Evolving formulations: How Fomtec navigated C8, C6 and SFFF development challenges

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ ExclusivesResearch

Magnus Johnsson, R&D specialist at Fomtec, details the move from C8 to C6 and SFFF foams for regulatory and operational progress

The move from long-chain C8 foams through C6 formulations and now into synthetic fluorine free foams (SFFF) has reshaped the firefighting sector.

Meeting the performance requirements of UL, ICAO, military and other test regimes has required extensive development and live fire testing on varied fuels.

At Fomtec, this is a hands-on process, with Research & Development staff directly engaged in large-scale fire trials.

Working alongside Fomtec’s chemists on the formulation and evaluation of new foam concentrates, Magnus Johnsson has played a central role in bridging laboratory research with real-world fire testing.

He oversees the company’s large-scale fire testing programmes to international standards, including EN 1568, UL 162 and FM 5130, and acts as Fomtec’s lead firefighter during these trials.

In this interview, he discusses his experience in product development, the challenges of meeting diverse certification requirements and the key focus areas driving current foam research.

How would you describe the journey from C8 foams to C6 and now to SFFF, and what has it meant for your work in R&D?

C8 to C6 was billed a “small change” of a fluorosurfactant, but in reality it involved reformulation of all our PFAS-containing foam agents and recertification.

Reformulating the higher-performing foams such as the UL/FM sprinkler foams or the US DOD Mil Spec was more involved than we thought it would be.

Moving to SFFF was something we started back in 2011, some five years before the move from C8 to C6 needed to be completed.

This SFFF journey was, and continues to be, a rollercoaster ride, as we are pretty much starting with a clean piece of paper with the formulations.

What defines C8, C6 and SFFF formulations, and why has the sector evolved through these stages?

In very basic terms, the 8 and the 6 relate to the number of carbon atoms in the chains of the fluorochemicals that are used within the foam concentrate.

SFFF is the acronym for Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam and is the term adopted by NFPA, UL, FM and Fomtec to cover a foam concentrate with “no intentionally added PFAS.”

The driving force for the journey through these phases is environmental concerns from the family of chemicals called PFAS.

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals where ongoing research indicates that they are extremely persistent, and some are also toxic and bioaccumulative.

What insights do you gain from taking part in live fire testing as both developer and firefighter?

Everything we do in the laboratory has to be validated in the fire tests, and I can’t imagine how I could do my lab work effectively if I was not involved with the fire testing.

Some test standards such as UL topside or Mil Spec require active firefighting and have pass/fail criteria based on extinguishing times.

Being the lead firefighter for product development to these standards is essential.

This is even more important with the development of SFFFs, as they can extinguish as quickly as a PFAS-based foam, but different techniques are required.

How do UL and MIL-SPEC test standards differ, and why must performance be assessed under each?

It has to be accepted that the authorities setting the fire performance standards and the associated test protocols do so as they believe that they are the most appropriate for their application.

Comparison between a product’s performance to one standard against another is rarely possible, and as we move to SFFF formulations I would suggest that this comparison is even more difficult.

Variables include the size and shape of the test pan, the fuels, the nozzle, the flow rates and application times.

Then we have different preburn periods and foam application times, as well as the criteria for pass or fail.

For example, the UL test pan is rectangular and 50 ft², whereas the Mil Spec pan is circular and 28 ft², and the test fuels are heptane for UL and gasoline and Jet A for Mil Spec.

What additional benefits come from running wider fixed-head and sprinkler tests beyond standard requirements?

Early on in the development work of our SFFFs, we began to see greater variability of performance with fuels which the authorities such as UL and FM had for many years placed into groups.

While we did see variability with hydrocarbon fuels, it was the polar solvents where we experienced greater variations.

It was MEK that first highlighted this, as Enviro ARK is a very strong performer on acetone and was expected to show similar performance with MEK.

This was not the case, and we needed to almost double the application density to extinguish and achieve the burn-back performance required by FM.

We realised that there are likely many chemicals being stored that we just don’t have the fire data on, and so we spent about two years developing an estimation tool that looks at some of the physicochemical properties of a chemical and then predicts how we should approach it in terms of application density.

We obviously did need, and continue to test, different chemicals to validate the tool.

What are your main R&D priorities, and what current trends are influencing that development work?

For some time now, we have been looking to improve the Enviro range’s performance with saltwater, but without resorting to using partially unhydrated natural polymers in the concentrate.

Fomtec maintains that the use of partially unhydrated polymers just reduces an already small window for stability of the foam concentrate, and it has taken many formulations and tweaks to finally meet this challenge.

We have been in the fire lab and at test houses over the past few months validating our findings and adding approvals.

