TracPlus examines human factors in wildland firefighting AI use

by Aerial FirefightingAI & Deep LearningFeatured NewsResearchWildland Fire

Wildland firefighting AI accountability

TracPlus has published a new white paper examining how aerial agencies can manage the adoption of artificial intelligence with transparency and accountability.

The document, titled AI Makes the Call. Who Answers for It?, provides an industry-informed perspective on the increasing role of automated systems in fire operations.

TracPlus is an operational data infrastructure provider that monitors more than 2,500 wildfire suppression aircraft across 44 countries.

The paper identifies that AI systems are already influencing how decisions are made while governance structures are still in a state of evolution.

National agencies including CAL FIRE, New Zealand’s Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Australia’s national aerial firefighting program use the platform as their system of record.

The infrastructure holds more than a billion flight records and collects approximately one million new operational data points every day.

Operational data and human judgment

The white paper highlights how AI systems can change how human judgment is applied during wildland firefighting operations.

Research indicates that the reliability of these tools depends on the quality and visibility of the underlying data.

Todd O’Hara, Chief Commercial Officer at TracPlus, said: “AI is becoming part of the operational toolkit, and that’s a positive development.

“The opportunity for agencies is to introduce it in a way that preserves visibility into what’s happening, why recommendations are being made, and how those decisions play out over time.”

The proposed approach involves running AI recommendations alongside human decisions and maintaining an independent operational record.

Agencies can use this data to establish a baseline and evaluate the performance of new technologies over time.

Royal Marine Hotel replaces fire system with Advanced technology

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Royal Marine Hotel installs Advanced fire panels

The Royal Marine Hotel in County Dublin has upgraded its fire safety infrastructure through the installation of Advanced MxPro 5 fire panels.

TEE Fire Safety Solutions (TSS) published a case study detailing the replacement of the previous system to address reliability issues and frequent false alarms.

The hotel premises include guest rooms, restaurant areas, a spa, an underground car park and plant rooms.

Installation teams replaced five existing panels on a single day to maintain network continuity across the live hospitality environment.

The new configuration uses a combination of eight-loop, four-loop and two-loop MxPro 5 analogue addressable panels.

A fully functional repeater panel supports the network which contains 1,813 programmed devices across seven nodes.

Timmy England, Managing Director at TEE Fire Safety Solutions, said: “This was a live hotel environment where reliability and minimal disruption were essential.

“The MxPro 5 allowed us to implement effective false alarm management while maintaining high safety standards, and replacing all networked panels in one day was a major advantage.”

False alarm management and future expansion

The project utilised the configuration capabilities of the MxPro 5 to establish a management strategy featuring specific verification and hold times.

TSS excluded manual call points, heat detectors and linear detection from these delays to ensure immediate response to genuine fire threats.

The programmed staged alarm strategy activates sounders for management and maintenance staff before escalating to a full evacuation.

The site uses standard network cards to link the panels and provides a platform for future scalability.

Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced for UK North, Northern Ireland and ROI, commented: “Hotels present unique fire safety challenges, particularly when it comes to managing false alarms while protecting guests and staff.

“This project demonstrates how MxPro 5 delivers reliable, intelligent fire protection that meets those demands and supports future growth.”

The hotel plans to add an additional single-loop panel to the network to accommodate a forthcoming extension.

New firefighting vehicles from ZIEGLER enter service in Frankfurt

by Featured NewsProjectsSafetyVehicles

Frankfurt Fire Department receives ZIEGLER vehicles

The Frankfurt Fire Department has taken delivery of three identical LF 10 firefighting vehicles from Albert Ziegler GmbH.

Albert Ziegler GmbH (ZIEGLER) confirmed the vehicles were procured through the 12th state procurement initiative by the Hessian Ministry of the Interior, Security and Homeland Security.

The units will support volunteer fire departments in the districts of Heddernheim, Rödelheim and Sachsenhausen.

Each vehicle features a 1,200-litre water tank equipped with integrated drinking water protection.

The system utilizes a ZIEGLER Z-Pump 10-2000-1H with Trokomat venting to provide a reliable water supply for emergency responders.

A MAN TGM 13.290 4×4 BL chassis provides the base for the vehicles with an engine power of 213 kW.

Technical specifications of the ALPAS superstructure

The vehicle superstructure uses the latest-generation ALPAS system to house equipment and components.

