Lisbon to host lithium-ion battery safety experts in November

Sfpe symposium to address lithium-ion battery fire safety

Event announced for Lisbon in November

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced that it will hold the Engineering Solutions Symposium: Addressing European Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Challenges in Lisbon, Portugal, from 11 to 13 November 2025.

According to SFPE, the event will focus on lithium-ion battery fire risks across sectors including consumer electronics, e-bikes, electric vehicles, and battery energy storage systems.

The organisation said the symposium is intended to bring together researchers, engineers, manufacturers, insurers, facility managers, and first responders to discuss risk management, regulatory requirements, and design solutions.

It added that the three-day programme will include technical presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for interactive dialogue.

Focus on lithium-ion battery hazards

SFPE explained that lithium-ion batteries are among the most pressing fire safety hazards in the sector, requiring updated approaches to system design, emergency response, and regulation.

The organisation said that delegates will examine battery hazard fundamentals, the mechanics of thermal runaway, and how fire safety codes are adapting to new risks.

It added that the event will also address mitigation strategies for high-risk applications, particularly in e-mobility, electric vehicles, and energy storage.

Learning objectives

SFPE outlined that the symposium’s learning objectives will include examining fire safety implications of new battery technologies and understanding thermal runaway.

It stated that further objectives will cover design and regulatory issues for energy storage systems, as well as the use of diagnostics and monitoring tools in safety management.

The organisation added that discussions will also assess the impact of battery fires on infrastructure and emergency response.

It said that the programme aims to promote collaboration between industry sectors to build safer battery ecosystems.

International committee

According to SFPE, the programme is guided by an international committee of experts.

The symposium will be co-chaired by Adam Barowy and Guillermo Rein, PhD.

The organisation explained that the committee includes researchers and practitioners representing academia, industry, and government agencies.

Site visit

SFPE confirmed that the symposium will close with a site visit.

It said that participants will tour a new data centre in Lisbon featuring a lithium-ion battery backup system.

The organisation explained that the visit is designed to provide attendees with a first-hand view of how safety systems are integrated into such facilities.

Registration details

SFPE reported that the symposium will be hosted at the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa.

The organisation added that early-bird registration discounts are available until 10 October 2025.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The symposium provides fire and safety professionals with the opportunity to engage directly with current research on lithium-ion battery fire hazards.

The event highlights emerging risks associated with electric vehicles, e-mobility, and energy storage systems, which are increasingly relevant to operational and regulatory work in the sector.

It also offers practical insights into hazard assessment, code development, and mitigation strategies that can be applied in professional practice.

SFPE symposium to address lithium-ion battery fire safety: Summary

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) will hold a symposium on lithium-ion battery fire safety in Lisbon from 11 to 13 November 2025.

The event will focus on risks in consumer electronics, e-bikes, electric vehicles, and battery energy storage systems.

SFPE said the symposium will include technical sessions, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue.

The organisation explained that learning objectives cover thermal runaway, system design, regulations, diagnostics, and infrastructure impacts.

The programme is led by co-chairs Adam Barowy and Guillermo Rein, PhD, supported by an international committee.

The event will conclude with a site visit to a Lisbon data centre with a lithium-ion battery backup system.

The Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa will host the symposium.

Early-bird registration is open until 10 October 2025.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis

PSBTA announces FirstNet Vision Summit 2025

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has confirmed that the 2025 Vision Summit will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September.

According to the PSBTA, the annual event is the primary FirstNet users summit, continuing from last year’s Vision 2024 in Las Vegas.

The association said the summit will bring together first responders, policymakers, and technology experts to address the future of public safety communications.

It added that the programme will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration.

The PSBTA explained that the event also offers demonstrations of communication technologies designed to support emergency response.

FirstNet developments and policy issues

The PSBTA reported that this year’s agenda will cover FirstNet reinvestment strategies, expansion of 5G coverage, and improvements to interoperability.

The association stated that discussions will also focus on the reauthorisation of FirstNet, due in 2027, and spectrum management policies including the 4.9 GHz band.

It added that these topics are central to ensuring continued access for public safety agencies across the United States.

