LION outlines full FDIC 2026 booth with PPE training and care systems

FDIC booth plans

LION has outlined the products, training systems and PPE care services it plans to present at booth #1323 during FDIC International (FDIC) at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

LION said its FDIC display will centre on firefighter PPE, first responder uniforms, training equipment and PPE care services.

The company said the booth will include the V-Force EVO Structural Turnout Gear, the Reliant Conversion Strap and the V-Force Structural Fire Boot.

V-Force EVO is described as structural turnout gear built around movements such as crawling, climbing, reaching and operating on air.

The Reliant Conversion Strap is described as a firefighter removal system for Mayday conditions that uses three actions – pull, hook and cinch.

LION said the V-Force Structural Fire Boot includes V-Fit front and rear flex gussets, an ankle lock system, Poron XRD moulded shin protection, a Lenzi-L Protection puncture-resistant midsole and a GORE-TEX CROSSTECH moisture barrier with film technology.

Training and PPE care displays

LION said it will also present Elbeco UFX Tactical uniforms, including UFX Persist and UFX Bold, as part of its FDIC exhibit.

The company said its training displays will be spread across three zones, including The HEAT, The Drill Yard at Lucas Oil Stadium and its convention centre booth.

Training products named in the material include the Live Fire Rollover Simulator, Helicopter Prop, multi-story training structures, digital training tools, the Fire Safety Trailer and the QuickFire Virtual Reality Fire Extinguisher Trainer.

LION said its TotalCare team will also be at the booth to discuss PPE cleaning, repair and maintenance.

The company said its RedZone CO2 Clean process removes an average of 98% of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons and can be used on helmets, hoods, turnouts, gloves and boots from all gear brands.

Other products listed for FDIC

LION said the wider booth display will include RedZone Particulate Blocking Ensembles, turnout gear from the V-Force and Super Deluxe ranges, rescue wear for USAR, wildland and technical rescue use and the MT94 Multi-Threat Suit for CBRN and Hazmat protection.

The company also listed Fit For Her turnout gear and station wear, along with outwear options including the Quilted Jacket, Action Line Jacket and Job Shirts.

LION’s FDIC material presents the booth as a combined product and training display focused on firefighter protection, uniforms and gear care.

Siemens launches cloud-connected fire detectors for autonomous building operations

Siemens fire detector launch in Zug

Siemens has unveiled its Sinteso Nova and Cerberus Nova fire detector portfolio in Zug on 27 March 2026, introducing a cloud-connected fire safety system designed for continuous monitoring.

The company said the detectors use IoT connectivity to support 24/7 self-checks, real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance across building environments.

The portfolio is designed for sectors including healthcare, higher education, data centres and commercial real estate.

It is also compatible with cloud-based applications such as Siemens’ Building X Fire Apps.

Siemens outlines detection technology and applications

Siemens said healthcare facilities can use the detectors for continuous supervision, with Disturbance-Free Testing (DFT) carrying out automated self-checks to reduce system downtime.

Smoke Entry Supervision (SES) monitors smoke entry points in real time, enabling earlier intervention when risks develop.

ASAplus combines multi-wavelength optical sensing with dual thermal detection to reduce false alarms and limit unnecessary evacuations.

In data centres, the detectors are intended to support operational continuity where overheating and electrical faults present fire risks.

For higher education and commercial real estate, the systems are designed to support centralised management across multiple sites through continuous monitoring and maintenance planning.

Upgrade approach and Siemens statement

Siemens said the detectors support stepwise upgrades in both new and existing buildings, with compatibility retained for existing fire panels.

The company said plug-and-play integration includes automatic transfer of configured settings, reducing installation time and associated risk.

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,”

Siemens said the detectors carry its EcoTech environmental product performance label, use recycled plastics and form part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio developed and produced in Switzerland.

Attabotics launches fire safety bin for warehouse automation systems

Fire safety features in new Attabiotics bin design

Attabotics has announced the launch of the Guardian bin, a formed metal bin designed to help mitigate fire risks in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

The Calgary-based company announced the product on 17 March 2026 and said the bin replaces combustible plastics with inert galvanised steel.

The bin is designed to contain leaked liquid to limit spills and to support the distribution of fire suppression fluid through high-density racking.

When fire suppression systems are activated, the bin collects water and allows it to pool briefly before overflowing downward to adjacent storage locations.

Attabotics said the metal construction provides predictable behaviour and maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, supporting wider system-level fire safety strategies.

The company also said it is working with commercial insurance providers toward fire safety certification of the bin for use in ASRS environments.

Mark Dickinson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Attabotics, said: “Firefighters respond to nearly four warehouse fires each day in the U.S.

“On an annual basis, that adds up to more than 1,500 fires and over $300 million in direct property damage.

“For supply chains running on tight timelines and low margins, those statistics represent a critical threat.

“Our goal with the Guardian bin is to support our customers’ strategies to operate safely and efficiently.”

Product details and trade show plans

Attabotics said the bin includes a purpose-built plastic base that maintains low noise levels on high-speed conveyor systems and interfaces with robotic handling equipment to help prevent damage and support service life.

