Texas gas detection partnership announced by Teledyne and Andon Specialties

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Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection has announced a Texas gas detection partnership with Andon Specialties to expand distribution and technical support for fixed gas detection solutions across the state’s oil and gas sector

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has announced a Texas gas detection partnership with Andon Specialties to expand access to its Teledyne Detcon fixed gas detection solutions across the state’s oil and gas sector.

Effective immediately, Andon Specialties will provide local sales and technical support for Teledyne Detcon’s fixed gas detection portfolio, helping operators protect personnel, assets and critical infrastructure in demanding industrial environments. The partnership combines Teledyne Detcon’s manufacturing and engineering expertise with Andon Specialties’ established customer relationships and technical support network throughout Texas.

Shannon Sanders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas at Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, said: “We are delighted to partner with Andon Specialties to strengthen our support for customers across the Texas market. By blending Teledyne Detcon’s proven fixed gas detection technologies with Andon’s extensive local knowledge and technical expertise, we are making it easier for operators to access dependable safety solutions backed by responsive service and application support.”

Teledyne Detcon has designed and manufactured industrial-grade gas detection systems for more than 40 years from its ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas. The site produces more than 15,000 gas detectors annually, supplying customers worldwide with US-manufactured gas detection solutions.

Together, Teledyne Detcon and Andon Specialties bring more than 70 years of combined experience serving the oil and gas industry. Through the partnership, the companies aim to help operators meet stringent safety requirements with local technical expertise and proven gas detection technologies.

Among the products available through the agreement is the GD10P infrared point gas detector, designed for combustible gas detection applications. The detector offers rapid response times, long-term stability and low maintenance requirements.

Kent Kesler, Vice President of Business Development at Andon Specialties, said: “We are pleased to partner with Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection to expand access to the Teledyne Detcon fixed gas detection portfolio across Texas. Together, we can provide customers with dependable safety solutions backed by responsive technical support and a shared commitment to protecting people, facilities, and operations.”

Fire safety: from a compliance obligation to a strategic enabler of autonomous buildings

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire EngineeringHealth and SafetyProjects

Susanne Seitz, CEO of Buildings Smart Infrastructure at Siemens , explains why digital, IoT-enabled fire safety systems are transforming fire protection

For decades, fire safety systems have been viewed primarily through the lens of compliance. Essential, yes – but rarely seen as a contributor to performance, resilience or sustainability. As buildings become smarter and more autonomous, that perspective needs to change.

Across industries, aging fire safety infrastructure often hides significant inefficiencies: high false alarm rates, disconnected systems, rising maintenance effort and limited ability to use data effectively. Facility teams spend up to 60% of their time validating false alarms rather than focusing on value-adding tasks.

In a world of tight budgets and skilled labor shortages, this is no longer sustainable. As energy systems evolve – for example, with the increased use of lithium-ion batteries in data centers – modern fire detection and protection become even more critical.

Modern, IoT-enabled fire safety systems fundamentally shift this reality. By embedding intelligence and connectivity, fire safety moves beyond an isolated layer to become an integral part of the digital building ecosystem.

This deeper integration allows fire safety data and events to inform and interact with other critical building systems – from triggering HVAC adjustments to contain smoke, to coordinating with access control for safe evacuation, or even informing building automation for optimized emergency responses.

The impact is tangible. Reactive maintenance becomes predictive planning. Periodic testing evolves into continuous, silent monitoring.

And with solutions like Building X Fire Apps, single-building oversight expands to portfolio-wide visibility, enabling consolidated management and insights across multiple sites.

This digital transformation also helps reduce false alarms by approximately 80%, significantly improving operational efficiency and occupant experience.

Digital fire safety also unlocks a new generation of services. Cloud connectivity, remote diagnostics, and advanced analytics allow technicians to arrive prepared, resolve issues faster, and reduce repeat visits – helping organizations cope with ongoing talent shortages.

At the same time, predictive insights enable smarter investment and data-driven lifecycle decisions.

