Arson offences in London rise by 28% with Greenwich worst affected

by Featured NewsResearch

Greenwich named London’s top borough for arson incidents

New data published by Legal Expert from a Freedom of Information request to the Metropolitan Police shows that Greenwich recorded the highest number of arson offences across all London boroughs between 2022 and 2024.

Arson cases across London rose by 28% during this period.

Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 incidents, the highest figure of any force area in England.

Greenwich saw a 67% increase in arson cases over the two years.

A total of 354 incidents were reported, with 141 recorded in 2024 alone.

The West Thamesmead ward in Greenwich alone reported more arson cases than seven entire London boroughs.

Croydon was the only other borough to report more than 100 arson cases annually over the three years, with a total of 313.

Update: 19 June 2025

Following publication, the Royal Borough of Greenwich provided clarification on local arson figures, noting that the majority of incidents occurred within prison facilities and not in the wider community. A new article providing full context has been published here.

Offenders rarely charged despite increase in incidents

According to the figures published by Legal Expert, only 5% of reported arson incidents across London led to charges.

The national charge rate for arson and criminal damage cases stood at 4.4% for the year ending September 2024.

In London, the rate recorded by Metropolitan Police was 4.84%.

Across England and Wales, 58.8% of arson investigations were closed due to a lack of suspect identification.

Among the nine forces analysed by Legal Expert, 71% of arson cases ended without identifying a suspect.

Of the 1,212 arson offenders identified in London, just 310 were charged.

Males accounted for 79% of the cases where gender was recorded.

Younger offenders less common in London

The age group responsible for the largest number of arson cases in London was 30 to 39 years, with 332 incidents attributed to this demographic.

Only 173 individuals aged 20 or under were identified as arson offenders, a proportion smaller than the national average of 32% reported by Legal Expert.

Of those, 34 were charged.

Metropolitan Police data also revealed that 78 individuals had previously been held in custody under suspicion of arson.

Five of these had been arrested for the offence three times.

Few arson victims receive compensation through CICA

Legal Expert found that 464 arson victims applied to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) between 2022 and 2024.

Only 76 of these claims were successful, including 17 in 2024.

Of the unsuccessful claims, 98 were rejected on the grounds that the incident was not classified as a “crime of violence”, while 54 were dismissed because the injuries did not meet CICA’s eligibility criteria.

Another 42 claims failed due to a lack of cooperation from the applicant.

So far, £102,260 has been paid to victims, with an average award of £1,345.53.

Just £2,400 has been paid out for 2024 claims to date.

More than 190 claimants are still waiting for their outcomes.

Legal Expert criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said: “It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands and thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country.

“With charge rates also being low, victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.”

Lamey added: “Victims who have sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, due to violent crimes like arson have the right to seek compensation, and they don’t have to wait for someone to be charged or convicted of the offence to do so.”

Arson offences in London rise by 28% with Greenwich worst affected: Summary

Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 arson incidents between 2022 and 2024, the highest of any police force in England.

Data published by Legal Expert revealed that Greenwich had the most recorded cases of any London borough, with a total of 354 incidents.

West Thamesmead, a ward within Greenwich, recorded 141 cases alone.

Across London, just 5% of arson cases led to charges, aligning with a national charge rate of 4.4%.

The age group responsible for the most offences was 30 to 39 years, with men accounting for 79% of those charged.

In total, 464 victims applied for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Only 76 claims were successful.

As of 2024, only £2,400 has been paid out to victims of arson, with more than 190 claims still pending a decision.

Compensation claims against UK fire services highlight injury and liability issues

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Fire service negligence claims cost Avon and Cambridgeshire over £270,000 since 2020

Figures obtained by No Win No Fee Solicitors Co show that Avon Fire & Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service have paid out a combined total of £274,000 in public and employer liability claims since 2020.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service, which covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, paid out £218,000.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service, which covers Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, paid out £56,000.

As reported by No Win No Fee Solicitors Co, the combined total covers successful claims related to alleged negligence resulting in injuries to employees or damages to members of the public.

Breakdown of claims lodged and settled from 2020 to 2024

Between 2020 and 2024, 182 liability claims were lodged against Avon Fire & Rescue Service, with 71 of those settled.

The number of claims increased year on year from 2020 to 2022, reaching 55 that year.

In 2023/24, Avon reported a decrease to 47 claims.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service received 88 liability claims during the same period.