How do you see foam technology evolving, and where do you expect to see the most progress?

I have to believe that SFFFs will go the way of AR-AFFFs, and we will start to see better-performing low-viscosity products.

At Fomtec, we have already launched our IMO-approved Enviro SEA range, for the ARFF mission the Enviro AIR, and to meet the needs of the US DOD, our Enviro MIL.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

PFAS-free Contempo Gold fire extinguisher range targets premium interior projects

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Contempo Gold range fire extinguisher returns for 50th year

CheckFire has reintroduced the Gold finish in its PFAS-free Contempo fire extinguisher range to mark the company’s 50th anniversary and support design-led environments where aesthetics and compliance must align.

According to the fire safety supplier, the revised Gold option is positioned as an industry first that combines high performance, PFAS-free credentials and a contemporary appearance for mandatory fire safety equipment.

The relaunched units are aimed at designers, facilities managers and fire safety professionals who need extinguishers that satisfy regulatory requirements while contributing to the overall look of a space.

CheckFire stated that the Gold finish has been developed to work within contemporary offices and retail locations, hospitality and wedding venues and historical sites where visual integration is a priority.

The company added that the refreshed range is intended for projects where both interior character and environmental considerations are taken into account at specification stage.

Contempo Gold fire extinguisher range relaunch

CheckFire reported that the updated Contempo Gold range is now entirely PFAS free across all models.

The portfolio covers CO2, foam, water and powder units alongside a newly introduced 3 litre PFAS-free wet chemical fire extinguisher.

The new wet chemical model carries an 8A 75F rating for its compact size and is positioned as a premium option for hospitality settings that require Class F fire protection.

The supplier said the full range is UKCA and CE approved.

It added that the portfolio delivers high fire ratings in line with its premium positioning.

By removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from the Gold finish line-up, CheckFire stated that the range supports an environmentally responsible approach to fire safety while retaining performance expectations.

Finish, settings and coordinated accessories

CheckFire highlighted that the reintroduced Gold finish now uses a deeper, richer colour tone than the previous version.

The revised appearance is described as providing a warmer profile intended to sit alongside high-end interior schemes.

The company indicated that the range is suited to contemporary offices, retail environments, hospitality and wedding venues and heritage locations where visual coherence is important.

Matching fire extinguisher identification signs and tubular stands are available to support a consistent presentation when the units are installed.

These accessories are designed to maintain a minimal aesthetic while ensuring equipment remains clearly identified and accessible.

Josh Marshall, Product Manager at CheckFire, commented: “We are delighted to bring the much-loved Gold finish back to the Contempo range.

“It’s now deeper in colour and manufactured to a high-quality standard, and, importantly, it’s much more in line with the expectations of prestigious interior spaces.

“By combining PFAS-free credentials with a finish that has become something of a design icon in its own right, we’re setting a new benchmark for how fire safety can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space.”

CheckFire noted that the wider Contempo range is also available in a stainless steel finish for schemes where that appearance is preferred.

Design-led PFAS-free extinguishers for interior projects

Architects, interior designers and facility managers working on offices, retail schemes, hospitality venues and historical sites can use the relaunched Contempo Gold range where interior appearance is a key consideration alongside fire safety compliance.

The deeper Gold finish and coordinated accessories allow project teams to position fire extinguishers and associated signage in prominent locations without compromising the visual approach of premium environments.

Fire safety officers, equipment specifiers and procurement teams gain an additional PFAS-free option covering CO2, foam, water, powder and wet chemical units when planning extinguisher schedules for mixed-use or high-end sites.

The inclusion of a compact 3 litre wet chemical extinguisher with an 8A 75F rating provides a Class F solution that aligns with the rest of the Gold line, which may simplify selection for hospitality projects.

Installers and contractors can standardise on a single aesthetic across multiple agent types while retaining UKCA and CE approvals and stated high fire ratings from the supplier.

The polymer problem: Fomtec challenges industry dependence on unstable polymer systems

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

John Ottesen, Founder and CEO at Dafo Fomtec AB, discusses developing a high performance SFFF without partially hydrated natural polymers

Across many sites the practical work of replacing PFAS-based foams has begun, with attention turning to whether alternatives can deliver recognised fire test performance while fitting into existing proportioning and storage arrangements.

That focus has brought polymer choice to the fore because it strongly influences drainage, heat resistance, viscosity and long-term behaviour in service.

Fluorine based foams such as FP, AFFF, FFFP and their alcohol resistant derivatives are being phased out due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals and the health and environmental impact of certain identified members of the PFAS group.

Attention has shifted toward synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFF) as we look to replace the PFAS foams with alternatives offering similar firefighting performance.

