Global fire extinguishers market to reach $7.1bn by 2026

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The fire extinguisher market is set to reach US$7.1bn by 2026, according to a new study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA). The report, titled “Fire Extinguishers – Global Market Trajectory & Analytics, presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post Covid-19 marketplace.

Improving global GDP, resurgence in remodeling and renovation activity in developed economies, steady rise in new constructions in emerging markets, and stricter law enforcements are driving growth in the market.

Along with their expiration date, the existence of international, national, or local building regulations, laws, and codes implies that some of the fire extinguishers must be replaced annually, which generates enough demand to ensure the industry’s stability.

Additional opportunities generated by the demand for fire suppression technologies and other proactive fire management systems, hold potential for the industry’s growth. Although the construction industry remains the primary end-use sector for fire extinguishers, growth is forecast to improve from expanding applications in automobiles, military vehicles, and aircrafts. Growing emphasis on safety is fueling demand for automotive fire extinguishers and poised to benefit against this backdrop are small, portable and lightweight fire protection systems. The growing base of military vehicles, especially army ground combat vehicles, is forecast to benefit demand for fast-opening hand-held fire extinguishers (HFE) to safeguard against combat-induced fires.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the global market for Fire Extinguishers is estimated at $5.2bn in 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of $7.1bn by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% over the analysis period.

Dry Chemical & Dry Powder, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 7.4% CAGR to reach $5.1bn by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Carbon Dioxide segment is readjusted to a revised 9% CAGR for the next seven-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 14% share of the global Fire Extinguishers market.

Currently, the extensively used fire extinguisher type is the multiple use dry chemical, which is most efficient on class A, class B and class C fires. CO2 fire extinguishers, which can be deployed on Class A fires, put out fire by removing oxygen component from the fire triangle as well as eliminating the heat through an extremely cold release. These black colored fire extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $1.4bn in 2022, While China is Forecast to Reach $1.2bn by 2026
The Fire Extinguishers market in the U.S. is estimated at $1.4bn in the year 2022. The country currently accounts for a 27.9% share in the global market. China, the world’s second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of $1.2bn in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 9.2% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 5.3% and 7.5% respectively over the analysis period.

Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.5% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach $422m by the end of the analysis period. Market growth is primarily led by change in standard building codes and mandating necessary deployment of fire extinguishers coupled with strong construction sector in developing markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern European markets. Both China and India have been investing significantly in expanding their infrastructure in order to gain competitive advantage and support burgeoning economy and population. The recovery in the construction industry in the US, coupled with steady gains in construction spending in developing countries including BRICs and CIVETs, is expected to drive the demand for fire extinguishers in the next few years.

Meanwhile, the foam-based segment is set to Reach $658.5m by 2026. Foam-Based and Water-Based Extinguishers put out fire by eliminating the heat component from the fire triangle, while foam agents remove oxygen component from additional components.

Foam extinguishers are expensive, and suitable for diverse use except for Class C fires due to shock risk. There are Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) based and Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (ARAFFF) based extinguishers, known as Class A and B fire extinguishers for fighting chemical fires, which involve alcohol. In the global Foam-based segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 6.8% CAGR estimated for this segment.

These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of $355m will reach a projected size of $559.3m by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach $94.6m by the year 2026, while Latin America will expand at a 7.9% CAGR through the analysis period.

Fire breaks out at Ukrainian nuclear power plant

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A fire broke out at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; Europe’s largest, Ukrainian authorities have reported. The fire broke out after a period of shelling that took place throughout Thursday night.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no change in radiation levels, the situation is being closely monitored. IAEA, however, did put the Incident and Emergency Centre in full 24/7 response mode.

IAEA also announced that the fire at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had not affected “essential” equipment, as plant personnel took mitigatory actions.

Meanwhile a regional authority said on social media: “Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units.”

Fire brigades were allowed to enter the territory of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.

Ukraine has been under attack from Russian armed forces for little more than a week. Several key infrastructure and civilian facilities have been destroyed. The fighting has also left several parts of Ukraine under fire which the authorities have tried to get under control.

UK fire, construction, and energy consultancies to be brought under one roof

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Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer.

Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework.

The framework will cover all five LHC Group regions including Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) and South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and London and South East (LSE). However, housing consultancy services will be only for SPA, WPA and SWPA, owing to pre-existing frameworks already available for CPC and LSE areas.

