Hochiki to showcase FIREscape Nepto black range at Fire Safety Event

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Detection

See live voice sounder demonstrations at the Hochiki stand

Hochiki Europe will exhibit at The Fire Safety Event 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.

The manufacturer is the Innovation Theatre sponsor and will use stand E97 to showcase new products and systems.

Visitors can view the new FIREscape Nepto black range for the first time during the three day exhibition.

The stand features a live voice sounder demonstration and the company water leak detection range.

Specifiers and installers have the opportunity to see these systems performing in a practical setting.

The company is also introducing a new modular exhibition stand built with a lightweight aluminium frame and PVC-free graphics.

This reusable structure is designed to last for over 300 events across a 15-year lifespan.

Expert sessions on fire safety and water leak risks

Martin Green, Commercial Training and Support Manager at Hochiki Europe, will deliver three educational sessions in the Innovation Theatre.

The first session on Tuesday 28 April covers fire detection system compliance and the EN54 standard for building owners.

A second presentation on Wednesday 29 April focuses on reducing water damage risks to businesses in the United Kingdom.

The final session on Thursday 30 April provides a guide to fire safety in complex built environments.

Green said: “The sessions I’m delivering at the Fire Safety Event this year cover topics that matter to a huge range of people not only working directly in the fire industry, but also across multiple sectors right now.

“The seminar format gives us the chance to go deeper than we can in other settings, then continue those conversations face to face both on the stand and out in the wider world.”

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director of Hochiki Europe, said: “The Fire Safety Event is one of the most important dates in our calendar and has been for a number of years.

“What makes it valuable is the quality of the people in the room.

“Specifiers, installers, consultants and building owners, all focused on the same thing.

“This year we are bringing new products, live demonstrations and a full programme of talks, but what we value most is the time we get to spend with customers and industry peers in the room.

“Understanding what they are working through, what is shaping the market right now and what they need from us.

“We come away every year with a clearer picture of where the industry is heading, that comes from the time spent face to face with the people who are navigating the same challenges every day.

“The fire safety sector is moving quickly and events like this are where you feel that progress most directly.”

The event is open from 10:00 to 16:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and closes at 15:30 on Thursday.

Next generation MSA Safety protective equipment appearing at FDIC

by EventsFeatured NewsPPESafety

MSA Safety presents G1 XR platform and FireGrid API at FDIC

MSA Safety is showcasing the G1 XR Edition Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and the new FireGrid Incident Command Application Programming Interface (API) at FDIC International this week.

The manufacturer is demonstrating how the G1 XR Edition SCBA addresses fireground realities by reducing weight and improving fit for the user.

This next-generation SCBA platform features adjustable lumbar pad options and updated soft goods to allow departments to customise the equipment.

The G1 XR Edition SCBA meets the requirements of the 2025 edition of the NFPA 1970 standard.

Specific design updates include simplified cleaning processes and pull straps alongside technology to support clearer radio communication.

Integration of FireGrid API for incident command

The company is expanding its connected safety offerings through the introduction of the FireGrid Incident Command API.

This technology enables the integration of G1 SCBA data directly into MSA-approved incident command systems preferred by individual departments.

Commanders gain increased insight into air pressure and movement as well as alarms and individual firefighter information.

The API facilitates the sharing of alarms via a secure cloud connection with selected software partners used for managing apparatus or hydrant locations.

Stephanie Sciullo, President, MSA Americas, said: “We know fire scenes are complex environments, and managing information overload can be a challenge.”

“As the G1 platform evolves, we are focused on delivering not only protection, but also the information that helps keep firefighters safe, accounted for, and better equipped to operate when every second matters.”

Head-to-toe firefighter protection and turnout gear

MSA Safety is also presenting its wider range of protective equipment at FDIC including Globe Manufacturing Company turnout gear and Cairns helmets.

Attendees can now order the Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket which features a three-panel design to reduce bulk and increase mobility.

The jacket includes a mic pass-through option for wearing a radio beneath the garment and offers a broader range of fit options.

