Wildfires, batteries and floods: What Scotland’s fire service annual performance review reveals

by Featured NewsResearch

Review meeting held in Ayr

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported on its performance for 2024–25 at its annual performance review in Ayr.

According to the Service, the review provides the Scottish Government with a formal opportunity to assess the Service’s performance against set priorities.

The Service Board and Strategic Leadership Team explained that ongoing changes are being considered through its Service Delivery Review and public consultation.

SFRS reported that its crews attended more than 74,000 incidents across Scotland during the period.

It added that the review also considered the increasing demands of climate change and the Service’s response.

Wildfire activity during 2024–25

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that 12 wildfire risk warnings were issued between March and August 2025, covering 59 days of heightened risk.

It reported that since February 2025, the Service has responded to 231 large outdoor fires across the country.

Some of these fires continued for several days, affecting many regions.

According to the Service, the 2023–26 Wildfire Strategy includes an investment of around £1.6 million.

It confirmed this spend has provided 400 sets of specialist wildfire PPE, 10 all-terrain vehicles, 10 ATV trailers and four dedicated 4×4 support vans.

Investment in climate and flood resilience

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service noted that it has invested in flood response PPE.

It explained that the Service has also supplied around 200 life jackets to support water rescue operations.

These measures form part of the organisation’s wider climate change adaptation planning.

The Service said this preparation will support crews when responding to flooding and water-related risks.

It added that these developments are designed to strengthen Scotland’s community resilience.

Focus on prevention and protection

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that its prevention and protection activity includes emerging risks linked to battery energy storage systems.

The Service highlighted that in 2024 it launched a UK-wide campaign on lithium-ion battery safety.

The campaign provides information and guidance on safe use, charging, storage and disposal of lithium-ion products.

The Service said public education on new fire risks forms an important part of its wider prevention strategy.

It explained that lithium-ion related risks are expected to increase as battery use expands.

Collaboration and partnership activity

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that it continues to work with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service through the Reform Collaboration Group.

It added that the aim of this group is to improve cooperation among emergency services.

The Service reported that further collaboration is ongoing with the Fire Brigades Union and academic researchers on fire contaminant risk.

It explained that this includes the Scottish Government CivTech programme which is trialling technologies to track firefighter exposure and improve health monitoring.

Partnership projects are also underway across Scotland to provide additional resilience for communities.

Leadership and training

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “We want to be a modern service that is ready for the challenges of Scotland’s future.

“We continue to see the impacts of climate change and this year our firefighters have worked tirelessly on a large number of outdoor fires.

“Fires of this nature are challenging for our crews and require a tremendous effort from our firefighters, including those who work on call, as well as our Operations Control staff. We continue to thank them for their dedication, professionalism and commitment.

“The Annual Performance Review also emphasises the importance of our continued partnership work as we work to provide protection and resilience for our communities across Scotland.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhan Brown MSP said: “I greatly value the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The Annual Performance Review provides an opportunity to reflect on SFRS’s performance and to appreciate all that the service has done over the year.

“We will consider performance against the Scottish Government Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland, which sets out Ministers’ ambitions and priorities for SFRS as a world-leading, modern, skilled and dynamic fire and rescue service.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This annual performance review provides information on how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is adapting to current risks.

It shows the operational impact of wildfires, flooding and new hazards such as lithium-ion battery fires.

It highlights how service delivery is linked to both climate change and emerging technology.

It also sets out how collaboration across emergency services and with research partners is influencing future risk management.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service annual performance review outlines priorities for 2024–25: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service held its annual performance review in Ayr.

The review assessed the Service’s performance during 2024–25.

The Scottish Government used the meeting to consider progress against the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland.

The Service reported attending more than 74,000 incidents in the period.

There were 12 wildfire risk warnings between March and August 2025.

Since February 2025, 231 large outdoor fires have been recorded.

The 2023–26 Wildfire Strategy includes an investment of £1.6 million.

The Service has purchased wildfire PPE, ATVs, trailers and 4×4 support vans.

Flood response PPE and 200 life jackets have also been provided.

The Service launched a UK-wide lithium-ion battery safety campaign in 2024.

Collaboration continues with Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Fire Brigades Union.

The CivTech programme is developing firefighter contaminant exposure monitoring technologies.

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens and Minister Siobhan Brown MSP commented on the Service’s performance.

The review covered service delivery, prevention, protection, climate response and collaboration.

The review outlined how the Service is planning for future risks in Scotland.

Webinar seeks to explain why EV parking garages pose unique fire safety challenges

by Featured NewsResearchSafetyTraining

Euralarm to hold webinar on EV fire safety

Euralarm has announced a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages to take place on 14 October.

According to Euralarm, the session will review fire risks linked to EVs, the differences between electric and combustion vehicles, and measures that can help mitigate incidents in enclosed parking environments.

The organisation explained that electric vehicle design creates barriers to delivering extinguishing agents to battery cells, making thermal runaway events difficult to contain once started.

It stated that the session will be led by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section, and will focus on practical steps to address identified challenges.

The group added that the event will be relevant to both technical specialists and decision makers at local, national and European levels.

Focus on thermal battery risks

Euralarm reported that thermal runaway inside traction batteries is one of the most difficult aspects of EV fire safety.

It explained that while EV battery enclosures protect against water spray, weather and impacts during normal use, these same protections create obstacles to applying extinguishing media during a fire.

The organisation advised that once cells enter runaway, it is extremely challenging to stop the process or prevent propagation between cells.

