Ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper released by FirePro UK

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringFire SuppressionFire SuppressionProducts

New ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper examines the risks, costs and regulatory pressures

FirePro UK Ltd has published a new white paper examining the growing operational, compliance and financial challenges associated with ageing pressurised gaseous fire suppression systems.

Authored by Managing Director Tony Hanley, the paper, Considerations for the Extended Lifecycle and/or Replacement of Obsolete or Aged Pressurised Fire Suppression Gas Systems, explores the issues affecting legacy FM200, CO₂ and similar systems as they approach the end of their service lives.

Drawing on more than 40 years of fire engineering experience, Hanley examines factors including hydrostatic test failures, pipework degradation, increasing refill costs, environmental regulations and concerns over long-term reliability.

The paper states: “Older cylinders may often fail the test, making them noncompliant and requiring replacement,” and highlights that enclosure integrity, a critical requirement for gas-based suppression systems, can become increasingly difficult to maintain as buildings are modified and age over time.

The publication also outlines FirePro’s condensed aerosol fire suppression technology as an alternative to conventional pressurised gaseous systems. According to the company, the technology uses a solid-state, non-pressurised generator that chemically interrupts combustion rather than relying on room pressurisation or maintaining a specific gas concentration.

FirePro says this approach removes the need for cylinders, pipework, hydrostatic testing, refills and room integrity testing, while providing a certified 15-year lifecycle and lower ongoing maintenance requirements.

The paper also states that the technology is suited to retrofit projects, older buildings and mission-critical environments where maintaining airtight enclosures may be impractical. It further highlights environmental characteristics including negligible global warming potential (GWP), the absence of PFAS and CFCs, and compliance with BS/EN 15276 safety requirements.

Hanley, who serves as Managing Director of FirePro UK, Vice Chairman of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), and received the FIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, said the white paper is intended to help industry stakeholders make informed decisions as legacy fire suppression systems reach the end of their operational lives.

The white paper is available for facilities managers, insurers, fire engineers and other industry professionals seeking guidance on lifecycle risks, regulatory considerations and replacement options for ageing fire suppression systems.

FirePro UK has also released an accompanying video alongside the publication.

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions expand UK footprint with two new businesses

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringFire Suppression

Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions strengthen the group’s presence in the North West and South of England, taking the total number of businesses in the Group to 25

Ranger Fire and Security has strengthened its national presence with the acquisition of two fire and security companies in the South and North West of England, continuing its expansion strategy following a recent majority investment from Inflexion.

The latest Ranger Fire and Security acquisitions see the Group add CIA Fire and Security Ltd, based in Cirencester, and AKD Fire and Security Ltd, headquartered in Cumbria.

The deals increase the number of businesses within the Ranger Group to 25 and bring total employee numbers to more than 500.

The announcement follows Inflexion’s recent majority investment in Ranger Fire and Security, which the company says will support an accelerated acquisition strategy across the UK and Ireland.

CIA Fire and Security, founded in 1982, provides a range of services including fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, fire extinguishers and keyholding services to customers across southern England and nationally.

The business also includes PFS, a fire and security maintenance specialist, and Pioneer Automated Controls, which focuses on gates and barriers. The combined operation is led by Matthew and Sally Harrison.

More than 80 employees will remain with CIA Fire and Security as it joins the Ranger Group. The acquisition strengthens Ranger’s presence in southern England alongside its existing regional businesses, including Fidelity Integrated Systems, Scion Communications Limited, Partnership Fire and Security and Universal Fire and Security.

Meanwhile, AKD Fire and Security provides fire alarms, security systems and access control services, with a strong focus on servicing, maintenance, remedial works and reactive call-outs. Its customer base includes commercial, hospitality, public sector and residential clients.