Of these, 27 were settled.

The service saw a reduction in claims in the most recent reporting year, with 16 compared to 25 in 2023.

Common reasons for public and employee claims

Motor-related incidents were the most common cause of claims for both services.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service recorded 156 motor-based claims and 18 public liability property claims.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service reported 80 motor-based claims and 6 employer liability cases.

In both services, firefighters can face injuries such as burns, crush injuries, smoke inhalation, stress, or falls from height.

According to No Win No Fee Solicitors Co, members of the public may also submit claims related to road traffic collisions involving fire engines or property damage during callouts.

Legal context and public safety considerations

No Win No Fee Solicitors Co said firefighters who believe their employer was negligent may be eligible to claim compensation.

Fire services have a legal duty of care to protect their employees from avoidable harm.

Speaking to No Win No Fee Solicitors Co, solicitor Lucy Parker said: “Submitting a claim against the fire service when there is a perceived fault can lead to positive change in procedures and training, helping to prevent the same mistakes from occurring again.

“It is not just about your individual case, but about the safety of the community as a whole.”

She added: “Whether you’re an employee claiming for workplace injuries or a member of the public claiming for property damage against a fire service, the specific legal grounds and procedural requirements will differ.

“If you feel that a fire service is at fault, then you should seek legal advice to see whether you have any grounds to submit a claim.”

Fire service negligence claims cost Avon and Cambridgeshire over £270,000 since 2020: Summary

No Win No Fee Solicitors Co reported that Avon Fire & Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service have paid £218,000 and £56,000 respectively in public and employer liability claims since 2020.

Avon received 182 claims, 71 of which were settled.

Cambridgeshire received 88 claims, settling 27.

Motor-related incidents were the most common type of claim in both services.

Public claims included property damage and road traffic incidents involving fire engines.

Employee claims included injuries sustained during training or emergency response.

Legal duties require services to take reasonable steps to ensure safety.

Solicitor Lucy Parker said that claims can contribute to improvements in safety procedures.

Both services saw a drop in claims in the most recent reporting year.

Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service: HMICFRS publishes latest inspection findings

by Featured NewsResearch

Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service receives updated inspection grading

HMICFRS has published its latest assessment of Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, evaluating its effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management.

This marks the third inspection of the service, with assessments covering ten key performance areas.

The review applied the updated five-tier grading system, which replaces the previous four-tier system.

The changes provide a more precise evaluation of performance but mean that direct comparisons to previous years are not possible.

Progress noted, but areas for improvement remain

The report highlights several areas where Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service has improved.

HMICFRS noted enhancements in how the service monitors its agreement with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and improvements in firefighter training.

The introduction of a structured training dashboard has enabled better skills management, and communication across the service has strengthened with the appointment of a part-time temporary chief fire officer.

However, the report identifies key areas requiring attention.

The service has been advised to improve its approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion and to develop a clearer prevention strategy.

The current strategy relies on support from the Isles of Scilly Airport Fire and Rescue Service but lacks formal direction for targeting at-risk individuals.

Risk management and response strategies evaluated

The inspection assessed how the service manages risk and responds to emergencies.

The report acknowledges the unique challenges of providing fire and rescue services across the islands, with an on-call workforce and limited resources.

Despite these factors, Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service is considered adequate in understanding fire and emergency risks and has demonstrated improvements in information-sharing processes.

HMICFRS noted that while the service gathers risk information effectively, it does not have a formal process for sharing critical protection-related data.

Fire crews rely on word-of-mouth communication rather than a structured recording system, leading to an identified area for improvement.

Financial management and collaboration with other agencies

The service was found to be managing its financial resources effectively.

The 2024/25 budget of £622,558 represents a 2% increase from the previous year.

HMICFRS recognised improvements in oversight of agreements with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and other partners.

The service collaborates with emergency partners, including South Western Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard.

The report highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-agency response planning through the local resilience forum.

Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service: HMICFRS publishes latest inspection findings – Summary

HMICFRS has released its latest inspection report on Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, assessing its effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management.

The report acknowledges improvements in firefighter training, risk monitoring, and service agreements but highlights areas requiring further development.

Key findings include the need for a clearer prevention strategy, improved processes for sharing risk information, and stronger efforts in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The service’s financial management and collaboration with emergency partners were recognised as strengths.

The next inspection will assess progress in addressing the identified areas for improvement.

