Lithium-ion battery fires: Why prevention alone is no longer enough

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentIncidentsResearch

As lithium-ion battery fires become more frequent, Juho Toukola, CSO of Latauspolku Oy, examines why fire safety strategies must move beyond prevention and address the consequences of thermal runaway

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. They power e-bike commutes, cordless tools on every construction site and robot mowers in groundskeeping fleets. Their numbers grow every year and so do the number of fires they cause. In January 2026, a DSV logistics terminal in Poland burned to the ground.

In Finland, a country of roughly 5.7 million people, two battery fires made national news within this spring. In Oulu in April 2026, a family of two adults and four children were forced to evacuate their home and were subsequently hospitalised, while neighbouring apartments suffered smoke damage.

In Espoo in May 2026, a tenant noticed an e-scooter battery beginning to overheat and did exactly what every safety guideline instructs: he moved to take it away from everything else. It exploded in his face and the fire spread to an e-bike battery beside it.

Apartment destroyed, building and other apartments suffered massive smoke damages. These are not exotic events anymore. More batteries mean more failures and a failing lithium-ion battery is unlike anything else in our buildings and workplaces. Once thermal runaway begins, there is no practical way for an ordinary person to put it out.

What happens when a lithium-ion battery fails

Thermal runaway is a self-accelerating chain reaction inside the battery cell. Heat generates more heat, cell by cell and the battery becomes its own fuel and its own oxygen source. This is why a battery fire behaves so differently from a bin fire. It reignites.

It ejects burning material. Cells can rupture violently, turning the battery into a source of projectiles as the Espoo tenant learned at close range. The fire itself is only part of the danger.

A burning lithium-ion battery releases a cocktail of toxic gases, most notably hydrogen fluoride. It is dangerous even at low concentrations. In large quantities it penetrates skin and tissue, but even in the light smoke we see before visible ignition it attacks the lungs and can cause severe injury to people who never see a flame. The Oulu family were hospitalised not because flames reached them, but because smoke and gas did. This combination of unstoppable fire, violent failure and toxic gas is what makes the lithium-ion problem categorically different from the fire risks our buildings were designed for.

Three pillars of lithium-ion battery fire safety, two of which fail at the critical moment

Society currently governs this risk with three tools: guidelines, restrictions and technology. It is worth being honest about what each one can and cannot do.

Guidelines are genuinely valuable. Charge with the original charger, inspect batteries for damage, do not charge unattended, do not charge near exits. Followed properly, they greatly reduce the already small probability of a fire.

But probability reduction is all they do. Guidelines do not stop thermal runaway once it begins and they quietly assume a level of supervision that does not exist in real life. The standard instruction to “supervise charging” asks a resident to watch a battery for seven hours or a logistics operator to assign a human to every charging shelf.

Nobody does this. Everybody knows nobody does this. And as Espoo showed, even the person who notices the problem early and follows the guidance to the letter can end up in the path of the failure. Restrictions are the newer instrument and they deserve more scrutiny than they get.

Housing companies and facility operators across Europe are responding to the risk by banning e-bike and e-scooter charging indoors. On paper, the risk disappears. In practice, it goes underground.

People do not stop charging the device they depend on for their commute. They charge it in their apartment, behind a closed door, where no policy reaches and no detection exists. A prohibited risk that everyone quietly takes is not a managed risk.

It is a denied one and it surfaces exactly the way the Espoo and Oulu fires did: inside homes, where people live and sleep.

A wild west of lithium-ion battery fires solutions

Walk through any fire safety exhibition and you will find an expanding catalogue of products marketed against battery fires. Many of them solve a fraction of the problem and leave the rest untouched.

Fire pouches, blankets and battery tarps can be useful for small consumer cells, but an e-mobility battery pack in full thermal runaway generates enough sustained energy to defeat most of them in seconds rather than contain them for minutes.

Specialised battery extinguishers exist but using one effectively means approaching a device that is ejecting flame, gas and potentially projectiles. For a trained responder in protective equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus, that is workable.

For a resident, a warehouse worker or a night-shift caretaker, in normal clothing it is not a realistic instruction. Passive fireproof cabinets are a step up.

They contain the fire and protect the surrounding space from flame spread. But containment is not suppression. The reaction continues inside and the toxic gases still need somewhere to go.