According to the PSBTA, participants will hear from national officials involved in FirstNet governance and operations.

The organisation explained that these include representatives from FirstNet Authority and AT&T, alongside senior emergency communications personnel.

Technology sessions and future trends

The PSBTA said that the Vision Summit will feature sessions on emerging technologies relevant to public safety.

It reported that these include Internet of Things applications, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, drone deployment, and NG9-1-1.

The association explained that the sessions are intended to provide end users with practical information about integrating new technologies.

It added that the aim is to ensure first responders can adopt these tools in ways that enhance safety and coordination.

According to the PSBTA, presentations will also highlight the role of technology in health and wellness initiatives for responders.

Keynote speakers confirmed

The PSBTA confirmed that keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

It reported that Dr John Delony, host of The Dr John Delony Show and co-host of The Ramsey Show, will also address delegates.

The association stated that Thomas Chenworth, Deputy Chief, and John Donnelly, Chief of the Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department, will present on the D.C. plane crash.

It added that public safety leaders from Southern California will give a keynote presentation on wildfires in Los Angeles.

According to the PSBTA, additional speakers from across the public safety community will be announced.

Networking and collaboration opportunities

The PSBTA said that Vision Summit attendees will have opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration throughout the event.

It reported that informal discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions will provide a forum for sharing operational experience.

The association explained that the event is designed to help agencies learn from each other’s use of FirstNet and related technologies.

It added that networking opportunities also include access to policymakers and technology vendors supporting public safety communications.

According to the PSBTA, the summit’s format aims to support both structured learning and informal professional exchange.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The PSBTA explained that FirstNet is the dedicated nationwide broadband network designed for first responders in the United States.

It stated that developments discussed at the Vision Summit could affect how fire services access and share mission critical information.

The association noted that sessions on 5G expansion, spectrum management, and interoperability are directly relevant to fire and rescue operations.

It added that technology demonstrations and case studies will provide practical insights for agencies looking to enhance emergency communication capabilities.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis: Summary

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has announced the 2025 Vision Summit.

The event will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September 2025.

The summit is described as the main FirstNet users event in the United States.

The programme includes panels, keynotes, technology demonstrations, and peer collaboration sessions.

Topics will cover FirstNet reinvestment, 5G expansion, interoperability improvements, and spectrum management.

The reauthorisation of FirstNet by 2027 will also be discussed.

Emerging technologies featured include IoT, AR, AI, drones, and NG9-1-1.

Keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb, Dr John Delony, and Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS officials.

Public safety leaders from Southern California will present on wildfires in Los Angeles.

The summit will also provide networking and collaboration opportunities for attendees.

Fire and safety professionals may gain insights on communications systems relevant to emergency response.

The PSBTA stated that these developments are directly relevant to fire and rescue services in the United States.

Bull Products to exhibit at UK Construction Week 2025

Bull Products confirms debut at Birmingham event

Bull Products has announced it will be exhibiting at UK Construction Week Birmingham for the first time.

According to Bull Products, the company will be at stand D112 from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

It said the stand will showcase safety systems designed for the construction sector and related applications.

The company added that its Fire 360° service will be a central focus, along with its SITENET, SITEPROTECT and SITEEVAC+ alarm and detection systems.

Fire 360° service and carbon reduction focus

Bull Products reported that its Fire 360° service is designed as a complete compliance solution.

The company explained that the service covers design, installation, commissioning and maintenance across sites of different sizes in the UK.

It added that Fire 360° also includes asset collection, storage, cleaning and inspection, preparing equipment for reuse on future projects.

According to Bull Products, Fire 360° supports the Green Bull initiative by helping customers address carbon reduction requirements while maintaining site efficiency.

SITENET fire detection and alarm system

Bull Products stated that SITENET will be featured at the event as part of its system range.

The company explained that SITENET is a fully EN 54 certified wireless intelligent fire detection and alarm system.

It added that SITENET can link up to 511 devices from one panel across 32 zones.

The system uses radio devices and wireless mesh technology with network redundancy and channel hopping, the company said.

It reported that SITENET meets JCoP and HSG168 compliance requirements and can be used in both internal and external environments.