These foams also promise environmental safety, but as we strive for equivalency in performance many of them introduce a different kind of risk: reliance on polymer chemistry and specifically partially hydrated natural polymers.

Polymers in firefighting foam

The use of natural polymers in firefighting foams is not a new technology, having first emerged in the 1970’s with the early alcohol resistant foams.

Standard hydrocarbon foams such as FP, AFFF and FFFP when applied to a water miscible fuel such as acetone or IPA are not able to retain a foam blanket.

Foam chemists found that the addition of natural polymers into the foam concentrate allowed a polymeric layer to drop out and form a barrier between the foam bubbles and the water miscible fuels.

These polymers had additional benefits to the performance of the firefighting foam as they produced slower draining foams and the stronger bubble structure often led to improved heat resistance.

These performance enhancing features led to Alcohol Resistant foams becoming almost universally adopted as the foam agent of choice for emergency response firefighting on large fires in the high hazard industries on hydrocarbon fuel fires since the 1990’s.

From the early 1970’s into the 2010’s manufacturers experimented with different polymers and quantities in their foam concentrates as they wrestled with fundamental issues:

  • The addition of polymers increased the viscosity of the foam concentrate
  • Maintaining these polymers in solution or suspension through the life of the foam concentrate, also talked about as the stability of the foam

The question of viscosity can be discussed as an engineering issue because if you know the viscosity then the equipment and system can be designed accordingly to handle the foam concentrate, with proportioning and pumping selected to suit the measured rheology.

Of course, the viscosity and the shear rates must be known and remain constant for those assumptions to hold.

Stability on the other hand is something that every foam manufacturer has faced at some point in time, whether due to a batch issue, raw materials out of specification or incorrect quantities in the batch, or due to storage and climatic conditions with their clients, and when stability issues occurred what was typically seen was separation of the foam concentrate with the polymers either sinking or floating separated from the surfactant mixture.

Over 30 plus years of manufacturing these products the manufacturers have been able to determine the best combination of polymers and quantities to achieve the optimal balance of viscosity, fire performance and achieve a safe window of stability for the concentrate.

For Fomtec this involves adding our polymer combination up to around 1% by volume in our top performing 3 x 3 products.

SFFF’s and polymers

With the demise of PFAS containing foams, Fomtec, along with the other foam manufacturers has had to develop new formulations accepting that like the early pure protein foams we are now entirely reliant on the blanket integrity for our extinguishing and burnback security.

Fomtec returned to natural polymers to improve performance by creating slow draining bubbles with good heat resistance.

The formulation approach remains in that increased polymers leads to a more viscous foam concentrate and potential stability issues with the concentrate.

With the transition to fluorine free foams more emphasis on viscosity was inevitable due to capabilities of existing equipment and this desire to have the combination of fire performance and a lower viscosity has seen a number of manufacturers formulating with partially hydrated polymers, or what we at Fomtec like to call hidden gum.

While effective in the lab and the fire test house, this approach introduces vulnerabilities that can compromise firefighting performance in the field.

The partially hydrated polymer challenge

Water sensitivity and storage instability

Polymers are also highly sensitive to moisture during storage.

In humid environments or when water ingress occurs in foam storage tanks, partly hydrated polymers will hydrate if they come into contact with water.

This causes them to swell and increase the viscosity of the concentrate.

This can occur as lumps or more generally an increase in viscosity that can lead to system malfunction.

The risks include:

  • Blocked pumps and nozzles, reducing delivery capacity
  • Unpredictable viscosity, disrupting proportioning accuracy
  • Batch-to-batch performance variability, leading to performance variability

System-level risks in fire protection

In applications such as aviation hangars, petrochemical terminals, offshore installations and chemical processing plants it is difficult to observe polymer behaviour inside fixed systems during transition projects.

Concentrate pipelines can be complex and impossible to inspect, so confirming that all cleaning water is removed before filling new concentrate can be very challenging, and even a small amount of retained moisture can influence the behaviour of a partly hydrated polymer once the system is back in service.

How competitors still depend on polymers

Most foam manufacturers continue to rely on partially hydrated polymers as the foundation of their SFFF performance.

This dependency creates a balancing act between the need for lower stable viscosity and the risk of hydration variability.

It is a matter of creating a finely balanced formulation where the partly hydrated polymers are restricted from developing viscosity, and this finely balanced formulation can be very sensitive to ambient conditions leading to instability.

Adjustments to polymer type and concentration have offered incremental improvements, but none have solved the fundamental hydration problem.

This means that across the industry many partially hydrated polymer-based foams still face the dual risks of instability and viscosity changes in real world use.

