messages thirty-eight intelligent IP68 Rated Waterproof Radios, enabling real-time communication with trained first aiders.

The results speak for themselves: emergency response times improved by up to 75%, with assistance reaching guests in under 60 seconds.

According to Luigi Mansi, Health, Safety and Quality Manager at the University of Surrey: “Since moving over to the new radio-based and alarm system with CST, we have found their service to be very professional with quick response times.

The alarm system that connects to the software has helped to improve response times to emergencies, and the radios have helped with communications, being clearer and able to remove feedback, which helps in emergencies.”

The success of this approach is also reflected at the Britannia Leisure Centre, a multi-level community hub in London combining gym, pool, and wellness facilities under one roof.

With its wide range of high-traffic zones and specialist environments, Britannia required a far more complex, fully integrated Gen2 Queue monitoring software.

This system includes gym, changing room, poolside, sauna, and disabled toilet emergency buttons, alongside underwater camera alerts, all routed through CST’s Gen2 Queue platform.

Alerts appear instantly on display screens with accompanying audio and beacon notifications and are simultaneously transmitted to pager devices carried by staff.

This ensures a consistent, multi-channel response mechanism that minimises downtime and guarantees rapid assistance, regardless of where an incident occurs.

The result is a unified alert ecosystem capable of managing a diverse range of emergency inputs across an extensive facility, a benchmark for how intelligent integration can deliver resilience and real-time visibility in modern leisure environments.

Together, these installations demonstrate how wireless, software-driven integration and intelligent system design can transform emergency response capabilities across leisure and wellness environments.

Whether in a university sports complex or a large public leisure centre, CST’s connected approach ensures that every call for assistance is detected, prioritised, and acted upon without delay, elevating safety standards, enhancing guest confidence, and ensuring that help is never more than a moment away.

Fire safety in the modern leisure environment

Fire safety within spas and leisure facilities presents a unique set of challenges.

Heat sources, electrical systems, flammable oils, wooden structures, and limited visibility due to steam all demand a precise, layered approach to risk management.

A robust fire safety strategy integrates multiple layers of protection:

  • Automatic water mist systems: designed for saunas and steam rooms, these systems cool, suppress and prevent the spread of fire and smoke while minimising water damage.
  • Wireless fire detection: adaptable and easy to install, ideal for wet zones or refurbishment projects where traditional cabling is impractical.
  • Scheduled maintenance: regular inspection and servicing of alarms, emergency lighting, and extinguishers form the cornerstone of reliable fire protection.
  • Comprehensive fire risk assessments: identifying hazards across treatment rooms, pool areas, and adjoining facilities ensures all risks are effectively managed.
  • Staff training and drills: ensuring teams know how to respond when alarms sound is as vital as the technology itself.

Together, these measures create a resilient and responsive fire safety framework, protecting guests, staff, and assets while maintaining the calm, welcoming atmosphere of modern leisure environments.

Looking ahead: the next wave of innovation

The future of safety in leisure facilities is being shaped by a powerful combination of regulatory evolution and technological advancement, transforming how spas, pools, and leisure facilities are managed globally.

For example, the recent update to British Standard 5839-1:2025, a widely recognised fire detection and alarm standard, emphasises competence, documentation, and system integration, ensuring installations are not only compliant but optimised for long-term reliability.

While standards vary worldwide, the principles of rigorous maintenance, clear accountability, and integrated system design are universally relevant.

Many facilities are also transitioning from legacy analogue systems to IP-based or wireless alternatives, offering faster alerting, remote diagnostics, and improved resilience, providing real-time assurance in critical spa and pool environments.

Supporting this shift, our Fire Alarm Messaging System (AlarmCall Pro+) equips operators with a powerful transmitter capable of delivering addressable fire alarm notifications across their site to both two-way messaging pagers and radios.

Complementing this, our Gen2 Queue Software continuously monitors and displays Fire Alarms, Security Alerts, Wireless Call Points, DDA Toilet Alarms, Pool-View Cameras, and Wireless Pool Alarms.

The system provides live monitoring, instant notifications to connected devices, integration with wireless flashing beacons and sounders, and comprehensive performance reporting.

This real-time visibility not only streamlines communication but also ensures that every alert is prioritised and actioned without delay, a vital feature in large or multi-zone leisure facilities.

At sites such as Britannia Leisure Centre, this next-generation technology is already redefining what integrated safety looks like in practice.

Here, a complex Gen2 Queue configuration seamlessly links poolside, gym, sauna, and disabled toilet alerts with underwater camera notifications, all displayed on central monitoring screens and instantly transmitted to staff pagers.

This unified, data-driven approach illustrates how connected safety ecosystems can operate effectively across expansive and diverse environments, setting a new benchmark for responsiveness and resilience.