SITEPROTECT system applications

Bull Products confirmed that SITEPROTECT will also be on display.

The organisation stated that SITEPROTECT is a temporary wireless mesh fire detection and alarm system designed for the construction industry.

It explained that SITEPROTECT supports up to 480 devices across 15 zones using EN 54-5 and EN 54-7 certified detector heads.

The system also incorporates wireless emergency fire, first aid, intruder and lockdown alarms.

The company added that the lockdown alarm has been developed primarily for the education sector but can also be deployed in public settings such as shopping centres.

SITEEVAC+ system for cost-sensitive projects

Bull Products noted that SITEEVAC+ is the third system in its product line to be displayed at the exhibition.

The company explained that SITEEVAC+ is a wireless mesh fire detection and alarm system supporting up to 50 devices in 3 zones.

It said the system is intended for projects working within lower budgets while still requiring essential fire detection capability.

According to Bull Products, SITEEVAC+ is particularly suited to housebuilding and development sites.

It added that the system uses EN 54-5 and EN 54-7 certified detector heads.

Company statement on exhibition

Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, said: “We’re excited to be exhibiting at UK Construction Week Birmingham after the success of the London event in May.

“We invite attendees to visit us at stand D112 to discover how Bull Products has a cutting-edge solution for every application with SITENET, SITEPROTECT and SITEEVAC+.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The exhibition of Bull Products at UK Construction Week provides sector professionals with an opportunity to assess compliance-focused fire detection and alarm systems designed for construction environments.

The presence of SITENET, SITEPROTECT and SITEEVAC+ demonstrates the range of wireless mesh systems available across different project budgets and operational scales.

For safety managers, the integration of temporary and permanent detection systems into site operations is relevant to meeting regulatory standards such as JCoP and HSG168.

The addition of services such as Fire 360° also links fire safety provision with sustainability objectives, reflecting operational and compliance requirements within the sector.

Bull Products to exhibit at UK Construction Week 2025: Summary

Bull Products has announced its first appearance at UK Construction Week Birmingham.

The company will be at stand D112 from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

It will present its Fire 360° service and fire detection systems SITENET, SITEPROTECT and SITEEVAC+.

Fire 360° includes design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, asset collection, cleaning and inspection.

The service supports the Green Bull initiative for carbon reduction.

SITENET is EN 54 certified and supports up to 511 devices across 32 zones.

It uses wireless mesh technology with network redundancy and channel hopping.

SITEPROTECT supports up to 480 devices in 15 zones and includes fire, first aid, intruder and lockdown alarms.

The SITEPROTECT lockdown system was developed for education and can be applied in public sites.

SITEEVAC+ supports up to 50 devices in 3 zones and is intended for cost-sensitive projects.

It uses EN 54-5 and EN 54-7 certified detector heads.

Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, confirmed the company’s invitation for attendees to visit the stand.

C-TEC announces CPD-certified open days at Wigan facility

CPD-certified open days planned for September

C-TEC has announced that it will host three CPD-certified open days at its manufacturing site in Wigan on 16, 17 and 18 September.

According to C-TEC, the events will include a presentation on the BS 5839-1 2025 update, product demonstrations and a guided factory tour.

The company stated that the programme is aimed at professionals in the fire safety sector, including engineers and consultants.

It added that attendees will also be able to gain CPD points through the sessions.

The events will take place at C-TEC’s third-party process approved facility, where its life-safety systems are manufactured.

Presentations on updated fire detection standard

C-TEC said one of the key sessions will focus on the practical implications of the revised BS 5839-1 standard.

The presentation will outline changes introduced in the 2025 update.

The company noted that the session will be CPD-certified and include a question and answer segment.

It added that the aim is to provide attendees with a clear understanding of how the changes affect real-world applications.

Factory tours and equipment demonstrations

C-TEC stated that participants will be taken on a CPD-certified tour of its production facility.

According to the company, the site features advanced manufacturing equipment, including 3D optical and x-ray inspection systems and Yamaha SMT lines.

The firm added that the tours are designed to show how the equipment is used to maintain quality control and minimise error.

