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.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety appoints President of Commercial Services

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Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has appointed Peter Robbins as President of Commercial Services, a newly created leadership role that will oversee the company’s acquisition activities, commercial strategy and growth initiatives across the United States.

Reporting to CEO Bart Proctor, Robbins will lead efforts to guide Pye-Barker’s acquisition strategy while helping evaluate, integrate and grow acquired businesses. The company has completed more than 200 acquisitions as part of its expansion strategy.

Robbins joins Pye-Barker from Baird, where he served as Managing Director in the Global Technology and Services Investment Banking Group. There, he jointly led the firm’s coverage of Facility, Industrial, Residential & Environmental (FIRE) services and advised on dozens of transactions across the fire and life safety sector.

His experience provides extensive knowledge of the industry’s operators, business models and market dynamics. Robbins is also a long-time advocate of Ownership Works, the non-profit organisation that partnered with Pye-Barker to establish its ALL In ownership programme, which provides employees with opportunities to build wealth through ownership.

Commenting on his appointment, Robbins said: “Pye-Barker is one of the few companies I’ve seen scale this quickly without losing what made it worth scaling in the first place. The operational rigor, the culture, the ownership — what this team has built is truly special, and I look forward to being part of its continued growth.”

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, added: “Peter has sat across the table from us, from our competitors, and from dozens of the businesses we’ve acquired. He understands this industry as well as anyone, but it was his commitment to the people that make this company great that truly stood out to me.

“Our growth, while rapid, is also very intentional. Peter’s growth philosophy matches ours perfectly, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together.”

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is one of the largest providers of fully integrated fire protection, life safety and security services in the US. The company operates more than 250 locations nationwide, employs over 9,000 people and has been recognised as a Great Place to Work Certified organisation. It is also included in the Inc. 5000 list and ranked fourth in the SDM 100

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.

Britannia Fire appoints Matt Humby as expansion drives next phase of growth

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Britannia Fire appoints Matt Humby as Head of Client Support and Development as the manufacturer enters its next phase of growth

UK-based company Britannia Fire has appointed Matt Humby as Head of Client Support and Development.

Describing Humby as “highly-regarded in the fire safety sector”, Britannia said he brings more than 25 years of industry experience and a strong track record in technical engagement, customer relationships and helping organisations respond to evolving fire safety challenges.

In his new role, Matt will focus on strengthening customer support, training and engagement, and contributing to future business development initiatives across the organisation. 

Commenting on his appointment, Humby said: “I am incredibly excited about my next chapter with Britannia Fire. I’m looking forward to becoming part of a fantastic team, supporting customers and continuing to contribute to an industry I am passionate about.”

Managing Director Andy Spence added: “This is an exciting time to welcome Matt to our team.  As we continue to grow, we’re investing not only in manufacturing capacity but also in strengthening the support, education and training we provide to our customers and partners. 

“Matt’s experience in technical engagement and customer development will help us expand our existing training programmes and create broader learning opportunities across the sector.

“Alongside this, our investment in facilities and production capacity ensures we are well placed to meet increasing demand for the P50 range.”

Britannia, which manufactures fire extinguishers, said the appointment comes as it enters its next phase of growth following investment in its facilities and manufacturing capacity.

As well as the expansion of its headquarters in Ashwellthorpe in Norfolk, the company recently opened a 350m2 administration centre.

It has also installed a second winding machine worth more than £300,000, which is used to attach super-strength aramid fibre to its P50 fire extinguisher cylinders.

Britannia said the investment will double production capacity for the P50 composite range, enabling the company to meet growing demand.

For further information on Britannia Fire, please visit www.britannia-fire.co.uk.

Ghent University student wins Ragnar Wighus Award

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Ragnar Wighus Award recognises Ghent University master’s graduate Mohsen Morshedi for his award-winning water mist research

A Ghent University graduate has been announced as the winner of the Ragnar Wighus Award. Mohsen Morshedi will present his master thesis at the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC2026) in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026. 

The title of the winning thesis is “Numerical Simulation of dense Water Mist Sprays in ‘cold’ Conditions with an Emphasis on Multi-Droplet Aerodynamics Interaction”. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Tarek Beji and Prof. Dr. Tom de Mulder. 

On receiving the news, Mohsen Morshedi said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award this year. It is a privilege to be recognised among such inspiring professionals, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have received along the way.” 

The sponsor of the award is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). The committee that evaluates the submissions is the IWMA Scientific Council under the chairmanship of Kemal Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). 

In 2027, The Ragnar Wighus Award will go to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis. Deadline to hand in submissions is 31st March 2027. The terms under which to apply will be published towards in November. 

IFE celebrates women in fire engineering for INWED 2026

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The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has launched a week-long campaign to celebrate women working across the fire engineering profession as part of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026.

Running from 21-28 June, the campaign highlights female fire engineers from across the IFE’s global membership community, recognising their expertise, leadership and innovation in helping to create a safer built environment.