Cloud-based asset management is revolutionising maintenance, allowing equipment such as extinguishers, detectors, and call points to be logged, monitored, and updated online.

This provides full visibility of compliance and maintenance cycles, especially valuable in facilities with frequent refurbishment or high staff turnover.

Finally, integrated safety platforms combine fire detection, emergency communication, and building management systems, enabling operators to oversee all aspects of safety from a single interface.

This improves response times, operational efficiency, and overall safety oversight.

The result is a new era of proactive, connected safety management: smarter, more resilient, and ready to meet the evolving expectations of leisure facilities worldwide.

Creating safer, more sustainable leisure spaces

For operators and safety professionals, the challenge remains clear: achieving full compliance and operational resilience without compromising the guest experience.

The convergence of wireless communication, mechanical reliability, and intelligent fire suppression is redefining how leisure facilities are protected.

Today’s leading sites are adopting connected safety networks, systems that communicate, self-monitor, and provide real-time visibility across every corner of the property.

Whether through advanced wireless technology, intelligent suppression systems, or robust solutions like air-operated emergency buttons, the direction is clear: safer, smarter, and more connected environments.

Ultimately, the goal is to create leisure spaces where safety is built in from the ground up, seamless, intelligent, and ready when it matters most.

As the sector evolves, collaboration between fire safety specialists, facility managers, and system designers will ensure that innovation enhances, rather than complicates, the guest experience.

In the future, the safest spas and leisure facilities will not only meet regulatory standards, but they will also be responsive, seamlessly connected, and proactively designed to protect both people and assets.

Find out more

For more information visit: call-systems.com, or email us to schedule a free consultation: Bruce.McNair@call-systems.com

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

High-rise scaffolding turns Hong Kong housing estate fire into towering crisis

by Breaking NewsIncidents

High-rise towers at Wang Fuk Court damaged in level five Hong Kong fire

The Hong Kong government has confirmed that four people have died after a major fire at high-rise residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po.

According to government updates reported by the BBC, nine people were taken to two hospitals by early evening local time.

Of these patients, four were certified dead, three were in a critical condition, one was in a serious condition and one was stable.

The BBC reported that the Fire Services Department later confirmed that one of those who died was a firefighter.

Earlier reporting from The Guardian and Reuters noted that several fire services staff were injured while attempting to suppress the flames.

The Fire Services Department said it first received reports of the fire at 14.51 local time.

The incident was upgraded to level three at 15.02, to level four at 15.34 and to level five at 18.22, which is the most serious category in Hong Kong’s grading system.

Wang Fuk Court is an eight-block housing complex in the Tai Po area of the New Territories, containing 1,984 flats and accommodating about 4,000 residents, according to BBC Chinese coverage.

Casualty figures and people still trapped

BBC live reporting stated that some people were reportedly still trapped in the burning high-rise buildings, although that information had not been confirmed by the authorities.

Reuters, citing public broadcaster RTHK and police sources, also reported that several people remained trapped inside the towers during the firefighting operation.

Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho told the South China Morning Post that at least 13 people were still trapped, including eight elderly residents and two babies, the BBC reported.

Kwan-ho also reported that about 14 cats were trapped inside the affected buildings, according to the same coverage.

The BBC noted that it had not independently verified these figures.

The fire department told Reuters that it did not yet know how many people might still be inside the complex.

The Hong Kong government said police had set up a casualty hotline on 1878 999 for members of the public seeking information.

Officials added that a help desk was established at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, with a hotline on 2658 4040 for assistance and enquiries.

Evacuations, shelters and road closures

The Hong Kong government reported that temporary shelters had been opened at Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building in response to the Wang Fuk Court fire.

It said the Tai Po District Office was closely monitoring the situation and would open additional shelters if required.

BBC Chinese correspondent Gemini Cheng reported from Hong Kong that elderly residents, some using walking sticks or wheelchairs, had been moved to a nearby designated temporary shelter.

Coaches were due to transfer these residents to community halls that would remain open overnight for people displaced by the fire, according to the BBC.

The government said that police had started evacuating two blocks at the nearby Kwong Fuk Estate, Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced that a section of Tai Po Road, one of the territory’s main highways, had been closed because of the incident.

Buses were diverted away from the area while firefighting and rescue operations continued, the department said.

Witnesses told Reuters that scores of fire engines and ambulances lined the road below the estate as crews worked at height from ladder trucks to tackle the flames and smoke.

Renovation work, scaffolding and unknown cause

BBC Chinese reported that Wang Fuk Court is currently undergoing renovation, with scaffolding in place around the blocks.

Images carried by the BBC and The Guardian showed the high-rise towers covered in bamboo scaffolding as the fire spread.

