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.
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.
Quelfire shares expert insights into the key lessons from Gateway 2, highlighting common compliance challenges and how construction teams can prepare for Gateway 3
In many ways, Gateway 2 has become the new normal. It’s already changing the industry for the better, especially for teams that genuinely want to get things right. That said, the industry isn’t fully there yet.
Some still hold the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way” and approach the Gateway regime as something they have to do, rather than as something that can make a real difference in how we design and construct buildings.
From our perspective at Quelfire, it’s a much-needed change that is pushing the industry toward better decisions and safer buildings – which can only be good things, surely? In early applications, Ishfaq was surprised by the disconnect between the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) teams and the construction industry.
He highlighted that there seemed to be no established process; some BSR teams used staged applications, while others required full submissions.
Some submissions completed in early Stages 3/4 with no contractor details were approved in 12 weeks, whereas other T1 contractors, for instance, provided thorough information on specific parts of the build and waited about 9 months for approval.
Ultimately, this suggests that the BSR was still very much working out its processes during this stage. Because the introduction of the Gateways was such a significant change for the industry, the focus has naturally been on the first stop-and-go gateway, Gateway 2.
However, as the built environment transitions beyond this, the next unknown is Gateway 3, which introduces a new level of uncertainty. Ishfaq raised concerns about potential delays from Gateway 3, especially given the delays experienced with the second Gateway.
He believes it hasn’t been “road tested enough yet” to know what it will entail; the industry is still waiting for feedback.
Where are construction projects still falling short at Gateway 2?
Typically, R5 Consultants will distribute their project schedule to key parties, ready for submission at Gateway 2.
However, upon receiving the completed schedule, the team often finds gaps in expectations and information, with each party often having different ideas about elements of the project.
Ishfaq said, “The challenge with firestopping is that it’s one of the few elements of construction that is genuinely collaborative. The architect will set their position of all these walls, the structural engineer will dictate what size the openings and letterboxes can be and then the M&E engineer needs to tell you what is actually passing through and where and then you can come to a resolution on what the firestopping needs to be.” What Ishfaq and his team are finding is that they’re getting pushback from consultants due to tight deadlines and rising costs, because they haven’t given enough time to Gateway requirements.
Furthermore, Whitty argued that contractors “can’t play the system anymore” and that part of the Gateway regime is about making concrete decisions and following them through on-site.
He said that hidden costs, along with having to redesign a project two or three times, slow development and cost a lot of money to resolve.
What does good Gateway 2 compliance actually look like?
The whole reason for the Building Safety Act 2022 and subsequent Gateways is to improve building safety and protect those in them. Early fire stopping engagement is the only way to ensure this, as it brings all key parties together at the design stage to discuss key deliverables and how they’ll be achieved.
It puts fire safety at the heart of every decision, ensuring the project is designed and then built around available fire stopping tested solutions. Ishfaq said that when looking at the mechanics of what you’re going to submit, it is about design procurement alongside product and system procurement.
If contractors review the information and decide on deliverables, a systematic approach can be taken to articulate it to the regulator.
Further to this, Whitty stated that main contractors need to be clear about and commit to products and systems they want to see in the building. He also raised that you’ve got to make it easy for the regulator to say yes.
You’re taking the BSR on a journey – give examples, show the rationale behind the decisions. This also includes being in dialogue with your regulator spokesperson and finding out what’s required of you: ask the questions.
All panellists agreed that it is better for project teams to take their time at the design stage and focus on getting it right the first time. Multiple redesigns cost time and money, add project pressure and stress and ultimately slow the whole project down.
You might discover that the BSR will ask for additional information after submission. By putting in the effort beforehand, you give yourself an advantage.
Thorough design may take time upfront, but it pays off in the long run for business security and profitability. Not to mention it prioritises building safety!
How can construction teams start preparing for Gateway 3 now?
Both Whitty and Ishfaq agreed that contractors need to improve their QA process. Whitty also went on to say that it’s about the execution of what you set out to do. It’s about evidencing that what you have installed is as per what you submitted at Gateway 2.