Dafo Fomtec AB continues to follow a fully hydrated path

Fomtec has always used formulations based on fully hydrated polymers and thus raising the bar making it more challenging to achieve the highest ratings in some fire performance standards, specifically with burnback performance with saltwater.

Now, through proprietary formulation technology, Fomtec has launched a new generation of Enviro high performance foam agents based on fully hydrated natural polymers.

This is an evolution through 15 years of research and development in the Enviro Program and more than 3500 fire tests.

No loss of performance

The most remarkable aspect of this innovation is that Fomtec’s fully hydrated polymer foams perform at the highest level without compromise.

Internationally certified: independent testing shows that Fomtec’s foams meet or exceed EN 1568, ICAO and UL162 requirements for extinguishment and burn-back resistance.

Stable storage life: with fully hydrated polymers, with no polymers to hydrate or degrade, concentrates remain consistent.

Reliable system delivery: no lumps, gels or clogging means foam systems work as designed in real emergencies.

Water-quality independence: performance is consistent across different types of water supplies.

This combination of established chemistry and proven fire performance sets Fomtec apart from every other foam manufacturer globally.

Regulatory and environmental context

The timing of this breakthrough is significant.

Across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, regulations are tightening on both PFAS chemicals and the performance standards for their replacements.

Users are under pressure to:

  • Phase out PFAS based foams
  • Ensure environmental compatibility of alternatives
  • Maintain or improve performance levels required by regulators and insurers

Fomtec’s fully hydrated polymer technology directly addresses these concerns, providing an environmentally sustainable solution with stable performance, which aligns with what regulators, insurers and fire brigades require.

Why it matters

Fire brigades, airports, oil and gas operators and industrial sites need confidence that their foam will perform as specified, proportion within tolerance and store without unwanted change.

By removing the dependency on partially hydrated polymers, Fomtec avoids the hydration-driven variability that can change viscosity and delivery in service, supporting a predictable transition from PFAS based agents to SFFF in existing equipment.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Building precision into industrial response: Fire Shield Systems details design for high-risk sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionWaste & Recycling

Fire Shield Systems Technical Director Russell Bonnett and Sales & Marketing Director James Mountain discuss how targeted design supports early detection, effective suppression and alignment with Environment Agency standard

Waste and recycling facilities pose some of the toughest fire protection challenges in industry.

Large volumes of combustible material, shifting fuel loads and constant mechanical movement create unpredictable ignition risks that few conventional systems can handle effectively.

As regulatory and insurance expectations tighten, operators are looking for tailored, data-driven approaches that deliver faster detection, targeted suppression and traceable performance evidence.

Fire Shield Systems Ltd, based in the East Midlands and operating across the UK and Ireland, designs and installs automatic detection and suppression systems built for these demanding environments.

Using multi-detection cameras, automatic foam cannons and Class A wetting agents, the company provides engineered protection aligned with NFPA 850 and UK compliance standards.

To explore how Fire Shield is advancing performance-based fire protection for high-risk industries, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Technical Director Russell Bonnett and Sales & Marketing Director James Mountain to discuss their approach.

What challenges make waste and recycling sites difficult to protect compared with other industrial environments?

Russell: In commercial sites like hospitals, food factories or data centres, you install a system, service it every six months and it just sits there.

Waste and recycling is different.

These are harsh environments with material from many streams, including things operators weren’t expecting.

Our systems are tested regularly because they’re regularly put into fire conditions, so activations are common.

There’s also a high staff turnover and a lot of languages on site, so training is ongoing.

Equipment can get hit or damaged.

We work hard to support customers with quality management and training so people understand what the system is there to do and to make sure they tell us if something is damaged so it can be put right.

James: Another challenge is change on site.

We design to the brief we’re given, then find storage piles or processing areas exceed the original design.

We push for ongoing dialogue so if areas change, detection and suppression zones change with them.

Housekeeping is huge.

Waste keeps coming in even during a breakdown, so piles grow.

The less waste sitting around, the fewer fires you have.

Clean, well-kept areas reduce risk.

That’s outside our direct remit, but it affects how effective the system can be.

We see a broad range of sites, from immaculate, fully compliant operations to independents pushing limits on intake, processing and storage.

There’s no one template.

Every site is different.

How do you design systems that balance regulations with the practical realities of high-risk industrial operations?

Russell: It starts with a clear brief.

What’s driving the requirement? Some customers aren’t trying to satisfy the EA’s FPP; they’ve identified a process risk or asset and want extra protection beyond insurance.

Others are entirely EA-led and need FPP sign-off or a permit variation.

Sometimes it’s a new build driven by insurance.

We’ve built a process to make sure we understand the brief, the customer understands what we’re providing and they take what we propose to the authority having jurisdiction.