EU guidance on fire safety for electric vehicles in covered parking areas

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Key recommendations for electric vehicle fire safety

The Sustainable Transport Forum (STF), under the leadership of the European Commission, has published guidance addressing fire safety risks associated with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and recharging infrastructure in covered parking areas.

The guidance document outlines best practices and recommendations for public authorities and private stakeholders.

It aims to ensure the safe deployment of BEVs by identifying existing and forthcoming legislation, examining fire safety challenges, and providing actionable safety measures.

The recommendations apply to local authorities, parking lot operators, designers, risk assessors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and property owners involved in installing BEV recharging stations in both new and existing covered parking facilities.

Fire risks associated with electric vehicles and charging infrastructure

The report highlights that BEVs do not inherently pose a greater fire risk than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), but fires involving lithium-ion batteries present unique challenges.

The primary risks associated with BEV fires include thermal runaway, jet fires, and vapor cloud explosions.

The guidance document also notes that the condition and reliability of recharging infrastructure can contribute to fire hazards.

Fire safety concerns extend to human safety, firefighter intervention challenges, risks for parking operators and building owners, and potential environmental impacts.

The guidance outlines various strategies to mitigate these risks.

Fire safety measures for covered parking facilities

The guidance presents fire safety measures in five key areas:

  • Prevention: Conducting fire risk assessments for new and existing parking structures.
  • Detection: Installing advanced fire detection systems to quickly identify fires involving BEVs.
  • Evacuation: Designing clear evacuation routes and positioning charging points away from emergency exits.
  • Propagation control: Using fire-resistant systems and compartmentalisation in parking structures to limit fire spread.
  • Firefighting: Ensuring firefighters have access to specialised equipment and training for BEV fire response.

Policy recommendations for public and private stakeholders

The report provides specific recommendations for both public authorities and private entities involved in BEV infrastructure.

For private stakeholders, such as parking operators and OEMs, the guidance recommends adhering to high safety standards when deploying BEV infrastructure, ensuring regular maintenance, and improving fire-resistant materials in parking designs.

For public authorities, it suggests establishing clear fire safety regulations, improving emergency response strategies, and ensuring that firefighters are trained in handling BEV fires.

The guidance aligns with the EU’s broader decarbonisation goals, promoting the safe and widespread adoption of BEVs.

EU guidance on fire safety for electric vehicles in covered parking areas: Summary

The Sustainable Transport Forum has issued a report detailing fire safety measures for BEVs and charging infrastructure in covered parking areas.

The guidance identifies key challenges, including risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires and recharging infrastructure reliability.

The recommendations focus on five main fire safety areas: prevention, detection, evacuation, propagation control, and firefighting.

The guidance is aimed at public authorities, parking operators, OEMs, and property owners, providing best practices for integrating BEVs into urban infrastructure safely.

By implementing these measures, stakeholders can enhance fire safety in covered parking facilities while supporting the EU’s transition to electric mobility.

FM secures representation on IWMA Scientific Council

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeopleResearch

Dr Xiangyang Zhou joins IWMA Scientific Council

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that Dr Xiangyang Zhou has joined its Scientific Council.

His appointment marks the return of FM representation to the council following a two-year absence.

Dr Zhou, a Senior Lead Research Scientist, has extensive experience in fire protection research, specialising in sprinkler and water mist systems.

He applied for a seat on the council in February 2025 and was accepted.

Background on FM’s involvement with IWMA

FM was previously represented on the IWMA Scientific Council by Dr Hong-Zeng Yu.

Following Dr Yu’s retirement two years ago, the organisation had no representative on the council until Dr Zhou’s recent appointment.

Dr Zhou has worked extensively in the field of water mist fire protection and is currently engaged in research aimed at advancing its applications.

His role on the council will involve contributing to the development of fire suppression technology through scientific collaboration.

Dr Zhou’s perspective on the appointment

Dr Zhou expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to join the council: “I am very grateful and happy to be approved as a member of the IWMA Scientific Council.

“I have worked at FM for years on the research of water mist fire protection and am currently working on a project to develop its application.

“I will be very happy to work with the Scientific Council and contribute my knowledge to advance the development of water mist fire protection worldwide.”

The role of the IWMA Scientific Council

The IWMA Scientific Council comprises experts from various sectors who contribute to the study and development of water mist fire protection.

The council collaborates on research projects, evaluates new technologies, and provides insights into regulatory and safety standards.

