Ghent University student wins Ragnar Wighus Award

by Breaking NewsEventsFire SuppressionPeople

Ragnar Wighus Award recognises Ghent University master’s graduate Mohsen Morshedi for his award-winning water mist research

A Ghent University graduate has been announced as the winner of the Ragnar Wighus Award. Mohsen Morshedi will present his master thesis at the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC2026) in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026. 

The title of the winning thesis is “Numerical Simulation of dense Water Mist Sprays in ‘cold’ Conditions with an Emphasis on Multi-Droplet Aerodynamics Interaction”. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Tarek Beji and Prof. Dr. Tom de Mulder. 

On receiving the news, Mohsen Morshedi said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award this year. It is a privilege to be recognised among such inspiring professionals, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have received along the way.” 

The sponsor of the award is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). The committee that evaluates the submissions is the IWMA Scientific Council under the chairmanship of Kemal Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). 

In 2027, The Ragnar Wighus Award will go to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis. Deadline to hand in submissions is 31st March 2027. The terms under which to apply will be published towards in November. 

First European Fire Detection Forum launched by Euralarm during VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsEventsFire Detection

Euralarm has launched the first European Fire Detection Forum, a conference dedicated to the future of fire detection and electronic fire safety in Europe. The event will take place on 2 December 2026 in Cologne, Germany, as part of the VdS-FireSafety Cologne.

Euralarm says the integration of the European Fire Detection Forum into the VdS-FireSafety Cologne will bring value by creating a European platform to examine both current developments and the future direction of electronic fire detection.

The inaugural edition will be held under the theme: “Fire safety in a changing world and the changing world of fire safety – From reaction to prediction: the next paradigm of electronic fire safety.” Looking at the pipeline of developments and technologies to support earlier detection and reduction of nuisance alarms.

“Fire safety is entering a period of profound transformation,” said Peter Mita, President of Euralarm. “New technologies are creating opportunities to detect fires earlier, reduce unwanted alarms and improve building safety. At the same time, society faces new risks and increasing expectations regarding sustainability and digitalisation.

“With the European Fire Detection Forum, Euralarm is creating a platform where industry experts, regulators and end users can discuss these developments and help shape the future of fire safety in Europe.”

As fire risks evolve and digital technologies transform the built environment, fire detection systems are facing new challenges and opportunities. Advances in connectivity, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, sustainability and predictive maintenance are reshaping the role of fire detection within modern fire safety strategies. At the same time, changing regulations, new building technologies and emerging risks such as lithium-ion battery fires require fresh approaches and closer cooperation across the sector.

The European Fire Detection Forum will provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers, installers, system integrators, fire safety professionals, regulators, insurers and policymakers to discuss these developments and explore the future direction of the industry.

The programme will feature keynote presentations, expert panels and technical sessions covering topics such as:

  • Emerging and future fire detection technologies and solutions
  • Artificial intelligence and sensor fusion
  • Reducing false alarms and improving system reliability
  • Sustainability in fire detection
  • Early detection of lithium-ion battery incidents
  • Digitalisation and remote services
  • The future regulatory and standards framework for fire detection in Europe

Ingeborg Schlosser, Divisional Director of Vds, said: “The cooperation with the VdS-FireSafety Colognereflects a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and supporting innovation throughout the fire safety community.

“By combining the European perspective of Euralarm with the strong market presence and reputation of VdS, the event aims to become a leading forum for discussing the future of fire detection technologies and their role in protecting people, property and the environment.”

FLIR to showcase early fire detection and firefighting technology at NFPA 2026

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FLIR will present its fire safety and first responder technologies at the NFPA Conference & Expo 2026, taking place from 22 to 24 June at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The company will exhibit at Booth 471, where it will demonstrate industrial Early Fire Detection solutions and tactical firefighting equipment, including A-series thermal monitoring cameras and K-series hand-held cameras.

Thermal monitoring for high-risk environments

FLIR said its Early Fire Detection systems use continuous radiometric monitoring and intelligent alarming to identify abnormal heat patterns before smoke or flame is visible.

The technology is designed for high-risk environments including battery storage sites, solar fields, manufacturing lines, waste facilities, warehouses and logistics centres. According to FLIR, the systems can be integrated with plant safety controls to trigger automated responses and support 24/7 situational awareness.

Keynote session to discuss life safety compliance

On Wednesday 24 June, Aaron Lawrence, Director of Sales, Automation at FLIR, will lead a keynote session alongside Martin Casillas, Clark County Fire Inspector, and Ryan Sandler, Vice President of Fire & Life Safety at Everon.

The session will examine how thermal imaging, analytics and system design are influencing the next generation of life safety compliance.

FLIR said its technologies are intended to help operators detect risks earlier, support faster response and improve performance in challenging fireground and industrial conditions.