In the past, clients pushed ahead, spent a lot of money, then shared it with insurers at the end only to be told it wasn’t acceptable.

We work to avoid that by getting everyone aligned early on what the system is expected to do and what sign-off is required.

James: Standards can be straightforward in some industries, but in waste and recycling there often isn’t a directly applicable standard for specific processes like certain MRF operations.

We’ll integrate with a BS 5839-compliant fire alarm system, but beyond that, who sets the spec? Often it’s a mix of Environment Agency requirements around the fire prevention plan and insurer expectations.

Insurers are reluctant to write a specification for a waste site, so the client has to own it.

We always start from a robust baseline: backup pumping (often dual diesel), battery backup for deluge valves and for the detection system.

If power or water is lost, our system can operate standalone.

We don’t rely on an internet connection to decide what to do.

We can dial in and view cameras remotely and alarms and faults go to an alarm receiving centre with keyholder protocols, but the core system functions in worst-case scenarios.

Russell: Some solutions in the field have a single pump where the client, with their authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), has accepted that approach.

We advise diesel-electric or dual diesel for obvious reasons, but budgets play a role.

If backup is removed, the client must get it signed off with their AHJ and insurer.

That responsibility sits with them.

What role does multi-detection technology play in improving early fire identification and incident management?

James: Our multi-detection unit is a single detector that can form part of a compliant fire alarm system.

It looks for three things, which we configure per site: thermal imaging, flame detection and video smoke detection.

The flame function is verified by the heat function to cut false activations from reflections.

The video smoke detection works on contrast.

In these facilities you often get a lot of smoke before meaningful heat or flame, so it gives very early warning, especially out of hours.

When detection occurs, the ARC is alerted and follows the protocol with up to eight keyholders.

Some ARCs review cameras for clients; others have the client review and decide response.

We design with multiple cameras across the facility to avoid single-point failure and blind spots.

Everything is fault-monitored, so a camera fault raises an alarm.

Configuration is site-specific.

We can blank areas and set different temperature thresholds within the same view.

High-risk materials might have a lower threshold, vehicle routes higher.

That detail helps avoid false activations and downtime.

How do foam cannon systems contribute to your wider automatic suppression strategy?

Russell: The foam cannons we use are built to high standards, originally proven in offshore oil and gas, so they’re robust enough for humid, dusty, dirty environments.

They’re manufactured to international standards and third-party accredited.

Functionally they do what you’d expect – pan, tilt, left, right and adjustable jet to fog.

The real difference is how the system is designed to work with the chosen detection medium and the cause-and-effect we agree with the customer.

What happens at detection, what areas are protected, how it’s proved at commissioning and documented – that’s where the value is.

How do you ensure reliability and performance are maintained after system installation?

James: We choose hard-wearing components built to last, install them to the right standard and set them up correctly.

We have a dedicated maintenance and callout team.

We emphasise the client’s responsibilities under manufacturer guidelines: twice-yearly servicing by our specialist engineers, plus daily and weekly on-site checks – no fault lights on panels, pressures where they should be, pumps checked and so on.

We don’t gatekeep.

Our fire alarm panels are open protocol.

We offer cost-effective SLAs and don’t tie people into expensive contracts.

We keep critical stock in our UK facility.

We can diagnose many issues remotely so we arrive with the right part and minimise downtime.

These sites can’t stop, so response time and keeping systems healthy is key.

What developments or technologies will have the greatest impact on the future of automatic detection and suppression?

Russell: We’re seeing much more engagement with local authorities, fire services and insurers.

Early on it was hard to get people to understand what we were doing; now our approach is more widely accepted.

Manufacturers are improving agents for performance and environmental profile.

On the active side, rapid progress in AI means systems will act faster and more autonomously.

That said, today nothing beats the human eye and nose.

Aspirating systems are very good at early smoke detection, but the human nose still picks it up first.

AI can judge whether a heat signature is a threat, but right now people are better.

That may change; we’ll see on the timeframe.

James: Long-established practices are shifting as the waste stream changes.

More batteries and contamination mean more unknowns.

People are moving toward technologies that are now proven and trusted to offer a viable solution for recycling and waste to energy.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Vallfirest strengthens Water Hog bucket distribution and service network in EMEA

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsFire SuppressionWildland Fire

Vallfirest appoints Heliswiss Ibérica for EMEA

Vallfirest has announced in Barcelona on Friday 14 November 2025 a strategic agreement with Heliswiss Ibérica for distribution and after-sales service of its Water Hog bucket across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to Vallfirest, Heliswiss Ibérica will manage product distribution, technical assistance and after-sales support for the Water Hog bucket in the region.