The effect to people problem remains unsolved. Active suppression systems based on aerosols go further and attempt to interrupt the fire. The difficulty is that aerosols suppress visible flame without reliably stopping the chain reaction underneath it and testing has shown that suppressing the flame while the cells continue venting flammable gas can create explosive conditions. Slowing the reaction is not the same as ending it.

Stop arguing probability. Engineer for consequence of lithium-ion battery fires

The uncomfortable truth is that these fires cannot be prevented. As long as lithium-ion chemistry surrounds us, a small number of failures is a statistical certainty. The meaningful question is not ‘how to reach zero probability’, because we cannot.

It is what happens in the building when the failure occurs. Research within Finland’s national LION project points to a clear answer: water immersion.

London Fire Brigade releases new rescue data

by Fire RescueResearch

New data from the London Fire Brigade has revealed that firefighters rescued 2,455 people between April 2025 and March 2026, averaging at seven people per day.

From fires in high-rise buildings and multi-vehicle collisions to rescues from lifts and the Thames, firefighters used their technical expertise to rescue Londoners in numerous situations across the capital.

Fire rescues in London

Firefighters rescued 247 people from fires over the 12-month period – an 18% increase on the previous financial year.

During the year, crews carried out rescues from 44 different types of emergencies across London, with July 2025 recording the highest number of rescues at 258.

According to the Brigade, the most common rescues involved people collapsed behind locked doors, with 1,050 people helped, followed by 379 rescues from lifts.

The fire with the most rescues occurred in Perivale, where crews brought five people to safety following an e-bike fire in a ground floor flat.

In Havering, firefighters rescued nine people trapped in a lift at a commercial property.

Arson attacks

As London’s rescue service, the Brigade is also responsible for investigating the causes of fires across the capital through its Fire Investigation Team.

Since the arson attack on the Hatzolah Ambulances in March, the Brigade has responded to seven targeted arson incidents.

The Brigade has also worked with organisations including Community Security Trust following an attack on a synagogue in Kenton.

“Respond swiftly and with exceptional skill”

Jonathan Smith, Commissioner of London Fire said: “Firefighters across London are called to apply their specialist skills to rescue an average of seven people a day from challenging and often unpredictable situations.

“Last year, more than 2,400 people were brought to safety – from fires, medical emergencies, chemical spills, water rescues and countless unusual incidents.

“These figures demonstrate not only the scale of the demands placed on our firefighters, but also their technical expertise and commitment to public safety.”

He continued: “This vital work is only possible with the continued support we receive from the Mayor of London, which enables us to maintain our capabilities and provide the best possible service to our communities.

“As new risks and challenges arise, we continue to develop our emergency response.

“Working alongside our partners in the police and ambulance services, we’re committed to making London safe for all its communities.

“Whether someone is in need at a fire, has collapsed behind a locked door, is stuck in a lift, Londoners can be confident that our firefighters will respond swiftly and with exceptional skill,” Smith concluded.

Rescue training and incidents

The Brigade found that the most common rescue carried out in 2025/26 involved people collapsed behind locked doors, with firefighters helping nearly three people a day, often in support of the London Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also regularly respond to special service incidents where no fire is involved, including chemical incidents and water rescues.

The average rescue took one hour and three minutes, although some lasted only minutes while the longest, involving a flat fire, continued for 23 hours.

Firefighters regularly train for specialist rescue scenarios.

In the last year, the Brigade said that it has carried out Marauding Terrorist Attack training in Colchester, chemical incident training on the Elizabeth Line and aircraft and road traffic collision exercises with RAF Northolt.

The Brigade also shared expertise on responding to complex incidents with partners including NATO and the US State Department.

“A safer London for everyone”

Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, said: “Every day, London’s firefighters are responding to emergencies across the city and running towards danger.

“Whether it’s life-threatening fires, medical emergencies or complex rescue situations, their courageous actions save lives.

“These new figures highlight the vital and varied work they do and the Mayor and I will continue to ensure the Brigade have the funding and support needed to build a safer London for everyone,” Pipe concluded.

The London Fire Brigade

The Brigade operates 142 fire engines across 103 fire stations, supported by specialist resources including aerial appliances, Fire Rescue Units, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, drone teams and fireboats.

Every London firefighter is also trained in the Brigade’s Marauding Terrorist Attack response capability, allowing crews to work alongside police and ambulance services in high-risk environments.