Operational control is managed through the Z-Control concept which is designed for intuitive use.

The Z-Cab accommodates a crew of nine personnel and includes a three-step entry for ergonomic access.

External visibility is provided by Z-Vision LED perimeter lighting and a pneumatic light mast with eight LED spotlights.

Safety features include a rear warning system with four LED lights and maneuvering lights mounted on the exterior mirrors.

Modern assistance systems such as a turn-assist feature are integrated into the security concept.

Equipment for difficult operational conditions

The vehicles include a self-protection system with eight ground spray nozzles and heat protection for use in demanding environments.

Additional practical solutions include the hygiene panel PUSH and a sliding ladder for crew use.

Standardized pump control panels and a “Pump and Roll” function support responders in diverse situations.

The commissioning of these vehicles represents a targeted investment in future-proof equipment for the city.

This delivery aims to ensure the Frankfurt Fire Department can continue to provide rapid and reliable assistance across its districts.

Euralarm requests longer transition periods for life safety systems

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustry CommentSafety

Euralarm warns of safety gaps in Digital Networks Act

Euralarm published a position paper in April 2026 addressing Article 5.4 of the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) to highlight concerns regarding network technology migration timelines for life-safety services.

The trade association stated that the currently proposed two-year notice period for decommissioning existing network technologies is insufficient for the fire and security sectors.

Millions of installed devices across Europe including fire alarm transmission systems and social alarms rely on public electronic communications networks to transmit emergency signals.

These life-safety systems are being impacted as network operators progressively phase out older technologies in favour of modern alternatives.

Euralarm noted that transitions often require physical hardware replacement and product redesign alongside on-site installation and certification.

Completing these large-scale migrations within the suggested two-year window is described as operationally unrealistic.

Proposed seven year transition for Euralarm members

Euralarm calls for Article 5.4 to require notification at least seven years in advance when network changes lead to the discontinuation of services on existing devices.

A seven-year transition window allows industry providers to develop and certify replacement technologies while scaling manufacturing and supply chains.

The association explained: “Euralarm has published a position paper on Article 5.4 of the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA), welcoming the objective of improving transparency around network technology migrations while warning that the currently proposed two-year notice period is insufficient for life-safety services.”

“Fire safety, security and social alarm systems across Europe rely heavily on public electronic communications networks to transmit emergency signals.”

“Millions of installed devices – including fire alarm transmission systems, intruder alarms and telecare equipment for elderly and vulnerable citizens – depend on existing network technologies that are progressively being phased out.”

This timeframe supports the organisation of equipment replacement programmes and coordination of installations with building owners.

The extended period is intended to maintain uninterrupted services for vulnerable users and protect critical safety systems.

EU policymakers are urged to clarify the final text of the Digital Networks Act to ensure life-safety services are considered.

FireAngel warns of compliance gap in domestic installations

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry Comment

White Paper highlights institutional oversight while FireAngel identifies a compliance gap

The UK Government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper to address failings in the safety and compliance of products used in the built environment following the Grenfell tragedy.

FireAngel welcomed the publication as a milestone in addressing regulatory gaps and institutional oversight.

The manufacturer asserts that policy reform requires a shift in installation competence to ensure resident safety.

Kate Guy, Business Unit Director at FireAngel, stated that the strategy aims to tackle loopholes that allowed unsafe products to enter the market.

FireAngel identifies compliance gap in Grade D installations

Guy warned that current industry practices frequently overlook the specific complexities of BS 5839-6 which is the British Standard for fire detection in domestic premises.

“Our own knowledge and recent initiatives highlight a significant “compliance gap” in the domestic fire safety sector, specifically regarding the installation of Grade D fire alarm systems.

“While general electrical competence is often assessed, the specifics of BS 5839-6, the British Standard for fire detection and Grade D fire alarm systems in domestic premises, are frequently overlooked.

“This means that the issued electrical certificate of “compliance” may not guarantee the necessary competence required of the electrical contractor.”

Industry shift toward verified competence

FireAngel launched the Pro Installer Network to provide trade professionals with tools to ensure every installation is compliant.

The initiative provides access to CPD training and a third-party verified design service.

It also includes a compliance labelling solution to support the trade ecosystem.