The acquisition also expands Ranger’s North West presence, creating a stronger geographic link between its Syncro business in the North West and its Secureshield operation in Motherwell.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Our two latest acquisitions, CIA Fire and Security and AKD Fire and Security, bring decades of industry experience to the Ranger Group and will help extend our presence across the North West and South of England. With existing Ranger businesses already well-established in both regions, our two new companies will be able to bring their experience and knowledge to the team, helping Ranger meet more of the fire and security needs of local businesses.

“With backing from Inflexion we will continue to step up our acquisition strategy, bringing on board the UK and Ireland’s best fire and security experts to fulfil our mission of becoming the one-stop shop for all customer’s fire and security needs.”

Matthew Harrison, Managing Director of CIA Fire and Security, added: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group marks a significant moment for our team, enabling us to extend our services to new customers across the local region and beyond.

“Working alongside Ranger’s group of industry experts will give us a greater opportunity to cross-sell and we look forward to bringing our own experience and skill set to the Group, including strengthening the business’s service delivery and expanding their fire and security offering.”

The acquisitions form part of Ranger Fire and Security’s strategy to build a national platform by bringing together established regional businesses while maintaining local expertise.

IFE celebrates female fire engineers for International Women in Engineering Day 2026

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringIFSJ LeadersProjects

IFE International Women in Engineering Day 2026 campaign highlights the achievements of female fire engineers from across its global membership

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is marking International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026 with a week-long campaign celebrating the achievements and contributions of female fire engineers from across its global membership.

Running from 21–28 June, the campaign recognises the expertise, leadership and innovation women bring to the fire engineering profession while highlighting their role in creating a safer built environment.

Throughout the week, the IFE will share stories from female members representing a range of countries, career stages and professional specialisms. The member spotlights will showcase how women are advancing fire safety, driving professional standards and inspiring the next generation of fire engineers.

The campaign will also examine how IFE membership has supported the professional development of female fire engineers by providing opportunities to connect with peers, access learning and development resources, gain professional recognition and contribute to the wider fire safety community.

Representing more than 15,000 members worldwide, the IFE said it remains committed to supporting greater diversity across the fire sector. The campaign features women from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and South Africa, reflecting the breadth of expertise within the global fire engineering community.

The IFE said that by celebrating female fire engineers across its membership, it aims to recognise the expertise strengthening fire safety today while inspiring the women who will help shape the profession in the future.

Professionals are also encouraged to join the IFE Women’s Networking Group, which provides a community for women across the fire sector to connect, share experiences, support professional development and inspire future fire engineers.

Siemens launches intelligent fire detection and notification systems for smart buildings

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Intelligent fire detection portfolio combines connected fire detectors and digital notification technology to support autonomous buildings

Siemens has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new intelligent fire detection and notification portfolio that combines cloud-connected fire detectors with digital alarm notification systems to improve building safety, reduce maintenance and support autonomous building operations.

The company has introduced its next-generation Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detectors alongside the Acend Intelligent notification portfolio, creating an integrated fire safety ecosystem that delivers continuous self-testing, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and real-time monitoring. The combined offering is designed for sectors including healthcare, hospitality, commercial real estate, higher education and data centres, where maintaining uninterrupted operations is critical.

Together, the new products transform conventional fire safety into a proactive, connected system that gives building operators greater visibility of system performance while reducing manual maintenance through cloud-based monitoring and diagnostics.

Intelligent fire detection monitoring

The Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detectors continuously monitor their own performance using Disturbance-Free Testing (DFT), allowing automated self-checks to take place around the clock without disrupting occupants or building operations. Smoke Entry Supervision (SES) technology monitors smoke entry points in real time, while ASAplus technology combines multi-wavelength optical and dual thermal detection to reduce false alarms and unnecessary evacuations.

The detectors are fully IoT-enabled and integrate with Siemens’ Building X Fire Apps, allowing facility managers and service providers to access real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and shared operational data from connected buildings.

Complementing the new detection portfolio, the Acend Intelligent notification range digitises fire alarm notification through connected horns, strobes, speakers and combination notification appliances that can each be monitored and activated individually.

