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.

Amthal secures multi-site security and life safety contract

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Amthal has been awarded a planned maintenance contract to cover Barnet and Southgate College across all its three sites.

According to the company, this contract will ensure a reliable, rapid response and coordinated approach for the benefit of staff, students and visitors.

Barnet and Southgate College

Barnet and Southgate College is a large further education provider operating across three main campuses in Barnet, Southgate and Colindale.

The college supports a diverse student population across academic, vocational and technical programmes with sites that include teaching blocks, workshops, specialist learning environments and high footfall communal areas.

Given the scale and movement of people across the estate, maintaining life safety and security systems is a core operational requirement.

Ensuring safety

Amthal highlighted that it was selected to cover the college’s intruder alarm, fire alarm, Paxton access control and IP CCTV systems across all three sites.

The scope of works includes routine maintenance, system monitoring and ongoing technical support to ensure all systems remain compliant, fully operational and aligned with the college’s safeguarding and estates strategy.

“Essential to minimise disruption”

Pritesh Dattani, Soft Facilities Manager at Barnet and Southgate College said: “Managing life safety and security systems across three busy campuses requires a joined-up approach.

“We consolidated maintenance under a single provider to ensure consistent performance, improved visibility and reduced fragmentation across systems and sites.

“At this scale, reliability, fast fault response and coordinated maintenance planning are essential to minimise disruption to teaching and campus activity.

“Having Amthal in place gives us confidence that fire, intruder, access control and CCTV systems are managed within a consistent framework, supporting safeguarding and operational continuity across the college,” Dattani concluded.

Deployment

The complexity of the estate is reflected in the scale of the systems in place.

The intruder alarm infrastructure spans 800 circuits across 10 monitored panels, providing coverage across multiple buildings and departments with varying access requirements.

Amthal explained that the fire alarm system comprises 1,569 devices connected through 15 networked panels, designed to ensure early detection and coordinated response across densely occupied learning environments.

Access control is managed through 483 Paxton controlled doors, supporting controlled movement across campuses while allowing operational flexibility for staff and students.

In addition, Amthal said that the 452 IP CCTV cameras provide visual coverage across key internal and external areas, supporting safeguarding, incident review and day to day site management.

The company also now also supports the installation works delivered through the college’s contractors, helping ensure new systems integrate effectively with existing infrastructure and maintain overall system integrity as the estate develops.

“A connected and dependable system”

David Williamson, Business Development Manager at Amthal Fire & Security, added: “This contract reflects the importance of maintaining fully integrated life safety and security systems across a large multi site education environment.

“Our focus is on ensuring all systems are maintained in a way that supports reliability, compliance and operational continuity across the college estate.

“By working closely with the college and their contractors we can help ensure both existing infrastructure and new installations continue to operate as a connected and dependable system across all three campuses,” he added.

Complii subsidiary Fire Safe Services awarded Honeywell Platinum Partner status

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Honeywell Platinum Partner status places Fire Safe Services among the UK’s top Gent fire detection specialists, strengthening delivery across design, installation and support

Fire Safe Services, a specialist fire detection and life safety business and part of Complii, has been awarded Honeywell Platinum Partner status within Honeywell’s partner programme for Gent fire detection systems.

The accreditation places Fire Safe Services among a select group of high-performing Gent system specialists in the UK and recognises the company’s technical competence, service delivery standards and customer support capabilities.

Nick Fenton, managing director at Fire Safe Services, said: “This is a significant milestone for Fire Safe Services and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team.

“For our clients, it means they can have absolute confidence that their fire detection systems are designed, installed, commissioned and supported by a business that Honeywell itself trusts to represent its brand at the very highest level.

“As part of Complii, this achievement further strengthens our collective capability and reinforces our commitment to setting the standard in building compliance.”

Honeywell’s partner programme recognises businesses that demonstrate high standards across technical training, installation quality, commissioning and ongoing support. Platinum Partner status is the programme’s highest tier and is awarded to organisations meeting strict performance criteria.

According to Fire Safe Services, the accreditation will provide clients with manufacturer-recognised expertise, direct access to Honeywell technical specialists and earlier insight into new Gent technologies, firmware updates and design guidance.

The company said the status also supports enhanced compliance assurance through regular Honeywell audits and performance reviews, while helping clients improve long-term system reliability and reduce maintenance burdens through technologies such as Gent Self Test and CLSS integration.

Fire Safe Services recently deployed Gent Self Test technology at University of Worcester as part of a project in the education sector.

The company said the Platinum accreditation would also strengthen confidence in complex and new-build projects across sectors including education, healthcare and commercial real estate, particularly in quality-weighted tender processes.

NFCC launches eLearning module to support fire and rescue staff

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The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched a new eLearning module aimed at supporting fire and rescue staff and volunteers across the UK who work with children and young people in prevention, education and community engagement roles.