CS1 brings together LHC’s existing Housing Construction Consultancy (H1 WS1), Energy Efficiency (N8C) and Fire Safety (FS1-C) frameworks under one umbrella to make it easier for contracting authorities to procure specialist consultants.

Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at LHC said: “We recognise the importance of making frameworks more accessible to regional suppliers and SMEs to give them more opportunity to work with public sector organisations – CS1 looks to achieve that.

“Bringing housing construction consultancy, fire safety and energy efficiency under one roof allows us to meet client needs for projects of all sizes, reflecting the current market. It also means we can streamline the procurement process while offering a wider variety of high-quality, pre-approved expertise across a wide range of public sector buildings”

Consultancies are encouraged to register interest for the framework, which will be opening for applications in early summer 2022.

LHC intends to hold further engagement webinars with interested parties in due course to discuss initial proposals and gain feedback, before finalising the framework and issuing the tender.

Fraudulent gas installer prosecuted for illegal gas work

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A gas installer has been fined after repeatedly carrying out gas work whilst falsely claiming to be gas safe registered.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how, between September 2016 and March 2018, Jordan Louis Hare carried out gas work at four domestic premises in Cardiff and Crosskeys, but did not hold the necessary registration to carry out this work. Mr Hare installed gas boilers along with other work at the premises in Cardiff and carried out modifications to gas pipework and installed a gas boiler and gas hob at the property in Crosskeys.


On inspection, works carried out by Mr Hare at all properties, were classed as ‘immediately dangerous’, ‘at risk’, ‘not to current standards’ or ‘building regulations non-compliant’ placing the occupants and other members of the public in significant danger due to the potential risk of gas escape, fire, and explosion.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the actions of Mr Hare were fraudulent and deliberate. Trading under various names, he pretended to be Gas Safe registered to convince vulnerable people to engage his services to undertake work that he was not competent to do.

Mr Jordan Hare of Foxberry Close, Pontprennau, Cardiff pleaded guilty to breaching four counts of regulation 3(1), 3(3) and 3 (7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 along with S22 of the Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974. He was given a 10 month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £5,000 and £125 compensation.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Gethyn Jones said: “Jordan Hare undertook gas work which he knew he was not registered to do. All gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life. Householders should check that the engineer carrying out gas work in their home is registered with Gas Safe.”

Gas price surge: OGUK highlights how the UK gets its gas supply

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The UK faces a sharp reminder of the need to maintain its own natural gas reserves with demand soaring due to low winds and an imminent cold snap – all coinciding with Europe-wide shortages caused by Russia cutting the gas it supplies to Germany. 

In the UK the weather conditions meant 62% of the nation’s electricity was being generated by gas in December, compared to a normal level of about 40%. This may increase as the weather bites. 

About 5% more was being generated by coal after some of the UK’s remaining coal-fired power stations had to be fired-up to fill the energy gap. Another 8% of the nation’s power was being imported, mostly from Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway, according to datafrom the National Grid. 

European gas prices had jumped more than 8% by in December. The prices were high enough to draw LNG cargoes back to northwest Europe: Asia has been competing fiercely for winter gas, as it has low storage capacity. 

In the UK homes, offices and shops accounted for about two thirds of demand while power generation and industry accounted for the other third as of midday December 20. 

This week’s surging UK reliance on gas is due to a combination of low winter temperatures and very low winds – linked to an area of high pressure due to remain over the UK until late Wednesday. 

Those conditions coincide with a sharp decline in supplies of Russian gas to Europe. Reuters reported on Sunday that deliveries to Germany through the Yamal-Europe pipeline had fallen from a long-term average of about a million cubic metres per hour to 35,000 cubic metres. 
 
A rapid rise in gas prices in Europe in 2021 has already caused power price rises, concerns about the knock-on effect on inflation and triggered the collapse of suppliers in Britain. 

Europe’s increasing reliance on Russian gas is prompting strategic concern.  On Monday the Financial Times published a letter from Paul Bledsoe, a former Clinton White House policy expert, pointing out that the EU now got 60% of its gas imports from Russia “directly funding President Putin’s regime.” 

The latest UK government trade figures show that the UK’s dependence on Russia is also increasing. In the year to the end of June this year, the UK spent £3.2 billion importing Russian oil and another £524 million on imported Russian gas. 
 
The UK’s offshore oil and gas industry is accelerating the greener technologies needed to achieve net zero, such as hydrogen, wind and carbon capture and storage. But this latest energy shortage shows that UK-sourced gas and oil remain critical to ensuring the UK’s lights don’t go out while those newer energies are scaled-up.  