With Dr Zhou’s appointment, FM re-establishes its presence in the council’s discussions on fire protection advancements.

ZIEGLER announce 2024 report

by Featured NewsResearch

ZIEGLER has announced their report for 2024, revealing how despite the challenges of recent years; such as the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain problems and high financing costs, they have grown economically.

While global supply chains are only slowly recovering, ZIEGLER has shown itself to be resilient and economically strong early on.

Business figures and record results

The year 2024 marks another successful financial year for the ZIEGLER Group. The company recorded an increase in turnover of almost a third compared to the previous year.

The financial result has announced that ZIEGLER Group achieved a mid-triple-digit million euro turnover in 2024, a significant increase compared to the same period of the previous year and well above original expectations.

In addition to the sales growth, the company also posted a significantly higher profit in the high single- digit million range.

Highest order backlog in the company’s history

According to ZIEGLER’s 2024 report, future prospects are also promising, as the order books for 2025 and 2026 are well filled – with an order backlog of over half a billion euros.

Investments in digitalization, internationalization and innovation

ZIEGLER made targeted investments in the modernization of its locations in 2024. New software
solutions were also implemented in customer service to further improve service quality.

ZIEGLER also revealed that they have secured procurement options and therefore can react flexibly to market changes and requirements.

In addition, the close cooperation between the subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Croatia, Indonesia and Germany ensures a strong international presence. Thanks to the intensive exchange and cooperation within the company, ZIEGLER is ideally positioned to continue to operate successfully worldwide in the future.

Chief Sales Officer, ZIEGLER Group, Markus W. Weber’s statement

Markus W. Weber, Chief Sales Officer of the ZIEGLER Group discussed their plans moving forward, saying: “In 2025, we will primarily continue to strengthen the ZIEGLER brand and expand our position in the
market.

“We will continue to develop our already outstanding products while introducing further
innovations in a targeted manner. We have already set the course for this.

“We have used the time to strengthen ourselves internally and will deliver the next few years stronger than ever before.”

2024 report announced by ZIEGLER: Summary

The ZIEGLER Group has revealed their report for 2024, showing their economic progress and growth.

ZIEGLER’s Chief Sales Officer, Markus W. Weber said that moving forward the brand will continue to develop their products while introducing further innovations in a targeted manner.


Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Research findings

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementResearchSafety

Study examines fire safety concerns among high-rise residents

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published findings from a qualitative study on fire safety perceptions among high-rise building residents in England.

The research, commissioned following the Grenfell Tower fire, aims to understand how residents feel about fire safety and what influences their perceptions.

The study, part of the Building Safety Programme, involved nine focus groups with 50 participants from different housing tenures and regions.

It identified key concerns, including fears over evacuation safety, trust in building management, and the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

The findings will contribute to ongoing policy discussions and potential safety reforms.

Trust in building design and management affects fire safety perceptions

Residents’ confidence in fire safety was linked to trust in those responsible for building design, construction, and management.

Some participants expressed concerns that cost-cutting measures take precedence over safety.

Social housing tenants were more likely to feel reassured by their landlords’ fire safety actions, while private renters reported uncertainty over who was responsible for fire safety measures.

Concerns were also raised over building management’s lack of engagement with residents on safety protocols.

Evacuation challenges and fears among high-rise residents

Participants highlighted specific concerns about their ability to evacuate in the event of a fire, particularly those living on higher floors or in older buildings.

Residents with mobility impairments or cognitive conditions were particularly worried about their safety.

Some residents lacked confidence in the fire safety equipment within their buildings and were unsure about proper evacuation procedures.

The research indicated a demand for clearer communication on fire alarms, evacuation strategies, and provisions for vulnerable residents.

Proposals for improving fire safety awareness and engagement

The study explored several proposals to enhance fire safety awareness and resident engagement.

Participants supported the idea of information packs detailing their building’s fire safety features and evacuation procedures.

They also expressed interest in fire safety training courses to improve preparedness.

Residents favoured increased consultation on building improvements but were reluctant to take on decision-making roles due to their lack of technical expertise.

Many supported stronger regulation of short-term subletting, viewing it as a potential fire risk.

Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Summary

A study commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has examined how residents of high-rise buildings in England perceive fire safety.

The research involved focus groups with 50 participants from various housing tenures and regions.

Key concerns included evacuation challenges, uncertainty about fire safety equipment, and a lack of trust in building management.