Released to coincide with National Children’s Day on May 10, the Introduction to Working with Children and Young People module is designed to provide nationally consistent guidance for staff and volunteers engaging with young people in settings such as schools, youth groups, Fire Cadets and other youth-focused programmes.

Available through NFCC’s Organisational Learning Materials Library, the resource covers safeguarding responsibilities, professional boundaries and appropriate conduct when working with children and young people.

NFCC said the module is intended as both an introductory resource for those new to youth engagement roles and a refresher for experienced staff.

Fire and rescue staff to cover ‘wide range of settings’

Chair of NFCC’s Children & Young People Board, Mark Baxter, said: “Fire and rescue staff and volunteers engage with children and young people in a wide range of settings, from prevention and education to youth programmes such as Fire Cadets.

“It is vital that they are supported with consistent, high quality learning to help them carry out this work safely, confidently and professionally. This eLearning provides an important foundation, supporting good practice and helping services deliver positive outcomes for children and young people in their communities.

“Launching the eLearning to coincide with National Children’s Day on 10 May reinforces the importance of ensuring staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities, maintain clear professional boundaries, and know how to act on concerns to keep children and young people safe.”

The module introduces key principles intended to help learners understand the needs and experiences of children and young people, recognise appropriate professional behaviour and respond to safeguarding concerns.

NFCC said the eLearning forms part of its wider programme to support fire and rescue services working with young people, alongside the Level 2 Award in Fire & Rescue Service – Introduction to Working with Children and Young People, developed in collaboration with Skills for Justice Awards.

The organisation said the learning resource is available to NFCC members through its website and can be integrated into local learning management systems to support induction, refresher training and pre-course preparation.

NFCC is an independent membership association and charity representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. The organisation supports fire and rescue services across the country in prevention, protection and operational activities aimed at improving community safety.

LearnPro Group provides cloud-native software for West Midlands Fire Service

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West Midlands Fire Service adopts LearnPro’s prevention platform

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has commissioned the Prevent + Protect platform from LearnPro Group to manage its community safety and prevention activities following a market evaluation.

The Service is replacing its existing in-house software with a commercial off-the-shelf system designed specifically for fire and rescue services.

This cloud-native solution provides a mobile-first architecture to support frontline staff during community engagements.

Emily Fernandez, Assistant Director – Prevention, West Midlands Fire Service, said: “Every year, we carry out more than 20,000 Safe and Well Visits and provide safety education to more than 30,000 children.

“We selected LearnPro Group’s Prevent + Protect platform as the best fit for managing and recording all our Prevention activities.

“Moving from our long-standing in-house system to a modern, cloud-based solution will help us streamline processes and give our teams the tools they need to deliver even greater impact in our communities.”

Russell Wood, UKFRS Market Lead, LearnPro Group, added: “As one of the largest and most innovative Services in the country, we’re delighted to be working with West Midlands Fire Service as they modernise their Prevention capabilities.

“Their move to our cloud‑native, mobile‑first platform reflects a growing shift across the sector towards configurable, off‑the‑shelf solutions, access to emerging technologies enabled by our ongoing investment, and a more integrated approach to operational systems and risk data.

“We look forward to supporting WMFS with a future‑ready platform that enhances efficiency, resilience, and community outcomes.”

Technical specifications for fire service prevention workflows

The Prevent + Protect system integrates customer relationship management, scheduling, and risk-related data into a single environment.

WMFS identified a requirement for a resilient platform that offers consistent user experiences and improved data quality compared to bespoke internal tools.

The software utilizes no-code configuration to allow the Service to customize job types, questionnaires, and scoring mechanisms.

Frontline teams gain access to offline capabilities, route planning, and device features such as camera and file uploads through the mobile-first design.

Built on Microsoft Azure, the platform integrates with Microsoft 365 services including SharePoint Online and Entra ID.

The system uses SMS feedback loops with URL links to tailored questionnaires to monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

Initial deployment covers community safety visits, targeted interventions, and school engagement programmes.

WMFS intends to use the platform to track individual risk profiles and demonstrate the tangible outcomes of its prevention work.

The transition facilitates a sustainable roadmap aligned with national standards and sector-wide innovation.

Albania partners with EU to combat forest fire damage

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EU4Forests launches to address forest fire prevention

The European Union and the Government of Albania have launched EU4Forests to strengthen sustainable forest management and climate resilience.

This €16 million programme involves a partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Forests cover approximately 36 per cent of Albania but have seen a 32 per cent decline in volume over the past two decades.

The initiative aims to help Albania meet environmental and climate standards required for EU accession under Chapter 27.

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said: “Albania’s forests must be protected to secure a sustainable future and EU4Forests is a concrete step in that direction.