The company said the arrangement is intended to shorten delivery times while giving aerial operators a dedicated contact for technical support.

Heliswiss Ibérica is described as a company specialised in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, leasing and equipment distribution.

Vallfirest stated that combining its wildland firefighting systems expertise with Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical experience will offer a more complete service to helicopter operators involved in wildfire response.

Water Hog bucket in Vallfirest aerial line

Vallfirest explained that the Water Hog bucket forms part of its Aerial product line for wildland firefighting.

The company said the equipment is designed to address current wildfire conditions, characterised by higher fire intensity, faster spread and more complex logistics.

By positioning the Water Hog bucket within a dedicated aerial portfolio, Vallfirest aims to align the product with the operational needs of helicopter-based firefighting missions.

The firm noted that the bucket is intended for use on helicopters that support wildland firefighting operations across varied terrains and fire environments.

Distribution network focused on wildfire readiness

Vallfirest said the partnership with Heliswiss Ibérica establishes a consolidated distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company reported that this network is set up to provide rapid delivery of Water Hog buckets to customers in the region.

It added that operators will have access to specialised technical assistance through Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical support capabilities.

According to Vallfirest, this structure is designed to improve access to equipment solutions for aerial operators using the Water Hog bucket.

The company stated that the partnership is intended to enhance the operational readiness of helicopters equipped with the Water Hog bucket.

Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica described their shared aim as increasing safety, efficiency and effectiveness in wildland firefighting operations that rely on helicopter deployments.

Leadership perspectives on the partnership

Vallfirest said its leadership views the collaboration as a way to strengthen the value offered to aerial operators in the EMEA market.

Javier Baena, CEO of Vallfirest, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with Heliswiss Ibérica; their experience in the aeronautical sector and their presence in the EMEA market allow us to strengthen our value proposition for aerial operators.”

The companies highlighted that the arrangement covers both sales and ongoing operational support for the Water Hog bucket.

Xavier Domingo, CEO of Heliswiss Ibérica, stated: “Our commitment is to offer customers complete support—from sales to maintenance—of Vallfirest equipment.

“We aim to ensure that Water Hog buckets are always available and operational, especially when every minute counts in wildfire response.”

Aerial wildfire operators and procurement impact in EMEA

The agreement between Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica is directly relevant to helicopter operators and fleet managers responsible for wildland firefighting across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to Vallfirest, the partnership creates a defined distribution route for the Water Hog bucket and links it to a dedicated technical support structure in the aeronautical sector.

For procurement officers and equipment specifiers working with aerial firefighting assets, the presence of a regional after-sales and maintenance partner may influence decisions about bucket systems for contracted or in-house fleets.

The companies’ focus on rapid delivery and specialised technical assistance means that organisations planning for wildfire seasons can factor availability and service coverage for Water Hog buckets into their readiness planning.

Wildland firefighting agencies and emergency response managers that use helicopter support may see practical implications in areas such as equipment uptime, access to repairs and coordination of bucket supply during periods of intense wildfire activity.

Fomtec confirmed as Platinum Sponsor for IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsFire SuppressionIFSJ Leaders

From Scandinavia to Dubai: Fomtec Takes Platinum Sponsorship at IFSJ Leaders in Fire 2026

International Fire & Safety Journal is delighted to confirm that Fomtec will be the Platinum Sponsor for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2026 in Dubai.

The 2026 edition of IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety will take place on 7 May 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE.

As Platinum Sponsor, Fomtec will hold the top tier commercial role at the conference, with enhanced visibility on stage, in the networking areas and across our event communications.

We are pleased to welcome Fomtec into this position as we continue to shape the programme for the next edition of our senior-level conference.

Attendees at IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2026 will be able to engage directly with Fomtec’s team on foam concentrates, fixed systems and project considerations throughout the day.

Further details on the agenda, speaker line-up and partner activities will be shared as planning progresses.

Fomtec foam concentrates and technical focus

Fomtec focuses on firefighting foam concentrates and selected foam hardware for professional fire protection.

The company is headquartered in Stockholm with manufacturing in Helsingborg in the south of Sweden.

Its portfolio includes synthetic and protein-based formulations, including fluorine-free foams for use in industrial, municipal and high-hazard environments.

Fomtec’s Enviro range of fluorine-free foam concentrates has been developed in response to regulatory change and customer demand for alternatives to legacy fluorinated products.

The company has carried out extensive full-scale and laboratory fire testing on these foams to understand performance across different fuels and application conditions.

This work has been led by John Ottesen, CEO and Founder at Fomtec, whose focus has been on using data and test results to guide product development.

Fomtec also uses predictive modelling tools to help anticipate foam behaviour on a variety of fuels based on earlier test work and formulation chemistry.