Sustainability is another critical dimension. Targeted upgrades instead of full system replacements reduce electronic waste. Remote management lowers emissions by minimising the number of site visits. And advanced detection algorithms help avoid unnecessary emergency responses triggered by false alarms.

New technology is already beginning to deliver value across sectors. In healthcare, digital fire safety supports uptime and patient safety through data-driven operations. In higher education, it simplifies the management of complex campuses with diverse building types.

And in commercial real estate, it forms a foundation for more autonomous, scalable building operations.

The conclusion is clear: the question is no longer whether fire safety systems should be modernised, but how strategically can organisations approach it.

As we move toward autonomous buildings, fire safety must be digital-native, cybersecure and seamlessly integrated into the building’s intelligence layer. Those who rethink fire safety beyond compliance will unlock meaningful gains in operational performance, sustainability and long-term resilience.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn. The original article can be found here.

5 of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far

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2026 has already delivered no shortage of headlines in terms of fire safety news. As fire risks continue to evolve, so too does the industry’s response, with innovation, regulation and investment shaping the future of fire protection and life safety.

In this roundup, we look back at five of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far. These developments have captured the attention of fire safety professionals worldwide, influencing policy, operations and the technologies protecting people, property and critical infrastructure.

KiddeFenwal expands NATURA line with Micro fire protection for small assets

In January, KiddeFenwal launched NATURA Micro, a compact inert gas fire suppression system offered through its Kidde Fire Systems brand.

The system was introduced at Intersec in Dubai, which took place from 12 to 14 January. NATURA Micro forms part of the company’s inert gas systems portfolio and is intended to protect enclosed, small-sized assets.

Swiss ski resort fire at Le Constellation

January also saw a devastating fire break out at Le Constellation, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year celebrations in the early hours of 01/01/2026.

Police said the fire started at around 1:30am local time, when the basement bar was busy with revellers marking the turn of the year.

Click here for our coverage on timeline, casualties and investigation.

New Class L created specifically for lithium-ion battery fires

February kicked off with the launch of a new classification for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires. BSI confirmed the update reflects the growing use of Li-ion batteries across the built environment, from large energy storage systems to electric vehicles and personal mobility devices.

Fire safety news

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

Battery storage standard UL 9540A updated with large-scale fire testing

Standards and regulations were also on the mind in terms of fire safety news in March, with UL Standards & Solutions publishing the sixth edition of UL 9540A, adding large-scale fire testing requirements to the standard for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

The new edition was published on 13 March and is described it as a key standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), including lithium-ion systems.

Philippines launches Fire Prevention Month

Meanwhile, March saw the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially launch Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines with an assembly of more than 3,000 people and over 300 vehicles on March 1.

The Manila Bulletin reported that the event was led by BFP chief Director Jesus Fernandez.

The launch brought together BFP personnel, national government agencies, local and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, fire volunteers, fire brigades, private partners and non-government organisations.

PFAS-free fire extinguishers: future-proofing fire safety for sustainability and compliance

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire DetectionFire EngineeringHealth and SafetyProducts

Andy Spence of Britannia Fire explains how fire safety professionals can prepare for PFAS restrictions, reduce carbon emissions and improve whole-life value through PFAS-free technology, circular economy principles and sustainable procurement

The fire safety sector is entering a period of significant change. Growing environmental expectations, evolving regulations surrounding PFAS and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions are prompting organisations to reassess how fire protection products are specified, managed and maintained throughout their lifecycle.

At the same time, budget constraints and supply chain considerations are placing greater emphasis on long-term value rather than upfront cost alone. Future proofing requires organisations to anticipate regulatory change, reduce environmental impact and invest in solutions that deliver long-term operational and financial benefits.

From PFAS free technologies to circular economy principles, the decisions made today will shape both sustainability performance and future resilience.

PFAS regulations and the fire safety challenge

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever’ chemicals, have historically been used in firefighting foams and fire extinguishers because of their unique ability to rapidly suppress flammable liquid fires.