Fire services act to close training gaps for female firefighters

by PPEResearch
While a record-number of women are joining the fire service, heralding a new era of inclusivity for the sector, a new report highlights that training and injury-prevention protocols remain overwhelmingly based on male physiology.

Research and findings

Experts led by the University of East London highlight how optimised training – tailored to female physiology and health – can improve female firefighters’ safety and career longevity, as, although the physical demands are the same for everyone, there is currently a flawed assumption that training principles based on male cohorts will produce the same results in females.
The research reveals that nearly 80% of female firefighters operate in ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), compared to just 20.9% of their male counterparts.
This equipment mismatch, combined with a lack of sex-specific training and recovery actively heightens the risk of injury.

“Immediate, real-world change”

Co-author of the report, Dr Lee Brown, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at University of East London commented: “Currently, women make up 8% of firefighters across the UK, and while recruitment numbers are rising, retention remains a challenge.
“Most services currently don’t have policies regarding female-specific physical training and drastically lack research and policy to support women through key life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.
“This research and the involvement of services such as the Kent Fire and Rescue Service in this type of initiatives is a step in the right direction, and it is prompting immediate, real-world change.”

Sex-specific training

Dr Brown is currently working with Chief executive Ann Millington at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is directly implementing the new sex-specific training recommendations this year, and will be partnering with other fire services to overhaul training guidance and develop robust policies designed to keep women in the service longer.

“We’re proud to lead the way”

Ann Millington, Chief executive at Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our goal is to be an employer of choice where every firefighter has the tools to thrive.
“By adopting these sex-specific training and PPE protocols, we are telling our female colleagues that their health and careers are a top priority.
“We’re proud to lead the way in creating a fire service that is fit for the future,” Millington added.

“A more supportive environment”

Sophie Bulmer, Firefighter at Canterbury Fire Station said: “This research has helped raise awareness of the challenges and unique issues female firefighters face.
“In particular, it has focussed on understanding strength and fitness performance and on developing practical, evidence-based solutions that could help create a more supportive environment for women in the fire service.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this work, which has potential to help ensure standards that are both achievable and sustainable,” she concluded.

The study

Published in the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) TSAC Report, Dr Brown’s study highlights the need to recognise female physiology when programming training and recovery strategies, to create a more inclusive culture that supports female firefighters throughout their entire careers.
The study suggested that training should focus on improving absolute strength and address females’ sex-specific vulnerabilities – such as higher ACL injury risks – through targeted injury prevention.
Training and recovery should also be adapted and account for shift-work fatigue, sleep deprivation and hormonal fluctuations.
Finally, properly sized, fitted and structured PPE for females must be a mandated, non-negotiable safety requirement, where at present, is largely based on male body measurements, which can fail to protect them properly.

Arco achieves top 1% global sustainability ranking in UK safety industry

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyResearchSafetySustainability

UK safety industry firm Arco has been awarded Platinum status by EcoVadis, placing the business in the top 1% of organisations worldwide for sustainability performance.

The upgrade from Gold to Platinum marks a significant milestone for Arco and represents the highest level of recognition within EcoVadis’ global assessment framework. The company also achieved the top score among UK safety equipment suppliers in its sector.

Arco reported a 10% overall improvement on last year’s performance, with near-perfect scores in the Environment category and strong gains in Labour and Human Rights. The EcoVadis methodology assesses more than 150,000 organisations globally across Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

Award strengthens position in UK safety industry

The company said the result strengthens its position as a leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and supports customers in meeting their own sustainability and procurement targets through independently verified supply chain practices.

Arco highlighted its wider ESG programme, including audited ethical standards through SMETA, alongside ongoing reductions in carbon emissions, water use and waste. It also reported strong progress in sustainable procurement, with increased supplier transparency around raw materials, conflict minerals and deforestation risks.

In its most recent ESG report, Arco said 75% of its waste is now recycled into new products, with zero waste sent to landfill over the past year. It also confirmed that 15% of its textiles are made from certified recycled sources.

Greece launches world’s first national wildfire satellite system

by Breaking NewsEMSFeatured NewsFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentInspectionResearchThermal ImagingWildland FireWildland Fire

OroraTech has launched and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System, the world’s first national wildfire satellite system in Greece. The system is a four-satellite constellation dedicated to wildfire monitoring and represents the first national satellite network designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The system was developed in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It provides continuous, real-time wildfire intelligence covering 100% of Greek territory, enabling rapid detection and tracking of wildfire activity nationwide.

“Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires,” said Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance & Artificial Intelligence. “By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property, and the environment.”

“The deployment of this system demonstrates how European collaboration can deliver tangible impact for citizens,” said Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency. “By combining advanced space technologies with operational services on the ground, we are enabling faster, more informed responses to natural disasters and strengthening Europe’s leadership in Earth observation.”

“This is a defining moment not just for Greece, but also for how the world approaches wildfire management,” said Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech. “For the first time, an entire country is protected by a dedicated satellite constellation built to detect and track wildfires in real time. This is the blueprint for how nations can use space technology to safeguard their people, ecosystems, and economies.”

Wildfire satellite system equipped with thermal infrared sensors

The Hellenic Fire System includes four satellites equipped with thermal infrared sensors, a ground station in Greece, and OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform integrated into national emergency response systems. Data is delivered through the Ministry of Digital Governance, enabling near real-time wildfire detection with latency measured in minutes and hotspot identification as small as 4 by 4 meters.

In 2025, Europe experienced its most severe wildfire activity in over 20 years, with significant impact in Greece and across the Mediterranean region due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. The new system is designed to address gaps in traditional monitoring by providing continuous coverage and rapid detection during peak fire conditions.

The project is being implemented under an ESA Contract within the framework of the Greek National Satellite Space Project. The Project: Small-Satellites (Measure ID 16855) is implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the European Space Agency (ESA) Assistance in the Management and Implementation. It is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a core programme of the European Union-NextGenerationEU.

NSI and BAFE report finds 94 per cent of buyers prioritise competence over cost in fire safety

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Certified competence becomes primary driver in fire safety procurement

UK organisations are increasingly prioritising evidence of competence over service cost when appointing fire protection providers.

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and BAFE Fire Safety Register (BAFE) commissioned the Fire Safety Report 2026 to examine changing procurement trends.

Findings indicate that 94% of decision makers now value proof of competence more than the price of the service.

This data suggests a move away from price-led procurement as 81% of respondents stated that certified providers are worth the additional expense.

Independent auditing and certification were ranked among the strongest signals of trust by 79% of those surveyed.

Furthermore 83% of participants recognise third party certification as a verified method to demonstrate the competence of fire assessors.

Investment in the sector is also projected to grow with 77% of organisations expecting to increase their spending over the coming five years.

Among those who claim full awareness of their legal obligations this figure rises to 85%.

Growing scrutiny of fire safety compliance and legal duties

While awareness of fire protection has improved over the last decade many individuals responsible for risk management remain uncertain about their specific legal duties.

The research established that 89% of decision makers view fire protection as a strategic business priority.

Despite this increased status fire safety was ranked fifth in overall importance behind general health and safety and cost control.

Approximately 59% of buyers describe their current investment levels as high.

The report noted that 93% of respondents see more action on fire protection than was evident five years ago.

A total of 45% of organisations view these measures as a compliance necessity.

In contrast 34% see it as a moral duty and 21% believe it supports wider business operations.

One in four decision makers believes that fire protection is still not treated with sufficient seriousness within their organisation.

The report states: “Buyers are looking for reassurance.”

“As fire safety awareness grows, buyers become less willing to take reputational or legal risks with unverified suppliers.”

“In today’s market, it is no longer enough to say you are competent.”

“You need to show it, prove it, and have it verified independently.”

The full report is available via the NSI website from 1 May 2026.

Data centre expansion increases reliance on PFAS based fire suppressants

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionResearch

Data centre fire suppression systems use PFAS chemicals

Modern data centres increasingly rely on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to manage high heat levels and mitigate fire risks associated with 24/7 server operations.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) reported that these synthetic chemicals are integral to clean agent fire suppression systems such as FM-200 and Novec 1230.

Unlike water-based alternatives, these agents are non-conductive and leave no residue – properties that prevent damage to sensitive electrical equipment and servers.

The durability of the carbon-fluorine bonds in these materials makes them resistant to environmental breakdown.

This persistence has led to the nickname forever chemicals because they accumulate in human tissue and ecosystems over time.

Toxic effects on the liver, blood, and kidneys are associated with bioaccumulation of these substances.

