England fire funding rules clarified for mayoral authorities

by Featured News

Fire funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement

An explanatory note published on 9 February 2026 sets out how Fire and rescue functions will be funded and overseen for Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England through the Local Government Finance Settlement covering 2026 to 2027 through 2028 to 2029.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) issued the note as part of the final Settlement.

Where a Mayoral Strategic Authority has responsibility for fire and rescue, funding for those functions will be routed through the Local Government Finance Settlement.

Authorities with fire and rescue responsibilities are already treated as Fire and Rescue Authorities within the Settlement framework.

All funding for Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including fire and rescue, is counted within Core Spending Power.

Fire precepts and shadow arrangements

Mayoral Strategic Authorities can raise a single council tax precept to cover their general functions, including fire and rescue.

If a Mayor also holds Police and Crime Commissioner functions, a separate precept component is set for policing.

In the 12 months before any transfer of fire governance, a mayoral combined authority or mayoral combined county authority may, subject to regulations, exercise shadow fire and rescue functions.

During this period the Mayor would set a general precept that includes funding for fire and rescue preparations.

Mayoral precepts can in theory be subject to annual referendum limits set by the Secretary of State, though none have been applied to date.

A Mayoral Strategic Authority is only included in the Council Tax Revenue line of the Settlement for fire and rescue if it has formally agreed to take on those functions.

Fire budget scrutiny and transfers

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will require mayors to share their draft fire and rescue budget with the relevant scrutiny body before it is finalised.

This notification must show how much of the general precept relates specifically to fire and rescue.

Mayors must consider any report produced by the scrutiny body in response.

If material changes are made after the budget is finalised, the Mayor must notify the scrutiny body and publish related documentation.

Where Fire and Rescue Authority functions transfer to a Mayoral Strategic Authority, funding will move into the Local Government Finance Settlement under regulations setting out the timing and governance changes.

If existing Fire and Rescue Authority boundaries align with the mayoral area, funding will be aggregated from the previous arrangements, including any real-terms transitional protection.

Where boundaries do not align and need to be redrawn, MHCLG will assess options for fire funding and publish details later.

Any in-year transfers will be reflected in the annual update to the Local Government Finance Settlement.

The government has also earmarked £2.1m in transitional support to help Fire and Rescue Authorities manage potential transfers of functions, with specific allocations to follow.

Darley launches Darley Data Center for fire department reporting analysis

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsVehicles

Darley Data Center platform launch

Darley has launched the Darley Data CenterSM, a customised platform designed to help first responders visualise data, identify trends and compare department performance using a proprietary tool that analyses National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data.

The company said the platform is accessible at DarleyData.com.

Darley said the platform uses the latest available public NFIRS data through 2024, with 2025 data described as forthcoming.

Darley said it will transition to public National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) data shortly after it is released.

Darley said the platform will include mapping tools to enable year on year comparisons across NFIRS and NERIS.

Darley Data Center features and data views

Darley listed response times, call volume, incident type and action taken among the data presented through the platform.

Darley also listed a heat map of call location, resource efficiency, staffing levels and annual department trends.

The company said the platform includes a function to compare performance with other departments.

Paul Darley, CEO and Chairman at Darley, said: “We’re incredibly excited to offer this powerful platform as a free service to the first responder community.

“The Darley Data CenterSM helps fire departments dynamically visualize their data and compare performance, providing leaders with actionable insights that support effective, informed operations and resource allocation decisions.”

Darley linked to a video showcasing the Darley Data CenterSM features and capabilities.

London firefighters support Tunisia emergency training programme

by Featured NewsTraining

Firefighters join Tunisia inter agency training programme

London Fire Brigade National Inter-Agency Liaison Officers (NILOs) have returned from Tunisia after a specialist training programme with the country’s National Office for Civil Protection (ONPC).

The Brigade said the work forms part of the UK-wide NILO Network managed by London Fire Brigade.

The training was designed to enhance skills for both organisations when responding to major incidents, including terrorist attacks.

Eight Tunisian Civil Protection strategic commanders took part.

Tunisia was selected following the 2015 terrorist beach attack at Port El Kantaoui in Sousse, which killed 38 people, most of them British tourists.

The programme followed on from a visit last November, described as successful in the source material.

What was covered during the joint training

The partnership is supported by the UK Government and is part of an ongoing programme to share expertise on operational challenges.

ONPC delegates shared insights into managing wildfires and described work with the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Commission to protect towns and rural communication during intense seasonal wildfires.

