Blackpool Airport fire service appoints new Senior Airport Fire Officer

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Paul Lake brings more than 40 years of aviation firefighting and rescue experience to Blackpool Airport fire service

Blackpool Airport fire service has appointed Paul Lake as Senior Airport Fire Officer. Bringing more than 40 years of aviation firefighting and rescue experience, he joins the airport as it continues to support its long-term growth and operational resilience.

Blackpool Airport has appointed Paul Lake as its new Senior Airport Fire Officer (SAFO), bringing more than four decades of aviation fire and rescue experience gained across military, civilian and international airport operations.

Lake will lead the airport’s fire service, drawing on a career that has spanned operational leadership, firefighter training and international airport fire management in the UK and overseas.

He began his aviation firefighting career at Farnborough Airport before going on to hold senior operational and training roles at Boscombe Down, RAF Leeming, the International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) in Teesside, where he trained aviation firefighters from around the world, the International College of Engineering & Management in Oman and Falck Fire.

Most recently, he served as Chief Fire Officer at King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest airport by land area, leading a team of 150 firefighters across four fire stations.

Returning to the UK to join Blackpool Airport, Lake said: “After 40 years in the fire service I still love my job and I’m delighted to be back in the UK to take up the position of SAFO at Blackpool Airport.

“It’s an exciting time to join the airport and play a part in its growth masterplan. The team here is fantastic and it was great to see a few familiar faces from my time as an instructor in Teesside.”

Steve Peters, Airport Director, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to Blackpool Airport. His wealth of experience, leadership credentials and international expertise make him an outstanding addition to our team.

“As the airport continues to develop and grow, Paul’s knowledge and commitment will be invaluable in ensuring the highest standards of safety and resilience.”

The appointment reinforces Blackpool Airport’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while supporting its future growth and development plans.

Protective coating Interchar 1150 launched by International

by Breaking NewsConstructionProducts

International, AkzoNobel’s protective coatings brand, has launched Interchar 1150, for on-site structural steel application.

“Interchar 1150 is the latest waterborne intumescent passive fire protection from International,” said Ian Fletcher, Senior Product Manager at AkzoNobel. “The formulation has been optimised to deliver very low loadings, particularly for 4-sided beams and columns.

“Combined with faster dry times, it means structural steel coatings can be delivered much more quickly and at a lower cost, as well as delivering high standards of fire protection.” 

Interchar 1150 has been tested to EN13381-8:2013, and has a C-s1,d0 rating for fire reaction in accordance with EN13501-1:2018. It also has third-party certification from ITeC in Spain and holds both European Technical Assessment ETA 26/0098 and the CE Mark. 

Interchar 1150 is fully compatible with a range of International primers and topcoats, enabling it to fit into existing specification frameworks without any additional complexity, per the company’s release.

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.

Britannia Fire launches P50 Monnex fire extinguisher

by ActiveAviationBreaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentIndustrialProducts

Britannia Fire has added to its P50 composite fire extinguisher range with the introduction of Monnex, a specialist, high performance dry powder for high-risk industrial settings.

Monnex powder is non-conductive and rapidly extinguishes Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (flammable gas) fires. It works differently to standard dry powder, breaking into smaller particles in intense heat which increases its surface area and coverage to extinguish fires quickly and more efficiently.

Britannia Fire’s P50 Monnex fire extinguishers are designed for high-risk sites including petrochemical plants, airports, fuel depots, power stations and manufacturing facilities. They are also particularly suitable for isolated, offshore locations such as ships or oil and gas facilities.

All P50s are environmentally friendly and fully recyclable with a 20-year life span and a 10-year guarantee. Unlike traditional, metal fire extinguishers, they don’t require costly external annual servicing. Instead, simple checks can be carried out by a responsible person.

“High-risk industrial sites need fire protection that performs instantly and reliably in extreme conditions,” said Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire. “The launch of our P50 Monnex extinguisher gives operators a specialist solution that delivers rapid knock-down on flammable liquid and gas fires, while also reducing long term maintenance and environmental impact.”

A model certified to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) is also available, which includes the required Schrader valve for equipment used on ships, offshore platforms and marine installations.