“Albania’s forestry sector needs a decisive push to align with EU environmental and climate standards and to reverse the effects of deforestation, fires, and climate change.

“The EU is here to help Albania reach these standards and preserve the country’s green lungs.”

Funding and technical implementation for forestry management

The EU provides €12.7 million for the project while Italy contributes €3 million and the UNDP provides €0,26k.

These funds support reforestation and improved fire prevention alongside the strengthening of national and local institutions.

AICS Acting Director Letizia Fischioni confirmed the commitment of Italy to supporting the forestry sector.

Fischioni said: “Italy’s commitment to supporting Albania in the forestry sector, with particular attention to wildfire prevention and civil protection, as key pillars for environmental resilience and risk management.

“The expertise of CREA and CIMA Foundation will provide added value to the intervention and help deliver tangible results on the ground.”

The programme will support the development of 10 municipal forest management plans and a national afforestation plan.

Innovation and local governance in forest protection

Technical support includes the improvement of the Albania Forest Information System and the use of GIS-based monitoring tools.

The project also introduces AI-supported wildfire risk assessment to enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities.

Sofjan Jaupaj, the Minister of Environment, stated that Albania has undertaken reforms to align its legal framework with the European Union acquis.

Jaupaj said: “Albania has undertaken reforms to align the legal framework with the European Union acquis, including the new law on forests and the strengthening of relevant institutions.

“We are currently working on the establishment of the State Forestry Enterprise, as a key instrument for professional and sustainable management.

“One of the main priorities of the Albanian government is the creation and functioning of state plant nurseries, which will guarantee the production of quality and certified planting material.”

A grant scheme will assist municipalities in implementing local actions and encouraging behavioural changes to protect woodland areas.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Randi Davis, explained that EU4Forests invests in nature and people to build long-term resilience.

Implementation involves the National Forestry Agency and various public institutions over a five-year period.

Historic Mar Hall Hotel adopts Hyfire wireless technology

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Hyfire wireless technology installed at Mar Hall

The Mar Hall Hotel and Resort has completed the installation of more than a thousand Hyfire wireless fire alarm devices to protect the historic 19th-century building and its staff.

Hyfire published a case study detailing the project at the 240-acre estate located near Glasgow International Airport.

The installation was designed to ensure the safety of guests and the continued longevity of the historic Edwardian house constructed in the 1830s.

The Taurus wireless fire system provides performance through SafePath Mesh Expander Technology.

If any expander in the network fails, the system automatically reroutes the transmission via an alternative path to maintain uninterrupted communication.

Challenges of the Mar Hall listed building

The resort operated on a wired fire alarm system for more than 25 years before the upgrade was required for the main hotel and its outbuildings.

Hyfire partner JC Electrical & Security Solutions recommended a wireless system to allow for installation without shutting down hotel operations.

The centuries-old layout featured vaulted ceilings and uneven surfaces in lower staff levels.

Some walls consisted of thick stone which made establishing a wireless connection difficult.

Installers used the Hyfire Survey Lite Kit to identify the most robust signal strengths throughout the estate.

Specialist scaffolding was used to access vaulted ceilings and fit devices above the foyer chandelier.

John Cooper, at JC Electrical & Security Solutions, said: “The black device range came into good use as Mar Hall had a cinema room, so the black optical device looks like it was always meant to be there.”

The project was completed without issues and incorporated the previous system to ensure fire safety continuity during the transition.

Harmony Fire begins fire door safety upgrades at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

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Harmony Fire secures Gloucestershire Royal Hospital contract

Harmony Fire has been appointed to deliver a fire door replacement programme at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as part of an investment in modernising life safety systems across the Great Western Road campus.

The project involves the replacement of over 150 specialist fire doors across three hospital buildings.

Works are scheduled to occur at the Gallery Wing, the Women’s Centre and the campus diagnostic Imaging Department.

The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commissioned the project to upgrade infrastructure while maintaining continuous 24/7 operations at the facility.

The scope of work includes the installation of new ward doors, riser doors and office doors alongside new access control systems.

Harmony Fire developed a twin phased programme in collaboration with the Trust’s Capital and Estates team, Ward Managers and the campus Fire Safety team.

All installations must meet the requirements of the NHS fire code Health Technical Memorandum 05 (HTM 05).

Compliance and operational continuity in healthcare

Christopher White, Senior Fire Safety Project Manager at Gloucestershire Managed Services, explained that the company was selected for its commitment to life safety and regulatory compliance.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Harmony Fire on a major fire door replacement programme within Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

“Harmony Fire’s core values, particularly its commitment to life safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance, were central to our decision to appoint them.

“Demonstrating expertise in delivering compliant fire door installations within busy, live hospital environments provided the assurance required for works within an acute healthcare setting, where patient safety and operational continuity are paramount.