Residents of older buildings or those on higher floors were particularly worried about their ability to escape in the event of a fire.

Social housing tenants generally felt more reassured by their landlords’ safety measures, while private renters expressed confusion over fire safety responsibilities.

Participants supported the introduction of information packs and training courses to improve awareness and preparedness.

The findings will inform ongoing discussions about high-rise fire safety policies, with a focus on enhancing communication, resident engagement, and regulatory measures.

UK fire curtain standards: A1S Fire & Smoke Curtains addresses BS 8524-1 compliance

by Featured NewsPassiveResearch

Clarifying BS 8524-1 in the UK fire curtain industry

A1S Fire & Smoke Curtains has addressed ongoing confusion within the UK fire curtain industry regarding BS 8524-1 compliance following the International Fire Consultants’ (IFC) withdrawal from the standard in June 2023.

According to A1S, some manufacturers and resellers have used this situation to make misleading claims about fire curtain compliance.

The company has collaborated with industry experts to review the situation and provide accurate information on fire curtain standards in the UK.

BS 8524-1 remains the UK’s primary fire curtain standard

BS 8524-1 remains the only UK standard specifically designed for active fire curtains, distinct from BS EN 16034, which covers a broader range of fire barriers, including doors and shutters.

Sweco, an independent building standards consultancy, reviewed the matter and stated: “It is our opinion that fire curtain products with valid third-party certification to BS 8524-1 remain valid beyond the 9 June 2023 date of withdrawal, subject to: no changes in design or manufacturing process, continued ISO 9001 accreditation, and certification validity beyond 2023.”

Sweco’s findings align with guidance from the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), which confirmed that BS EN 16034 does not regulate fire curtain deployment speeds, initiation devices, or warning mechanisms, all of which BS 8524-1 covers.

BS EN 16034’s role in fire curtain regulation

While BS EN 16034 is recognised in the European market, it does not replace BS 8524-1 for most fire curtain applications in the UK.

The ASFP clarified that BS EN 16034 applies to various fire and smoke barriers but does not include operational testing for fire curtains.

The standard lacks key testing requirements such as cycle durability tests, barrier assembly reliability, and elevated temperature motor operation tests.

A1S states that using BS EN 16034 alone could introduce risks, as it does not evaluate the operational reliability of fire curtains under sustained use.

Industry response to misleading claims

A1S Fire & Smoke Curtains has warned against unverified claims by certain manufacturers regarding compliance with BS 8524-1.

The company advises industry professionals to verify certification documents, ensure they originate from a recognised notified body, and conduct due diligence when specifying fire curtains.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has reviewed the applicable fire curtain standards in the UK, aligning with the ASFP, Sweco, and the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Their guidance confirms that BS 8524-1 certification remains valid beyond June 2023, provided products maintain third-party certification, design consistency, and ISO 9001 accreditation.

UK fire curtain standards: A1S Fire & Smoke Curtains addresses BS 8524-1 compliance – Summary

A1S Fire & Smoke Curtains has addressed industry concerns over BS 8524-1 compliance following the IFC’s withdrawal in June 2023.

The company highlights that BS 8524-1 remains the primary UK standard for fire curtains, as confirmed by industry bodies such as Sweco and ASFP.

BS EN 16034, while applicable in Europe, does not cover operational performance criteria essential for fire curtain reliability in the UK.

The OPSS has clarified that BS 8524-1 certification remains valid under specific conditions, reinforcing its continued relevance.

A1S advises professionals to verify certification claims to ensure compliance with recognised standards.

UK firefighter mental health study seeks 10,000 participants

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyResearch

National survey aims to assess firefighter mental health needs

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has launched a research project to examine the mental health of firefighters across the UK.

The study, commissioned by the FBU and independently conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), will survey firefighters about how their work impacts their mental health, what support is available, and what improvements are needed.

There is no standardised mental health guidance specific to firefighters in the UK, despite the demands of the profession.

The research aims to provide data-driven recommendations to improve support across the fire service.

Survey seeks 10,000 firefighter responses

The study aims to gather at least 10,000 responses from serving firefighters through an online survey.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, encouraged participation: “We’re calling on all serving firefighters in the UK to take part in this ground-breaking research into firefighter mental health.

“Firefighting is an intensive and highly skilled profession, and every day we hear from firefighters who are facing increasing and preventable pressures at work.”

He added: “Firefighters are being let down by patchy and inconsistent support, without standard policies.