Tunisian officers discussed prevention, operational co-ordination and long-term resilience planning strategies.

They also shared lessons from the 2011 humanitarian crisis when up to 15,000 refugees a day crossed from Libya into Tunisia during the Arab Spring.

London Fire Brigade taught delegates about responding to complex inner-city incidents and the challenges of tackling high-rise residential fires with multi-agency co-ordination involving large scale urban evacuations.

Shaun Coltress, Deputy Assistant Commissioner working in Operational Resilience, said: “As one of the world’s busiest fire and rescue services, we have extensive experience managing complex incidents in London.

“This partnership is built on genuine collaboration.

“Both teams bring extensive professional experience and learning to the table, which is central to why this partnership is so valuable.

“Whenever there’s a major incident, such as the recent train crashes in Spain, the impact is felt globally.

“By sharing knowledge openly, we strengthen the ability of both services to protect the public, whether that’s in London, Tunisia, or anywhere our citizens’ travel.”

The visit forms part of the UK Government’s Joint Overseas Protect & Prepare Programme.

The NFPA Standards Council: Who are the people shaping global fire and life safety standards?

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

What is the NFPA Standards Council?

Most NFPA standards never make headlines, but they influence decisions made every day in buildings, industrial facilities and fire grounds around the world.

Behind those documents is the National Fire Protection Association Standards Council, the body responsible for overseeing how NFPA standards are developed, interpreted and maintained.

Appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, the 13-member Council provides governance for the standards process, appoints technical committee members and serves as the final appeals authority when questions or disputes arise.

Meeting three times each year and presiding over the annual NFPA Technical Meeting, the Council is responsible for ensuring that standards are developed in accordance with NFPA Regulations and Rules.

It appoints members to NFPA Technical and Correlating Committees and serves as the final appeals body for issues related to standards development.

Together, the Council brings decades of experience from engineering, enforcement, manufacturing, research and the fire service – a breadth of perspective designed to support balanced, consensus-based standards.

Leadership grounded in global fire engineering

Chairing the Council is James R. Quiter, whose career has spanned more than four decades at the forefront of fire protection engineering.

Recently retired as a Principal at Arup, Quiter previously led the firm’s 300-person Los Angeles office and remains affiliated with the company.

Widely recognised for his expertise in performance-based design and US codes, he has chaired multiple NFPA correlating committees and currently leads the NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee.

His work with the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, including contributions to guidance on very tall buildings, reflects a career focused on translating engineering theory into practical safety outcomes.

Code enforcement and public administration expertise

From a municipal perspective, Anthony C. Apfelbeck brings more than 35 years of experience in building and fire codes.

As Director of the Building and Fire Safety Department for the City of Altamonte Springs, Florida, he oversees everything from construction plan review to investigations and code enforcement.

His career began in the fire service and has expanded into technical committee work, professional education and executive leadership – a combination that reflects the real-world challenges of applying codes consistently and effectively.

Engineering practice and complex risk environments

Industry engineering practice is represented by figures such as Tracey D. Bellamy, Chief Engineering Officer at Telgian Corporation.

Bellamy’s work focuses on fire protection engineering and life safety consulting for large construction projects and hazardous materials facilities.

His experience reflects the growing need to address complex risk profiles across diverse occupancies and industrial environments.

Similarly, Michael A. Crowley of Coffman Engineers brings more than 40 years of consulting experience, with a particular focus on healthcare occupancies and life safety systems.

A former president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Crowley continues to work with architects, facility managers and owners globally, helping translate standards into operational safety.

Standards development from the inside out

Several Council members have spent significant portions of their careers embedded directly in standards development.

Guy R. Colonna, a former NFPA engineer and staff liaison, worked for more than three decades on documents addressing maritime fire protection and industrial hazards.

Since retiring from NFPA, he has remained active through consulting and technical committee participation, bringing historical knowledge of how standards evolve over time.

Raymond A. Grill, principal of Ray Grill Consulting, also represents this long-term engagement with NFPA’s technical process.

With more than 40 years in fire protection engineering, Grill has chaired and served on numerous NFPA committees, particularly those related to life safety, sprinklers and emergency communications.

Fire service and operational leadership

Operational fire service experience is represented by Randy J. Krause, Fire Chief of the Port of Seattle Fire Department.

Krause’s career includes service in the US Air Force, private-sector industrial fire protection and leadership at one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs.

His long-standing involvement with NFPA occupational health and safety committees reflects the importance of aligning standards with responder realities.