You can’t leave it to the last minute to prove how your piling went in, for example, you’ve got to be thinking about all of these things from the get-go.
Ultimately, no one knows what Gateway 3 will fully entail, so if you’re not preparing for it, start now. Willmott Dixon is preparing for Gateway 3 by enhancing its pre-start procedures, working through key deliverables before construction even begins.
The team goes through what they are building, what they will be evidencing and how often and what good looks like. Whitty stated that having these early on-site conversations has been driving value in production and efficiency and that there is generally less conflict on site.
By working closely with supply chain partners, behaviours become apparent. Their willingness to collaborate, but also how they plan, prepare and deliver to make Gateway 3 more achievable.
Are construction projects ready for Gateway 3?
While the built environment’s focus has been on Gateway 2, it highlights one question: Are we ready for what comes next? Gateway 3 is currently the big unknown. The unknown can be scary, but especially for those unprepared.
“We’ll deal with it later” can no longer be an option, as evidence is crucial to demonstrating that what is built is what was designed for Gateway 2. That means thinking ahead now and applying all practices across all projects.
Because, at the end of the day, this is about whole building safety and protecting lives. And sticking to the agreed plan.
This article is based on Quelfire’s London Build 2025 panel discussion, titled Gateway 2: What We Know Now. Craig Wells, Sales Director at Quelfire, was joined by Graeme Whitty, National Product Director at Willmott Dixon and Nasar Ishfaq, Director, Architect and Principal Designer at R5 Consultants, to discuss Gateway 2 and what they have learned since its introduction. However, this article touches on why you should look beyond Gateway 2 to Gateway 3. It also explains how to prepare for it.
Product development in today’s built environment is accelerating. Manufacturers must address evolving project needs, support complex designs, and deliver solutions quickly. However, in life safety categories, speed must not compromise confidence, compliance, or performance.
At Siderise®, innovation in passive fire protection is grounded in practice. Each solution is validated through rigorous testing, certification, auditing, and quality control to ensure safer construction in real-world applications.
Why certification matters in life safety applications
This commitment was recently emphasized by Sreenivas Narayanan, Global Partnerships Director at Siderise, who collaborates with UL Solutions to efficiently bring passive fire protection products to market while meeting safety requirements.
He states, “UL Certification has been more than just a compliance step for us; it’s been a key enabler in building credibility across markets where trust and performance matter most. As we expand globally, having a recognized and robust framework helps align stakeholders from consultants to contractors around proven solutions.”
In passive fire protection, all stakeholders require assurance that products have been independently evaluated and meet safety standards. UL Solutions supports manufacturers by testing and certifying products to requirements.
The UL Mark demonstrates compliance and builds credibility. Siderise works with UL Solutions to test and certify products for curtain wall, facade, and perimeter barrier applications, including firestops, spandrel insulation, and barrier systems. Products like the Siderise CW-FS Firestop hold cUL-US and UL-EU certifications, confirming their suitability for demanding conditions.
Why third-party certification matters
These certifications reassure project teams by confirming that Siderise solutions have been independently assessed for fire resistance and safety. UL’s third-party certification extends beyond product testing to include audits of raw materials, batch traceability, process controls, and quality management, ensuring consistency from development to production.
With evolving codes and compliance requirements, manufacturers also need technical guidance from experienced engineers who understand relevant standards, their impact on product development, and how to navigate the certification process effectively.
UL Solutions provided this support to Siderise, identifying relevant standards, evaluating testing pathways, and guiding Siderise through complex requirements. This involvement enabled informed decisions, reduced delays, and supported product development.
Flexible support for product development
Because delays in testing or certification may impact product launches, customer commitments, and market opportunities, UL Solutions supports progress at key stages.
With regional labs, local teams, and flexible testing options, they improved communication, streamlined coordination, and enabled more efficient timelines. Witness testing at third-party labs or customer sites also helps manage costs and accelerate time-to-market while maintaining compliance.
For Siderise, this flexibility enabled ongoing product development without compromising the safety, quality, or standards essential to passive fire protection.