Kate Guy added: “The White Paper’s focus on “raising the bar” for non-compliance and a testing sector that “can be trusted” aligns perfectly with our mission.

“We believe that true safety requires a shift from “tick-box” exercises to a culture of verified competence.

“We must continue to place stakeholder accountability and resident safety at the core of every building.

“We support the government’s commitment to reducing systemic weaknesses to ensure the delivery of high-quality homes.

“Now is the time for the entire industry to embrace transformational cultural shifts and industry-wide reforms so that compliance is never treated as an optional extra.”

The manufacturer remains involved in the conversation regarding building safety regulations to support the delivery of high-quality homes.

New fire water pump contract awarded to SPP Pumps for power station project

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProjects

Fire system contract for SPP Pumps at carbon capture site

SPP Pumps will supply fire water pumps to NZT Power for the world first gas-fired power station featuring carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The UK-based manufacturer announced the award for a large engineered pump house at the site.

This system incorporates diesel engine and electric motor driven FM approved split-case fire water pumps.

The fire pump system will be completed with a secondary start system and fire suppression system.

This installation includes OH2 pressure maintenance pumps and local control.

Safety equipment and other relevant components will complete the project.

Project scale and power generation

According to project details provided by SPP Pumps, NZT Power will be capable of generating up to 742 megawatts of flexible dispatchable power.

This capacity is equivalent to the annual electricity requirements of more than one million homes in the UK.

Up to two million tonnes of CO2 will be captured annually from the site.

Technip Energies leads a consortium with GE Vernova for the delivery of the project.

Balfour Beatty acts as the construction partner for the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

Employment and apprenticeships

The Gloucestershire headquarters of SPP Pumps will assign 50 employees to work directly on this contract.

This project supports an apprenticeship programme that currently includes 15 individuals across the company.

The manufacturer plans to recruit an additional five apprentices over the next 12 months.

Tom Salmon, Group Business Development Manager, said: “The NZT Power project is an important milestone for SPP.

“While we have a long history of supplying pump equipment to energy, power, municipal, and other traditional sectors, the opportunity to work on a prestigious CCS project provides a strong foundation for our growth in the energy transition sector in the UK and abroad.”

The Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) infrastructure represents the first CO2 transportation and storage project in the UK.

Institution of Fire Engineers sets 3 June date for technical conference return

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

IFE conference returns in June

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced that the International President’s Technical Conference will return in 2026 on 3 June at the University of Wolverhampton.

The IFE said the one-day event will focus on modern topics affecting the fire sector under the theme “Amplifying our advantages on approaching hazards”.

Curtain walling fire safety will be included in the programme.

The conference will also address the impact of residential fire sprinklers on lithium-ion battery fires.

Smoke control will form part of the day’s discussions.

IFE programme and speakers

James Lane CEng FIFireE, IFE International President, will host the event and said: “Following the success of its inaugural year, the International President’s Technical Conference returns in 2026 as a must attend event for the fire safety community.

“This conference provides a vital platform for bringing together expertise from across industry, policy, research, and practice to address today’s fire safety challenges while exploring the technologies and ideas shaping the future.

“By fostering collaboration, innovation, and open discussion, the event plays a crucial role in helping us build safer, more resilient communities.

“It reflects the IFE’s ongoing mission to strengthen knowledge, collaboration and forward thinking across the global fire sector.”

Panel discussions will take place at the end of each morning session and each afternoon session.

The day will end with a drinks reception sponsored by Belimo.

Wintech is sponsoring the event, and the IFE said sponsorship opportunities remain available alongside Wintech, Belimo, F.I.R.E Consultancy, DCCH Experts and the University of Wolverhampton.

Limited places are available, with the full programme and ticket details listed on the IFE website.

Todd O’Hara named TracPlus CEO in leadership transition

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsPeople

TracPlus leadership change takes effect in May

TracPlus has appointed Todd O’Hara as Chief Executive Officer, with the change taking effect on 1 May 2026.

TracPlus announced the appointment on 17 April 2026 from Auckland, New Zealand.

John O’Hara, Chief Executive Officer since 2024, will become President and will continue to lead strategic partnerships and senior agency relationships.

The company described the move as the conclusion of a six-month leadership transition.

Todd O’Hara has served as Chief Commercial Officer and has been part of the TracPlus executive team since 2020.

The announcement states that he led the company through a period of expansion that included the onboarding of CAL FIRE and the rollout of the FireFlyte solution.

