Discover the new Sensitron gas detection control panel

by Breaking NewsGas DetectionProductsSafety

Strong heritage, new design.

Sensitron is a global gas detection company whose product range includes fixed gas detection systems, detectors, and control panels for all applications.

Committed to innovation, Sensitron previews its new control panel for reliable gas detection systems with up to eight gas detectors, which will be commercially available within 2026.

Grounded in Sensitron’s heritage, it evolves from the best-selling PL4+, preserving the proven reliability that has always defined Sensitron systems. Built around the needs of those who work with it every day, the new control panel introduces a new user-oriented design approach, expressed through an essential form and a completely redesigned interface: more modern, readable, and intuitive, delivering a simpler operation and a tangible improvement in the on-site user experience.

“We chose design as a strategy to complement our technical expertise, adding an element of differentiation in a highly competitive market.” explains Marco Passadori, Managing Director of Sensitron. “The decision to introduce design stems from listening to those who use the product. From our ongoing dialogue with customers came the desire to create a control panel truly designed for its users.”

Beyond design, the new control panel introduces a completely redesigned interface. New elements — including graphics, pop-ups, directional arrows, on/off switches, drop-down menus and contextual buttons — help users understand how the control panel works more quickly, without the need for prior knowledge. Menus are organised according to a logical tree structure, enabling intuitive navigation and immediate access to functions exactly where users expect to find them.

It complies with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, as well as the main performance and functional safety standards, including EN IEC 60079-29-1 and EN 61508 / EN 50402 (SIL1).

With this new control panel, Sensitron introduces a new language into the world of gas detection, continuing to demonstrate its ability to innovate within a highly specialised and regulated market, without losing sight of its roots.

5 of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far

by ActiveAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - ProductsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionFire DetectionFire EngineeringFire SuppressionFire SuppressionHealth and SafetyMENA - Breaking NewsMENA - ProductsMENA - ProjectsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - EventsPassivePeopleProductsProjectsProjectsPublic EventsPublic EventsSafety

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.

Sunwoda launches 588Ah energy storage platform at ees Europe 2026

by Breaking NewsProductsSafety

Sunwoda has launched a next-generation energy storage system (ESS) platform based on its 588Ah lithium iron phosphate cell technology at ees Europe 2026 in Munich, Germany, alongside new fire safety and European compliance milestones.

The energy storage provider used the event to showcase products spanning battery cells from 72Ah to 684Ah, as well as utility-scale and commercial and industrial energy storage solutions. Its newly announced 588Ah-based portfolio includes a 20-foot 6.26MWh liquid-cooled battery energy storage system (BESS), a 10-foot 3.13MWh liquid-cooled BESS and a 10-foot 3.13MWh all-in-one liquid-cooled ESS.

According to the company, the flagship 6.26MWh BESS offers a 24.8% increase in volumetric energy density, a 17% reduction in station footprint and a 40% reduction in total system components compared with its previous generation.

Sunwoda said the platform uses a multi-layer safety architecture and hierarchical electrical protection design intended to improve fault isolation and system stability. The system also combines liquid cooling with coordinated airflow to support even thermal distribution, while a cluster-level battery management system provides active balancing.

The platform supports centralized and string power conversion system configurations and is compatible with two-hour and four-hour applications. Sunwoda said this is designed to allow flexible deployment across a range of utility-scale energy storage projects. The 10-foot 3.13MWh BESS is aimed at projects with more complex transportation, installation or site-layout needs, while the all-in-one ESS integrates factory-preconfigured AC/DC architectures to reduce on-site integration work and speed up installation and commissioning.

Fire safety and compliance

At the event, Sunwoda also received certificates from CSA Group confirming that its 5MWh BESS platform had completed large-scale fire testing in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A:2026 and had been evaluated against CSA/ANSI C800:2025 requirements.

The testing is intended to validate system-level safety performance in high-capacity battery energy storage applications, a key concern for developers, insurers, authorities having jurisdiction and fire safety professionals as grid-scale storage projects grow in size and density.

EU battery regulation readiness

Sunwoda’s 261kWh ESS series has also received certification from TÜV Rheinland under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, confirming compliance with requirements covering battery lifecycle management, material traceability and digital battery passport readiness. The company said these regulatory validations are being extended across its wider portfolio as it strengthens its European localization framework and after-sales technical support capabilities.

The FDI Group expands into Dubai

by Safety

FDI Consultancy Services has launched in Dubai, providing independent, expert fire safety and fire engineering consultancy services across the built environment.

According to the company, the new regulations are aimed at strengthening the safety, quality and sustainability of buildings across the emirate.

The company said that it supports developers, designers, contractors and asset owners with technically robust fire safety solutions at every stage of the project lifecycle, from concept design to construction and occupation.