“The MED approved P50 Monnex is ideal for offshore environments, where conditions are harsher and regulations are stricter,” added Spence. “The P50 doesn’t corrode like traditional metal extinguishers and is much more durable. It also doesn’t require annual servicing, something that’s historically been very difficult and costly in these hard-to-reach sites. The Schrader valve allows easy pressure checks and re-pressurisation.”

World Cup fire safety warning issued to licensed premises

by Breaking NewsPublic EventsSafety

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging licenced premises to review their fire safety arrangements as they prepare to welcome thousands of football supporters during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Responsibility for fire safety rests with the ‘responsible person’ – usually the employer or licence holder of the premises. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging all responsible persons to review and update their fire risk assessments before making any changes to their premises for showing World Cup matches.

“Any temporary changes made to a venue must be carefully considered from a fire safety perspective.” said West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Protection Dave Bray: “Whether it is installing large screens, putting up decorations and flags, creating additional viewing areas or increasing customer capacity, businesses have a legal duty to ensure these changes do not compromise the safety of their customers or staff.”

Temporary alterations can affect occupancy levels, escape routes, evacuation procedures and access to firefighting equipment. The responsible person must ensure that fire safety remains a key consideration throughout the planning and delivery of tournament-related events.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is advising businesses to:

  • Review and update fire risk assessments to reflect any temporary changes.
  • Ensure all emergency exits, escape routes and fire doors remain serviceable unobstructed and available for immediate use.
  • Avoid positioning screens, furniture, staging or temporary structures where they could hinder evacuation.
  • Check that temporary electrical installations are safe, suitable and do not overload existing electrical systems.
  • Use appropriate fire-retardant materials for decorations and displays.
  • Review occupancy levels and implement suitable crowd management measures.
  • Ensure staff are fully trained and understand emergency procedures and their roles in the event of an evacuation.
  • Maintain clear access to firefighting equipment and fire alarm call points.

The Service says that fire safety officers and operational crews may conduct inspections before and during the World Cup tournament period to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and to provide advice where required.

Calls grow for wider hotel fire safety reforms as Scotland introduces new sprinkler rules

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionHospitality

New hotel fire safety regulations for historic building conversions spark debate over sprinkler requirements across the wider hospitality sector

The introduction of mandatory sprinkler systems in historic hotel conversions across Scotland has prompted fresh calls for wider hotel fire safety reforms, with industry figures questioning why the new requirements do not extend to all hotels.

The regulations, which came into force on April 6, require sprinkler systems to be installed in traditional buildings converted for hotel use. The move follows a series of fatal hotel fires and represents one of the most significant changes to hotel fire safety requirements in Scotland in recent years.

However, fire safety advocates argue the legislation has also highlighted a broader issue: while some converted historic hotels must now install sprinklers, there remains no general requirement for sprinkler systems in many modern, purpose-built hotels.

The changes stem from recommendations made following the fatal fire at Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond in 2017, which claimed two lives and prompted a major review of hotel fire safety standards. The tragedy exposed weaknesses in fire protection arrangements and led to calls for stronger suppression measures in buildings used to accommodate sleeping guests.

While the new rules have been welcomed as a positive step, attention has now turned to evidence suggesting fire risks are not confined to historic buildings.

Analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government as part of its review of sprinkler requirements found that hotels built using non-traditional construction methods experienced a higher frequency of fire incidents and greater levels of physical fire damage than traditional converted properties during the period studied.

The findings have prompted questions over whether future fire safety reforms should consider a wider range of hotel types rather than focusing solely on historic conversions.

The debate comes against a backdrop of continuing concern over hotel fire incidents across Great Britain. More than 400 hotel fires are recorded annually, according to industry figures, equating to more than one fire every day across a hotel stock of around 9,500 properties.

Advocates of wider sprinkler adoption argue that while the latest regulations address a specific area of risk, they do not resolve concerns about fire protection standards across the wider hospitality sector.

The issue has remained in the spotlight following the fatal fire at the New County Hotel in Perth in 2023, which claimed three lives and renewed scrutiny of fire safety arrangements in hotels.

Industry campaigners say Scotland has taken an important step by introducing mandatory sprinklers for historic hotel conversions, but believe the evidence supporting sprinkler protection should continue to be examined across all forms of hotel accommodation.