However, they are under intense scrutiny as they do not degrade easily in the environment and can lead to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, a higher risk of certain cancers and immune system suppression.

Across the European Union, regulations restricting PFAS in firefighting foams and extinguishers came into force on 23 October 2025, with a ban in most scenarios taking effect from 23 October 2030. The UK government is also taking this issue seriously.

Earlier this year the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its PFAS plan, which outlines key steps the government will take to understand, manage and reduce exposure to PFAS. Some action is already being taken, with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the agency which regulates chemicals placed on the market in Great Britain (GB), due to report back later this year on how PFAS should be phased out of firefighting foam in the UK.

The HSE is suggesting a staggered approach to phasing out PFAS in firefighting foam and extinguishers, depending on use and type. Looking at the proposed timescales for transition, it’s unlikely fire extinguishers containing PFAS would be phased out before 2031, but what we do know is that they will probably be the first to go – in part due to advances in technology and credible alternatives.

We are expecting the HSE to publish its final opinion later this year, with a decision on UK wide restrictions to follow soon after. As PFAS bans take effect across the EU and the

UK moves towards tighter regulation, those responsible for fire safety need to evaluate their existing assets, develop transition strategies for equipment containing PFAS, budget for replacement costs and manage the complex requirements associated with disposal and environmental compliance.

Transitioning to PFAS-free fire extinguishers and foams

We recognised the detrimental effects of PFAS some time ago and removed them from all our products in 2024. Since then, we have been at the forefront of shaping future fire safety regulation in the UK.

In June last year, I addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons, sharing our experience of phasing out PFAS with the aim of helping policymakers understand both the environmental urgency and the practical realities of a transition.

The emergence of high performing PFAS free solutions is helping to dispel the myth that switching to PFAS free is a compromise. Britannia’s lightweight, composite P50 fire extinguishers are a prime example of how the industry is evolving, combining proven fire suppression performance with PFAS free technology and a reduced environmental footprint.

They are tried and tested in the real world, meaning organisations can confidently transition away from PFAS while maintaining the levels of protection, reliability and compliance that modern fire safety demands.

Organisations need to start thinking about this now. They should review their stock to establish what needs replacing and put in place an action plan as part of their usual fire risk assessments and in accordance with their health and safety asset management plan.

If existing stock is nearing its end of life, has failed an inspection or Knowledge Partner additional units are required, make the switch and get ahead of the ban. Allow time for transition but don’t panic.

Use a reputable supplier that will support and provide advice throughout the process.

Circular economy principles for sustainable fire protection

Future-proofing fire safety requires organisations to look beyond the initial purchase cost and consider the entire lifecycle of their fire protection assets. Factors such as maintenance requirements, replacement frequency, waste generation and end-of-life disposal all contribute to the true environmental and financial cost of a product.

Adopting a lifecycle approach enables organisations to identify solutions that deliver long-term value, reduce resource consumption and minimise carbon emissions. In an era of increasing sustainability expectations, understanding the full lifecycle impact of fire safety equipment is becoming just as important as assessing its firefighting performance.

Composite fire extinguishers and long-life fire safety equipment

Traditionally, steel fire extinguishers have been the go-to solution for facilities managers and fire safety professionals, but they are prone to corrosion and therefore need servicing every year and often replacing every five years.

Composite fire extinguishers, however, are helping organisations to meet stringent waste and carbon reduction targets and simplifying fire safety. They’re made from a unique combination of durable plastic and aramid fibres, meaning they are strong, don’t corrode and therefore last 20 years.

They don’t require costly annual servicing, just simple, efficient in-house checks done as part of an organisation’s routine maintenance programme and a full refurbishment after 10 years.

They are also multipurpose, meaning organisations don’t need as many. Britannia’s composite P50 fire extinguishers are used worldwide and despite some claims to the contrary, they conform to all required regulations and standards, including BS EN3-7.

Delivering long-term cost savings Sustainable products like the P50 are well positioned to deliver long-term savings. High-quality, long-lasting equipment with reduced maintenance and replacement requirements lowers ongoing operational costs, while PFAS free solutions help organisations avoid future disposal expenses and compliance challenges associated with evolving regulations.