His previous leadership roles included positions at Spidertracks and Airways New Zealand.

He also served earlier with the New Zealand Defence Force.

TracPlus said O’Hara is a pilot and flight instructor rated across helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and gliders.

TracPlus sets out new executive roles

The company said John O’Hara joined TracPlus as Chairman in 2020 and took on the Chief Executive Officer role in 2024.

As President, he will continue working with Todd O’Hara and the executive team on senior agency engagements and strategic partnerships.

Todd O’Hara said: “Our customers are protecting communities against fires that are getting bigger, faster, and harder to fight every season, and they are being asked to do it with more accountability than ever before.”

“The opportunity in front of us is to keep raising the standard of what the industry can measure, defend, and improve.”

“The team we have is the best in the world at this work, and I am proud to be leading them into what comes next,” he added.

John O’Hara said: “TracPlus has become the system of record the industry depends on.”

“CAL FIRE runs its dispatch, tracking, and billing reconciliation on our platform.”

“Australia and New Zealand’s national fire agencies use it to manage their entire aerial firefighting fleets.”

“That is the foundation we are handing forward, and Todd has been at the centre of building it.”

“This is a natural progression, and the right one.”

“I am looking forward to continuing the work alongside him and the team, focused where I can add the most value for our agency partners,” he added.

Mark Vivian, Chair of the Board, said the Board had full confidence in Todd O’Hara’s leadership as TracPlus moves into its next phase of growth.

New fire-rated RISER-DOR expands Robust UK access panel range

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

Fire-rated riser door launch

Robust UK has launched RISER-DOR, a bespoke fire-rated riser door for concealing service units and providing access within vertical shafts.

Robust UK said the made-to-order access panel is designed for electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC systems.

The door is fire-rated to E120 and is described as providing 120-minute fire resistance.

It is intended to contain fire within the shaft for up to two hours and to prevent flames entering the shaft if a fire starts outside it.

Product design and specification

RISER-DOR is designed to sit flush within the wall and includes concealed pivot hinges, a concealed frame and minimal visible hardware.

The door uses a three-point locking system operated with a T-bar key.

It can be polyester powder-coated as standard and finished in any colour to blend with the surrounding wall.

Materials and intended use

Robust UK said RISER-DOR is fully compliant with relevant building regulations and is intended for multi-storey commercial and residential buildings including hotels, offices, hospitals and educational facilities.

The door is made from Magnelis steel and is available with a warranty of up to 10 years.

According to the company, the material forms a self-healing protective layer on cut edges to improve corrosion resistance and extend product life.

New Firechief stove guard targets higher risk kitchen settings

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProductsSafety

Firechief launches updated kitchen stove guard

Firechief has launched the FSW1E Kitchen Stove Guard, an updated version of its FSW1 model for electric stoves in higher risk kitchen settings.

Firechief said the new unit uses an 8×8 matrix heat detection sensor to monitor cooking activity and cut the electricity supply to the hob before a fire can take hold.

The system uses heat detection rather than smoke detection. It has a single control unit that comes factory paired with its sensor.

The unit can be mounted on a hood, wall or ceiling. Self-adhesive brackets are included as standard.

Firechief stated that the product is tested and certified to BS EN 50615:2015 Category B and carries CE and UKCA marking.

Professional installation is required. The product is intended for electric stoves.

It is described as suitable for sheltered housing, student accommodation, supported living facilities, high-rise apartments and settings where distraction or memory difficulties may increase the risk of cooking being left unattended.

App and installation details

Firechief said a dedicated installer app is available for iOS and Android for the FSW1E.

Using Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, the app allows installers to view system status, configure stove type and sensor placement, and set programmable automatic safe timer limits from a mobile device during installation.

The app is designed for installers only.

The FSW1E is available now and remains part of the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard range alongside the existing FSW1 model.

Ian Poole, Sales Director, Firechief Global, said: “The FSW1E builds on everything that made the FSW1 a trusted choice for installers, and takes it further.

“The factory-paired sensor and single control unit make installation more straightforward, the new app gives engineers real control during commissioning, and the BS EN 50615 certification gives specifiers and housing managers the confidence to recommend it without hesitation.

“This is a product that genuinely reduces risk in some of the most vulnerable settings our customers work in.”