Its integrated Disturbance-Free Testing technology enables technicians to verify system readiness without triggering audible or visual alarms, helping minimise disruption in environments such as hospitals, hotels, office buildings and data centres. Individual device monitoring also allows faults to be identified more quickly, reducing the need for physical inspections.

The notification portfolio also incorporates Class X isolation technology, ensuring systems remain operational by isolating wiring faults while maintaining protection across unaffected parts of the building.

Peter Nebiker, Head of Fire Safety at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, said: “The launch of our Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detection portfolio is a game-changer in ensuring all alarms are accurate as best as possible. By moving from periodic checks to continuous, data-driven, self-supervising systems, we’re laying the foundation for truly human-centric, autonomous buildings. By automating testing, delivering real-time insights, and enabling remote action, these solutions protect people while freeing up staff to focus on strategic priorities. This shift isn’t just about innovation – it’s about smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.”

Commenting on the launch of Acend Intelligent, Nebiker added: “As buildings become increasingly connected and digitalized, safety systems must evolve alongside them. With Acend Intelligent, we are transforming fire notification into a foundational technology for these next-generation environments by combining cloud connectivity, real-time data, and digital integration.”

The new fire detection portfolio has been designed to simplify modernisation projects by supporting stepwise upgrades while remaining compatible with existing Siemens fire panels, eliminating the need for complete system replacement. Plug-and-play integration and automatic transfer of configured settings help reduce installation time and project risk for both new-build and retrofit applications.

Both the fire detection and notification portfolios have been developed with sustainability in mind. They incorporate recycled materials and carry Siemens’ EcoTech environmental product performance label to provide greater transparency around environmental performance. The Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova detectors are also part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the company’s open digital business platform, and have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

The Acend Intelligent notification portfolio is available in markets using UL certification standards, including the United States, Canada and selected countries in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Siemens showcased the new notification technology at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

Aero-X installs fire protection systems installed for Schilthorn cable car redevelopment

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire EngineeringFire SuppressionProjectsTransport

Fire protection specialist Aero-X has installed systems across the redeveloped Stechelberg–Mürren–Birg-Schilthorn cable car line in Switzerland, a route known both for its engineering complexity and its connection to the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Swiss company Aero-X was commissioned to provide fire protection for the recently redeveloped line, including systems for the dual-track Funifor cable car infrastructure and electrical control cabinets at all four stations.

The company selected Kentec Sigma XT extinguishant control panels for the project, with 14 panels installed across the station cabinets and connected to the site management system for supervision from the control room.

The Schilthorn route is internationally recognised as the location of Piz Gloria, Blofeld’s mountaintop lair in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The cable car line has undergone a major redevelopment as part of the Schilthornbahn 20XX project.

Originally built in the 1960s, the multi-stage aerial cableway system in the Bernese Oberland region had reached the end of its technical lifespan and required a comprehensive modernisation programme.

The redevelopment has increased passenger capacity from 400 to 800 people per hour and reduced the travel time from Stechelberg, on the valley floor, to the Schilthorn summit by around 10 minutes. The first section, from Stechelberg to Mürren, now operates as a direct line with a gradient of 159.4%, making it the steepest aerial cable car in the world.

Paul van Trigt, CEO of Aero-X, said: “It is so steep the cable car has to exit through the roof of the station.”

Aero-X was asked to protect the cable car system and electrical control cabinets at each station. The gondolas, which feature solar panels and battery storage, are protected using Aero-X extinguishant units.

The station cabinet protection includes integrated detection and suppression systems. The cabinets are “doubled up” at each station to support continuity of service in the event of a failure, according to van Trigt.

“The reason we used Kentec panels is that we needed to fulfil certain standards, in particular EN12094, EN15276-1 and EN15276-2,” he said. “I love the XT panel because it is plug and play. Connected properly, it simply works: there is no complicated programming to be done.”

Most of the cabinets are fitted with smoke sensors, while others use heat sensors. Van Trigt explained that some cabinets contain relatively high voltage, which can create electromagnetic fields that affect smoke detection.

