The vital role of video flame detection in fire safety and how industry standards are shaping the future of this technology.
Video flame detection (VFD) is attracting attention among fire industry professionals in complex settings. One company at the centre of this development is Ciqurix, a UK-based firm with a cutting edge approach to fire detection.
Through an investment from Midwich Ignite, Ciqurix’s technology is moving toward broader implementation in a variety of industries.
The partnership includes a push for hitherto elusive third-party accreditation, setting the stage for wider acceptance of VFD. Here is a look at Ciqurix and its CORE system, showing why the technology has generated significant interest, with industry professionals anticipating greater detection speed and improved reliability.
How video detection works
Dangerous environments often require a reliable approach to detecting flames before conditions worsen. Ciqurix addresses this issue by offering a video flame detection system that uses infrared and video analytics to recognise fire within seconds.
The company’s CORE system can identify flames promptly, with detection times frequently under ten seconds, even in areas with strong airflow, airborne particulates, or extreme temperatures.
This design suits industrial sites, waste management facilities and other challenging settings where conventional smoke or heat detectors might prove inadequate.
Ciqurix, based in the United Kingdom, seeks to raise standards for fire safety through advanced technology and a focus on quality. Its pursuit of robust testing and accreditation demonstrates a commitment to meeting official regulations.
According to Paul Seligman, CEO of Ciqurix, the company is prepared to serve diverse sectors: “With [Midwich Ignite’s] industry expertise and global reach, we’re well-positioned to expand our market and advance the adoption of video flame detection worldwide.
It’s a very exciting move for our company.”
Paul Seligman, CEO of Ciqurix
From cold storage to outdoor facilities subject to weather shifts, the CORE system aims to deliver early warning so that fire incidents can be contained. This versatility underscores Ciqurix’s determination to keep people safe wherever fire risk arises.
Investment in fire safety
Midwich Ignite, the corporate venture capital division of the Midwich Group, has offered backing to Ciqurix as part of a wider objective to improve fire detection technology. The arrangement promises to boost video flame detection solutions, especially as interest grows in advanced systems that can address tricky conditions.
A central part of this support involves Ciqurix’s drive to gain official recognition through third party accreditation. Achieving this status will position the CORE system as the first of its kind under a UK standard designed specifically for VFD. That distinction is significant for fire professionals in search of options beyond standard smoke or heat detectors.
Commenting on this move, Will Fenby, Investment Manager at Midwich Ignite, stated: “We have been highly impressed by the team’s innovative approach to fire safety technology, with the company instrumental in drafting the new standard for VFDs.
“We believe the business is well-placed to take advantage of new regulatory tailwinds and look forward to supporting Ciqurix’s next stage of growth.”
Will Fenby, Investment Manager at Midwich Ignite
By aligning with Midwich Ignite, Ciqurix expects to gain market traction and accelerate refinements. Progress is expected to draw attention from insurers, government bodies and the fire and rescue community looking for validated technology.
Improving response times
Fire system designers need methods that offer prompt detection, especially in workplaces where high airflow or dust can interfere with traditional detectors. Ciqurix aims to address these scenarios by combining video analytics and infrared sensors to detect fires that might go unnoticed by standard technology. Quick identification means responders have valuable seconds to contain potential outbreaks.
In sectors like waste and recycling, airborne debris regularly disrupts traditional detection tools. The CORE system monitors visual indicators of fire rather than relying on smoke or heat alone, increasing the odds of an early response. Similarly, cold storage facilities and sites with extreme temperatures benefit from a device that is quicker to respond and less prone to faults..
The technology’s official recognition by agencies and risk assessors brings reassurance to those responsible for site safety. The Environment Agency sees VFD as a means to improve compliance. Risk assessors, industry consultants and system designers view it as a complementary measure, particularly in industrial or commercial areas prone to sudden flames.
Ciqurix’s approach aligns with BS5839-1 fire safety standards, reinforcing its suitability for sites where consistent detection remains a challenge. This link between compliance and speed boosts the profile of video flame detection across different applications.
Detection across sectors
Different industries face a range of fire hazards. Waste and recycling centres, for example, generate dust, smoke and fumes that can foil older systems. Ciqurix’s use of infrared and video feeds offers an alternative that spots visible flames quickly, even in turbulent conditions.
Storage and distribution depots often house valuable goods in large, sprawling areas. With multiple aisles and high shelving, these locations benefit from a detection mechanism that locates fire activity before flames spread.
Industrial and manufacturing plants, especially those involving high-temperature processes, also see advantages in a camera-based system that functions reliably despite intense production schedules.
The construction sector faces irregular layouts and incomplete structures, which make typical detection methods less effective. A self-contained unit like the CORE system can adapt to shifting site conditions. Energy and utilities operations, dealing with critical infrastructure, appreciate an approach that stands up to harsh temperatures and can alert personnel with minimal delay.
In aviation, prompt notification is important when thousands of passengers move through terminals daily. Ciqurix technology is designed to watch wide-open spaces and detect potential fire rapidly. This broad application base illustrates why VFD has attracted positive feedback from safety officials, insurers and managers aiming to reduce costly downtime.
Meeting safety standards
Compliance is very important in fire safety technology and Ciqurix seeks to meet established rules through several design choices. The CORE system follows BS5839-1 standards and includes fire-rated cabling to maintain signal integrity during a fire.
More than 24-hours of battery backup ensures that the system stays operational, even if power sources fail. This setup gives building operators, insurers and regulators confidence in continuous coverage.
Environmental and governmental agencies have taken note of how video flame detection can strengthen public safety measures. In particular, the Environment Agency points to video-based systems as a viable way to reduce hazards at waste management sites.
Fire system designers also see potential benefits, given that VFD can detect visible flames more quickly than many traditional sensors.
As Ciqurix aims for third party accreditation, it is hoping to become the first certified video flame detection product under a UK specialised fire safety benchmark. This status will highlight a commitment to meeting official fire guidelines and create new opportunities for adoption in sectors requiring greater reliability. With Midwich Ignite’s backing, Ciqurix plans to expand its market reach, refine its technology and encourage broader acceptance of VFD as a consistent and responsive method. Confidence increases.
Next steps for safety
Video flame detection has gained momentum as an option for settings with intense fire risks and demanding environments. Ciqurix, through its CORE system, has shown that accurate detection need not rely on traditional smoke or heat sensors alone.
Backing from Midwich Ignite provides resources to pursue third-party accreditation, which could represent a key achievement for VFD as a recognised category in the UK.
Multiple sectors, from waste management to aviation, have taken interest in the system’s rapid response capabilities. As technology develops, the emphasis on compliance and reliability will likely prompt further consideration of VFD’s place in modern fire safety.
This article was originally published in the March 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.