Catherine L. Stashak, now an engineer with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, also brings frontline fire service experience.

After two decades with the Des Plaines Fire Department, she moved into regulatory and technical services, where her work now supports rulemaking, code interpretation and engineering review across a wide range of fire and life safety issues.

Science, testing and certification perspectives

The Council also includes members whose careers are rooted in testing, certification and research.

John A. LeBlanc, a senior engineering specialist at FM, has spent four decades developing property loss prevention guidance and supporting special hazard standards.

His work bridges chemical engineering, fire protection engineering and practical loss prevention strategies.

At UL Solutions, Dwayne E. Sloan serves as Technical Director for the Built Environment Division.

Over 37 years, his focus has included reaction-to-fire testing, exterior wall assemblies, ventilation systems and building materials.

His involvement across UL, NFPA and ASTM committees highlights the interconnection between testing, certification and code adoption.

Electrical safety and systems expertise

Electrical systems and power reliability are represented by Alan Manche of Schneider Electric.

With more than 30 years in the electrical industry, Manche has worked across product design, certification and standards development.

His long involvement with the National Electrical Code and emergency power system standards reflects the critical role of electrical safety within the broader fire protection landscape.

Industry association and system design insight

Rounding out the Council is Victoria B. Valentine of the American Fire Sprinkler Association.

A licensed professional engineer and Fellow of SFPE, Valentine has spent over two decades working with non-profit associations on professional qualifications, training and codes and standards development.

Her background in fire sprinkler systems and risk assessment adds a systems-based perspective to the Council’s work.

Centurion Fire & Security joins Ranger Fire & Security in Yorkshire acquisition

by Featured NewsMergers & AcquisitionsSafety

Ranger expands into Yorkshire with Centurion acquisition

Ranger Fire & Security has acquired Huddersfield-based Centurion Fire & Security, its first business acquisition in Yorkshire.

Ranger announced the deal on 9 February 2026 and said it was its 15th acquisition since launching in early 2024 and its second acquisition of 2026, following the purchase of Dorset-based Partnership Fire and Security in January.

Centurion Fire & Security is a fire and security maintenance led business established in 1974 and has provided services to commercial properties across the UK, including customers in education, nuclear power plants, hospitals, robotic manufacturing and major retail.

Services, accreditations and leadership plans

Centurion’s services include commercial CCTV installations, with 24/7 monitoring and AI operated systems.

The company also provides BAFE-registered fire alarms with early warning systems, intruder alarms and access control.

Ranger said Centurion has achieved Gold Standard by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) in four disciplines for fire, CCTV, intruder and access systems installation and maintenance.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Centurion Fire & Security is an excellent addition to the Ranger team.

“This will be Ranger’s first acquisition in Yorkshire and build on previous acquisitions in the North West, enabling us to continue growing our group of industry experts to become the UK’s one-stop shop for all fire and security needs.”

Founder David Armstrong will continue to consult for the business as he transitions towards retirement, while General Manager Nathan Douglas-Smith has been promoted to Managing Director and will remain in post alongside the existing leadership team.

David Armstrong, retiring Director of Centurion Fire & Security said: “As I approach retirement, I wanted to find the right home for the business that I founded over half a century ago.

“We had lots of potential suitors, but Ranger was the standout option as a home that would look after the staff and customers, through their local hero centric strategy”.

“I am delighted that the team, ably led by Nathan Douglas-Smith, are now well positioned to take the next step forward for Centurion and continue to grow our customer base through the significant cross-sale opportunities that Ranger offers.

“I will continue to watch their progress.”

Nathan Douglas-Smith, Managing Director of Centurion Fire & Security said: “At Centurion we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services across both fire and security to customers from all industries by joining Ranger, we will be able to keep expanding our customer base while still delivering the high- quality service we have become known for.

“With over 50 years of experience we are looking forward to sharing our own expertise and service offering with the other specialists across the Ranger business, ensuring that we all benefit from the collaboration and cross-selling opportunities that come from being part of Ranger.”

Centurion will also be able to access business support from Ranger’s leadership team and collaborate with Ranger’s network in the North of England, including IPH Fire Solutions, Syncro Group and McGoff & Vickers Fire and Security Systems.

The company said it is backed by Hyperion Equity Partners and is seeking to become a one-stop provider for fire and security services across the UK and Ireland.

De-Wipe adds dog shampoo and conditioner to its decontamination range

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyProducts

De-Wipe dog shampoo and conditioner for investigation dogs

De-Wipe has launched De-Wipe Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for fire investigation dogs, with samples available on request.