Flir to unveil new thermal camera at Interschutz 2026

by EventsProductsThermal Imaging

Flir has announced a landmark expansion of its firefighting portfolio at Interschutz 2026 -hall 27 booth M42.

Flir K85-N

Headlining the launch is the Flir K85-N, the first thermal imaging camera (TIC) on the market to achieve full certification under the new NFPA 1930:2025 standard.

The company explained that the K85-N arrives as the successor to the industry-standard K65, offering a rugged, fresh design paired with significant leaps in sensor performance.

Featuring a 640×480 resolution and a ground-breaking single-range architecture, the K85-N ensures firefighters maintain high-fidelity visibility without the lag or image degradation typically associated with switching between temperature modes.

“Previously unreachable”

Benjamin Mortlock, Team Lead at Flir stated: “In high-stress environments, clarity is the difference between a successful mission and a tragedy.

“The K85-N is engineered so that crews never miss critical scene information.

“With its enhanced contrast and dedicated modes for search and detection, we are providing a level of situational awareness that was previously unreachable,” Mortlock added.

A unified ecosystem

Beyond the K85-N, Flir highlighted that it is introducing updated 2026 versions of its proven K75 and K85 cameras.

These models benefit from a revised optical design and a lower f-number, significantly improving image clarity in low-contrast environments.

According to Flir, the 2026 K-Series features:

  • Standardised Ergonomics: A new compact battery and enhanced grip aligned with the K85-N platform
  • Advanced Connectivity: Integration with the Flir Responder mobile app, enabling wireless streaming, over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and simplified post-incident analysis
  • Rapid Deployment: A newly engineered in-truck charger featuring a ‘insert, twist, lock’ mechanism for faster, more reliable handling in high-pressure scenarios

“Keeps the focus where it belongs”

Peter Dekkers, Business Development Director at Flir commented: “Our goal for 2026 was standardisation and serviceability.”

“Whether a department is using the NFPA-certified K85-N or the updated K75, the interface, batteries and charging infrastructure remain consistent.

“This reduces training friction and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the fireground,” he concluded.

“Mystery” Reveal at Stand

Flir teased about an exclusive, unannounced development that will remain under wraps until the exhibition doors open.

This “booth-only” reveal is expected to showcase a new frontier in first-responder safety technology.

Attendees of Interschutz 2026 can experience the full K-Series line up at the Flir booth located in hall 27 booth M42.

The Security Event and Fire Safety Event enter new European era

by Events

Following record-breaking 2026 editions, The Security Event and Fire Safety Event will evolve into European brands ahead of 2027, reflecting their outstanding growth and increasing prominence as leading destinations for security and fire safety professionals from across Europe.

Growth

Since their launches in 2019 and 2016 respectively, The Security Event (TSE) and Fire Safety Event (FSE) have experienced exceptional growth.

Each year, thousands of industry professionals now travel from across the UK to the NEC Birmingham, firmly establishing TSE and FSE as the UK’s leading annual meeting place for the security and fire industries.

Building on this continued success, both TSE & FSE have rightfully earned strong international recognition and are increasingly attracting European integrators, consultants, specifiers and end users seeking innovation, insight and valuable industry connections.

This evolution into recognised European brands reflects that growing influence, while supporting a long-term vision to become the leading destination for the wider European market.

Importantly, the move signals expansion of vision, not relocation.

The Security Event and the Fire Safety Event will remain firmly rooted at the NEC Birmingham, with the UK market continuing to sit at the heart of both shows.

UK industry

As the bedrock of their success, organisers of TSE & FSE, Nineteen Group note that the UK industry remains central to the events’ future ambitions.

Nineteen Group said that it sees significant opportunity to welcome even more visitors from European markets, many of which lack a dedicated trade event of this scale serving their respective country / region.

This next phase is set to further enrich the experience of all our stakeholders, enhance collaboration, drive innovation, opening new export opportunities and expand the community’s reach, Nineteen added.

“The most significant exhibitions”

Tristan Norman, Group Managing Director, Nineteen Group commented: “From humble beginnings, The Security & Fire Safety Events have evolved into some of the most significant exhibitions in the global calendar for the industries they serve.

“This repositioning reflects both their continued growth and increasing importance and we look forward to further establishing these events as world-leading trade shows.”

“Carefully aligned with the growing interest”

Peter Poole, Group Event Director stated: “The direction of a trade show is shaped by the industry it serves and our brand evolution is designed to reflect that journey.

“The growth of both events has been phenomenal in a relatively short period of time and the continued support we receive from the UK is something we deeply value.

“The UK remains hugely important to us and this repositioning has been carefully aligned with the growing interest we are seeing from across Europe,” he continued.

“We are entering an exciting new phase, reinforcing TSE and FSE as the UK’s premier events while establishing them as the key hub for the European community, right here at the heart of the UK at the NEC Birmingham.

“I’m incredibly excited about the additional value this will bring to our partners,” he concluded.