It added that this creates risks that differ from those typically encountered in internal combustion engine vehicles.

The body confirmed that these topics will form part of the October session.

Comparing EVs and combustion vehicles

Euralarm outlined that the webinar will review differences in fire behaviour between EVs and conventional combustion engine cars.

It said that combustion vehicles present known risks based on liquid fuel ignition, whereas EVs involve battery-specific dynamics that require different strategies.

The organisation noted that the event will provide context on how both vehicle types can behave during a fire in parking garages.

It added that the comparison aims to clarify where additional measures may be necessary in EV contexts.

The group confirmed that safety measures for both categories will be considered.

Target audience for the session

Euralarm explained that the webinar is intended for a wide audience of stakeholders.

It reported that fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, and facility managers are among the key groups expected to benefit.

It added that policymakers and regulators at municipal, national and EU levels may also find the information relevant.

The organisation stated that technology specialists, system integrators and installers will also be addressed.

The body noted that the session is positioned to provide factual information for varied professional needs.

Presentation and content

Euralarm confirmed that the webinar will be presented by Gerd Hülsen.

It said Hülsen will outline factual information on fire risks of EVs in parking facilities in comparison with other vehicles.

The organisation explained that the session will guide participants through available solutions and mitigation measures.

It added that the agenda includes fire behaviour discussions and safety measures relevant to both electric and combustion vehicle categories.

The body indicated that the information will be structured to support technical understanding and operational decision making.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Fire safety professionals will receive technical insights on challenges specific to EV incidents in enclosed parking structures.

The session will provide comparative data on electric and combustion vehicle fire behaviours.

It will also set out mitigation measures that can be applied in operational and regulatory contexts.

Professionals may find the information relevant for designing, managing, or regulating parking facilities with growing EV use.

Fire safety webinar to examine EV parking garage risks: Summary

Euralarm will hold a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages on 14 October.

The webinar will focus on fire risks linked to EV traction batteries.

Euralarm explained that battery design makes extinguishment during thermal runaway difficult.

The group added that the webinar will compare EV and combustion vehicle fire risks.

It confirmed that solutions and mitigation measures will be discussed.

The session will be presented by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section.

It is intended for fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, facility managers, policymakers, and system integrators.

The organisation reported that the content will provide factual information for operational and regulatory use.

The group advised that the webinar will take place online.

It added that participants will receive structured technical guidance.

Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables

by Featured NewsPassiveResearchTraining

Category 3 cables recommended for UK buildings

AEI Cables has reported that using higher-rated fire performance cables can assist firefighting operations in some of the UK’s largest new developments.

The company explained that Category 3 fire performance cables are designed to operate for up to 120 minutes during fire conditions, maintaining emergency power to safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.

According to AEI Cables, this extended survival time supports critical safety circuits that enable evacuation and emergency response.

It noted that the systems supplied by these cables include smoke and heat extraction equipment as well as emergency communication systems.

The company said these systems play an essential role in firefighting support and safe evacuation.

Comparison between cable categories

AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables are rated to 30 minutes and are suited for applications such as emergency lighting.

It stated that Category 2 cables can operate for 60 minutes, making them appropriate for alarm and detection systems.

The company reported that Category 3 cables provide two hours of fire resistance, a duration that it said is necessary when supporting firefighting activities in complex buildings.

According to the guidance, Category 3 Control cables are recommended for installations including evacuation alarms for disabled residents in care homes and voice alarm systems in multi-occupancy structures.

It said this advice applies to both new projects and existing facilities.

Statement from AEI Cables

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements.

“This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.”

Certification and standards

AEI Cables stated that its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 Annex B, Category 3 Control, as well as Category 2 Control.

The company advised that BS8519 provides a code of practice covering six categories of cables.

It explained that the standard includes three categories for power cables and three for control cables.

Each category is defined by survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

According to AEI Cables, compliance with these standards supports effective emergency planning and system reliability during fire incidents.

Safety benefits of high-rated cables

The company explained that higher category cables are designed to limit smoke generation, toxic gas emissions and flame spread.

It added that this reduces risk to building occupants and assists firefighters by preserving visibility and air quality during evacuation.

According to AEI Cables, maintaining the function of extraction and communication systems under fire conditions directly contributes to safer outcomes.

The manufacturer said the deployment of these cables supports both firefighting operations and life safety protection.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire safety professionals, the guidance provides detailed information on the performance levels of different cable categories.

The recommendations emphasise the role of Category 3 cables in supporting extended firefighting operations and safe evacuation procedures.

The clarification of British Standards categories offers a reference point for specifiers, engineers and installers working on projects that require compliance with fire performance regulations.

The advice also underlines the link between cable selection, system resilience and emergency outcomes.

Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables: Summary

AEI Cables has advised on the use of Category 3 fire performance cables in UK buildings.

The company said these cables are designed to withstand fire for 120 minutes.

It reported that Category 3 cables support safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.

AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables provide 30 minutes of protection for lighting.

It added that Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of protection for alarm systems.

The company said Category 3 cables maintain emergency power for two hours to assist firefighters.

It reported that guidance applies to evacuation alarms for disabled residents, emergency voice communications and voice alarm systems.

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said the cables meet compliance requirements.

The company stated that its Firetec Enhanced range has been certified to BS8519 Annex B.

It added that the BS standard defines six categories of cables covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

AEI Cables explained that higher-rated cables also reduce smoke, toxic gases and flame spread.

It said these features help firefighters and support safe evacuation.