Attendees will also have the option to attend product demonstrations in the afternoon.

Product showcase includes CAST-PRO

C-TEC reported that the demonstrations will feature its range of life-safety systems.

The company said this includes the CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm device.

It stated that CAST-PRO was named Fire Innovation of the Year.

The firm added that the demonstrations will allow attendees to see the system in operation.

Event schedule

C-TEC listed the following programme for each day.

It said the schedule will begin at 9.30am with refreshments and conclude at 3.30pm.

The morning will feature a welcome presentation, factory tour and the BS 5839-1 2025 update session.

Lunch and networking will take place from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Product demonstrations will be available from 2.00pm to 3.30pm.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The open days provide an opportunity for fire safety professionals to gain CPD points while receiving updates on industry standards.

They also allow attendees to see manufacturing processes and quality control measures used in life-safety system production.

The sessions on BS 5839-1 2025 may assist professionals in applying the updated requirements to current and future projects.

The optional demonstrations provide a chance to assess new technology in a practical setting.

C-TEC announces CPD-certified open days at Wigan facility: Summary

C-TEC will host three CPD-certified open days on 16, 17 and 18 September at its Wigan manufacturing site.

The events will include a BS 5839-1 2025 update session, factory tour and optional product demonstrations.

Attendees will be able to gain CPD points from the sessions.

The factory tours will showcase manufacturing equipment such as 3D optical and x-ray inspection systems.

The CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm device will be demonstrated.

The open days are aimed at fire safety professionals, engineers and consultants.

The daily schedule runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Registration is available via C-TEC’s website.

Telgian to present fire alarm system commissioning webinar

Webinar to explore fire alarm commissioning in the US

Telgian has announced that Jim Burian, Regional Practice Leader at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, will lead a Fire Smarts webinar on fire alarm system commissioning on 14 August 2025.

According to the company, the 90-minute session will outline how commissioning ensures fire alarm systems are installed and operate according to design specifications.

The firm said the event will cover the goals of fire alarm commissioning, testing of components, documentation procedures, and stakeholder communication.

The session will take place from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time.

Registration for the session is open to fire protection professionals across the United States.

Commissioning process and testing procedures

According to Telgian, commissioning involves a verification and documentation process confirming that a fire alarm system functions according to its intended design.

The company said the session will examine how to test initiating devices for alarm conditions and tamper switches for supervisory alerts.

It added that the session will also review the verification of notification appliances during alarm scenarios.

Participants will be guided through each stage of the commissioning process.

Burian is expected to explain how commissioning impacts system performance and code compliance.

Documentation and stakeholder responsibilities

Telgian stated that the webinar will include a segment focused on documentation best practices.

The firm said this will include guidance on how commissioning information should be formatted and stored.

It added that guidance will also be given on how documents should be distributed to relevant parties.

The process is expected to include recommendations for improving traceability and accountability across stakeholders.

Telgian said documentation is a critical part of system handover.

Presenter background and qualifications

According to Telgian, Jim Burian brings extensive experience in fire protection design and compliance.

The company said he has led teams of engineers, designers and code consultants on projects across the Mid-West.

It added that he has managed product safety and compliance initiatives involving UL testing and approvals.

Burian holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

He is the current Chair of the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and an active member of AIA Chicago.

Course relevance for fire safety professionals

Telgian said the webinar is aimed at engineers, contractors, and code officials involved in fire alarm system design and installation.

It explained that the content will be relevant to both new system installations and upgrades.

The firm said the session will also provide insights for professionals involved in inspection and maintenance.

Burian will provide examples and case-based guidance during the session.

The company said continuing education credits may be available through Fire Smarts.

Telgian to present fire alarm system commissioning webinar: Summary

Telgian has announced a webinar on fire alarm system commissioning.

Jim Burian will lead the session on 14 August 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ET.

The session will cover commissioning goals, testing procedures, documentation, and stakeholder responsibilities.

Burian is Regional Practice Leader at Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and chairs the SPFE Chicago Chapter.

He has led design and compliance teams across the Mid-West.

The webinar will be hosted by Fire Smarts.