Each cabinet includes fire-resistant cable connections, a sounder beacon and both automatic and manual aerosol extinguishant release capabilities.

Two or three extinguishant units are installed in each cabinet and connected to the Sigma XT panel via Aero-X’s sequential activator.

“This allows us to supervise the whole line and make sure all units are triggered in the event of a fire,” van Trigt said. “Two units are triggered, then we wait two seconds, then the next two are triggered, etc.”

The sequential activator is designed to ensure multiple extinguishant units can activate when required, rather than being limited by the current supplied by the panel. Van Trigt said the approach provides a higher level of fire security in line with regulatory requirements.

Van Trigt said the main challenge was logistical rather than technical. “Taking the materials up the mountain to each respective station and installing them during the construction phase was difficult, because there was really nothing to use. We had to find other ways!”

The upgraded cable car line is now carrying passengers on the route to Schilthorn, with fire protection systems from Aero-X and Kentec supporting safety across the redeveloped mountain transport infrastructure.

Promatect-LS service enclosure system launched by Promat

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringPassiveProducts

Promatect-LS service enclosure system delivers up to 120 minutes of fire resistance

Promat has launched the Promatect-LS service enclosure system, a new passive fire protection solution offering up to 120 minutes of fire resistance and tested for fire exposure both inside and outside the enclosure.

The Promatect-LS service enclosure system also provides protection for critical cabling within the enclosure, helping to maintain essential service functionality during a fire.

Complementing Promat’s existing portfolio of ducting and service enclosure solutions, Promatect-LS service enclosures have been independently tested and classified to EN 1366-5 and EN 13501-2. The Promatect-LS cable protection system has also been independently tested and classified to EN 1366-1 and EN 13501-3. Both systems have been tested for horizontal and vertical applications.

Fire-rated service enclosures play a critical role in large buildings by protecting essential infrastructure, including data cables and power lines, while supporting emergency response measures.

In the event of a fire, inadequately protected service enclosures can provide a route for fire spread. Promatect®-LS is designed to contain fire within the enclosure, reducing the risk of rapid fire propagation and helping to protect escape routes by preventing smoke infiltration.

The system has been developed to protect services in a range of environments, including high-rise buildings, hospitals and care facilities, underground car parks, transport hubs and laboratories.

Margherita Mullis, Product Manager at Promat, said: “Correctly specified, fire-rated service enclosures play an essential role in helping to contain the spread of fire, and are vital to maintaining compartmentation.

“It is important to remember that fire can break out in cables themselves, which makes it vital that service enclosures offer the same level of protection both on the inside and outside of the enclosure.

“In testing to the latest EN standards, Promatect-LS successfully demonstrated fire resistance for up to 120 minutes, meaning it is suitable for gas pipe, and mechanical and electrical service enclosures.

“Active fire protection often also relies on service functionality, and accurately specified cable protection enclosures are essential for reliable operation of systems such as sprinklers and emergency lighting. Promatect-LS is designed to help to ensure buildings are protected long enough to allow occupants to escape and fire fighters to safely operate.”

Rated A1 non-combustible, Promatect-LS is moisture-resistant and certified for 25 years of durability, supporting long-term performance in environments with high service density such as plant rooms and basements.

In addition to EN testing, classification reports are available for Promatect-LS systems.

Passive fire protection CPD launched to tackle renovation project challenges

by Breaking NewsConstructionFire EngineeringPassive

New passive fire protection CPD helps construction professionals navigate fire safety compliance in refurbishment and change of use projects

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new continuing professional development (CPD) programme designed to address the challenges of specifying and installing passive fire protection systems in refurbishment and change of use projects.

The new CPD has been developed to support architects, fire engineers and project teams working on renovation schemes, where complex existing structures, mixed-material construction methods and compliance requirements can create significant fire safety challenges.