As building design advances, the demand for tested and certified passive fire protection solutions increases. Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products meet modern safety and compliance standards. Through collaboration with UL Solutions, Siderise combines innovation with independent validation
In life safety, speed is important, but advancing with confidence is essential. For moreinformation, please contact Siderise USA:
RECOM Fire Solutions has opened a new distribution hub at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester
RECOM Fire Solutions has opened a new north west distribution hub in Greater Manchester as part of a six-figure investment to strengthen the operational capacity of its specialist passive fire protection division.
The new 2,500 sq m (27,000 sq ft) warehouse and office facility at Trafford Park will support the company’s continued growth by increasing storage capacity, improving logistics and enhancing stock management. The investment also includes an expanded vehicle fleet.
The division delivers passive fire protection works in live environments for clients across the education, healthcare, residential, defence and facilities management sectors.
According to the company, several smaller facilities in the north west have been consolidated into the single Trafford Park site, creating a centralised operation designed to improve efficiency and streamline deliveries.
The hub, located on the Westbrook Estate, is also expected to reduce the number of journeys required to support projects, contributing to the company’s efforts to lower its carbon footprint.
The investment follows the opening earlier this year of a new RECOM Fire Solutions base at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, which supports projects across the Midlands, the M6 corridor and into the south west.
Sarah Leadbetter, head of RECOM Fire Solutions, said: “The opening of our new north west distribution hub is a major milestone for RECOM Fire Solutions. It creates greater efficiency through a centralised location, increases storage capacity and improves stock management.
“Trafford Park is an ideal location, as it’s highly accessible and close to our group headquarters in Salford Quays. It provides us with a strong base for our next phase of expansion and will contribute to reducing our carbon footprint as a business.”
The Trafford Park building is owned and managed by Indurent, which refurbished the site before RECOM Fire Solutions took occupation. Nexus Storage Solutions installed the warehouse racking as part of the fit-out.
The expansion comes as demand for compliant passive fire protection measures continues to grow alongside increased regulatory scrutiny across the built environment.
In recent months, RECOM Fire Solutions has also strengthened its management team with several new appointments and now employs around 60 operatives working on projects across the UK.
The company’s services include compartmentation and fire door condition surveys, installation and remediation of fire stopping and fire doors, intumescent paint application, overboarding and fire curtain installations.
RECOM Fire Solutions forms part of the RECOM Solutions group, which also provides project management consultancy and main contracting services. The group was founded in 2015 by Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, who met while studying construction management at the University of Salford before later working together at Bovis Lend Lease.
The Building Engineering Services Association has launched a new training programme designed to improve competence in fire damper inspection and maintenance across UK buildings.
The BESA DW145 Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance course is mapped to the industry’s primary guide to good practice, DW145, and the National Occupational Standard BSEFSD04. It is accredited by specialist awarding body EAL and delivered by the BESA Academy with training partners across the UK.
The hybrid programme combines online learning, an onsite portfolio build and three days of practical work and assessments at a BESA-approved training centre. Successful learners will qualify to apply for the appropriate SKILLcard, supporting access to project sites.
BESA said the launch follows its 2024 update of DW145, which came after annual maintenance inspections revealed a rise in incorrectly installed fire dampers. Issues identified included dampers that did not follow manufacturers’ instructions, were damaged, had never been tested or could not be accessed for inspection.
The new course focuses on the role of dampers within legal life safety requirements, including compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. It also reflects BS 9999, which states that dampers should be tested at least annually, depending on system type.
Competence and record keeping central to training
Under DW145, testing must be carried out by a competent person, with inspection and maintenance activity supported by accurate, verifiable records. A full asset register should also be maintained, showing the location and condition of each damper.
The training covers the full inspection process, from checking and recording the physical condition of the damper, including damage to blades or frames, to assessing actuators and penetration seals.
It also includes functional testing and resetting of dampers, as well as their interface with fire alarms and building control systems, recognising that dampers often operate as part of a wider fire control strategy.
Kevin Morrissey, technical director at BESA, said: “When inspecting and testing fire dampers, you’re essentially verifying that they will operate correctly in a real fire scenario and maintain compartmentation. Will they contain the spread of smoke and/or fire at the critical moment so helping to keep people and property safe?”