Will Webster, OGUK’s Energy Policy Manager said: “The electricity powering people’s homes depends on 30-plus gas-fired power stations – they are the backbone of the UK’s power system. 

“This week we have a combination of cold weather, which is pushing up demand, but low winds. Gas provides the flexibility the system needs in these circumstances. 

“Our industry has risen to the challenge admirably, but it shows how the nation depends on a reliable supply of gas. The UK’s offshore industry still supplies about half the gas needed by the nation and that gives us extra energy security compared with many other nations. 

“There is currently no technology that can substitute for gas and provide us with the energy needed to generate electricity and heat our homes, so it is vital for the UK to maintain its own supplies and to invest in new technologies like carbon capture and storage.” 

​GAS FACTS – BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

Gas is crucial to UK homes and businesses. Over 22 million households are connected to the gas grid – meaning they have gas boilers for heating and usually hot water as well. In 2020, 38% of the UK’s gas demand was used for domestic heating, 29% for electricity generation and 11% for industrial and commercial use. 

How much gas do we use? In 2020 the UK consumed 74 billion cubic metres of gas – about 1,100 cubic metres of gas for each of the UK’s 65m citizens. 

Where does it come from? The North Sea, or UK Continental Shelf as it is more properly known, supplied all the UK’s gas needs till around 2004 but this proportion has been dwindling because older gas fields have become uneconomic and new ones have taken a long time to come on stream. Last year about 48% of UK gas came from the UKCS – and this is projected to keep declining at about 6% a year unless more fields are opened. Without additional investment, by 2025 domestic gas will only meet around one third of demand 

By 2027 less than a third of the gas consumed by the UK will be home-produced – unless new fields come on stream. That means the UK will be even more dependent on imports and volatile global markets – in a world where demand is surging. Norway is a key supplier of natural gas for the UK. In 2020 about 27 billion cubic metres of gas were imported from Norway by pipeline. Another 18 billion cubic metres were imported as liquefied natural gas of which 9bn cubic metres came from Qatar and 3bn from each of America and Russia. 

The MetCam optical gas detection camera by Draeger: Visualising invisible gas hazards

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The MetCam optical gas detection camera, now offered by Drӓger, automatically identifies and quantifies methane leaks even under challenging conditions. Potential hazards from escaping gases can thus be assessed more quickly and more precisely. Methane gas leaks are invisible, but even the smallest leaks can endanger the safety of an industrial plant and damage the environment.

In the oil and gas industry, there are often dense plant areas that are difficult to access with many potential leak sources. For such areas MetCam complements conventional point gas detection systems with area monitoring. “The MetCam automatically monitors the plant around the clock and detects gas leaks at an early stage,” explains John Wilson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Safety Solutions, Dräger.

Colored visualisation of the gas cloud

In contrast to point detectors, the gas source does not have to be in the immediate vicinity of the gas camera. Its field of view is already sufficient to detect the escaping gas. This means that detection is independent of wind or other influences. The gas cloud is visualised as a colored overlay on a black and white video image. In addition, the MetCam automatically quantifies the concentration of the escaping gas.

It can also be used to measure emissions, or as a surveillance camera with a color image. Self-calibration and automatic storage of measurement data The MetCam automatically detects when the optics are dirty or obscured and sends an appropriate warning to avoid false alarms. In addition, the MetCam carries out self-calibration at regular intervals in order to adapt to changing weather conditions. All events and measurement data are saved automatically.

Ministers in show of support for opening offshore oil and gas industry

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UK Government Ministers have shown support for the offshore oil and gas industry, attending a formal opening of its leading representative body’s new office in Aberdeen.

Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, and David Duguid, UK Government Minister for Scotland, today (9 August) attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for OGUK’s new office in Annan House, located near the Union Square development, as part of a day of visits to companies working in the sector.

The ceremony was followed by a discussion with industry leaders in which Ms Trevelyan reconfirmed her support for the North Sea Transition Deal, agreed between UK Government and industry in March.

The deal will unlock up to £16 billion of investment over the next decade in crucial low carbon solutions like carbon capture and hydrogen, secure up to 40,000 energy jobs in industrial heartlands across the UK and cut UK emissions by 60 million tonnes (the equivalent of taking 2.5 million cars off the road).

It will also ensure energy communities across the UK can successfully transition, retaining jobs and skills and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

OGUK CEO Deirdre Michie said: “We welcome the Ministers today and appreciate this show of support at such a pivotal time for our industry.