P50s are also multi-purpose, capable of tackling Class A and B fires as well as electrical fires, reducing the number of extinguishers needed and saving money.

By taking a whole-life cost approach, organisations can identify solutions that not only support sustainability objectives but also deliver measurable financial benefits over time.

Reducing carbon emissions across the fire safety lifecycle

Manufacturing, transportation, maintenance and end-of-life disposal all contribute to a product’s overall carbon footprint, making it important to look beyond operational performance alone.

By assessing lifecycle emissions rather than simply focusing on purchase price, organisations can identify opportunities to significantly reduce their environmental impact.

For example, selecting composite fire extinguishers that don’t require annual servicing reduces vehicle journeys and associated emissions, while products that don’t need frequently replacing, lowers the carbon costs linked to manufacturing and transportation.

They are also fully recyclable, with solar assisted, low energy manufacturing helping to minimise their carbon footprint. Choosing durable, reusable and recyclable fire safety equipment can therefore make a meaningful contribution to both carbon reduction targets and wider sustainability objectives.

Future-proofing fire safety with sustainable compliance strategies

Fire safety and sustainability are no longer separate considerations. By embracing PFAS-free technologies, lifecycle thinking and circular economy principles today, organisations can strengthen compliance, reduce costs and improve environmental performance. This will ensure that those organisations are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Wildfire risk warnings issued as third heatwave approaches

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionHealth and SafetyIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

The National Fire Chiefs Council is urging the public to take extra care as prolonged hot, dry weather raises wildfire risks across the UK

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued UK wildfire risk warnings as the country enters its third heatwave since late May, with fire chiefs urging the public to take extra care outdoors to help prevent fast-spreading fires.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C across many parts of the UK this week, with some areas expected to reach around 34°C. Although the current heatwave is not expected to match the extreme temperatures seen in late June, it is forecast to last longer, increasing the likelihood of vegetation drying out and creating conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread more rapidly.

According to National Resilience data, fire and rescue services in England and Wales attended 342 wildfires between 1 January and 6 July 2026, compared with 639 during the same period last year.

While the total number of incidents remains below last year’s level, the NFCC warned that sustained warm, dry conditions are steadily increasing the threat. Grass, crops, heathland and woodland are becoming progressively drier as warm days and nights prevent vegetation from recovering moisture, raising the potential for larger and more challenging wildfire incidents in the coming weeks.

Fire and rescue services have already responded to several wildfires across southern and eastern England in recent weeks, where extended periods of dry weather have left landscapes particularly vulnerable.

The NFCC said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, with discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues and litter among the most common ignition sources. The organisation is urging people to dispose of smoking materials responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside and take litter home to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The current conditions are also increasing the fire risk during agricultural activities, with dried crops and the start of the harvest season creating additional hazards. Farmers and contractors are being encouraged to exercise extra caution when operating machinery and to follow seasonal fire safety guidance.

Alongside the wildfire warning, the NFCC is reminding people of the dangers posed by inland water during hot weather. As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays, fire chiefs are urging families to avoid swimming in unsupervised rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and quarries, warning that cold water shock, hidden currents and submerged hazards can prove fatal despite high air temperatures.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire Deputy Lead and Lead Tactical Advisor, said: “Hot, dry weather can significantly increase wildfire risk, but most wildfires start because something provides the spark. Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

The NFCC is advising the public to avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorland, dispose of cigarettes and matches responsibly, follow local fire risk guidance and report any fires immediately by calling 999. The organisation is also encouraging people to choose supervised swimming locations, avoid entering open water after consuming alcohol and remember the “Phone, Float, Throw” and “Float to Live” water safety advice if an emergency occurs.