As the new regulations begin to take effect, attention is likely to focus on whether policymakers are prepared to consider further reforms aimed at expanding sprinkler requirements beyond traditional buildings.

The debate is expected to continue as fire safety professionals, hotel operators and government officials assess the impact of the new rules and the broader implications for guest safety across Scotland’s hospitality sector.

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.

Wildfire danger awareness raised in NFFF video

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeopleSafetyVideoWildland Fire

With a growing need for education and awareness surrounding wildfires, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has released a Safety INSight video designed to educate both the fire service and the public on these fires.

“Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more destructive, which makes this a critical time for education.” Said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “We’re proud to bring more attention to the issue by highlighting the advancements being made in wildfire safety while also giving people practical information on how they can better protect their homes and communities.”

The video is said to explain what areas are considered Wild-Urban Interface fires and provides historical context around some of the deadliest and most destructive events in U.S. history.

Also in the video, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) representatives discuss the organisation’s research and testing facilities that recreate real-world scenarios. This work is claimed to help identify vulnerabilities in homes and communities while developing practical solutions that can reduce wildfire risk.

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.

Is the safety of fire suppression systems considered in BESS hazards?

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionFire SuppressionHealth and SafetyIFSJ ExclusivesUtilitiesWarehouse

In today’s era of large-scale energy storage deployment, fire safety is no longer simply a matter of “whether a fire can be extinguished.” When a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, it releases large quantities of flammable gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.

When these gases mix with air and accumulate within confined spaces such as BESS containers, they can reach explosive limits. Once that happens, any ignition source can trigger a violent explosion.

However, one risk that has long been overlooked is that the fire suppression product itself can become the ignition source for an explosion.

Conventional fire suppression systems can become ignition sources

Conventional fire suppression systems—such as gas systems, CO₂ extinguishers and FK-5112 systems—typically contain high-pressure vessels, solenoid actuators and electrical tubing.

In the event of flammable gas accumulation inside an energy storage enclosure, if these devices activate or malfunction, their internal electrical contacts, motor operation and high-pressure discharge can generate electrical arcs, high temperatures or mechanical sparks—potentially igniting the surrounding flammable gas atmosphere.

In other words, a fire suppression system without explosion-proof design can be more dangerous in an energy storage explosion scenario than the fire itself.

Are aerosol fire suppression systems suitable for hazardous BESS environments?

Aerosol fire suppression systems have become one of the commonly used fire protection solutions in BESS due to their non-pressurised design, simple installation and maintenance and environmental benefits. So, the question is: how do aerosol units perform in potentially explosive atmospheres?

If we look at the design standards for aerosol systems, not all aerosol products are automatically suitable for use in hazardous explosive areas:

EN 15276-2:2019—Fixed firefighting systems—Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems—Part 2: Design, installation and maintenance—Clause 4.3 explicitly states: Where aerosol generators are used in potentially explosive atmosphere, the compatibility of the generator to the atmosphere for the determined lifetime should be assessed according to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU[5].

ISO 15779:2011—Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems—Requirements and test methods for components and system design, installation and maintenance —General requirements—Clause 4.6 similarly states: Under certain conditions, the potential for explosive atmospheres may exist. Areas where such potential may exist are classified as hazardous. Condensed aerosols may be used in hazardous areas subject to the manufacturer obtaining the specific listings and approvals for such areas from the appropriate authorities.

Only when an aerosol unit has obtained the necessary approval for use in explosive atmospheres can it be installed in BESS. This is likely a design requirement that has been overlooked within the industry.

Explosion-proof fire suppression design is becoming critical for energy storage safety

Energy storage safety is a complete, multi-layered defense: it requires preventing thermal runaway, controlling flammable gas accumulation and—most critically—ensuring that the fire suppression equipment that activates under accident conditions is itself safe and reliable.

With their non-pressurised design, arc-free operation and modular construction, aerosol fire suppression systems—after obtaining explosion-proof certification—are a fire protection solution worth prioritising in energy storage applications.

Energy storage safety is no longer just about “whether the fire can be put out.” Under the most severe accident conditions, whether the fire suppression product itself remains safe and operational is what designers should consider most. An effective system design is one that strictly follows the fire suppression system’s design standards.