Further enhancements for the G-XTREME PRO Jacket are currently being previewed including new moisture barrier offerings and collar closure options.

These developments are part of the head-to-toe firefighter protection system being showcased at booth 2523 during the event in Indianapolis.

Professional programme confirmed for the Fire Safety Event Leaders Summit

by Breaking NewsEventsSafety

Fire Safety Event confirms Leaders Summit programme

The Fire Safety Leaders Summit will deliver CPD-accredited content focused on competence, compliance and operational challenges at the NEC Birmingham from 28 to 30 April 2026.

Organisers confirmed the full programme of sessions addressing regulatory change and workforce development ahead of The Fire Safety Event (FSE).

The summit is sponsored by RiskBase and features speakers from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Ventro and the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM).

Sessions provide applied insight into current requirements including updates to legislation and examples of how organisations manage compliance in operational settings.

On 28 April at 10:30, Beyond Qualifications: What Competence Looks Like in Fire Safety in Practice will examine the role of behaviour and accountability.

Speakers for this opening session include Gavin Skelly, Founder at Fire Aware, and Angela Bennett, CEO at Diamond Systems.

Tom Brookes, Managing Director at Zzeus Ltd, and Daren Pool, Managing Director at Triple Star Fire & Security and Chairman of the Fire & Security Association, will also contribute.

At 11:30, Adam Sanders, Technical Director at RiskBase, will cover data collection and maintaining compliance regarding Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs).

John Field, Chair of the IOSH Fire Risk Management Community and Fire Safety Manager at DNATA Catering UK, will lead a 12:30 session on personal liability.

At 13:15, Keith Todd, Partner at Ridge and Partners LLP, will identify recurring issues in risk assessments and engineering submissions based on industry review experience.

Lucy Macleod, Borough Commander at London Fire Brigade, and Vicki Swaine, Health and Safety Director at 3Safety, will examine workforce representation at 14:00.

Alina Scarlat, Director at Magnus Opifex Seven, joins the leadership session to discuss culture and retention strategies.

Matthew Spivey, Vice Chairman of IFSM, will chair a 15:00 assessment of entry pathways and training barriers with Cameron Chadwick, Amelia Topley and Liam Morgan.

Technical standards and multidisciplinary collaboration

The second day of the summit begins with an overview of evolving competence frameworks presented by Ian Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Fire Industry Association (FIA).

Tina Mistry will chair a 11:10 session on multidisciplinary collaboration in housing projects featuring speakers from Women Talking Fire.

Speakers Rosie Sonnenschein, Julia Bariotakis and Amy Cooper will examine coordination across housing safety roles.

At 12:00, Adam Sanders, James Cannon and Tom Simmonds will focus on integrating fire safety data with wider building systems to support decision-making.

Agnieszka Melling-Sawicka, Simon Ince and Richard Glover will address modern methods of construction (MMC) and the application of PAS 8700 at 12:55.

Findings from the Fire Safety Buyers Report 2026 will be presented at 13:30 by Alaster Purchase and Ken Bullock.

This research, commissioned by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and BAFE, examines how duty holders select fire safety providers.

A 14:30 session featuring Colin Whalley, Vanessa Brandham, John Bellis and Nick Coombe will examine implementation challenges under new evacuation planning regulations.

The day concludes at 15:30 with an outline of career pathways and apprenticeships followed by a networking opportunity.

Smarter systems and residential safety risks

The final day of the summit includes an analysis of fire door standards led by Peter Ashworth, Sarah Lewis, Terry James and Rob Pace at 13:10.

This session will outline updates to BS 8214:2026 and their specific implications for specification, installation and maintenance.

Gareth Butler will chair a 10:30 examination of connected fire detection systems with Andy Speake, Will Lloyd, Martin Simmonds and Kevin Dodd.

At 11:25, Adam Sanders and Peter Thomas will analyse prosecution cases and evidential challenges faced by fire risk assessors.

Nicola Roberts will chair a review of Gateway submission requirements and common reasons for rejection at 12:20.

Speakers Maz Ruth, Sally Friswell and Nikki Barrow will discuss the role of digital tools in achieving Gateway compliance.