BBC coverage stated that pictures from the scene appeared to show flames travelling on the bamboo scaffolding installed on the exterior of the buildings.

BBC reporting, citing Hong Kong media from March, noted that the government’s Development Bureau has been seeking to phase out bamboo scaffolding from public projects because of safety concerns.

The BBC emphasised that the authorities had not given any information about the cause of the fire or the reason for its spread.

Tai Po is a suburban district in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong near the border with Shenzhen, as reported by The Guardian.

Incident planning insights from Hong Kong high-rise fire

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, this incident shows how a high-rise residential fire can escalate to a level five classification in a densely populated public housing estate undergoing renovation.

The timeline from the first report at 14.51 to the highest grading at 18.22 highlights the speed at which incident commanders may need to revise tactics, resources and cordons as conditions change.

Emergency and disaster response managers can examine how the Hong Kong government combined building evacuations, casualty hotlines and the opening of temporary shelters to support residents displaced at short notice.

The use of coaches to move elderly residents using walking aids or wheelchairs to overnight community halls demonstrates the practical transport and accessibility issues that must be factored into high-rise evacuation plans.

For architects, building services engineers and facility managers responsible for high-rise housing under renovation, the presence of extensive bamboo scaffolding around occupied blocks raises questions about external fire spread pathways and access for ladder trucks and hose lines during an active incident.

Mass transit and highway facility managers may also note that the closure of a section of Tai Po Road, a main route for buses and other traffic, required diversions while multiple fire engines and ambulances occupied the carriageway near the estate.

Fire in West London warehouse declared a major incident

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News

Image: London Fire Brigade

A fire in a warehouse in West London has been declared a major incident after it was reported that fireworks and gas cylinders were inside the building.

About three quarters of the structure is alight, according to London Fire Brigade (LFB) which was called to the two-storey building in Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, Southall, at about 08:55am GMT.

According to the Brigade, 25 fire engines and around 150 crew members were sent to the scene, including firefighters from Southall, Heston and Ealing.

Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade, Pat Goulbourne’s statement on London warehouse fire

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said all firefighters had withdrawn and were now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety.

He added: “Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control.

“The incident involves a mixed retail and warehouse space, with a significant part of the structure currently alight.

“Around three-quarters of the structure is currently alight. Three of the Brigade turntable ladders have been deployed to scene, allowing crews to fight the fire from height.”

Three nearby schools and residential block have been evacuated as a precaution and traffic in the area is expected to be affected.

The service said residents in the area were advised to keep doors and windows closed “due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the incident”.

Traffic in the area would “also be impacted,” the LFB added, also saying first reports of the fire were received at 8.55am.

A scaled up operation

The London Fire Brigade scaled up its operation after originally deploying 70 firefighters, describing it as a “protracted incident”, adding crews would be “carrying out firefighting operations throughout the day”.

As of 17:00pm GMT, the cause of the fire is unknown.

The London Ambulance Service added how there have been no injuries as a result of the incident.

The Brigade posted an update to X, stating: “Due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the fire, residents in the local area should keep doors and windows closed as crews respond.”

The Brigade’s control officers have taken some 60 calls regarding the fire.

When data becomes protection: MSA Safety strengthens real-time insight

by Breaking NewsPPESafety

Anthony Bafile, Global Senior Product Line Manager at MSA Safety, details how the ALTAIR io 6 debut at A+A Düsseldorf supports confined space safety under European frameworks

The A+A Düsseldorf trade fair and Congress remains one of the most important international stages for occupational safety, health and workplace culture.

Every two years, it brings together global experts, manufacturers and decision-makers to explore how technology, policy and best practices can shape safer working environments.

The 2025 edition is expected to highlight digitalisation, smart PPE, data-driven prevention and the role of connected solutions in reducing risk across sectors ranging from construction to manufacturing.

For MSA Safety, A+A is an opportunity to demonstrate how innovation in design and technology can translate into meaningful improvements in worker protection.

From intelligent respiratory and head protection systems to integrated software platforms that connect personnel, supervisors and command centres, MSA’s portfolio reflects a growing shift towards information-enabled safety.

The company’s participation at A+A will also highlight its continued collaboration with regional partners and its commitment to meeting diverse regulatory and operational needs across Europe and beyond.

In this interview, MSA Safety Global Senior Product Line Manager Antony Bafile discusses what the company is bringing to A+A Düsseldorf, how its connected detection solutions support the future of occupational safety and what wider lessons can be drawn from the evolution of connected PPE and digital safety systems.

Could you introduce yourself, your role and how MSA Safety’s work connects with the core themes of A+A Düsseldorf?

I’m Anthony Bafile, Global Senior Product Line Manager for MSA Safety portable detection devices.

I’ve been managing the portables line at MSA for 8 years.