Renovation projects frequently involve older buildings with unknown concrete grades, listed building restrictions, limited space and buildability constraints, all of which can make the application of fire testing standards more complex. Structural integrity is also a key concern where the condition of existing concrete and steel structures is uncertain or where additional protection is required to reduce the impact of potential fire damage.

The launch comes at a time when fire safety compliance is facing increased scrutiny, with stakeholders required to demonstrate a clear understanding of evolving standards and regulatory requirements.

Promat’s CPD explores the importance of structural protection and passive fire protection in achieving fire resistance requirements under Part B of the Building Regulations. It also outlines the compliance considerations associated with changing a building’s use, including the need to ensure appropriate fire protection measures are in place.

The programme covers structural protection strategies for concrete and steel-framed buildings, timber floors and the role of compartmentation in refurbishment projects. It highlights how effective compartmentation can help contain fire for a specified period, supporting safe evacuation and enabling emergency services to respond.

The CPD also explains how exposure to high temperatures can compromise the structural integrity of both steel and concrete, and how passive fire protection systems can provide critical protection for defined periods during a fire event.

In addition, participants will gain insight into solutions for common refurbishment challenges and learn how manufacturers can help demonstrate compliance where there may be gaps between standard fire testing and real-world building conditions.

Industry demand for specialist fire safety knowledge

Commenting on the launch, Joshua Slack, Commercial Director at Promat UK, said: “As a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection systems, Promat works closely with project teams, architects and fire engineers during the design stage of building projects to ensure the correct product is specified accurately to meet Part B of the Building Regulations.

“With space for new buildings often hard to find, especially in cities, and a growing awareness of the role renovation plays in supporting more sustainable building design, there is a clear demand for specialist knowledge in fire safety for property upgrades – and it is vital that this remains a priority in all building projects.

“This CPD addresses the complexities of providing passive fire protection for renovation and change of use projects to ensure fire safety is up to standard. It will equip participants with solutions for renovation-specific scenarios along with valuable insights and knowledge to accurately protect renovation projects.”

The CPD also addresses specialist challenges such as interfacing timber-joisted floors with structural steel beams and columns, as well as methods for preserving existing decorative ceilings in listed buildings while maintaining fire safety performance.

ECCOTARP highlights rapid-deployment containment tanks

by EventsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

The ECCOTARP Self-supporting containment tanks have been designed for a wide range of applications. They can serve as emergency water reservoirs, transfer tanks, collection tanks for hazardous substances, or quarantine tanks for cooling down and extinguishing ignited EV batteries.

Their smart foldable design saves space during transport and storage, while assembly takes only a few minutes.

Integrated welded polypropylene plates ensure a firm and stable tank shape even when the tank is empty.

The company is inviting you to learn more about these multifunctional tanks used by emergency response units as well as across various industrial sectors at INTERSCHUTZ next week.

📍 Visit ECCOTARP at Booth E13, Hall 17.

Victaulic launches new fire protection piping systems

by Fire Engineering

Victaulic has revealed the launch of its new Firelock Installation-Ready Style 009V rigid coupling for joining fire protection piping systems in Europe and the Middle East.

Further extending the widely used range of Victaulic Installation-Ready Technology, the company said that the new coupling features several practical design updates that directly address jobsite feedback and help mitigate labour risks.

Style 009V

First, the company explained that Style 009V introduces ‘one-touch tightening’ and extended track neck bolts.

Whereas previous couplings required installers to tighten the bolts in an alternating pattern, the Style 009V enables each bolt to be tightened fully, one at a time, providing easier, faster and accurate installation.

The new bolt design avoids spinning, allows for easy one-hand assembly, enhanced engagement into the coupling housings and additional security to avoid pinching fingers.

Victaulic added that another key improvement is the installation indicator, a new bolt pad design that makes visual confirmation of correct installation even easier.

Previously, installers looked at bolt pad shift on each half of the coupling, now with the Style 009V, the new design locks into place and the installer can simply check whether there is metal-to-metal contact without the need for evaluating bolt pad shift nor torque requirements.

This increases contractor confidence that every joint is properly installed.