The company said the product was developed to remove contaminants and support the work of investigation dogs.

De-Wipe described the product as intended to help remove fireground contaminants while caring for dogs’ skin and coat.

It said effective decontamination can remove substances including soot, hydrocarbons and other combustion products that can be absorbed into a dog’s coat and skin.

Use after incidents and handling contamination

De-Wipe said fire investigation dogs can carry toxic fireground residues on their coat, paws and harness, which can increase the risk of cross-contamination to handlers, vehicles, kennels and home environments.

The company added that regular decontamination supports skin and coat health and can help reduce irritation and long-term health risks linked to repeated exposure.

It also said cleaning after exposure is intended to ensure dogs are safe, comfortable and ready for their next task without carrying residual contamination forward.

Martin Lown at Phoenix Forensic Service Provider FireWise UK Learning Academy said: “I have been really impressed with the new dog shampoo. It smells great and, most importantly, it effectively removes the lingering smell of contaminants after operations.

“After washing, Hygge is left with that fresh ‘puppy smell’, which is a huge improvement.

“It’s a product / am very happy to use and would definitely recommend.”

IFE sets out Apprenticeship Week plans plus Edinburgh graduate lecture details

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Apprenticeship Week campaign and sector resources

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has set out plans to support National Apprenticeship Week by spotlighting apprentices and promoting sector resources.

In a statement, the IFE said it will use the week to raise awareness of opportunities in the fire sector and share apprentice experiences, including how IFE Student membership has supported development.

The IFE said each day will focus on a different resource, including CPD, events, networking opportunities and a pathway to professional registration.

The organisation said 2026 is the third year it has celebrated apprenticeships.

Ellie Leadon, IFE Student member and a Design Engineer at BB7, said: “An apprenticeship offered the best of both worlds – the chance to gain practical experience while continuing my studies and earning throughout the programme.

“The combination of working on live projects, learning directly from experienced peers, developing both technical and personal skills, and gaining direct insight into the fire engineering industry made an apprenticeship the ideal route for me to gain experience and prepare for a long-term career. “

Events announced alongside the campaign

The IFE has also announced the return of its Graduate Lecture event, scheduled for 13 May at Edinburgh University.

The organisation said the day will showcase research from graduates and include networking opportunities for students to meet employers from across the sector.

IFE CEO Steve Hamm commented: “The IFE is proud to take part in this annual campaign and celebrate up and coming talent.

“As a professional body, it is paramount that we advocate for diversity and support individuals in their professional development.

“The modern apprenticeship pathway not only ensures a more dynamic and inclusive workforce but actively encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the fire sector.”

The IFE also said its Elevate webinar series will continue as a free resource for early career professionals covering topics from across the sector.

The organisation said further information on both events is available on its events page.

The IFE said its Apprenticeship Week campaign on LinkedIn runs from 9 to 15 February 2026.

Networking and awards: ASFP’s Intersec Dubai highlights

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - EventsPassive

ASFP commentary on Intersec Dubai

A blog post by Mike Ward sets out how Intersec Dubai featured ASFP member networking and technical sessions.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) published the reflection from managing director Mike Ward following the three-day event.

Ward described Intersec Dubai as an opportunity for the association and its members to explain what the ASFP does and why it aims to influence professional practice in passive fire protection across design and construction.

He also highlighted presenting an award at the Intersec awards and attending the UK Trade & Industry reception at the British Embassy to represent ASFP members.

Member engagement and the ASFP pavilion

The blog post described the event as a chance for ASFP members to engage with each other, procure products and services and grow their professional network.

Ward wrote that year-on-year growth has increased the size of the ASFP’s membership and increased demand for member networking opportunities.

He said designers, engineers and authorities described the ASFP pavilion as a space for deeper discussions about topics such as future project designs, without what he described as sales pressure at other stands.

Presentations and panels in the Intersec fire theatre

The ASFP commentary described a full day of presentations and panel sessions led by ASFP representatives in the Intersec fire theatre.

Paul McSoley, ASFP Consultant, presented a systematic approach to passive fire design and described how legal duty holders can work collaboratively to manage building risk conditions and arrive at compliant system designs through structured and transparent decision-making.

Andrew Taylor, ASFP’s Head of Technical, examined the relationship between Construction Product Regulations and UK Building Regulations and described how CE and UKCA marking show product performance and compliance within the wider building safety and regulatory context.