I’ve spent my entire career in Product Development and Management in gas detection and prior to MSA, on sleep and respiratory medical devices.

We’re a mission driven company focused on helping to keep people safe at work.

With A+A’s core themes of safety, efficiency, and health, those all align into our mission.

With our extensive portfolio of safety hardware and software solutions, we have the expertise to help customers work toward better safety outcomes.

What technologies or product lines will MSA Safety be showcasing at A+A?

Our newest portable detection device, the ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector, will be making its European debut at the show.

As the newest addition to the MSA Connected Work Platform, this six-gas detector is ideal for confined space monitoring and sampling applications.

It will be MSA’s first cellular-connected gas detector featuring an integrated pump; features MSA’s XCell® sensors; has a large, highly visible screen; a removable, rechargeable external battery; and is small enough for handheld use or to wear.

Along with the ALTAIR io 6, we’ll be featuring our Connected Work Platform, which includes the ALTAIR io™ 4 Wearable Gas Detector and the MSA Grid software.

Additionally, we will be featuring our industry-leading head protection solutions, including the V-Gard line of hard hats and helmets; our fall protection solutions, including the V-SERIES® line of harnesses, and our M1 industrial SCBA respiratory protection portfolio.

How does the ALTAIR io 6 fit into the Connected Work Platform?

It joins the ALTAIR io 4 on the Connected Work Platform.

While the ALTAIR io 4 is primarily used as a personal, continuous monitoring device, the ALTAIR io 6 is primarily designed for sampling confined spaces on job sites and detecting leaks and spills, supporting emergency responses, and is even small enough to wear as a personal monitor.

The devices share similar technologies, with both detectors having the same user interface and using MSA Grid software.

This makes it easy for safety managers to integrate both devices and connect them into their fleet of gas monitors.

When combined, this can create a powerful Connected Work experience to enhance safety management on worksites.

MSA Grid provides information about device location and alerts in real-time, while also providing immediate access to data from a single device or fleet of devices.

The devices are complementary, so you don’t need to have an ALTAIR io 4 to have an ALTAIR io 6 and vice versa.

How does MSA Safety define the concept of connected PPE and what benefits does it bring to users in the field?

We look at connected PPE as solutions that can be relied on to provide data and insights to help improve worker and worksite safety.

This can include facilitating adequate maintenance programs, keeping inspections and records up-to-date, and identifying issues before they pose a risk to workplace safety.

For workers in the field, it can be about having the ability to take action when seconds count.

With connected devices, like wearable gas detectors, for a worker to be able to alert a crew on a worksite, or alert a safety supervisor onsite or offsite, to a potential danger within seconds, that’s a huge benefit.

We see it as a way to empower organizations to leverage connected technology to help keep their workers and worksites safe.

What technical or operational challenges does MSA Safety hear about when embedding connectivity within protective equipment and safety programs?

We’re happy to see that in today’s market, more and more companies are leveraging data to drive safety and operational decisions.

But, there are those still trying to figure out how to implement and make a connected safety program work for them.

That’s why we believe it’s important to meet customers where they are, whether it’s introducing a few connected devices and showing how the data can be impactful for their worksite or bringing in an entire fleet of connected devices and start generating reports from day one.

Otherwise, we hear a lot about the difficulty of accessing data easily in real time, especially with pumped gas detection.

That is why the ALTAIR io 6 will hold a unique place in the detection market.

By being a robust gas detector and having an integrated pump, and automatic cellular connectivity and integration with MSA Grid software all in one handheld device, it can ultimately help to address the real-time data challenge customers are facing.

How does MSA Safety balance the complexity of connected features with the need for reliability and ease of use in demanding environments?

We see connectivity as transforming hardware from traditional PPE to a technology-based, future-forward safety solution.

For connected devices to have the impact and to provide the protection workers are expecting, the network is an important component to the device.

The most advanced wearables feature built-in cellular connectivity and deploy right out of the box in seconds, which is what happens with the ALTAIR io 4 and will happen with the ALTAIR io 6.

There is no waiting, and no IT required, making for a better ease of use experience.

For years, we’ve taken pride in setting the standard for ruggedness and durability with our portable detectors.

These devices can go into some of the harshest environments, and that’s why our engineers test our instruments to the extremes.

From cold environments, hot environments, humidity, dropping from heights, tumble tests, spraying and splashing, they go through all the rigorous tests that every MSA portable gas detector goes through.

Which sectors are driving the strongest demand for connected PPE and how is MSA Safety adapting to those specific needs?

The strongest demand is coming across the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities markets, but we are seeing an increase in demand within the fire service.

Regardless of the industry, we know the demand is there for connected solutions, especially for devices that help with accountability and are easy to service.

MSA devices utilise MSA ID tags for digital device assignment, and using these help safety managers, operations managers or incident commanders know who is using what devices, and where they are located.