Through this combination of testing and modelling, the company aims to give end users clearer information when assessing foam choices for specific risks.

IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2026 overview

We will once again stage the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference as a single-day, invitation-only forum for senior fire and safety professionals.

The event gathers chief officers, senior engineers, facility leaders and technical specialists from the Middle East, Africa and other international markets.

Our format combines keynote talks, panel sessions and structured networking breaks in a focused environment.

Commercial partners are limited in number so that sponsors have more time and space to meet delegates during breaks and in the exhibition and networking areas.

As Platinum Sponsor, Fomtec will play a central part in the 2026 edition, including a dedicated presentation slot within the programme.

We expect foam concentrates, suppression system performance and transition planning away from legacy foams to feature within the broader conference discussions.

Registration and event information for IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2026 is available at https://ifsjleadersinfireandsafety.com/.

We look forward to welcoming Fomtec and our delegates to Dubai on 7 May 2026.

Why the UK’s PFAS foam phase-out demands facilities’ attention now

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Alpine Fire calls for engagement in UK PFAS foam consultation

Alpine Fire has urged facilities managers and compliance officers to participate in the UK Health and Safety Executive’s consultation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) firefighting foams before the February 2026 deadline.

The company said the consultation focuses on further restrictions following the government’s July 2025 ban on C8 foam, which contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Attention has now turned to C6 foam, a formulation that still includes trace levels of PFOA and remains in use across high-hazard facilities such as oil and gas, petrochemical and offshore operations.

Mark Thewlis, Senior Engineer at Alpine Fire, said: “This consultation marks another key step in the UK’s transition away from PFAS-based firefighting agents.

“While C8 foam has already been phased out, C6 usage may still be necessary in certain high-risk or specialist settings.

“That said, their long-term use is under review, and facilities need to understand both the implications and the alternatives.”

C6 foam faces closer scrutiny

The Environment Protection Agency has stated that it expects the use of C6 foam to be limited in the near future.

Alpine Fire said that while it does not advocate continued widespread use of C6 foam, the company recognises that an informed and gradual transition is essential for maintaining operational safety and compliance.

Thewlis added: “The shift to fluorine-free systems isn’t as simple as swapping one foam for another.

“F3 foam has different viscosity and performance characteristics, meaning some suppression systems will require significant modification.

“Our role is to help clients make the transition safely, effectively, and in line with any upcoming regulation.”

Awareness campaign launched ahead of 2026 deadline

Alpine Fire confirmed it is launching an awareness campaign to publicise the consultation and encourage participation from those working with C6 foam.

The campaign aims to ensure that stakeholders can contribute to shaping the next phase of UK policy on PFAS firefighting agents.

The consultation will run until 18 February 2026.

Facilities managers seeking guidance on the removal of C8 and C6 foams from fire suppression systems are directed to visit Alpine Fire’s website for more information.

Implications for facilities and fire-protection managers

The consultation on PFAS foam regulation has direct implications for facilities managers, compliance officers and safety engineers overseeing high-hazard environments.

Operators using C6 foam within oil and gas, petrochemical or offshore systems may be required to review suppression performance, system compatibility and replacement feasibility in preparation for upcoming restrictions.

Fluorine-free foam (F3) adoption will also demand engineering assessments to account for viscosity differences, storage parameters and discharge rates compared to PFAS-based formulations.

Alpine Fire’s campaign seeks to ensure stakeholders are informed of both the technical and regulatory changes, enabling effective planning for foam removal and replacement before the February 2026 deadline.

Britannia Fire director Andy Spence continues role shaping UK fire standards

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeople

Andy Spence re-elected to FIA board for third term

Britannia Fire has announced that its Joint Managing Director, Andy Spence, has been re-elected for a third term to the board of the Fire Industry Association (FIA).

The FIA represents more than 1,200 UK member companies and is Europe’s largest fire safety trade association.

It delivers training, technical expertise and standards guidance to help shape the development of the fire safety sector.

Spence’s ongoing contribution to standards and governance

With 25 years of experience in the fire safety industry, Spence has served on the FIA’s Extinguishing and Export Councils for over a decade.

He also sits on the British Standards Institution (BSI) FSH/2 Committee for Fire Extinguishers, contributing to the ongoing development of UK fire safety standards.

Earlier in 2025, he addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons to outline the industry’s challenges in achieving a smooth transition away from PFAS-based firefighting foams.

According to Britannia Fire, Spence’s re-election reflects his continued commitment to advancing quality, safety and environmental responsibility across the industry.

Focus on safety, innovation and sustainability

A strong advocate for sustainable practices, Spence has played a key role in driving forward improvements in extinguisher design and manufacturing processes.