At 13:50, Steven Wilson will address passive fire protection developments and the use of digital systems such as Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Jan Taranczuk will chair a 14:30 session on managing lithium-ion battery safety in homes with Andrew Frankum and Matt Humby.

This discussion will examine fire risks including thermal runaway and safe storage practices for residential settings.

The summit sessions take place throughout the duration of the event at the NEC.

New Fire Risk Assessment qualifications announced by IFE

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Fire risk assessment qualifications announced

A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite will launch through The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its October 2026 exam session.

The IFE said the qualifications were developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency and align with BS 8674:2025.

The suite includes the Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment and the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment.

It also includes the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment for professionals working in complex environments.

Successful candidates on the Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment will gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register.

Those candidates will also meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.

Fire Safety Event details and qualification pathway

The IFE will formally announce the qualifications at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.

Delegates can meet the IFE team on stand 4/A90 for more information about the qualifications.

Day 2 of the show will feature IFE Chief Executive Steve Hamm and IFE Member and Education Services Director Jo Tedd in the compliance theatre.

The session will cover professional standards and how the qualifications support the next phase of regulatory change.

Hamm said: “Our new fire risk assessment qualifications have been carefully developed by the IFE and our team of fire risk assessment and fire safety specialists from across the private and public sectors.

“These qualifications launch at a critical time and support the BS 8674 tiered framework – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced – ensuring assessors demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to meet nationally recognised competency benchmarks.

“The qualifications form the latest addition to the IFE’s online exam suite which has been developed over the past two years.

“This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them.

“By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.”

October bookings open from June

According to David Escudier, Chair of the IFE’s Education Panel, the new exams provide a defined route for individual development and the wider profession.

Escudier added: “Clear, recognised qualifications are essential for maintaining trust and raising standards across the sector.

“The IFE’s new Fire Risk Assessment exams provide a much-needed pathway that supports both individual development and the wider profession.”

IFE exams use a self-study delivery model, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace alongside existing roles and responsibilities.

Bookings for the October 2026 session open on 1 June 2026.

S Jones Conversions returns to the Fire Safety Event with containerised safety solutions showcase

by EventsFeatured NewsSafety

S Jones Conversions returns to fire safety event 2026

S Jones Conversions will exhibit a modified 20ft side-opening container stand at The Fire Safety Event at the NEC Birmingham from 28 to 30 April 2026.

The company confirmed its return following its previous appearance at the event, where it hosted a seminar on lithium-ion battery manufacture and storage with industry representatives.

The exhibitor stand will be located at position 4/H35 and will allow visitors to enter the container to access digital and virtual displays.

Container solutions and lithium-ion battery safety focus

S Jones Conversions stated that visitors will be able to view virtual 3D modelled tours of containerised engineered solutions including battery storage units, switchgear enclosures, water treatment systems and compressor housing.

Each unit is manufactured at its Aldridge workshop and designed to meet specific industry requirements, with visitors able to examine internal layouts, configurations and installed safety and fire protection systems.

A virtual reality tour of the company’s battery storage unit will also be available for visitors.

Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at S Jones Containers said: “In the past 12 months it’s encouraging to see that regulations are changing as the Product Regulation and Metrology Act has now been passed by Parliament, which is a step in the right direction.

“But in our opinion, there is still a long way to go in terms of raising awareness of the hazards of working with and storing lithium-ion batteries.

“We’ll continue to be a passionate advocate for change and improved safety in this area.

“This year we’re excited to show the fire safety community at the Fire Safety Event what our products can do in a practical way to protect people, equipment, and infrastructure from fire, explosion, and electrical hazards including those posed by lithium-ion batteries.

“Our stand is a blank canvas and once inside the container, visitors can see our virtual tours to understand how we can reconfigure the space to suit numerous different industrial uses.

“We’ll also have a VR tour of our battery storage unit for visitors to experience as our most specified product.

“If you’re at the show, come meet me and my team and see how we can support your next project.”