The ALTAIR io 4 users have been using ID tags for the past few years, and now with the same ability coming with the ALTAIR io 6 and their ability to automatically upload data to the Grid in real time, getting readings from a pumped detector in real-time will help with visibility and accountability.

Plus, a feature that customers like is being able to see what detectors need maintenance.

From an overdue bump test to sensor replacements, being able to identify maintenance issues in real time can help keep crews working with proper equipment which is great for safety and productivity.

Is MSA Safety applying data analytics, AI or cloud-based systems to improve incident insight and predictive safety outcomes?

We are exploring ways to continue to enhance our safety solutions and thoughtfully looking at how AI can make a positive impact on worker safety.

We’re exploring ways to run AI programs to analyse the data in MSA Grid and provide more information on safety habits and behaviours, to help safety managers understand how devices are being used or develop training protocols.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Visibility and utility beyond lumens: How Streamlight tools change frontline conditions

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentLighting

Donato Sasso, Director International Business Development at Streamlight, explains why beam pattern, colour rendering and additional features matter more than ever

For decades, Streamlight has built its reputation on producing lighting solutions trusted by professionals who work in the most demanding environments.

While consumer markets often focus on sheer brightness, fire and rescue professionals require much more than raw output.

Reliability, accuracy, and safety are non-negotiable features when lives are at stake.

To explore how innovations in beam pattern, colour rendering, certification, and power flexibility are reshaping lighting technology for emergency services, International Fire and Safety Journal sat down with Donato Sasso of Streamlight.

In this wide-ranging discussion, he explains why effective visibility depends on more than lumens, and how future developments will continue to support firefighters, rescue workers, and inspectors in the most challenging conditions.

Color-Rite® technology improves colour rendering. Why is accurate colour perception so critical in fire, rescue, or inspection scenarios?

In fire, rescue, or inspection scenarios, accurate colour perception is more a matter of safety than convenience.

For a firefighter, this can mean correctly identifying the colour of a wire or fluid and reducing mistakes.

If you misjudge a wire colour in an electrical panel, for example, you can create an immediate hazard.

If you mistake one fluid for another in a spill situation, you could expose yourself and others to additional danger.

Conventional lighting can distort or wash out colours, particularly in smoke-filled or poorly lit environments.

That distortion might not matter in everyday use, but for professionals, it can be the difference between a safe outcome and a life-threatening error.

Color-Rite® technology is designed to give firefighters and inspectors confidence that what they see is what is really there.

When you are under pressure, working in an unstable environment, there is no time to second-guess whether you are looking at the right thing.

Accurate colour perception allows you to make quick, informed decisions, which ultimately keeps both responders and the public safer.

How do Streamlight’s beam patterns help firefighters and rescuers handle different visibility challenges in the field?

The beam pattern determines how useful a light actually is in the field.

Wide flood beams provide broad area illumination, which is ideal for situations like lighting a smoke-filled room, searching a collapsed structure, or managing an accident scene.

These scenarios demand the ability to see as much of your surroundings as possible so you can identify hazards and locate people who may need assistance.

By contrast, high-candela spot beams are designed to cut through smoke, fog, or total darkness and provide long-range visibility.

They provide firefighters and rescuers the ability to pinpoint hazards or victims at a distance.

It might be the difference between spotting a trapped person at the far end of a corridor or identifying a risk on a roadway before you reach it.

Having access to both types of beams means that first responders can adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

A single call-out can involve moving from wide area search to focused long-range work in moments.

Streamlight designs its lights with that flexibility in mind, because in the field, it is not just about how bright a torch is, but how precisely that light is delivered for the job at hand.

Streamlight emphasises safety certifications like ATEX. How do these ratings expand usability for fire and rescue professionals?

Fire and rescue professionals often work in hazardous environments where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present.

In those situations, even something as simple as switching on a torch has to be safe.

That is why safety certifications like ATEX are so important.

They prove that the equipment has been rigorously tested and can be relied on in explosive or high-risk atmospheres.

When you are on the ground, you do not have the time to question whether your gear is safe to use.

You need confidence that it will not add risk to an already dangerous environment.

ATEX certification gives that assurance.

It also means that our products are internationally recognised.

Fire and rescue services are increasingly working across borders or in cooperation with other agencies, and having equipment that meets global standards ensures compatibility and trust.

Our focus on certifications is really about enabling professionals to do their jobs without hesitation, knowing that their equipment has been designed for the environments they actually face.

Multi-Fuel technology gives flexibility with batteries. How important is this for first responders working in unpredictable conditions?

In emergencies, conditions are rarely ideal.

Power outlets may be inaccessible, rechargeable batteries may be drained, or the supply of replacements may be disrupted.