He said: “It’s been a privilege to contribute to the fire safety industry over the years, so I’m immensely grateful to the FIA members for re-electing me to the board.

“It’s been a privilege to contribute to the fire safety industry over the years, so I’m immensely grateful to the FIA members for re-electing me to the board.

“A great deal of progress has been made in improving standards and embracing new technology but there’s still much to be done.

“I’m honoured to continue working with the FIA and its members so we can help to build a safer and more sustainable future together.”

OHEAP Fire and Security expands services with tailored kitchen suppression systems

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Bespoke kitchen suppression service launched by OHEAP

OHEAP Fire and Security has announced the launch of its new kitchen suppression service for commercial clients.

The company said the service provides bespoke system design, installation and maintenance for complete protection in professional kitchens.

It explained that the launch addresses growing fire risks in open-plan kitchens, particularly within restaurants and catering environments.

The company added that the new service reflects its continued goal to help businesses improve fire safety through tailored, end-to-end solutions.

Tailored protection for diverse kitchen environments

According to OHEAP Fire and Security, the service is designed for kitchens of all sizes and sectors.

Each installation begins with a detailed site assessment and risk analysis to ensure systems match the kitchen’s specific layout, ventilation and equipment.

The company said that accredited engineers manage every stage of consultation and installation to ensure each system detects and extinguishes fires at the source while limiting disruption.

This approach moves away from standardised systems, which the firm said often fail to provide full coverage in modern kitchen setups.

Three LPCB-approved suppression options available

OHEAP Fire and Security confirmed that customers can choose between three Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)-approved systems.

The available options include Ansul for high-heat environments, Ceasefire for modular or compact kitchens, and Amerex for cost-effective applications.

Each system is compliant with LPCB and BS EN 16282 standards, ensuring third-party certification and regulatory assurance.

The company stated that this flexibility allows clients to select the most appropriate solution based on kitchen size and operational needs.

Built on six decades of experience

OHEAP Fire and Security said the launch builds on more than 60 years of experience supporting clients across hospitality, healthcare, education and manufacturing.

Nicholas Heap, Managing Director of OHEAP Fire and Security, said: “Commercial kitchens are some of the most challenging environments to protect.

“Our goal is to make fire protection simple, compliant and tailored to our customers.

“The launch of our kitchen suppression service is part of our ongoing mission to keep businesses operating safely without compromise.”

The company added that its ongoing customer support includes maintenance, compliance guidance and staff training to promote proactive fire safety management.

Supporting safer commercial kitchens through education

OHEAP Fire and Security explained that the new service includes continued guidance and maintenance planning to help customers remain compliant.

It said that this support ensures that systems remain effective and aligned with regulatory standards over time.

The company added that education and training form a central part of its long-term approach to kitchen safety.

It said that this reinforces its view that lasting fire protection relies on collaboration between installers, engineers and kitchen operators.

Practical relevance for fire safety stakeholders

The introduction of OHEAP Fire and Security’s kitchen suppression service has direct implications for building services engineers, fire-protection contractors and facilities managers overseeing commercial kitchens.

For system installers and maintenance providers, the launch provides an expanded set of LPCB-approved options that align with BS EN 16282 compliance.

Procurement officers and risk assessors in hospitality and catering can use the service’s flexible design and system variety to match fire-suppression solutions with the specific layout and operational risks of their sites.

The inclusion of structured training and maintenance support also holds value for organisations responsible for ongoing compliance and audit readiness.

FIREMIKS system installed at Lamor recycling plant in Finland

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProjects

FIREMIKS installation at Finnish recycling plant

A Firemiks firefighting system has been installed at the Lamor Oy chemical and plastic recycling plant in Kilpilahti, Porvoo, Finland.

Firemiks AB announced that the site has been equipped with a FIREMIKS 6000-3-PP-F-ALU-DRV water-driven volumetric pump proportioner to support fire protection operations.

The facility is described as the first plant of its kind in Finland.

The system has been installed within a dedicated container at the site.

It provides a maximum flow capacity of 6,000 litres per minute and delivers a precise three percent dosing of fluorine-free foam concentrate.

Testing setup and project delivery

According to Firemiks AB, the installation also includes a Dosing Return Valve (DRV) and a complete Dosing Rate Test System with two independent flow meters.

This arrangement allows operators to carry out regular system testing without consuming foam concentrate.

It also removes the need to clean up dispersed foam after tests.

Firemiks said the configuration supports straightforward system verification and reduces operating costs and environmental impact over the lifetime of the installation.

The project was delivered in collaboration with Oy Veljekset Kulmala Ab, FIREMIKS’s sole distributor in Finland.