The company previously hosted a seminar featuring representatives from Electrical Safety First, the Fire Protection Association and Warwick Manufacturing Group.

The future of wildfire technology

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The world is making significant investments to rise to the challenge of managing and responding to deadly wildfires. Not only has the US federal government expanded budgets to prevent and defend against wildfires, but it is also evaluating the organisation of its federal wildfire agencies.

Likewise, state and local governments and utility companies are increasing their investments in wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit, taking place on April 21-22, 2026, at the Kona Kai Hotel in San Diego, CA, convenes senior decision-makers from across the wildfire ecosystem to tackle real-world challenges, accelerate modernisation efforts and shape the next phase of wildfire resilience, prevention, and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit agenda

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find in the agenda:

✔️ Timely and high-priority sessions, such as the role of the brand-new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, advancing wildfire capabilities, AI and its role in wildfire intelligence, management strategies, and more!

✔️ Recently confirmed speakers, including Dirk Giles and Jessica Haas from the U.S. Forest Service, Sean Triplett and Mike Falkowski from Earth Fire Alliance and Brian D’Agostino from San Diego Gas and Electric, alongside many new additions

✔️ Networking opportunities with more than 300 senior wildfire experts, all focused on exploring solutions for the prediction, prevention, detection, suppression, and mitigation of destructive wildland fires

Download the agenda to find out more.

NFCC Apprenticeship Awards recognise UK fire service nominees

by EventsFeatured News

NFCC apprenticeship awards held in Birmingham

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) held its third annual Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, recognising apprentices and training providers from across the UK’s fire and rescue services.

NFCC said the awards, launched in 2024, were created to recognise excellence among fire and rescue service apprentices and training providers.

This year’s programme received 198 nominations across seven award categories, which NFCC said was more than double the number received in 2025.

The evening was organised by the NFCC Events team and Apprenticeship Deputy Lead Ashley Roberts.

It also highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment organisations to share best practice and support the sector’s long-term development.

Winners and sector response

The 2026 winners included Kate Chetland-Johnson of London Fire Brigade for the Inclusion Champion Award and Amanda Kennedy of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year.

Richie Mathews of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Apprentice Support of the Year, while Sue Mottershead of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the Apprenticeship Champion Award.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and James Miller of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Operational Apprentice of the Year.

In the Apprenticeship Project of the Year category, Recruit Course 1/25 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Prevention Apprentices from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were named winners.

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships, said: “The awards inspire services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide.

“Championing apprentice success enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.”

NFCC also congratulated all nominees and winners recognised in this year’s awards.

Advanced to exhibit at The Fire Safety Event 2026 in Birmingham

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Detection

Advanced at The Fire Safety Event 2026

Advanced will exhibit its fire and life safety systems at The Fire Safety Event 2026, taking place from 28 to 30 April at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.

The company said visitors will find the Advanced team at Hall 4 Stand D85, where it will demonstrate connected systems designed for building fire detection, smoke control and evacuation management.

The Fire Safety Event brings together manufacturers, installers, consultants and building operators to view new technologies and discuss developments affecting fire protection and compliance.

Advanced systems on display at the event

Advanced said the stand will feature demonstrations of SmokeGo and EvacGo.

SmokeGo is a smoke control system designed to manage smoke control fans and dampers through automatic or manual control.

The system is approved to EN54 Parts 2 and 4.

Advanced states that SmokeGo has been developed to support installation and system management through simplified configuration and clear system operation.

EvacGo is an evacuation alert system developed to support compliance with BS 8629 in residential buildings.

Built using MxPro 5 technology, the system enables fire and rescue services to control evacuation alert zones during an incident.

AdvancedLive monitoring platform demonstrations

Advanced said the team will also deliver live demonstrations of AdvancedLive during the exhibition.

AdvancedLive is a platform designed to monitor and manage Advanced fire systems through a computer, tablet or mobile device.

The platform provides users with system status information and alerts while supporting maintenance management.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to preview further enhancements planned for the AdvancedLive platform.