Multi-Fuel technology solves this problem by allowing our lights to run on different power sources, whether that is a rechargeable pack, standard alkaline cells, or lithium disposables.

That flexibility is a huge benefit to first responders.

You might start a shift with fully charged batteries, only to find the operation goes on far longer than expected.

Or you may be deployed in an area with no power at all due to a storm or major incident.

In those moments, the ability to switch power sources and keep working is crucial.

It is all about resilience.

Emergencies are unpredictable by nature, and your equipment needs to adapt to that reality.

With multi-fuel, responders do not have to worry about their light failing at the wrong time.

They can keep going with whatever is available, which ensures they always have the visibility they need to carry out their work.

Looking ahead, how do you see Streamlight balancing raw output with smarter features that improve safety, usability, and reliability?

As technology advances, the focus is shifting away from raw output toward smarter, more usable features.

For us, it is about finding the right balance.

High brightness will always be valuable, but the bigger picture is about improving safety, usability, and reliability.

We are looking at innovations like advanced optics that deliver light exactly where it is needed, improved colour rendering technologies that make identification safer, and adaptive power systems that provide greater resilience in the field.

These are not just enhancements for the sake of it.

They are features that make our lights more effective tools for professionals working in life-and-death situations.

The future of lighting in fire and rescue is not about chasing higher lumen numbers.

It is about delivering visibility that is reliable, precise, and purpose-built.

That is what will give first responders the confidence to act decisively in the most challenging environments.

Lighting built for real-world conditions

The conversation with Donato Sasso highlights that visibility in fire and rescue depends on much more than brightness.

Accurate colour perception, adaptive beam patterns, verified safety standards, and flexible power sources all determine whether a light performs effectively in practice.

Streamlight’s focus is on practical reliability rather than headline lumen figures, reflecting how firefighters, inspectors, and rescue teams actually work.

By designing equipment around operational reality rather than specification sheets, the company aims to give professionals tools that maintain safety and performance in every condition.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Trusted for comfort and performance: How Ballyclare’s approach reshapes frontline PPE

by Breaking NewsPPE

Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead (Fire and Security), explains how Ballyclare combines deep expertise with customer collaboration to create PPE that is comfortable, durable and dependable

When it comes to creating PPE, our core philosophy at Ballyclare is simple.

We work as closely as possible with our customers to create protective gear that’s practical, comfortable, affordable and safe.

Ballyclare has been at the forefront of firefighter PPE design for many years, providing high-quality kit for fire and rescue services (FRSs) both in the UK and across Europe.

As a family-owned SME based in Cheshire, we have cultivated a core UK customer base securing and delivering on major contracts with the North West Region, All Wales and All Yorkshire FRSs.

Over the last decade, we’ve also secured significant contracts across Europe, establishing ourselves as a leading supplier to fire services across Poland, Benelux and Germany.

As an SME, we have the flexibility to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs without unnecessary bureaucracy.

We’re also fortunate to have our own in-house manufacturing facility so we can prioritise orders and minimise lead times.

Expertise that drives performance

Our knowledgeable and highly skilled team of industry experts are at the heart of our success.

A series of recent senior appointments has further strengthened our team, creating an unrivalled depth of experience across the UK and European markets.

Together, we bring deep technical expertise in firefighter PPE requirements, a practical understanding of the day-to-day realities on the front line, and vital proficiency in logistics and aftercare.

One particular characteristic that has been key to Ballyclare’s success in each and every contract win is the importance we place on collaborating and working in partnership with fire services.

We ask the right questions, listen to firefighters’ needs and preferences, and adapt and refine our PPE to provide solutions that make a real difference on the frontline.

This commitment to excellent customer service has helped us forge long-term partnerships with our customers, who trust our advice and know we can deliver.

Balancing safety and comfort

Designing firefighter PPE is complex and highly specialised.

The challenge lies in striking the right balance: creating garments that protect wearers from external heat, flames, and contaminants, while also helping them stay cool and comfortable.

Our design team are proud to work closely with several quality fibre and fabric manufacturers.

This flexibility allows customers to choose from a wide-range of fabric combinations to suit all needs and budgets.

Whilst some FRSs prefer to invest in the premium options, others find that different solutions are equally effective or better suited to their needs.

Ultimately, safety and protection are never compromised.

Every garment undergoes rigorous testing and certification to meet or exceed the relevant industry standards.

Collaborating with customers and trialling kit is key to creating highly protective garments that fit the bill, whether that’s selecting a moisture barrier or determining the placement and size of pockets and loops to suit a crew’s existing equipment.

As a result, our product ranges are constantly evolving in response to feedback from firefighters.

Sometimes the smallest of details can make all the difference for comfort and convenience.”