International Women in Engineering Day, held annually on 23 June, celebrates the achievements of women engineers around the world. The 2026 theme, Engineering Intelligence, focuses on the expertise, judgement and leadership women bring to engineering across every sector.

Throughout the week, the IFE will share member stories from women working in different countries, career stages and professional specialisms. The spotlights will explore how females are advancing fire safety, supporting professional standards and inspiring future generations of fire engineers.

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

The IFE, which represents more than 15,000 members globally, said the campaign reflects its commitment to supporting greater diversity across the fire sector. Women from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and South Africa will feature during the campaign.

Professionals are also being encouraged to join the IFE Women’s Networking Group, which provides a supportive community for females across the fire sector to connect, share experiences, develop professionally and help inspire the next generation.

The IFE said the campaign aims to highlight the expertise strengthening fire safety today while encouraging the females who will help shape the sector in the future.

New Korean Fire Protection Association Chief shifts focus from response to prevention

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The newly appointed chairman of the Korean Fire Protection Association, Kim Ki-hwan, has pledged to shift the organisation’s focus from post-accident response to proactive risk management and prevention.

Speaking at his inauguration ceremony on Monday, Kim said: “Our mission is to identify risks before they materialize, prevent accidents and help build a safer society.

“Over the past 53 years, the association has helped shape Korea’s history of risk management and disaster prevention. The expertise, experience and data we have accumulated over these decades are valuable assets that only few organisations can match.”

Kim pointed to growing challenges posed by climate-related disasters, electric vehicles, energy storage systems and data centres, saying rapid technological change is creating new demands for risk management.

The chairman also emphasised the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in strengthening disaster prevention capabilities, pledging to transform the association into an AI- and data-driven risk management organisation.

Kim said the association would seek to expand its expertise in risk assessment and prevention, while strengthening cooperation with leading international institutions.

Kim previously served as CEO of KB Insurance and held several senior positions at KB Financial Group and KB Kookmin Bank, including chief risk officer and chief financial officer.

Founded in 1973, the Korean Fire Protection Association conducts fire safety inspections of large-scale commercial and industrial buildings and engages in a wide range of activities, including research into disaster prevention technologies, training programs and fire investigations.

The association has played a key role in advancing fire safety standards and risk management practices in Korea.

Northern Ireland emergency services thanked for response to recent disorder

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Secretary of State Hilary Benn, recently met with Firefighters and other emergency service responders at Central Fire Station in Belfast, to thank them for their extraordinary response to recent disorder across Northern Ireland.

During the visit, Firefighters shared their experiences of protecting the community and responding to incidents during the challenging period last week.

Mr Benn praised the commitment of crews who continued to serve across Northern Ireland under challenging and difficult circumstances and acknowledged the vital role they all play in keeping people safe.

Wildfire danger awareness raised in NFFF video

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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.

Newcastle Airport promotes three firefighters

by People

Newcastle Airport has announced the promotion of three Firefighters in recognition of their outstanding commitment, professionalism and leadership. 

Promotions

Callum Davison has been appointed Fire Station Manager, Owen Reed has been promoted to Watch Manager and Chris Brennan has stepped into the role of Crew Manager within the Airport’s Rescue and Firefighting Service. 

The Airport operates its own fire service, with over 40 firefighters working on rotation to provide 24/7 cover. The team is on hand to respond to incidents and carries out safety inspections to keep flights and the Airport operating safely. 

Bringing a combined 33 years of experience to the team, Davison, Reed and Brennan each play key roles in supporting operational activity and help to train colleagues. 

Charity support

Beyond their operational duties, Davison and Reed recently joined colleagues from the Airport’s fire service and the on-site Training Academy to take on the mammoth challenge of climbing Scafell Pike – England’s tallest mountain – while wearing full fire kit and breathing apparatus. 

The company said that the team raised an impressive £2,344 for True Colours Theatre, the Airport’s official charity partner. 

“A vital role”

Davison said: “I’m incredibly proud to be promoted to Station Manager at Newcastle Airport’s Rescue and Firefighting Service. 

“Working at the Airport has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and progress through the ranks, and there’s no greater feeling than knowing our team plays a vital role in helping to keep colleagues and passengers safe.” 

“A big milestone”

Reed added: “Becoming Watch Manager is a big milestone for me. Working for the Rescue and Firefighting Service is very rewarding and it’s a fantastic place to build a career.” 

“The next step”

Brennan said: “I’m delighted to be promoted to Crew Manager. 

“It’s a great opportunity to take the next step in my career and I look forward to continuing to support the team and delivering the high safety standards our passengers and colleagues expect.” 

“Exceptional commitment, professionalism and leadership”

Paul Farmer, Director of Operations at Newcastle Airport, said: “Callum, Owen and Chris have each demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism and leadership throughout their time with our Rescue and Firefighting Service. 

“Their promotions show how Newcastle Airport invests in its people and provides clear pathways for development and progression and I would like to congratulate all three on their well-deserved appointments,” Farmer concluded.