Market shifts and the phase out of Novec 1230

Fire safety procurement may face changes as major manufacturers move away from producing certain clean agents used in data centre environments.

The manufacturing conglomerate 3M confirmed it ended all PFAS manufacturing after previously announcing a deadline of late 2025.

This decision includes the cessation of Novec 1230 production.

Analysis of fire outbreaks in these facilities since 2021 indicates that risks often stem from equipment failures and lithium-ion battery failures in semiconductors.

Matt Dunn, a PFAS scientist at Tetra Tech, stated: “PFAS regulation represents a unique struggle due to how widespread the chemicals are.

“Since PFAS are in everyday products that are used by every American, from food to bath products, the question becomes: where do you draw the line?”

“Do you go after the user, or do you go after the manufacturer,” Dunn asks.

“And understanding the difference there is very important.”

Regulatory frameworks and legislative proposals

Federal and state authorities are evaluating different methods to manage the presence of these chemicals in industrial infrastructure.

Maine and Minnesota have introduced legislation to restrict products containing intentionally-added chemicals, though some fire safety applications remain exempt.

The 119th Congress proposed the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025 (H.R.6668) to establish emission limitations under the Clean Water Act.

The PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R.6667) seeks to extend funding for research into these substances.

A 2025 executive order directed several federal departments to expedite permitting processes for data centre infrastructure.

These fast-track initiatives cover the materials required for coolants, semiconductors, and fire suppressants.

 

Standardising fire risk measurement for local communities

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsResearchWildland Fire

National Fire Risk Atlas to improve risk intelligence

A new Fire Risk Atlas is currently under development to provide the first standardised framework for measuring fire risk in local communities across the United States.

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) at UL Research Institutes (ULRI) is leading the effort alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.

This project focuses on research regarding single-structure fire risk and structure-to-structure fire spread alongside wildland-urban interface vulnerability.

Decision-makers require reliable data to identify emerging threats and guide investments toward effective mitigation.

Local fire departments reported approximately 1.244 million fires in 2024 which resulted in more than 2,200 deaths and $144 billion in property loss.

Wildfires in 2025 consumed over 5.1 million acres and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.

The Southern California fires in January 2025 were recorded as being among the most costly fire incidents.

National spending currently remains focused on suppression and response rather than long-term prevention.

Integrating risk intelligence into NERIS

The analytical tools and measurements produced by this research will be integrated into the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

NERIS is a platform used by nearly 30,000 fire departments nationwide to support real-time decision-making and the adoption of the latest fire science.

Rebecca Harned, Principal Research Scientist at UL Research Institutes | Fire Safety Research Institute, said: “Despite the increase in destructive fire incidents, resulting in billions of dollars in economic loss annually, we continue to struggle to measure and predict fire risk.

“Yet, accurate and precise risk intelligence is a critical ingredient for empowering communities to take responsibility and invest in prevention and mitigation efforts that make a difference.

“At ULRI, we’ve taken on this challenge by integrating fire behavior science with data science and economics to provide the actionable intelligence on fire risk our public leaders urgently need.”

Advancing wildfire risk modeling science

ULRI has launched the Wildfire Risk Modeling Exercise in 2026 to foster collaboration between over 40 partner organisations.

This convergent experiment aims to identify the strengths of existing models and determine how to ensemble them for greater precision.

The Exercise Planning – Conduct Team includes representatives from CAL FIRE and University of California San Diego’s Wildfire Science – Technology Commons.

Other members include the Gordon – Betty Moore Foundation, FireWERX, Google.org, and the U.S. Department of War’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.

Public safety agencies will use these validated insights to anticipate threats and prioritise prevention strategies.

PlanRadar research reveals technology investment influences construction staff retention

by AI & Deep LearningConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry CommentResearch

PlanRadar research identifies technology as a factor in staff retention

Research from PlanRadar indicates that over half of construction professionals are more likely to remain with their current organisation if it increases investment in AI and technology.

One in four respondents reported they would be significantly more likely to stay with an employer that prioritises digital tools.

The study found that nearly half of participants have no current plans to invest in digital tools with AI capabilities despite the potential impact on talent retention.

Attracting and retaining experienced project management talent is currently a critical priority for the construction industry.

UK professionals prioritise data security and accuracy

Data from the UK market shows that 57% of professionals cite accuracy and trust as their primary concern when using AI tools for project management.