Construction site fire safety breaches fall but injuries remain high

by Breaking NewsConstructionHealth and Safety

Fire safety failures on construction sites across Great Britain fell by more than a third last year, but injury figures showed only marginal improvement, according to new data obtained from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Research by CE Safety, based on a Freedom of Information request to the HSE, found 361 recorded incidences of fire-related non-compliance on construction sites in 2024/25, down from 536 in 2023/24. The figures cover failures categorised as both “fire and explosion risk” and “general fire precautions.”

The fall represents a 37% year-on-year improvement in recorded fire safety failings. Enforcement action also reduced, with 50 notices issued by the HSE in 2024/25, compared with 92 the previous year.

However, the number of non-fatal injuries caused by exposure to fire or explosion remained broadly unchanged, falling from 15 in 2023/24 to 14 in 2024/25. The HSE figures also recorded two deaths following explosions on construction sites in 2024/25. The individuals were not workers, and no further details were provided.

In 2023/24, inspectors recorded 82 cases of non-compliance relating to fire and explosion risk and 454 relating to general fire precautions. In 2024/25, those figures fell to 48 and 313 respectively.

Of the 50 notices issued in 2024/25, 38 were improvement notices and 12 were immediate prohibition notices. In 2023/24, the HSE issued 63 improvement notices and 29 immediate prohibition notices.

The HSE enforces the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which apply to projects ranging from domestic renovations to major commercial developments. Sites become notifiable to the regulator when work is scheduled to last more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at any point, or when construction exceeds 500 person-days.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, dutyholders must manage fire risks throughout construction work, including hazards linked to hot works, live electrical systems, flammable substances and combustible materials.

The regional picture varied significantly. Looking at both categories of fire-related non-compliance in 2024/25, the South East recorded the highest number of breaches, with 61, followed by London with 57, Yorkshire with 41, the East with 40 and the North East with 35.

For fire and explosion risk alone, Scotland recorded the highest number of breaches in 2024/25, with 11. The South East followed with nine, ahead of the East and London, both on six, and the South West on five.

For general fire precautions, the South East again topped the list, with 52 breaches. London recorded 51, Yorkshire 37, and both the East and North East were among the areas with the highest levels of non-compliance.

CE Safety said the findings show that while standards appear to be improving, construction fire risks continue to require close attention from contractors, site managers and dutyholders.

“Guidelines in construction are in place for a reason,” said Gary Ellis, fire safety training specialist at CE Safety. “Hazards are endless and risks are ever-present, so it is a good thing that the HSE approaches fire safety violations seriously, because those who flout the rules are not, and this potentially comes with a high cost, either to buildings, projects or lives.

“The construction sector is a dynamic working environment, where continuous change is taking place and because of this, the fire risk is constantly evolving. Having strong fire safety principles in place, which are monitored and enforced on site, will reduce the risk of serious fires and explosion.”

Fire safety failures can lead to enforcement action, project delays, prosecution and significant financial penalties. One recent case saw a construction firm fined £165,000 after repeated failures during a warehouse renovation, including inadequate fire detection, poor planning and no effective means of raising the alarm.

CE Safety said basic controls remain central to compliance, including site-specific fire risk assessments, management of ignition sources, safe storage of flammable materials, suitable fire detection and alarm arrangements, firefighting equipment, clear escape routes, construction phase planning and fire awareness training for workers and visitors.

The company added that construction firms should follow HSE guidance in HSG 168: Fire Safety in Construction, as well as the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation, published by the Fire Protection Association and the Association of British Insurers.

London Fire Brigade urges water safety talks during Drowning Prevention Week

by Breaking NewsHealth and Safety

London Fire Brigade has urged parents, guardians and teachers to speak to children about the dangers of open water as Drowning Prevention Week begins and warmer weather returns across the capital.

The Brigade said its appeal follows a concerning number of accidental drownings across the UK during the recent heatwave, many of which involved children.

Although London did not record such incidents during that period, the deaths of a mother and son in the River Brent in April brought the number of accidental drownings attended by London Fire Brigade in the capital to 112 since 2020.

To support safety conversations at home and in schools, London Fire Brigade has launched an interactive water safety map showing where firefighters have attended water-related incidents.