“We need firefighters across the UK to take this survey and help build a clearer picture of how fire and rescue services can better support the frontline.

“Together we are determined to improve mental health in our service.”

University of Central Lancashire leads independent research

The study is led by Dr Carolina Campodonico, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at UCLan, who highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters: “Firefighters across the UK face immense physical and emotional demands, yet mental health support remains inconsistent and underutilised.”

Dr Campodonico noted that similar research in countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia has led to stronger national policies for first responders.

“This is a vital opportunity for all serving firefighters to have their voices heard while remaining anonymous,” she said.

“Our research is independent, shaped by the needs of the fire service community, and aims to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health support.

“Every firefighter who takes part will be helping to create meaningful change—now is the time to speak up.”

Mental health concerns in the UK fire service

A 2019 study by mental health charity Mind found that 60% of surveyed fire service workers reported personal experiences of mental health problems.

Despite these findings, there has been little action from leadership to systematically address the issue across the fire and rescue service.

The FBU’s latest study seeks to identify causes of poor mental health and develop strategies to enhance support for firefighters and fire control staff.

UK firefighter mental health study seeks 10,000 participants: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has commissioned the University of Central Lancashire to conduct a national survey on firefighter mental health.

The research aims to assess the impact of firefighting on mental health, review current workplace support, and recommend improvements.

With a goal of collecting at least 10,000 responses, the survey is open to all serving firefighters.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said the study is needed due to inconsistent mental health support across fire services.

Dr Carolina Campodonico of UCLan highlighted that research in other countries has led to improved policies for first responders, and UK firefighters should receive the same level of commitment.

A 2019 study by Mind found that 60% of fire service workers reported mental health problems, but little action has been taken to address the issue at a national level.

The survey aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve firefighter mental health support in the UK.

Global firestopping sealants market forecast to grow 8.3% annually through 2030

by Featured NewsPassiveResearch

Market projected to expand due to urbanisation and infrastructure growth

The global firestopping sealants market is expected to reach $745.4 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

The report attributes this growth to rapid urbanisation and large-scale infrastructure developments, particularly in emerging economies.

The demand for firestop solutions is increasing in both commercial and residential construction as stricter building codes and fire safety regulations take effect.

Firestop sealants are used to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through openings in fire-rated walls and floors.

Their adoption is being driven by new construction projects and renovations where compliance with fire safety standards is required.

Intumescent and silicone sealants dominate market share

The intumescent segment accounted for 69.8% of revenue in 2024, according to Grand View Research.

These sealants expand under high temperatures, sealing gaps and helping to contain fire and smoke.

Silicone-based firestopping sealants also held a significant market share, with a 61.1% revenue contribution in 2024.

Their flexibility and resistance to extreme temperatures make them a preferred option in commercial and residential construction.

The report notes that demand for sustainable construction materials is further influencing the market, with increasing adoption of firestop sealants that meet environmental and low-emission standards.

Commercial construction leads firestopping sealant demand

The commercial sector led the market in 2024, accounting for the largest revenue share.

The use of firestop sealants in office buildings, shopping centres, and educational institutions is driven by strict fire safety requirements.

Growth in sustainable building practices is also contributing to higher demand for firestop solutions in commercial projects.

Renovations of older buildings to meet updated safety standards are another key factor supporting market expansion.

North America remains the largest regional market

North America accounted for 42.0% of global revenue in 2024, according to Grand View Research.

The US leads the regional market due to a well-established construction sector and stringent fire safety regulations across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Major infrastructure projects and increasing awareness of fire prevention measures are expected to sustain demand for firestopping sealants in the region.

Global firestopping sealants market forecast to grow 8.3% annually through 2030: Summary

The global firestopping sealants market is projected to reach $745.4 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2030.

Grand View Research attributes this growth to urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and stricter fire safety regulations.

Intumescent firestop sealants held 69.8% of the market share in 2024, while silicone sealants accounted for 61.1% of revenue.

The commercial sector was the largest market segment, with strong demand in office buildings, shopping centres, and educational facilities.

North America led the global market with a 42.0% revenue share, driven by regulatory requirements and investment in fire safety solutions.

Key industry players include 3M Company, Hilti Group, Sika AG, BASF SE, and RPM International Inc.

In January 2024, Hilti Group launched a new range of firestop sealants with reduced VOC emissions in response to sustainability trends.