Siemens launches intelligent fire detection and notification systems for smart buildings

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Intelligent fire detection portfolio combines connected fire detectors and digital notification technology to support autonomous buildings

Siemens has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new intelligent fire detection and notification portfolio that combines cloud-connected fire detectors with digital alarm notification systems to improve building safety, reduce maintenance and support autonomous building operations.

The company has introduced its next-generation Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detectors alongside the Acend Intelligent notification portfolio, creating an integrated fire safety ecosystem that delivers continuous self-testing, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and real-time monitoring. The combined offering is designed for sectors including healthcare, hospitality, commercial real estate, higher education and data centres, where maintaining uninterrupted operations is critical.

Together, the new products transform conventional fire safety into a proactive, connected system that gives building operators greater visibility of system performance while reducing manual maintenance through cloud-based monitoring and diagnostics.

Intelligent fire detection monitoring

The Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detectors continuously monitor their own performance using Disturbance-Free Testing (DFT), allowing automated self-checks to take place around the clock without disrupting occupants or building operations. Smoke Entry Supervision (SES) technology monitors smoke entry points in real time, while ASAplus technology combines multi-wavelength optical and dual thermal detection to reduce false alarms and unnecessary evacuations.

The detectors are fully IoT-enabled and integrate with Siemens’ Building X Fire Apps, allowing facility managers and service providers to access real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and shared operational data from connected buildings.

Complementing the new detection portfolio, the Acend Intelligent notification range digitises fire alarm notification through connected horns, strobes, speakers and combination notification appliances that can each be monitored and activated individually.

Its integrated Disturbance-Free Testing technology enables technicians to verify system readiness without triggering audible or visual alarms, helping minimise disruption in environments such as hospitals, hotels, office buildings and data centres. Individual device monitoring also allows faults to be identified more quickly, reducing the need for physical inspections.

The notification portfolio also incorporates Class X isolation technology, ensuring systems remain operational by isolating wiring faults while maintaining protection across unaffected parts of the building.

Peter Nebiker, Head of Fire Safety at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, said: “The launch of our Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detection portfolio is a game-changer in ensuring all alarms are accurate as best as possible. By moving from periodic checks to continuous, data-driven, self-supervising systems, we’re laying the foundation for truly human-centric, autonomous buildings. By automating testing, delivering real-time insights, and enabling remote action, these solutions protect people while freeing up staff to focus on strategic priorities. This shift isn’t just about innovation – it’s about smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.”

Commenting on the launch of Acend Intelligent, Nebiker added: “As buildings become increasingly connected and digitalized, safety systems must evolve alongside them. With Acend Intelligent, we are transforming fire notification into a foundational technology for these next-generation environments by combining cloud connectivity, real-time data, and digital integration.”

The new fire detection portfolio has been designed to simplify modernisation projects by supporting stepwise upgrades while remaining compatible with existing Siemens fire panels, eliminating the need for complete system replacement. Plug-and-play integration and automatic transfer of configured settings help reduce installation time and project risk for both new-build and retrofit applications.

Both the fire detection and notification portfolios have been developed with sustainability in mind. They incorporate recycled materials and carry Siemens’ EcoTech environmental product performance label to provide greater transparency around environmental performance. The Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova detectors are also part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the company’s open digital business platform, and have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

The Acend Intelligent notification portfolio is available in markets using UL certification standards, including the United States, Canada and selected countries in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Siemens showcased the new notification technology at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

LEADER GROUP acquires MERCEDES TEXTILES to strengthen firefighting equipment portfolio

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LEADER GROUP acquisition of MERCEDES TEXTILES expands its North American presence

LEADER GROUP has acquired Canadian manufacturer MERCEDES TEXTILES as part of its strategy to expand its international presence and strengthen its portfolio of firefighting and rescue equipment.

The acquisition brings together LEADER GROUP’s existing range of emergency response technologies with MERCEDES TEXTILES’ expertise in manufacturing fire hoses, fittings and portable pumps, enhancing the Group’s offering for fire and rescue services worldwide.

Founded in 1979 in Quebec, MERCEDES TEXTILES designs and manufactures equipment for municipal, military, industrial and wildland firefighting services. The company exports products to more than 50 countries through its three entities – MERCEDES TEXTILES Ltd., HIGHWATER HOSE Inc. and HYDRO-WICK INDUSTRIES Ltd.

LEADER GROUP said the acquisition will strengthen its long-term presence in North America while expanding its product offering, particularly for wildland firefighting, and supporting MERCEDES TEXTILES’ international growth through the Group’s global distribution network.

How LEADER Group’s DIPHASIC mist system improves fireground safety

The move represents the latest stage in LEADER GROUP’s transformation from a specialist manufacturer into an international provider of complementary firefighting and rescue solutions.

Since 2021, the Group has doubled its revenue through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including ZELUP in France and C.E.T. Fire Pumps in Canada.