The map includes more than 1,500 water-related incidents attended by the Brigade since 2020. Users can search for specific waterways, parks and other locations, filter incidents by year, and view hazards recorded at particular locations.

London Fire Brigade said it hopes the tool will help Londoners identify higher-risk areas and discuss the dangers of swimming in rivers, reservoirs, lakes and other open water.

The Brigade is also encouraging people to follow safety information displayed at waterways, including guidance on designated swimming areas, water quality and local risks.

As part of its prevention work, London Fire Brigade has written to schools across the capital asking them to share water safety messages with parents and carers.

Water safety education to be expanded in schools

The latest letter followed several accidental drownings across the UK during the recent heatwave and was signed by London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service Jules Pipe and Port of London Authority Chief Executive Robin Mortimer.

The Brigade is continuing to deliver water safety workshops to Year 2 and Year 5 pupils in primary schools across London through its Education Team.

From September 2026, water safety education will also be added to the secondary school curriculum in England as part of Relationships, Sex and Health Education. London Fire Brigade said it welcomed the move as an important step in embedding water safety education beyond primary school.

Hidden risks around open water

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pamela Oparaocha said warmer weather can make London’s waterways appear inviting, but warned that children and young people must understand the risks before heading out over the summer.

Oparaocha said: “With warmer weather on its way and a concerning number of accidental drownings involving children already in 2026, we’re asking parents, guardians and teachers for their support in ensuring that everyone stays safe around London’s many waterways.

“Our interactive water safety map is one way in which you can help children understand the risks around water and identify high-risk locations before they head out to enjoy the summer.

“We know that warmer weather can tempt children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.

“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges and sudden drops in depth — all of which could prove fatal.”

London Fire Brigade water safety advice

  • Dress your children in something bright or recognisable – it’s easier to keep an eye on them.
  • Only use inflatables in the pool – not at the beach or on open water where they can easily drift far away.
  • Empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used and turn them upside down.
  • Prevent access to pools or garden ponds by ensuring they have self-closing gates, secure fences, grilles and locks.

London Fire Brigade has issued the following advice for families around water:

  • Rather than struggling, ‘float to live’.
  • Tilt your head back with your ears submerged and gently move your hands to help you stay afloat.
  • Spread your arms and legs out – it’s OK if your legs sink.
  • Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

What to do if you get into trouble in water:

Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service Jules Pipe CBE said: “With temperatures set to rise, London’s rivers, lakes and ponds can look like a tempting option for many to cool off. But as we have tragically seen over the years, waterways and open water come with dangerous and in many cases hidden risks for all ages, but particularly young people.

“That’s why I am calling on parents, guardians and teachers to ensure they speak to children about water safety. To help with this, the London Fire Brigade have launched an interactive water safety map, which shows the locations where firefighters have previously attended water-related incidents. By using this map, you can keep your children away from water hazards.”

Fire and rescue leaders call for stronger leadership to tackle emerging risks

by Breaking NewsHealth and Safety

Fire and rescue leaders from across Europe have called for stronger strategic leadership and deeper cross-border cooperation to address an increasingly complex range of threats facing public safety services.

The call came during the 2026 Leadership Conference hosted by the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU) in Hannover on 3 and 4 June, where senior fire and rescue professionals gathered to discuss the future of leadership within Europe’s fire and civil protection sectors.

Following the event, the FEU issued a statement reaffirming the critical role that future-focused leadership will play in maintaining the resilience and effectiveness of fire and rescue services across Europe.

Delegates highlighted the growing range of challenges facing emergency services, including geopolitical instability, hybrid threats, climate-related emergencies, digital vulnerabilities and increasing public expectations.

According to the FEU, these evolving risks require leaders who can anticipate future challenges, think strategically and work effectively across national and organisational boundaries.

The conference placed particular emphasis on leadership development as a key component of long-term resilience, with the organisation highlighting the success of its Officer Development Program (ODP), launched five years ago to support the next generation of fire and rescue leaders.