The flat-pack design enables shipments of up to 2,800 bins in a single container, which the company said is nearly 10 times the amount possible with conventional bin designs.

The company said the metal construction also supports cleaning after spills involving beverages, industrial fluids, personal care products or other liquids.

Jamaica Fire Brigade receives helmets donation from Rosenbauer America following Hurricane Melissa

Helmets donation to support Jamaica Fire Brigade

Rosenbauer America has donated 99 HEROS Titan Pro firefighting helmets and maintenance parts to the Jamaica Fire Brigade following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025.

Rosenbauer America confirmed the donation, valued at $61,647 USD, was provided in response to a request coordinated by National Safety LTD, its authorised dealer in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025 as a severe storm and caused widespread damage across communities, placing pressure on emergency response resources.

National Safety LTD led outreach to industry partners in the weeks after the storm to secure equipment support aimed at restoring operational readiness for firefighters across the island.

Equipment details and response from organisations

The helmets supplied are Rosenbauer HEROS Titan Pro models and are accompanied by maintenance parts intended to support continued use during recovery and routine operations.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is expected to use the equipment to maintain frontline response capability while recovery work continues.

National Safety LTD stated: “On behalf of the Commissioner, we extend the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s sincere appreciation for this timely and impactful donation.

“These helmets will meaningfully support the men and women who continue to serve communities despite resource challenges.

“This contribution will enhance the Brigade’s firefighting and rescue capabilities, and the JFB is grateful to Rosenbauer America for its support.”

Joe Caughey, Director of Firefighting and Body Components for Rosenbauer America, said: “Supporting firefighters—wherever they serve—is fundamental to who we are.

“We are honored to contribute equipment that will help strengthen safety and readiness for the Jamaica Fire Brigade as their communities rebuild.”

Rosenbauer America has previously supported the Jamaica Fire Brigade, including supplying 30 fire apparatus in 2021 from its Wyoming, Minnesota campus.

Fire-Dex turnout system verified for UL particulate ingress requirements

Fire-Dex verification covers AeroFlex configuration

Fire-Dex has announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system under UL Verification 1641.

The company said the verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.

The evaluated setup included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants fitted with the optional particulate-blocking barrier.

Results are published by UL Solutions under Verification 1641.

Test method and reported findings

Testing used a controlled particulate chamber in which a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes.

Researchers then assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed.

According to Fire-Dex, UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.

The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat.

The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.

AeroFlex design and company comments

Fire-Dex said the AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability.

It places VaporLite breathable composite panels at the side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees.

It also integrates AeroVent Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex, said: “Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability.

“AirFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.

“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble.

“This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

Fire-Dex said AeroFlex was engineered to address the effect that added particulate barrier layers can have on moisture vapour transport through a structural coat.

Honeywell launches gas sensor for fixed and portable detectors

Gas sensor launch for industrial detection

Honeywell has introduced a new gas sensor that uses optical non-dispersive infrared technology to detect flammable gases in industrial settings.

The NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor is designed to detect gases such as methane, propane and butane in sectors including mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and plastics manufacturing.

The company said the 4-Series NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor is designed to integrate into fixed gas detectors and portable units carried by workers in the field, deep underground or within a processing facility.

Honeywell stated that the sensor is intended for use in detectors that alert workers to potential exposure to hazardous gases.

Gas sensor design details for harsh settings

According to Honeywell, the sensor is designed for harsh conditions including dust in mines, methane leaks and extreme indoor versus outdoor temperature fluctuations.

The company said it includes an integrated condensation reduction system to clear excess moisture and maintain performance in humid environments and confined spaces such as refineries.

Honeywell also stated that the sensor has high poisoning resistance, which it said limits the risk of sensor failure and reduces instances of false positives.

The company said the infrared technology allows the sensor to consume less power than traditional flammable gas sensors, extending operational lifespan and prolonging a portable gas detector’s battery.

ZIEGLER delivers six new HLF vehicles to Göttingen

ZIEGLER has delivered six new HLF 20 firefighting vehicles to the Göttingen Professional and Volunteer Fire Departments.

According to the announcement, by procuring these identical firefighting vehicles, the city of Göttingen is sending a clear signal of its commitment to the ongoing modernization of its firefighting equipment.

An expanded emergency fleet

The new vehicles will form an important part of the emergency fleet in the future and are designed for a
variety of operational scenarios.

Whether for firefighting or technical rescue – the new ZIEGLER HLF 20 combines powerful firefighting technology with comprehensive equipment tailored precisely for this purpose.

The HLF 20 are built on a MAN TGM 13.320 4×4 BL chassis with 235 kW (320 HP) engine power and a
wheelbase of 3,950 mm.

The superstructure is based on the latest-generation of ALPAS and is controlled
via the Z-Control operating concept.

The crew is accommodated in the ZIEGLER Z-Cab with a group crew (1+7), which is easily accessible via
a three-step entry system.

The built-in ZIEGLER FPN Z-Pump 10-2000-1H is complemented by a water tank with a capacity of 1,600 liters. In addition, a 120-liter foam tank is available.