Philippines launches Fire Prevention Month campaign nationwide

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Fire prevention month launched in the Philippines

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has officially launched Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines with an assembly of more than 3,000 people and over 300 vehicles on March 1.

The Manila Bulletin reported that the event was led by BFP chief Director Jesus Fernandez.

The launch brought together BFP personnel, national government agencies, local and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, fire volunteers, fire brigades, private partners and non-government organisations.

The programme included a ceremonial signing of a “Wall of Support”.

Government and partner messages during the launch

Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, represented Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla at the event.

Badillo-Crisostomo emphasised that fire safety depends on everyday decisions made at home, in workplaces and within communities, and stated that the public should not rely solely on the BFP as first responders.

She also urged the public to report incidents promptly and to remember the Unified 911 System as the direct emergency contact line.

Representatives from several sectors delivered messages of support, including Engr. Liza B. Silerio of SM Supermalls, Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, PCCI President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer and Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, Pol. Lt. Gen. Bernard M Banac.

The event concluded with a motorcade from the MOA Globe to Quezon Memorial Circle.

In a statement, the BFP said the month-long campaign aims to intensify public awareness on fire safety and reinforce a shared commitment to a fire-safe nation.

Olympia Electronics to exhibit at Light + Building 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsEvents

Olympia Electronics will participate once again in the international exhibition Light + Building 2026, taking place in Frankfurt, reaffirming its consistent and long-standing presence at one of the world’s leading trade fairs for lighting, electrical installations and building safety systems. Its participation in this globally recognised event reflects the company’s strategic commitment to innovation, extroversion and continuous development within the international marketplace.

Light + Building constitutes a global reference point for the latest advancements in smart lighting, energy efficiency, building automation and integrated safety technologies. Every edition gathers leading manufacturers, consultants, designers, contractors and decision makers from across the world, shaping the future of sustainable and intelligent buildings.

Within this dynamic environment, Olympia Electronics will present its comprehensive portfolio of integrated emergency lighting and fire detection systems, engineered to meet the complex demands of contemporary infrastructure and fully compliant with current European standards and regulatory frameworks.

Olympia Electronics at Light + Building 2026

The solutions on display will highlight the company’s technological depth and manufacturing expertise. From advanced addressable fire detection systems to high-performance emergency lighting solutions — including central battery systems, self-testing luminaires and wireless monitoring technologies — Olympia Electronics focuses on reliability, seamless integration and certified performance. Each product is developed with strict adherence to EN standards, ensuring operational continuity and maximum safety in critical conditions.

The company’s repeated participation in Light + Building underscores its strongly outward-looking orientation and strategic focus on international expansion. Today, Olympia Electronics exports to more than 72 countries worldwide, maintaining a robust international footprint supported by an expanding global partner network. Through long-term collaborations with distributors, technical firms and project stakeholders, the company continues to strengthen its presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

At the same time, Olympia Electronics ranks among the top 10 manufacturers of electrical safety systems in Europe — a distinction that reflects not only its production capacity but also its sustained investment in research and development, certified quality assurance processes and modern industrial infrastructure. With more than four decades of experience, the company combines technical know-how with continuous innovation, ensuring that its systems respond effectively to evolving architectural and regulatory requirements.

A core pillar of Olympia Electronics’ philosophy is its human-centered design approach. Safety systems are not viewed solely as technical installations, but as integral components of the built environment. Functionality, aesthetics and ease of installation are carefully balanced to support designers, electrical installers, consultants and building operators. The result is a portfolio of solutions that integrate harmoniously into modern architectural concepts while delivering uncompromising levels of protection.

Participation in Light + Building forms part of the company’s broader international growth and export development strategy. By actively engaging with global industry stakeholders, Olympia Electronics not only follows technological developments but contributes to shaping them. Through dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of expertise, the company reinforces its role as a reliable European manufacturer with a strong global vision.

Visitors are invited to discover the latest innovations of Olympia Electronics at Light + Building in Frankfurt and explore how integrated, certified and intelligently designed safety systems can enhance the resilience and performance of modern buildings.

Register here and get your FREE ticket.