“The company’s disciplined approach to golden thread compliance and information management has been especially valued, supporting assurance, traceability, and ongoing fire safety governance.”

Protecting NHS infrastructure and patient safety

The project focuses on areas specialising in the care of elderly patients and maternity services.

Connor Mitchell, Managing Director at Harmony Fire, noted that the works ensure buildings remain protected for staff and visitors.

“The NHS is 1.5 million dedicated, professional and caring individuals in our communities across the UK, backed by the buildings and physical infrastructure that makes its mission possible.

“Many of these technically complex and busy workspaces operate continuously 24/7 and we make sure these buildings remain safe and protected for staff, patients and visitors.

“Our work at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital provides assurance that a key front line life safety defence will protect patients, staff and visitors in the event an emergency incident and prevent the rapid spread of fires that can devastate our vital NHS infrastructure and severely impact community healthcare provision.”

The phased delivery model allows the hospital to maintain patient care services during the installation period.

Royal Marine Hotel replaces fire system with Advanced technology

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Royal Marine Hotel installs Advanced fire panels

The Royal Marine Hotel in County Dublin has upgraded its fire safety infrastructure through the installation of Advanced MxPro 5 fire panels.

TEE Fire Safety Solutions (TSS) published a case study detailing the replacement of the previous system to address reliability issues and frequent false alarms.

The hotel premises include guest rooms, restaurant areas, a spa, an underground car park and plant rooms.

Installation teams replaced five existing panels on a single day to maintain network continuity across the live hospitality environment.

The new configuration uses a combination of eight-loop, four-loop and two-loop MxPro 5 analogue addressable panels.

A fully functional repeater panel supports the network which contains 1,813 programmed devices across seven nodes.

Timmy England, Managing Director at TEE Fire Safety Solutions, said: “This was a live hotel environment where reliability and minimal disruption were essential.

“The MxPro 5 allowed us to implement effective false alarm management while maintaining high safety standards, and replacing all networked panels in one day was a major advantage.”

False alarm management and future expansion

The project utilised the configuration capabilities of the MxPro 5 to establish a management strategy featuring specific verification and hold times.

TSS excluded manual call points, heat detectors and linear detection from these delays to ensure immediate response to genuine fire threats.

The programmed staged alarm strategy activates sounders for management and maintenance staff before escalating to a full evacuation.

The site uses standard network cards to link the panels and provides a platform for future scalability.

Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced for UK North, Northern Ireland and ROI, commented: “Hotels present unique fire safety challenges, particularly when it comes to managing false alarms while protecting guests and staff.

“This project demonstrates how MxPro 5 delivers reliable, intelligent fire protection that meets those demands and supports future growth.”

The hotel plans to add an additional single-loop panel to the network to accommodate a forthcoming extension.

New firefighting vehicles from ZIEGLER enter service in Frankfurt

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Frankfurt Fire Department receives ZIEGLER vehicles

The Frankfurt Fire Department has taken delivery of three identical LF 10 firefighting vehicles from Albert Ziegler GmbH.

Albert Ziegler GmbH (ZIEGLER) confirmed the vehicles were procured through the 12th state procurement initiative by the Hessian Ministry of the Interior, Security and Homeland Security.

The units will support volunteer fire departments in the districts of Heddernheim, Rödelheim and Sachsenhausen.

Each vehicle features a 1,200-litre water tank equipped with integrated drinking water protection.

The system utilizes a ZIEGLER Z-Pump 10-2000-1H with Trokomat venting to provide a reliable water supply for emergency responders.

A MAN TGM 13.290 4×4 BL chassis provides the base for the vehicles with an engine power of 213 kW.

Technical specifications of the ALPAS superstructure

The vehicle superstructure uses the latest-generation ALPAS system to house equipment and components.

Operational control is managed through the Z-Control concept which is designed for intuitive use.

The Z-Cab accommodates a crew of nine personnel and includes a three-step entry for ergonomic access.

External visibility is provided by Z-Vision LED perimeter lighting and a pneumatic light mast with eight LED spotlights.

Safety features include a rear warning system with four LED lights and maneuvering lights mounted on the exterior mirrors.

Modern assistance systems such as a turn-assist feature are integrated into the security concept.

Equipment for difficult operational conditions

The vehicles include a self-protection system with eight ground spray nozzles and heat protection for use in demanding environments.

Additional practical solutions include the hygiene panel PUSH and a sliding ladder for crew use.

Standardized pump control panels and a “Pump and Roll” function support responders in diverse situations.

The commissioning of these vehicles represents a targeted investment in future-proof equipment for the city.

This delivery aims to ensure the Frankfurt Fire Department can continue to provide rapid and reliable assistance across its districts.