Case study: All Wales Fire & Rescue Services 

In 2019 following a competitive tender, the All Wales Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) procurement group, representing South Wales FRS, Mid and West Wales FRS and North Wales FRS, appointed Ballyclare to provide its Xenon structural PPE for the nation’s 3,000 firefighters.

Tony Jackson, Group Manager on the Operational Appliances & Equipment Team at South Wales FRS, reflects on the rigorous selection process and the successful delivery of this contract, from sizing and roll-out to ongoing care and maintenance:

“Although we have separate budgets and financing, the three fire and rescue services in Wales frequently procure firefighting equipment together, so that we can benefit from shared resources and economies of scale.

“In 2019, we were looking to replace our structural firefighting kit, so published an All Wales tender outlining the industry standards to be met and our agreed specifications.

“In general, there were four key elements we were looking for. The first was breathability.

“We needed the kit to be significantly more lightweight and breathable so that it would be more comfortable to wear on hot days.

“Our existing kit was hot, heavy and cumbersome.

“Our next requirement was durability.

“We wanted kit that was tough, long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, particularly in susceptible areas such as the elbows, knees and shoulders.

“We find shoulders are a typical point of abrasion due to the fit of our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and also when operating firefighting jets or hose reels.

“Another important consideration was visibility.

“A high vis element was needed to help   keep our crews seen and safe.

“Finally, we were keen to offer a wide range of sizes to ensure all our firefighters had comfortable kit that fitted them properly.

“As part of the tender process, we undertook wearer trials with a team of volunteers from all three FRSs.

“The volunteers wore sample kits for a series of typical firefighting activities including hose running, crawling, wearing SCBA sets and climbing ladders.

“We then used a scoring matrix to gather feedback on specific points such as comfort, flexibility and suitability for the task.

“Wearer feedback is crucial to our tender processes.

“We want our firefighters to feel supported and involved in the decision making process, particularly for kit they will be wearing almost every day.

“Based on the tender submission and the trials, Ballyclare kit came out as the clear front-runner.

“The final decision was based on a combination of performance, comfort, cost and customer service.

“The Xenon structural kit meets all our requirements. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, it’s our firefighters’ ‘go to’ kit.

“Even on warmer days working on incidents not involving fire, they tend to wear it rather than our current technical rescue kit.

“It has reinforced elbows, knees and shoulder panels designed to resist wear and tear, and has highly effective high vis reflective and photoluminescent tape for visibility.

“It’s almost eerie on a dark night to see the fighters glowing as they move around the fire ground!

“Ballyclare provided us with a wide range of sizes for both male and female firefighters and came to the stations to undertake a sizing programme to ensure everyone got the right fit.

“At SWFRS, we decided to purchase two sets of personal issue kit for each firefighter, whereas colleagues at MAWWFRS and NWFRS opted for a pool system for their kit.

“Roll-out was tricky as the country was hit with the first wave of COVID.

“We agreed to pause for six months to let the situation settle before delivery got underway.

“Ballyclare handled the entire process efficiently and without incident despite the challenging circumstances.

“All crews switched to the new kit on the same day, which worked well and presented us as a unified team.

“We also opted for Ballyclare’s ongoing care and maintenance service, which is fulfilled by a professional laundry company and works well.

“We have weekly collections of used kit, which is cleaned, dried, inspected, repaired if necessary, and returned within seven days.

“Over the years, our experience with Ballyclare has been very good and we have an excellent working relationship with our account manager, Lee Porter.

“We continue to work closely together to fine tune our processes and procedures.

“Above all, our firefighters are really pleased with the kit.

“They find it comfortable and easy to work in, and they trust it to keep them safe.”

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Intersec 2026 to focus on AI risk governance and cybersecurity strategy

by Breaking NewsEventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec 2026 to host InCyber Briefing on AI

Intersec has announced that the InCyber Briefing at Intersec 2026 in Dubai will focus on artificial intelligence governance and cyber resilience for senior security leaders.

The briefing will run as part of the 27th edition of Intersec, taking place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

According to Intersec, the programme is tailored for chief information security officers, cybersecurity strategists and digital risk leaders dealing with rapid technological change.

The event will address practical tools and real-world frameworks for AI governance, post-quantum readiness, supply chain resilience and cyber risk reporting.

Intersec noted that the UAE cybersecurity market is expanding from US$620 million in 2024 to a projected US$1.29 billion by 2030.

The company linked this growth to AI security analytics, Zero Trust architecture and government initiatives that are reshaping how organisations approach cyber defence.

UAE cybersecurity market growth and policy context

Intersec said ResearchAndMarkets data shows the UAE cybersecurity sector is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8% until 2030.

The research attributes this expansion to national digital transformation programmes and rising cyber threats across public and private sectors.

According to the research, strong government backing for digital infrastructure has been a major driver of market demand.