This ensures that the vehicles are ideally equipped for both conventional firefighting operations and other operations involving foam.

Numerous practical solutions have also been integrated for day-to-day operations – including a swivel
wall in the equipment compartment, a PUSH hygiene board, a roof box, an Action Tower and a 230-volt
cable reel with 40 meters of cable.

Digital components also play a role: The Z-Connect digital operational management system allows for the efficient management of vehicle and incident data.

Area Sales Manager, ZIEGLER, Markus Kulick’s statement

Markus Kulick, Area Sales Manager at ZIEGLER explained: “Implementing six identical HLF 20 in a single project is something special for us as well.

“We are very pleased to be able to support the fire departments in Göttingen in the further development of their vehicle fleet.”

With the commissioning of the new vehicles, the city of Göttingen is sustainably strengthening its
operational readiness while simultaneously creating modern and future-proof working conditions for its
emergency personnel

C-TEC launches FastConvert zone converter for system upgrades

C-TEC FastConvert is built for retrofit upgrades

C-TEC has launched FastConvert, a four to eight-way conventional to addressable zone converter designed to upgrade multi-zone conventional fire systems to an addressable CAST system using existing wiring.

The manufacturer said the new product is fully compatible with its XFP and ZFP CAST fire systems and its CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm devices.

FastConvert is intended to support faster upgrades from conventional systems to addressable systems without replacing pre-existing zone wiring.

C-TEC said the product is designed to maintain zone circuit integrity without extending it into a loop or fitting end of line devices.

The company said this could reduce upgrade costs for fire alarm installers and sites.

C-TEC sets out target applications and webinar date

According to C-TEC, FastConvert is aimed at sites seeking to replace older conventional fire systems with addressable alternatives.

Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director said: “FastConvert is a clever innovation designed with the installer in mind.

“As fire detection and alarm technology has improved, more and more sites are looking to upgrade their old conventional systems to addressable, not just because the conventional devices are reaching end of life, but also because an addressable system can identify the precise location of a fire or fault, facilitate sophisticated cause and effects and reduce false alarms.

“We are definitely seeing this in schools, care homes and hotels where FastConvert is coming into its own as an ingenious retrofit upgrade solution which can utilise a conventional system’s existing zone wiring whilst maintaining compliance with BS 5839-1.”

C-TEC will host a webinar on FastConvert’s features on 23 April titled Need to upgrade your fire detection and alarm systems? We can save you thousands!.

The company has also published a datasheet covering the product’s zone circuit integrity function and installation detail.

Gear Wash announces 14th facility with new California opening

Gear Wash expands in California

Gear Wash has opened a new facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, marking its second location in the state and its 14th facility nationwide.

The company announced that the site will provide National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant personal protective equipment (PPE) care for fire departments in the Santa Fe Springs region.

California’s adherence to NFPA cleaning and repair guidelines is a legal mandate and the new facility will offer cleaning, inspection, repair and alteration services for PPE.

Gear Wash cites demand from fire departments

Taylor Burke Gilman, President of Gear Wash, said: “Thanks to strong partnerships with major departments like LA County and San Francisco, we’ve seen firsthand the growing need for reliable, compliant PPE care throughout California.

“This expansion helps us be closer to the people we serve.

“It means tighter pickup routes, faster turnarounds and the capacity to serve everyone—from the largest departments to volunteer agencies.”

Gear Wash said it also provides temporary gear rentals so departments can continue operating while equipment is out for service.

Gilman added: “What makes Gear Wash different is that we’re tied directly to the people who build modern turnout gear.

“Our connection to Fire-Dex keeps us close to the design and performance intent behind the gear, so we can identify issues faster and make smarter repairs.

“We see and service more gear than anyone, from every manufacturer regardless of the label, so we know what ‘normal’ wear looks like versus early warning signs that something more serious is wrong.”

The opening gives Gear Wash a second California base as it expands its PPE care network in the state.

Alerter Group to launch fire alarm devices for hearing loss at Birmingham event

Fire alarm devices to be shown at Birmingham event

Alerter Group will launch its next generation Deaf Alerter devices at The Fire Safety Event, which runs from 28 to 30 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The company confirmed that the redeveloped devices, designed to provide fire alarm notifications for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be displayed on Stand J36 in Hall 4.

The new devices are rechargeable and include a larger LCD backlit screen for improved readability.

Notifications sent to the devices can also be delivered to Bluetooth-connected smart phones.

Fire alarm system compliance and product details

Alerter Group stated that the Deaf Alerter systems are compliant with BS 5839-1:2025 and use a National Roaming feature.

This allows the devices to receive notifications in any UK building displaying the Deaf Alerter sign.

BS 5839-1 Section 18 covers the special requirements for fire alarm warnings for people with impaired hearing.

Section 18 is described as the minimum acceptable standard by industry experts and is considered safe to use.

Company background and wider product range

Alerter Group has 25 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing radio-based emergency communication systems.

Its product range also includes Refuge Alerter, a wireless Emergency Voice Communication System enabling two-way communication between building management and refuge points.