The expanded portfolio now covers key operational requirements across emergency response, including fluorine-free foam concentrates, firefighting nozzles and monitors, ventilators, search and rescue equipment, portable pumps and high-performance fire hoses.

Miguel Ferreira, President & CEO of LEADER GROUP, said: “This operation marks a major milestone in the development of LEADER GROUP. With MERCEDES TEXTILES, we strengthen our presence in North America and expand our range of solutions dedicated to firefightingng and rescue professionals.

“This complementarity enables us to support our customers with an ever more complete, innovative, and high-performance offering, driven by a single mission: helping save lives.”

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. 

Protective coating Interchar 1150 launched by International

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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.

Sunwoda launches 588Ah energy storage platform at ees Europe 2026

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Sunwoda has launched a next-generation energy storage system (ESS) platform based on its 588Ah lithium iron phosphate cell technology at ees Europe 2026 in Munich, Germany, alongside new fire safety and European compliance milestones.

The energy storage provider used the event to showcase products spanning battery cells from 72Ah to 684Ah, as well as utility-scale and commercial and industrial energy storage solutions. Its newly announced 588Ah-based portfolio includes a 20-foot 6.26MWh liquid-cooled battery energy storage system (BESS), a 10-foot 3.13MWh liquid-cooled BESS and a 10-foot 3.13MWh all-in-one liquid-cooled ESS.

According to the company, the flagship 6.26MWh BESS offers a 24.8% increase in volumetric energy density, a 17% reduction in station footprint and a 40% reduction in total system components compared with its previous generation.

Sunwoda said the platform uses a multi-layer safety architecture and hierarchical electrical protection design intended to improve fault isolation and system stability. The system also combines liquid cooling with coordinated airflow to support even thermal distribution, while a cluster-level battery management system provides active balancing.

The platform supports centralized and string power conversion system configurations and is compatible with two-hour and four-hour applications. Sunwoda said this is designed to allow flexible deployment across a range of utility-scale energy storage projects. The 10-foot 3.13MWh BESS is aimed at projects with more complex transportation, installation or site-layout needs, while the all-in-one ESS integrates factory-preconfigured AC/DC architectures to reduce on-site integration work and speed up installation and commissioning.

Fire safety and compliance

At the event, Sunwoda also received certificates from CSA Group confirming that its 5MWh BESS platform had completed large-scale fire testing in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A:2026 and had been evaluated against CSA/ANSI C800:2025 requirements.

The testing is intended to validate system-level safety performance in high-capacity battery energy storage applications, a key concern for developers, insurers, authorities having jurisdiction and fire safety professionals as grid-scale storage projects grow in size and density.

EU battery regulation readiness

Sunwoda’s 261kWh ESS series has also received certification from TÜV Rheinland under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, confirming compliance with requirements covering battery lifecycle management, material traceability and digital battery passport readiness. The company said these regulatory validations are being extended across its wider portfolio as it strengthens its European localization framework and after-sales technical support capabilities.

Weber Rescue Systems launches Smart-Force OS

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Weber Rescue Systems has unveiled Smart-Force OS at Interschutz 2026, describing the platform as the first digital operating system for hydraulic rescue equipment.

The new system is said to bring together rescue tools, a control app, location services and device management software in one connected platform, designed to support emergency services during operations, training and maintenance.

According to the company, Smart-Force OS enables real-time monitoring of key equipment data, including tool status, pressure readings and battery levels. The platform can also automate the documentation of training exercises and rescue operations, reducing manual processes and helping to minimise potential sources of error.

A key feature of the system is ‘Anti-Theft’, which provides long-lasting protection for rescue equipment. If tampering or unusual behaviour is detected, the device can deactivate automatically. When theft mode is activated, the tool transmits its location at intervals for up to ten days using an internal backup battery and localisation via GPS, Wi-Fi and LTE.

Smart-Force OS also introduces new digital training functions. Exercises can be documented, analysed and reviewed digitally, with force curves, loads and equipment data visualised and supplemented with images, notes or voice recordings. Weber says this will support more transparent and structured learning for rescue teams.

For equipment managers, the platform includes ‘Service’ functions intended to simplify fleet management. These include Auto-Check-In for battery status updates, as well as maintenance checklists and notifications relating to service intervals.

Weber said the launch reflects its aim of making rescue operations faster, safer and more efficient, while easing the workload on emergency services personnel through practical digital innovation.

Alongside the launch, the company has expanded its service offer with new warranty extensions for rescue equipment. The extension can be taken out at the point of purchase or after a service and is available for up to six years. Warranty periods and maintenance statuses are managed centrally through the Weber Rescue Hub.

Holík reflects on Interschutz 2026

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Interschutz 2026 marked Holík’s first public appearance in its new visual identity.

According to the company, the decision to adopt a bold green color paid off, as the stand was instantly recognisable in Hannover’s packed halls and naturally drew attention.

The rebranding received very positive feedback from partners and long-time customers who know the brand well.