The programme was established to strengthen strategic thinking, encourage international collaboration and provide emerging leaders with a European network capable of supporting cross-border cooperation during future emergencies.

Conference discussions also focused on the wider factors required to strengthen resilience across Europe’s emergency response systems. Delegates agreed that preparedness extends beyond operational capability and depends on effective governance, long-term planning and the ability to manage organisational change within public safety institutions.

The FEU said strengthening leadership capacity will be essential as fire and rescue services adapt to increasingly interconnected risks that frequently extend beyond national borders.

In its concluding statement, the organisation called for greater cooperation between European fire and civil protection agencies, alongside sustained investment in leadership development and strategic planning.

The FEU said safeguarding communities against future threats will require coordinated European action, stronger strategic alignment and a collective commitment to building resilience across borders.

The conference conclusions are expected to inform ongoing discussions among fire and rescue leaders as services across Europe continue to adapt to a rapidly changing risk landscape.

FIS launches e-learning module to support building regulation compliance

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementHealth and SafetyHospitalitySafety

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new e-learning module to help construction professionals understand and meet their responsibilities under the latest building regulations.

The competency-led course, ‘Building Regulation Compliance: Contractor Roles,’ provides practical guidance on compliance requirements and how they apply to contractors. It is aimed primarily at directors, managers and senior leaders, while also offering valuable insight for project teams and supervisors responsible for maintaining standards on site.

A key focus of the course is addressing the misconception that roles such as Principal Contractor and Contractor apply only to higher-risk buildings. These roles are mandatory across all regulated works, making a clear understanding of responsibilities essential for compliance.

According to FIS, the course explains these requirements in a straightforward, accessible way, helping contractors understand where they fit within the regulatory framework and what is expected of them.

Developed in collaboration with FIS members and industry experts, the module aims to simplify complex regulatory requirements and support organisations in embedding best practice.

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the new regulations and the building control process, while strengthening organisational competence and capability. The course also provides CPD points to support professional development.

The training forms part of FIS’s support of the sector through regulatory change, providing timely, practical training that reflects the realities faced by contractors.

FIS members can access the module free of charge through the FIS Academy while non-members can enrol for a fee.

FlamePro to provide life-saving kit to fire services

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyPPEProductsProjects

East Yorkshire-based firefighter PPE manufacturer FlamePro has been awarded a place on the UK’s National Firefighter PPE Framework, overseen by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), to supply life-saving kit to fire services.

FlamePro has been named on six lots within the framework, covering both its structural firefighter and lightweight firefighting PPE.

Tony Arnett, FlamePro’s Managing Director, said: “Our selection for this framework will widen our customer base in the UK significantly, and enable us to help more fire and rescue services protect their crews when called out on life-saving operations.”

The company’s structural firefighter kit is strong, but lightweight, and provides crews with maximum protection, while also ensuring comfort and fit, and is suitable for fire crews engaging in complex, lengthy search and rescue missions, as well as responding to road traffic accidents.

Through the framework, fire services can either purchase PPE or have a fully managed service for the term of the contract, with the latter seeing FlamePro also manage the cleaning and maintenance of clothing.

FlamePro has teamed up with workwear laundry service provider CLEAN to offer fire services a hassle-free, swift and efficient kit maintenance experience.

One of the reasons FlamePro was named on the framework was the company’s development of its comprehensive asset management app, FlamePro Central, which is said to enable fire services and other customers to track each individual piece of clothing and kit.

Kit will be provided with a built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, which ensures fire services have real-time visibility of the location of items of clothing and kit. For example, if kit is sent for cleaning, the fire service will receive notifications when individual garments are in transit, at the cleaning facility, and being returned.

Fire services will be able to use the app to check kit returns at the station after a callout, reducing the risk of items being lost or misplaced. It also means fire services have a complete record of how many times each piece of kit has been cleaned, so they know accurately when a garment has reached the end of its life.

The National Firefighter PPE Framework will run for eight years, with FlamePro selected for all six lots the business tendered for.