Morrissey said the programme reflected the sector’s wider focus on competence and compliance, as well as BESA’s response to increased scrutiny of building safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
He added: “Unsurprisingly, UK fire authorities are taking an in-depth interest in this aspect of building safety and many clients, although not all, are now more aware of their legal and social obligations. This, in turn, places greater pressure on damper and ductwork contractors to provide evidence of their own competence and ability to comply with legislation – hence the need for this kind of specific, targeted training.”
Promatect-LS service enclosure system delivers up to 120 minutes of fire resistance
Promat has launched the Promatect-LS service enclosure system, a new passive fire protection solution offering up to 120 minutes of fire resistance and tested for fire exposure both inside and outside the enclosure.
The Promatect-LS service enclosure system also provides protection for critical cabling within the enclosure, helping to maintain essential service functionality during a fire.
Complementing Promat’s existing portfolio of ducting and service enclosure solutions, Promatect-LS service enclosures have been independently tested and classified to EN 1366-5 and EN 13501-2. The Promatect-LS cable protection system has also been independently tested and classified to EN 1366-1 and EN 13501-3. Both systems have been tested for horizontal and vertical applications.
Fire-rated service enclosures play a critical role in large buildings by protecting essential infrastructure, including data cables and power lines, while supporting emergency response measures.
In the event of a fire, inadequately protected service enclosures can provide a route for fire spread. Promatect®-LS is designed to contain fire within the enclosure, reducing the risk of rapid fire propagation and helping to protect escape routes by preventing smoke infiltration.
The system has been developed to protect services in a range of environments, including high-rise buildings, hospitals and care facilities, underground car parks, transport hubs and laboratories.
Margherita Mullis, Product Manager at Promat, said: “Correctly specified, fire-rated service enclosures play an essential role in helping to contain the spread of fire, and are vital to maintaining compartmentation.
“It is important to remember that fire can break out in cables themselves, which makes it vital that service enclosures offer the same level of protection both on the inside and outside of the enclosure.
“In testing to the latest EN standards, Promatect-LS successfully demonstrated fire resistance for up to 120 minutes, meaning it is suitable for gas pipe, and mechanical and electrical service enclosures.
“Active fire protection often also relies on service functionality, and accurately specified cable protection enclosures are essential for reliable operation of systems such as sprinklers and emergency lighting. Promatect-LS is designed to help to ensure buildings are protected long enough to allow occupants to escape and fire fighters to safely operate.”
Rated A1 non-combustible, Promatect-LS is moisture-resistant and certified for 25 years of durability, supporting long-term performance in environments with high service density such as plant rooms and basements.
In addition to EN testing, classification reports are available for Promatect-LS systems.
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.
Cellulosic fibre specialist Lenzing has launched a new range of Flame resistant fibre protective wear.
The company says its three-tier protective wear offering is a range of hybrid and flame resistant-finished garments, with independent testing indicating lower heat stress than several conventional FR fabric options.
Lenzing’s portfolio is built around LENZING FR and TENCEL Lyocell fibres, positioning the range as a single-source system for manufacturers developing garments for structural firefighting, utilities, oil and gas, welding and heavy industry. The company says the line-up combines inherent flame-resistant, hybrid and FR-finished options so specifiers can match protection levels more closely to operational risk, comfort demands and cost targets.
For the fire and safety market, the most significant part of the launch is the way Lenzing has split its offer into three application tiers. The inherent protection tier, based on LENZING FR blended with aramid, is aimed at the highest-risk environments including structural firefighting and electrical utilities.
A hybrid tier using TENCEL Lyocell A100 with modacrylic is positioned for oil and gas, industrial workwear and high-visibility applications, while the flame resistant-finished tier is targeted at steel, welding and metalworking where lower-cost protection remains a priority.
A central claim in the launch is wearer performance under thermal strain. Lenzing cited independent physiological testing at 35°C showing that garments containing LENZING FR/aramid blends produced a 29% lower rise in core body temperature than flame resistant-treated cotton (0.75°C vs 1.05°C), and lower readings than both 100% aramid (1.05°C) and modacrylic/cotton blends (1.1°C).