The new design also includes an enhanced gasket design with integrated pipe-stop tabs that provides proper alignment in both vertical and horizontal installations and ensures consistent pipe end separation.

This is particularly beneficial when joining vertical pipes in riser systems, Victaulic added.

According to the company, the new design enables faster and easier installation than other couplings from the Victaulic FireLock Installation-Ready range resulting in risk reduction and lower labour cost.

The visual verification at the installation indicator results in enhanced reliability, fewer installation errors, less rework and fewer call backs.

By making installation simpler and verification clearer, Victaulic highlighted that it is lowering the barrier to entry for new installers, allowing contractors to maintain high-quality standards with smaller or less experienced crews and decreases the learning curve for apprentices.

The Style 009V Firelock Installation-Ready rigid coupling is engineered specifically for the pressures and requirements of fire protection systems.

Victaulic said that it is available in sizes DN32 to DN300, 1 ¼” to 12” and for pressures up to 365 psi or 25 bar.

Approvals include FM, cULus, LPCB and VdS (VdS for DN32 to DN80 only), among other global fire protection listings.

“Easier and more efficient”

Graeme Leonard, Victaulic’s fire protection division manager for the EMEA region commented: “We spend a lot of time on jobsites and listen carefully to what installers tell us.

“They face constant pressure to work faster but also need to know the job is done correctly.

“The design improvements in the Style 009V are a direct result of that feedback. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; rather making smart optimisations that make an installer’s job easier and more efficient.

“Ultimately, it’s about giving them the confidence that the joint is right first time, every time, without any guesswork,” he concluded.

Built to move: The difference behind Lamella in curtain wall fire protection

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In facade design, passive fire protection must perform over time in real building conditions, not just in testing.

This is especially important in curtain wall construction, where facades accommodate movement from wind loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. In these cases, a firestop or perimeter seal must do more than fit at installation. It must maintain the seal over time as the building moves.

This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.

Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance

Passive fire protection performance depends on more than fire rating alone. It must also maintain the right form, fit, and compressibility over the life of the system.

Some standard stone wool solutions use a horizontal fiber structure. While stable, this can reduce their ability to accommodate repeated lateral compression over time. As movement and compression continue, internal fiber bonds can break down, reducing the product’s ability to recover and potentially allowing gaps to form between the fire protection and the facade or slab edge.

In curtain wall systems, where movement is expected, that loss of recovery can become a critical performance issue. Passive fire protection must remain closely fitted between the facade and the floor slab or inner construction, maintaining integrity as those elements move relative to one another. If the material cannot flex, recover, and sustain contact, the long-term effectiveness of the seal may be at risk.

A material engineered differently

Siderise® developed its own unique Lamella to address these real-world demands. Rather than using a conventional horizontal fiber structure, Siderise Lamella is manufactured from a specially formulated stone wool with vertically oriented fibers. This vertical arrangement allows the product to better withstand lateral compression and to recover more reliably from movement. Accelerated age testing in accordance with EOTA Technical Report 024 has demonstrated that Siderise’s Lamella structure can be repeatedly laterally compressed without loss of recovery or flex.

A smarter experience on site

Lamella also brings practical advantages. The integrated foil facing is clearly marked on top/bottom, and with the fibers already oriented vertically, it significantly reduces the risk of installer error.

Traditional solutions can also require application of spray, with insulation cut and compressed onsite before being sealed with an elastomeric compound. Because Siderise’s product is pre-compressed in the factory, Lamella and the applied foil scrim provide such a high level of fire resistance that an additional wet seal is unnecessary. As that compression is applied, the facing visibly wrinkles, providing a visual indicator that the product has been installed correctly.

Built for the reality of modern facades

Siderise Lamella is engineered to maintain form, fit, and integrity in building envelope applications where movement is inevitable. In curtain wall systems, where small gaps can have significant consequences, that ability to move with the building is a critical performance requirement.

Learn more about the innovation behind Lamella at www.siderise-us.com/lamella