The post also described a panel chaired by Taylor and McSoley on improved passive fire protection and building safety, with contributions from Celine Abadie of Jotun, Jamie Rogers of CLM Fireproofing, David Campbell of Emirates Safety Laboratory and Will Cotterill of Fire Compliance Plus.

Further sessions described in the post included a presentation by Hannah Mansell, ASFP Consultant and Fire Door Specialist, on specification, installation and compliance for stakeholders involved in fire door safety management, and a presentation by Kate Milford, ASFP Competence Specialist, on training, third-party certification and competence across design, installation, inspection and maintenance.

The programme also included a panel moderated by Mansell and Milford titled From Laboratory to Lifetime Service: Passive Fire Protection – Competence, Innovation, and Global Accountability, with contributions from Elliott Brown of Fire Door Inspector Inspectors, Campbell and Taylor.

Ward’s post also urged ASFP members to collaborate with the association through exhibitor space or workshops at next year’s show.

New Class L created specifically for lithium-ion battery fires

by Featured NewsSafety

Why lithium-ion batteries now sit in a new fire class

BS ISO 3941:2026 has been published with a revision that adds a new fire classification for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires.

BSI confirmed the update reflects the growing use of Li-ion batteries across the built environment, from large energy storage systems to electric vehicles and personal mobility devices.

The standard classifies fires according to the nature of the material undergoing combustion.

The latest revision introduces Class L as a dedicated category for Li-ion cells and batteries where no metallic lithium is present.

Specific behaviours recognised in the revision

The revised standard identifies a set of behaviours associated with Li-ion battery fires that differ from existing Class A, B and electrical fire categories.

These include higher energy density, leading to faster heat release and rapid fire growth.

It also highlights thermal runaway, where failure can propagate from cell to cell.

The document notes the release of toxic and flammable gases during venting.

It refers to a potential explosion risk from constrained build-up of vented gases.

The revision points to limited access caused by battery construction.

It lists projectile risk from expelled cells and burning electrolyte.

It also identifies stranded electrical energy that can create a risk of delayed re-ignition.

The standard states: “such a classification is particularly useful in the context of equipment for fire protection and firefighting”.

Implications for risk assessment and fire protection planning

The new Class L category is intended to support those responsible for assessing, insuring and controlling fire risk in settings such as battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and EV charging stations.

The revision sets out that detection and suppression strategies will need to take account of the specific hazards associated with Li-ion batteries.

It also flags the need to manage re-ignition risk and review emergency response plans accordingly.

Fire risk assessments are expected to identify whether Li-ion batteries are present, their type and quantity, and how they are stored and charged.

The standard notes that Class L risks will be relevant across a wide range of premises, including residential buildings, offices, commercial warehouses, industrial sites and transport facilities.

BS ISO 3941:2026 is the UK implementation of ISO 3941:2026, prepared with input from Technical Committee FSH/2, Fire extinguishers.

It replaces the 2007 edition, with the main changes being the addition of the lithium-ion classification and a new Clause 4 setting out hazard information for the fire classes.

These changes formalise how lithium-ion battery fires are categorised and described within the fire classification framework.

NFPA names Schneider Electric’s Alan Manche to Standards Council

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

NFPA Standards Council appointments effective January 1, 2026

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Alan Manche, vice president of external affairs at Schneider Electric, to the NFPA Standards Council for a three-year term.

NFPA announced that the appointments and re-appointments officially began on January 1, 2026.

Read more: What is the NFPA Standards Council?

Council membership changes and member responsibilities

Anthony Apfelbeck, Dwayne Sloan and Victoria Valentine were each re-appointed to a second three-year term.

Michael Crowley’s appointment was extended for two years.

James Quiter was re-appointed as chair for a second three-year term.

The NFPA Standards Council has 13 members appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors.

The Council oversees NFPA standards development activities.

The Council is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations.

The Council also serves as the appeals body over matters related to standards development.

Manche has more than 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, including roles in product design, testing, product certification and industry standards development for electrical products and systems.

In his current role at Schneider Electric, Manche is responsible for company strategy and participation in trade and industry associations, standards organisations and conformity assessment.

He has also played an active role in the enforcement and electrical inspection community.

Manche serves on several NFPA Committees, including NFPA 70, National Electrical Code Code-Making Panels and Correlating Committee, NFPA 110/111, Emergency Power Systems and NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment Maintenance, where he previously served as chair.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

He is a licensed professional engineer in Kentucky.

He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Miami University.