“This ceremony marks an era of transformation for our sector as we continue our recovery, working with the UK Government to implement the North Sea Transition Deal, a key catalyst for net zero and the Prime Minister’s ten-point-plan alike.

“We hope to build on this positive relationship with government in the coming years to realise the full potential of our changing sector, supporting jobs and the economy while playing a key role in delivering the government’s net zero targets.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “It was a privilege to officially open OGUK’s new office in Aberdeen today, and I look forward to continuing to work with the UK’s oil and gas sector to support them in the transition to a cleaner, greener energy future.

“Through our landmark North Sea Transition Deal, we are backing the decarbonisation of the oil and gas industry, while supporting workers both here in Scotland and across the UK, as we work to build back greener and eliminate our contribution to climate change.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid said: “It was great to meet representatives from OGUK and see the brilliant new offices at Annan House, marking another step forward in the North Sea Transition Deal.

“The North East of Scotland has a reputation for excellence in the oil and gas industry, and as we move towards a greener future, the UK Government is supporting the area to become a global centre of excellence in the energy transition.

“The Deal will safeguard and create highly-skilled jobs in the North East, boosting the economy while helping us realise our net zero ambitions.”

MSA Safety expands gas detection business with acquisition

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Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bacharach, Inc. and its affiliated companies (Bacharach) from FFL Partners, a San Francisco, California based private equity firm, in a transaction valued at $337 million.

Headquartered near Pittsburgh in New Kensington, Pa., Bacharach is a leader in gas detection technologies used in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) markets with annual revenue of approximately $70 million.  The company employs 200 people across four locations in the U.S., Canada and Ireland.

Founded in 1909, Bacharach’s advanced instrumentation technologies help protect lives and the environment, while also increasing operational efficiency for its diversified customer base.  The company’s portfolio of gas detection and analysis products are used to detect, measure and analyze leaks of various gases that are commonly found in both commercial and industrial settings.  Bacharach has strong expertise in the refrigerant leak detection market with customers in the HVAC-R, food retail, automotive, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and military markets.

“The acquisition of Bacharach accelerates our long-term growth strategy to expand our addressable market in applications that align with MSA’s mission and core technologies,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA Chairman, President and CEO.  “With a leading detection portfolio and strong brand, Bacharach provides access to attractive end markets while aligning exceptionally well with MSA’s product and manufacturing expertise.”  Mr. Vartanian added that MSA’s gas detection manufacturing Center of Excellence and Bacharach’s headquarters are both located in the greater Pittsburgh area.

MSA Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ken Krause will serve as the Executive Sponsor of the acquisition.  In this capacity, Mr. Krause will have oversight of the Bacharach integration process and work to ensure acquisition synergies are achieved.   

“The acquisition of Bacharach is an exciting opportunity to add further resilience in our gas detection portfolio,” Mr. Krause said.  “Bacharach’s end markets align with regulatory tailwinds that support growth through various economic cycles.  The company’s complementary technology and manufacturing processes also provide an opportunity to enhance productivity across a number of areas,” he said.

Mr. Krause added that the acquisition reflects MSA’s balanced approach for capital deployment.  “Growth continues to be the top priority in our capital allocation strategy. The strength of our balance sheet has positioned us very well to pursue organic and inorganic growth opportunities across our portfolio while funding an increasing dividend,” he said. 

Matthew Toone, Bacharach CEO commented, “MSA’s global reach will play a significant role in driving future growth for Bacharach.  With complementary technology, similar missions and a like-minded stance on sustainability and the environment, we see this acquisition as a great match for both Bacharach and for MSA.”

The detection brands of MSA, which include General Monitors, Senscient, Sierra Monitor, and now Bacharach, represent more than 325 combined years of gas detection innovation, with one common mission: protecting the health and safety of people and facility infrastructures around the world.

MSA is planning for adjusted earnings accretion of $0.10 – $0.15 per share in the second half of 2021 and $0.25 – $0.35 per share for the full year of 2022. MSA expects to use a combination of its senior revolving credit facility and long-term fixed rate debt to fund the transaction at closing. The acquisition is expected to add approximately one turn of leverage to MSA’s balance sheet. 

In connection with the acquisition, MSA amended and extended its credit facilities to increase borrowing capacity and provide enhanced flexibility. With these amendments, MSA’s senior revolving credit facility now includes a sustainability-linked pricing structure that is tied to the company’s performance on certain ESG metrics.

The transaction is expected to close in early July, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.