“For too long, the protective wear industry has relied on a one-size-fits-all fibre approach, yet a structural firefighter and a welding technician face fundamentally different risks,” says Alexander Gstettner, Global Commercial Director, FR fibres at Lenzing. “With PFAS regulations accelerating and workers operating in increasingly demanding thermal environments, we see a clear need for a more structured approach.”
Alongside performance, Lenzing is pushing the sustainability case for its cellulosic. |The company claims that dope-dyed LENZING flame resistant fibres eliminates additional dyeing processes, enabling up to 50% reductions in energy and water use and up to 60% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional dyeing.
In facade design, passive fire protection must perform over time in real building conditions, not just in testing.
This is especially important in curtain wall construction, where facades accommodate movement from wind loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. In these cases, a firestop or perimeter seal must do more than fit at installation. It must maintain the seal over time as the building moves.
This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.
Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance
Passive fire protection performance depends on more than fire rating alone. It must also maintain the right form, fit, and compressibility over the life of the system.
Some standard stone wool solutions use a horizontal fiber structure. While stable, this can reduce their ability to accommodate repeated lateral compression over time. As movement and compression continue, internal fiber bonds can break down, reducing the product’s ability to recover and potentially allowing gaps to form between the fire protection and the facade or slab edge.
In curtain wall systems, where movement is expected, that loss of recovery can become a critical performance issue. Passive fire protection must remain closely fitted between the facade and the floor slab or inner construction, maintaining integrity as those elements move relative to one another. If the material cannot flex, recover, and sustain contact, the long-term effectiveness of the seal may be at risk.
A material engineered differently
Siderise® developed its own unique Lamella to address these real-world demands. Rather than using a conventional horizontal fiber structure, Siderise Lamella is manufactured from a specially formulated stone wool with vertically oriented fibers. This vertical arrangement allows the product to better withstand lateral compression and to recover more reliably from movement. Accelerated age testing in accordance with EOTA Technical Report 024 has demonstrated that Siderise’s Lamella structure can be repeatedly laterally compressed without loss of recovery or flex.
A smarter experience on site
Lamella also brings practical advantages. The integrated foil facing is clearly marked on top/bottom, and with the fibers already oriented vertically, it significantly reduces the risk of installer error.
Traditional solutions can also require application of spray, with insulation cut and compressed onsite before being sealed with an elastomeric compound. Because Siderise’s product is pre-compressed in the factory, Lamella and the applied foil scrim provide such a high level of fire resistance that an additional wet seal is unnecessary. As that compression is applied, the facing visibly wrinkles, providing a visual indicator that the product has been installed correctly.
Built for the reality of modern facades
Siderise Lamella is engineered to maintain form, fit, and integrity in building envelope applications where movement is inevitable. In curtain wall systems, where small gaps can have significant consequences, that ability to move with the building is a critical performance requirement.
Over 13,500 fire safety professionals to gather at The Fire Safety Event 2026
The Fire Safety Event will open its doors at the NEC Birmingham on 28-30 April 2026 and will play host to leading manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest approved products and solutions.
The event, organised by Nineteen Events, is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management.
With over 300 exhibitors participating at the show, some of the industry’s leading brands including Apollo, Checkmate Fire, LFS, Sentry Doors, Strongdor and many more, will be showcasing the latest research and development, product and solution launches and live demonstrations.
A number of key associations and industry bodies will also be supporting The Fire Safety Event and will be on hand to offer guidance and expert advice to visitors, including BAFE, FireQual, ECA/FSA, FIA, Fire Aware, FPA, IFCC, IFE, ISCVE, IWMA, NSI, OSPAs, Smoke Control Association and many more.
CPD-accredited conference theatres
Education is at the heart of The Fire Safety Event.
With industry-led theatres and 45+ hours of free-to-attend CPD content, the event offers the opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving, maintaining and championing fire safety for all businesses.
The Fire Safety Leaders Summit, sponsored by RiskBase, will feature a line-up of industry experts and keynotes, offering insight and expertise on best practice, regulatory updates and topical areas impacting the fire safety sector.