Examples cited include the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy and the creation of entities such as the Cybersecurity Council.

These initiatives are described as providing a policy and coordination framework that supports long-term investment in cyber capabilities.

Intersec positioned the InCyber Briefing within this context as a forum for examining how governance of emerging technologies such as AI is evolving in the UAE and beyond.

Village parable frames AI governance challenges

A keynote session by Luqman Kondeth, Director of Cybersecurity at New York University Abu Dhabi, will headline the InCyber Briefing.

Intersec stated that his session, titled “The Oracle in the System: A Village Parable for Governing AI”, will translate AI governance concepts into an accessible narrative.

Luqman Kondeth, Director of Cybersecurity at New York University Abu Dhabi, said: “In the story, the Village Head must keep his people alive through uncertainty, balancing resources, risk, and innovation.

“When he introduces an Oracle, a brilliant but unpredictable tool, he faces the same dilemma we face with AI: how to benefit from its intelligence without surrendering judgment.

“By watching how the Head sets rules, validates predictions, and keeps humans in the loop, audiences see governance not as compliance paperwork, but as collective wisdom made systematic,”

Intersec indicated that the keynote will focus on how leaders can set boundaries for AI systems while maintaining human oversight.

Addressing concerns around AI predictions and hallucinations, Kondeth is expected to emphasise the role of governance in clarifying accountability.

Kondeth said: “We must build systems, or ‘three lines of defence’: operations teams who test AI in controlled conditions, risk and compliance teams who measure accuracy and bias, and internal auditors who verify the rules were followed.”

Future-facing view of AI governance practice

Intersec reported that Kondeth will also outline how AI governance could operate inside organisations over the coming years.

Kondeth added: “AI governance needs to be continuous, integrated, and human-centred.

“We’re moving toward AI control rooms that constantly monitor model behaviour, supported by ongoing risk assessments rather than periodic reviews.

“Because AI will operate as both a tool and a service across the enterprise, close alignment with Enterprise Architecture is essential.

“Ultimately, governance must remain adaptive – measuring not just performance, but trust, accountability, and societal impact,”

Intersec linked this perspective to wider discussions at the briefing on embedding AI oversight into design and decision-making pipelines.

The event will examine how control mechanisms can be built into enterprise processes, rather than handled through occasional audits alone.

Briefing content to cover post-quantum and crisis simulation

According to Intersec, the InCyber Briefing will run as a one-day stream within the wider exhibition.

The session programme will address AI, post-quantum readiness, data sovereignty and crisis simulation.

Intersec stated that the goal is to provide leaders with practical frameworks they can use to assess and manage digital risk.

The agenda will also examine supply chain resilience and the reporting of cyber risk at board and executive level.

Intersec indicated that the content is designed to connect strategic governance with operational practice for those overseeing complex digital environments.

Kearney roundtable to examine national infrastructure cyber defence

In addition to the InCyber Briefing, Intersec confirmed that management consulting firm Kearney will host a closed-door roundtable during the event.

The session is titled “Defending the Digital Backbone: Securing National Infrastructure in the Era of AI and Hybrid Threats.”

Intersec said the roundtable will focus on how governments can move from reactive defence to more proactive, intelligence-driven resilience.

The discussion will look at ways to integrate policy, technology and collaboration across ecosystems to protect critical assets.

Kearney will produce a white paper based on the roundtable, outlining key points from the session for use by public and private stakeholders.

Intersec 2026 set to be largest edition

Intersec stated that the 2026 edition will feature more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries.

Visitor numbers are expected to reach 50,000, making it the largest Intersec edition to date.

The event will span 67,000 sqm of exhibition space at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Intersec confirmed that the show will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The event is supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “AI, automation, and digitisation are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.

“The InCyber Briefing equips decision-makers with the foresight, frameworks, and leadership strategies needed to govern AI ethically and effectively while securing their organisations against emerging threats.”

AI governance and cyber resilience for safety-critical sectors

The InCyber Briefing at Intersec 2026 brings together content on AI governance, post-quantum readiness and crisis simulation that is directly relevant to leaders managing safety-critical operations.

For emergency and disaster response managers, the focus on crisis simulation provides insight into how cyber incidents are being modelled alongside wider organisational risks.

For government departments and policy teams, the Kearney roundtable and follow-up white paper could inform discussions on how to harden national infrastructure against hybrid threats that combine digital and physical pressure points.

For facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors, the emphasis on supply chain resilience and cyber risk reporting offers examples of how digital oversight is being integrated into operational risk management.

For mechanical and electrical engineers and fire engineering consultants involved in connected building systems, the attention given to AI control rooms and continuous monitoring shows how cybersecurity responsibilities are being embedded into ongoing system design and maintenance.