It is open to professionals involved in fire alarm system design, installation, and compliance.

NFPA to host fire standards programme at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025

Full-day NFPA event to focus on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will lead a full-day programme on 30 September as part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Fire Protection and Technology Summit.

The event, to be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will focus on how international standards can support fire and life safety across Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.

According to the organisers, the NFPA Day will address topics such as large-scale event protection, fire regulation compliance and human capital development in the safety sector.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, will deliver the keynote address alongside representatives from Saudi Civil Defense.

The sessions will be curated by Zahi Daher, Saudi Country Manager of International Business Development at NFPA.

NFPA to offer sessions on regulation, training and giga-projects

According to Intersec Saudi Arabia, the NFPA Day will include multiple presentations and discussions led by industry and government stakeholders.

Planned sessions include ‘Protecting GIGA Developments and Large-Scale Events in the Kingdom’, ‘Building Human Capital in Fire Protection’, and ‘Navigating New Fire Safety Regulations and Compliance’.

NFPA said the programme is intended to provide direct engagement with Saudi professionals on local safety challenges.

Jim Pauley, NFPA President and CEO, said: “As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation aligned with Vision 2030, integrating internationally recognized fire and life safety standards is more vital than ever.

“NFPA is pleased to support the Kingdom by providing the knowledge, resources, and global expertise needed to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.

“We are honoured to be part of Intersec Saudi Arabia, where we can engage directly with local stakeholders and help drive meaningful progress in fire safety.”

NFPA added that the event will provide practical insights into applying NFPA standards and certification systems to Saudi Arabia’s context.

Regional focus on standards and innovation

Intersec Saudi Arabia said the NFPA Day is one element of a broader Fire Protection and Technology Summit programme spanning 29 September to 1 October.

According to the organisers, the summit aims to address safety challenges specific to the region, including the integration of smart systems, mass event planning and high-rise incident response.

Sessions will feature topics such as AI-enabled fire detection, IoT applications in prevention systems, and HAZMAT coordination frameworks.

The summit will also include case studies from events such as Hajj and Saudi Arabia’s national space sector development.

According to the organisers, the summit is designed to provide sector-specific expertise on safety infrastructure across multiple industries.

Spotlight on training and representation in fire safety

The final day of the summit on 1 October will include sessions focused on building a skilled safety workforce in Saudi Arabia.

Topics will include educational pathways, localised training frameworks, and community-level fire awareness initiatives.

Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director of Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the summit aims to connect experts with emerging talent.

A dedicated session will explore the role of women in the fire protection sector and how they are contributing to sector development in the Kingdom.

Intersec Saudi Arabia stated that these sessions are part of its broader commitment to supporting workforce growth and diversity in safety fields.

Industry and government collaboration featured at event

The NFPA programme is being developed in collaboration with Saudi Civil Defense and various governmental stakeholders.

According to Intersec Saudi Arabia, the goal is to align national development priorities with international safety protocols.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: “The NFPA Day at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 offers a dedicated platform to explore how international fire and life safety standards can be applied to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, accelerating fire protection and safety in the Kingdom.”

Zahi Daher, NFPA Saudi Country Manager, added: “The NFPA Day at Intersec Saudi Arabia is more than just a series of sessions – it’s a dynamic platform for exchanging knowledge, building local expertise, and fostering meaningful collaboration between industry leaders, government authorities, and safety professionals.

“Our goal is to elevate fire protection standards across the Kingdom, laying the foundation for safer communities today and for generations to come.”

Networking opportunities will be available throughout the event for participants seeking collaboration or knowledge exchange.

NFPA to host fire standards programme at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025: Summary

The NFPA will host a full-day event on 30 September as part of Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025.

The event will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event forms part of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit.

The NFPA Day will include sessions on fire safety regulations, giga-project protection and workforce training.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, will open the event with a keynote address.

Zahi Daher, NFPA Saudi Country Manager, will chair the programme.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt.

The summit will include sessions on AI fire detection, smart city firefighting and HAZMAT response.

The final day will focus on workforce development and women in fire safety.

Networking sessions will be included to promote collaboration and industry engagement.