Culture

According to Nineteen Group, with hundreds of global leading brands, influential speakers, live demonstrations, networking opportunities and sector-leading thought leadership, the events have become known for their strong sense of community and culture.

ECCOTARP highlights rapid-deployment containment tanks

by EventsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

The ECCOTARP Self-supporting containment tanks have been designed for a wide range of applications. They can serve as emergency water reservoirs, transfer tanks, collection tanks for hazardous substances, or quarantine tanks for cooling down and extinguishing ignited EV batteries.

Their smart foldable design saves space during transport and storage, while assembly takes only a few minutes.

Integrated welded polypropylene plates ensure a firm and stable tank shape even when the tank is empty.

The company is inviting you to learn more about these multifunctional tanks used by emergency response units as well as across various industrial sectors at INTERSCHUTZ next week.

📍 Visit ECCOTARP at Booth E13, Hall 17.

HAFEX reveals participation at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsFire Suppression

HAFEX (Hybrid Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems) has announced that they will be exhibiting at INTERSCHUTZ 2026.

Hafex stated that this marks its second participation at Hannover, one of the world’s leading international exhibitions for fire protection, rescue and safety technologies.

The exhibition

At the exhibition, HAFEX will showcase its latest advanced fire suppression technologies designed for high-risk and mission-critical applications across marine, renewable energy, defence, industrial and sensitive electronic sectors especially Strontium Based Aerosol Technology.

Among the solutions being presented will be:

  • HAFEX aerosol fire suppression systems
  • Lithium-ion battery fire protection technologies for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Electrical cabinet suppression systems
  • Marine and offshore fire protection solutions
  • Specialised systems developed for defence and critical infrastructure applications
  • Sensitive Electronic Protection by Strontium Nitrate Based Clean Agent Equivelant Hafex Aerosol

The company said that as industries worldwide continue moving toward electrification, renewable energy and increasingly complex infrastructure, the demand for compact, efficient and reliable fire suppression technologies continues to grow rapidly.

HAFEX aims to address these evolving risks through engineering-focused solutions designed for challenging operational environments where reliability and rapid response are critical.

Worldwide deployment

The company’s systems are currently deployed across more than 40 countries in applications including offshore wind turbines, harbour cranes, vessels, electrical systems, industrial machinery, data-sensitive environments and defence platforms.

Focusing on the future

Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, HAFEX stated that INTERSCHUTZ 2026 represents an important opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, present next-generation suppression technologies and engage directly with global fire safety professionals and industry stakeholders.

The company also highlighted the growing importance of specialised fire protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries, renewable energy infrastructure and mission-critical systems as some of the key areas shaping the future of the global fire protection industry.

Stand

Visitors to INTERSCHUTZ 2026 will have the opportunity to explore HAFEX technologies firsthand and learn more about the company’s expanding international projects and advanced suppression capabilities in Hall 13/B02.

Holík to unveil craft-based brand identity at Interschutz

by Breaking NewsEvents

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

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

Holík International

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

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

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

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

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

“We wanted to control the entire product”

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

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

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

“Deeply craft-driven and human”

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

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

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

Visual brand identity

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

It is complemented by anthracite, referencing craftsmanship and material.

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

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

Interschutz 2026

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

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

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

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

Olympia Electronics reflect on FSE 2026

by Events

Olympia Electronics successfully participated in The Fire Safety Event 2026, held in Birmingham, UK.

According to the company, its presence at the exhibition was another valuable opportunity to strengthen its international presence, connect with industry professionals and highlight the modern solutions it develops in the field of fire detection and safety.

Olympia Electronics was represented by Haris Karakidis, International Sales Director and Nikos Antar Mavridis, Export Manager’s Assistant, who had the opportunity to meet with partners, customers and market professionals, presenting the company’s expertise, export dynamics and product portfolio.

Olympia Electronics

As a Greek manufacturing industry with long-standing experience in the design and production of electronic safety and security systems, Olympia Electronics continues to invest in its international growth by participating in leading industry exhibitions and strengthening its connection with global markets.

The company added that its participation in The Fire Safety Event highlighted its ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and the delivery of reliable safety solutions that meet the evolving needs of the international market.

Eccotarp to exhibit at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsEventsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringFire SuppressionFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Eccotarp is to exhibit at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 (Hall 17, Booth E13), the world’s leading trade fair for fire and rescue services, emergency protection, safety and security, taking place in Hannover.

Visitors can explore and test solutions for firefighters and industry, including the ET-Roller 7 electric hose roller (for hoses up to 6″), magnetic leak patches, folding spill containment berms and tanks, drain covers, and more. Visitors can discover also the new range of spill containment berms made from the unique recyclable ReccoPro material.

INTERSCHUTZ , held every five years, brings together global leaders in firefighting, civil protection, rescue services and safety innovation. The event serves as a key platform for showcasing advancements in emergency response technology and fostering international collaboration.