The attendance of Ivo Holík

The company reported that a powerful moment at the trade fair was also experienced by the company’s Founder and Owner, Ivo Holík.

He first attended Interschutz in 2005 with a small table and fourteen glove models.

Twenty-one years later, he stood at the centre of his own 137m² booth, where the company showcased almost complete firefighter protection system from gloves and footwear to its own turnout gear.

“A deeply personal moment for me”

Ivo Holík commented: “I am incredibly proud – not only of how the stand looked, but above all of the entire team.

“Every detail, every meeting, every interaction with visitors showed how far we have come over the years.

“Seeing Holík at this level among the world’s top players was a deeply personal moment for me.”

International visitors

Distributors from all over the world stopped by the stand, including visitors from Europe as well as Australia, Venezuela, Chile, Canada and Taiwan.

The sales team barely had a moment to pause, with the number of business leads climbing to nearly four hundred.

The company said that visitors showed strong interest in the facelifted line of leather gloves as well as the new advanced Marble glove.

In the footwear segment, the Firra model with cut protection and the new low-cut firefighting boot Verra stood out.

The newest addition to Holík’s portfolio – protective clothing – also attracted significant attention.

“The strong interest”

Petr Ovčáček, Sales Director of Holík stated: “We were also very pleased by the strong interest from our domestic market.

“Every Czech firefighter at the stand wanted to see the Czech turnout gear.”

Social media

This was further confirmed by a viral trade fair video featuring Holík Czech ambassador @hasicka_simca, which was viewed by nearly 80,000 people.

The booth also included a media corner with a photo booth and instant photo printing.

Simple idea that became one of the stand’s biggest attractions.

According to the company, a strong role was also played by active social media engagement, with the team sharing real-time updates, reaching over 300,000 cumulative views of content from the Holík stand.

Collaborating German influencers @firecross_ and @sophia_firefighter created such engaging content that German firefighting celebrity Anike Ekina, followed by two million people, also visited the stand and tried on the Vespid gloves.

Another highlight was the company’s appearance at an expert forum focused on wildfire issues.

“The most important moments”

Tomáš Pekař, CEO of Holík commented: “Speaking at the Interschutz Wildfire Forum was one of the most important moments of the trade fair for me.

“It confirmed that our approach – being a partner to firefighters through dialogue – truly makes sense.”

Historical event

Not only in terms of numbers but also from a product perspective, the trade fair was historic for the company.

Holík International presented its first collection of firefighter turnout gear, becoming one of the few manufacturers in the world with in-house development of gloves, footwear and protective clothing under one roof.

“Exceeded our expectations”

“The positive response to our new products exceeded our expectations.

“Besides the turnout clothing, visitors showed the greatest interest in the Firra footwear with the long-awaited Level two cut protection and the technologically advanced Marble leather gloves,” Ovčáček concluded.

KiddeFenwal showcases BESS fire protection solution

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KiddeFenwal is using two major fire safety events to highlight a multi-layered fire protection approach designed for battery energy storage systems (BESS), as the sector faces increasing scrutiny over the risks associated with lithium-ion battery installations.

The company, which specialises in fire protection and safety controls, presented its BESS-focused technologies at Interschutz and will also showcase it at the NFPA Conference and Expo. The systems are intended to detect early warning signs of fire and support rapid suppression before incidents escalate into thermal runaway events.

BESS are becoming an increasingly important part of global energy infrastructure, particularly as renewable energy deployment grows. However, their use of lithium-ion batteries can present complex fire risks, including overheating, flammable gas build-up and cell-to-cell fire propagation.

KiddeFenwal said its approach brings together several technologies to provide enhanced protection for BESS applications. These include:

REL-iON – a sensor platform that monitors flammable gases, hydrogen, overheating, refrigerant and water leaks, air temperature and humidity changes, and other early signs of corrosion and fire

Air sampling detection designed to provide early warning of smoke at the incipient stage

AEGIS– PHX and ARIES-SLX fire alarm-suppression control units that can trigger immediate suppression action

Fluoro-K – a clean agent designed to reduce temperature, tackle flames at the source and help stop cell-to-cell propagation without leaving harmful residue

NATURA IG-100 – an inert gas system that uses nitrogen to maintain an oxygen-deficient environment that cannot support combustion, helping prevent re-ignition

According to KiddeFenwal, research conducted at the University of Maryland over a multi-year period, alongside controlled fire tests conducted in December 2025, found that the systems were most effective when used together. The company said the combined approach can quickly detect and suppress initial flames, protect equipment and help maintain safer conditions for first responders.

“The full promise of BESS as reliable and sustainable energy solutions can truly be unleashed when protected with highly sophisticated fire systems,” said Rekha Agrawal, CEO of KiddeFenwal. “KiddeFenwal is advancing the pioneering fire prevention, detection and suppression systems needed for today’s most forward-thinking energy storage companies worldwide.”

Flame resistant fibre protective wear range launched by Lenzing

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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.

FlamePro to provide life-saving kit to fire services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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