The Passive Fire Conference, in partnership with ASPF, will enable visitors to gain more knowledge on passive fire protection topics and various fire safety measures in the built environment.
Visitors will hear from the experts and get the essential advice from specification, installation, inspection and maintenance.
Meanwhile, the Compliance Theatre (sponsored by UL Solutions) will host essential sessions focused on legislation, standards and regulatory updates, helping fire safety professionals stay ahead of compliance.
With expert-led discussions and practical guidance, it offers vital insights for businesses striving to maintain best practices and meet evolving client expectations.
The Innovation Theatre, sponsored by Hochiki, will spotlight the latest advancements, emerging technologies and forward-thinking solutions shaping the future of fire safety.
Through expert-led sessions, the theatre offers attendees a look ahead at the new innovations driving progress and improving safety outcomes across the industry.
Finally, the FIA Guidance Theatre will offer expert insights and practical advice on fire safety regulations and best practices.
Attendees can learn from industry leaders, stay updated on compliance standards and discover innovative solutions to enhance fire protection strategies.
Key features for 2026
UKTC will showcase the operations of a fire testing laboratory with live on-site commentary of passive fire protection product tests.
The UKTC sessions will allow visitors to experience fire tests on a 2.5 x 1.5m screen with the opportunity to ask questions to UKTC’s own experts and take part in thought-provoking debates.
The Fire Safety Event has also partnered with Worldskills UK to bring a fully immersive and interactive zone dedicated to the security engineers of tomorrow.
Hosting the National Qualifiers onsite, this will raise the standard for apprentices to excel in their careers.
Meanwhile,the Fire Safety Event has renewed its commitment to empowering and celebrating women in fire safety management, with visitors able to meet Women Talking Fire on its stand and networking drinks at the end of day one.
According to the organisers, the show is inclusive of people of all ages who are passionate about championing the next generation of talent, describing the network as a genuine movement committed to driving change within an ageing workforce.
As such, there will be specially curated sessions designed for the next generation of industry talent.
After a day filled with discussions and valuable insights, networking opportunities are available at the Networking Café, where complimentary Networking Drinks take place at the end of Day One.
Giveaways and competitions
For the first time, the FIA is to host on its stand a live, hands-on challenge for trainees, apprentices and early career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.
Running across all three days, competitors will work on a non-addressable fire alarm system to identify faults and non-compliances, apply safe working practices, test the system correctly and document their work just as on a real maintenance visit.
Visitors to the Specify & Build visitor trail will get the opportunity to take home a cash prize.
To enter, visitors just need to pick up a trail booklet, visit participating exhibitor stands, collect stamps and could win £10,000.
Nineteen Events said the trail is a fun, interactive way to discover new products, meet exhibitors and get more from your day.
Networking at the NEC
Visitors will be able to connect with peers at the Networking Café (sponsored by FIA) or finish the day with networking drinks to celebrate your achievements.
They will also be able to join senior fire safety leaders and influential professionals for an elevated show experience – crafted exclusively for Platinum VIP Club members.
Platinum VIP members gain access to premium networking spaces, curated content, exclusive hospitality benefits at the show and personalised experiences that help to connect with the right people, discover the latest innovations faster and maximise every moment at the show.
Meanwhile, a free-of-charge AI concierge service connects visitors with the right people at the right time.
Using smart matching based on your role and interests, it schedules one-to-one meetings so you can build meaningful connections, save time, and get more value from your event experience.
For instant access to seminars, exhibitor listings, floorplan, speaker detail and live updates, the Safety & Security Series Show App is an essential event companion.
The app enables you to plan your visit, build your schedule and find all the information you need to get the most from the show before, during and after attending.
One place, multiple events
The Fire Safety Event is uniquely co-located with The Security Event, The Health & Safety Event, The Workplace Event and The National Cyber Security Show, which together form The Safety & Security Series.
With only one registration, delegates have access to all shows.
In addition, the event offers free on-site parking at the NEC.
With a train station, airport, and direct access to the M42 motorway, the NEC provides convenience for all attendees.
This series has also partnered with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Avanti West Coast, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines for exclusive discounts.