Data privacy and security represent a top-tier concern for 29% of UK respondents.

Fear of job displacement ranks last among global concerns and was cited by only 6% of participants.

Nearly half of the respondents spend more than 11 hours per week on tasks they believe AI could streamline.

Among those already using AI-integrated tools, two-thirds report saving at least two hours per week on each project.

Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar, commented: “We’ve reached a point in UK construction where a pay rise alone just isn’t enough to keep hold of your best people.

“Project managers are exhausted by administrative tasks that effectively wipe out a full day of their week.

“They don’t want AI to do their jobs for them; they want it to clear the paperwork off their desks so they can focus on high-value project delivery.

“If firms keep ignoring that, they’re going to lose their most experienced leaders to the competitors who are actually willing to modernise these outdated manual processes.”

Growth in project management demand shapes technology adoption

Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder and CEO of PlanRadar, said: “Construction professionals are spending more than a full working day every week on tasks that AI is already proving it can dramatically reduce.

“This is an unnecessary drain on some of the most experienced people in the industry.

“Our research shows that professionals are not fearful of AI, quite the opposite, more than half say investment in AI tools would make them more likely to stay with their employer.

“In a market where experienced project management talent is increasingly difficult to attract and retain, organisations that fail to invest in the tools their people need are taking a risk they may not fully appreciate.”

The Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates the construction industry will require nearly 2.5 million additional project professionals by 2035.

Sander van de Rijdt, Co-Founder and CEO of PlanRadar, added: “Construction professionals are not resistant to AI, they are asking for something very reasonable: tools they can trust, with outputs they can rely on and confidence that their project data stays protected.

“At PlanRadar we believe that trust in AI cannot be an afterthought.

“Construction professionals manage sensitive project data every day, so any AI working with that information must meet the highest standards for protection, compliance and user control.

“That expectation is shaping how we are developing AI, with these principles built in from the outset.”

The Deloitte 2026 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook notes that construction wages have risen 4.2% year-on-year as firms compete for talent.

National fire safety consistency questioned following latest CE Safety data

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyResearchSafety

Regional disparities in CE Safety fire inspection data

New research reveals that 19 fire and rescue service areas in the UK experienced a decline in satisfactory fire safety inspection outcomes over the last three financial years.

Fire safety specialists CE Safety analysed the percentage of satisfactory audits conducted by fire and rescue services between 2022/23 and 2024/25.

The data shows that 25 regions recorded an increase in satisfactory ratings during the same period.

Humberside recorded the largest decline in satisfactory audit outcomes.

In the 2022/23 period Humberside reported an 84% satisfactory rate.

This figure fell to 20% in 2023/24 and reached 8% in 2024/25.

Buckinghamshire saw a 43% drop in satisfactory audits between 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The satisfactory rate in Buckinghamshire moved from 75% in 2022/23 to 49% in 2023/24 and 28% in 2024/25.

Surrey experienced a 26.6% decline over the last financial year.

Northumberland recorded a similar decrease of 26.3% in satisfactory audit rates.

Other areas with falling rates included Dorset and Wiltshire at 34% and West Sussex at 34%.

Cumbria recorded a 39% satisfactory rate following an 18.75% decline.

Improving fire safety standards and regional leaders

Hertfordshire recorded the highest increase in satisfactory inspections moving into the 2024/25 financial year.

The satisfactory rate in Hertfordshire rose from 52% in 2023/24 to 89% in 2024/25.

North Yorkshire saw satisfactory audits increase by 32.3% to reach a rate of 82%.

Cleveland reported a 26.1% increase in its satisfactory inspection rate.

Cheshire maintained the highest overall percentage of satisfactory inspections at 92%.

Gary Ellis, managing director of CE Safety, commented on the findings.

Ellis said: “If you own a building or workplace in England or the UK, there are strict measures in place you must abide by, from appointing a fire marshal to having the correct fire doors installed, to keeping updated risk assessments to thorough fire prevention efforts, including working fire alarm systems.

“The importance of ensuring audits take place in buildings across the country cannot be understated – there are still thousands of fires in workplaces and public buildings in the UK every year.

“This is an area I hope to see improve radically in the near future, however building managers and owners should not wait until they are penalised before they act when it comes to fire safety.

“The responsibility is yours and should be treated with the utmost importance.”

The data highlights a lack of consistency in building safety standards across the country.