FDI Group

Founded in the UK in 2020, The FDI Group quickly established itself as one of the largest providers of fire door consultancy and inspection services.

Renowned for its expertise in delivering digital fire compliance data, the team works with several major residential developers and facilities management teams on high-profile projects, including London’s Canary Wharf expansion and has built a reputation for helping navigate increasingly stringent building safety requirements.

“A key priority”

Elliott Brown, Founder & Managing Director, The FDI Group, said: “Passive fire protection is a key priority across the UAE, underpinned by a clear commitment to raising standards and digitalising compliance processes.

“Given our international experience supporting high-risk and high-rise buildings, we saw a significant opportunity in Dubai and beyond.

“The response we have received from local stakeholders has been excellent so far.

“Having always championed the use of technology to enhance the flow of information, we look forward to playing a role in the future of passive fire compliance and supporting safer buildings for generations to come,” Brown concluded.

“The heart of FDI’s work”

Edward Gaynor, Director of Technical Excellence and Group Compliance, FDI Consultancy Services said: “I have spent my career committed to life safety, and supporting FDI’s growth in this market was a natural next step.

“Our objective is straightforward: ensuring robust design, expert installation and absolute system compliance across all passive fire protection projects.

 “Passive fire protection is a discipline where focused, demonstrable expertise separates a building that performs from one that does not.

“Technical knowledge, attention to detail and innovation have been at the heart of FDI’s work from the beginning and these principles will continue to guide everything we do,” he added.

Services

Services cover fire strategy development, design reviews, regulatory approvals, construction oversight, commissioning, certification and ongoing compliance management, ensuring fire and life safety requirements are effectively integrated, verified and maintained throughout every phase of an asset’s development and operation.

To support its growth plans, the firm said that it is actively building a team in Dubai, bringing together professionals who share the same commitment to superior standards that has characterised its success to date.

World Cup fire safety warning issued to licensed premises

by Breaking NewsPublic EventsSafety

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging licenced premises to review their fire safety arrangements as they prepare to welcome thousands of football supporters during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Responsibility for fire safety rests with the ‘responsible person’ – usually the employer or licence holder of the premises. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging all responsible persons to review and update their fire risk assessments before making any changes to their premises for showing World Cup matches.

“Any temporary changes made to a venue must be carefully considered from a fire safety perspective.” said West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Protection Dave Bray: “Whether it is installing large screens, putting up decorations and flags, creating additional viewing areas or increasing customer capacity, businesses have a legal duty to ensure these changes do not compromise the safety of their customers or staff.”

Temporary alterations can affect occupancy levels, escape routes, evacuation procedures and access to firefighting equipment. The responsible person must ensure that fire safety remains a key consideration throughout the planning and delivery of tournament-related events.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is advising businesses to:

  • Review and update fire risk assessments to reflect any temporary changes.
  • Ensure all emergency exits, escape routes and fire doors remain serviceable unobstructed and available for immediate use.
  • Avoid positioning screens, furniture, staging or temporary structures where they could hinder evacuation.
  • Check that temporary electrical installations are safe, suitable and do not overload existing electrical systems.
  • Use appropriate fire-retardant materials for decorations and displays.
  • Review occupancy levels and implement suitable crowd management measures.
  • Ensure staff are fully trained and understand emergency procedures and their roles in the event of an evacuation.
  • Maintain clear access to firefighting equipment and fire alarm call points.

The Service says that fire safety officers and operational crews may conduct inspections before and during the World Cup tournament period to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and to provide advice where required.

Flame resistant fibre protective wear range launched by Lenzing

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentPassivePPEProductsSafety

Cellulosic fibre specialist Lenzing has launched a new range of Flame resistant fibre protective wear.

The company says its three-tier protective wear offering is a range of hybrid and flame resistant-finished garments, with independent testing indicating lower heat stress than several conventional FR fabric options.

Lenzing’s portfolio is built around LENZING FR and TENCEL Lyocell fibres, positioning the range as a single-source system for manufacturers developing garments for structural firefighting, utilities, oil and gas, welding and heavy industry. The company says the line-up combines inherent flame-resistant, hybrid and FR-finished options so specifiers can match protection levels more closely to operational risk, comfort demands and cost targets.

For the fire and safety market, the most significant part of the launch is the way Lenzing has split its offer into three application tiers. The inherent protection tier, based on LENZING FR blended with aramid, is aimed at the highest-risk environments including structural firefighting and electrical utilities.

A hybrid tier using TENCEL Lyocell A100 with modacrylic is positioned for oil and gas, industrial workwear and high-visibility applications, while the flame resistant-finished tier is targeted at steel, welding and metalworking where lower-cost protection remains a priority.

A central claim in the launch is wearer performance under thermal strain. Lenzing cited independent physiological testing at 35°C showing that garments containing LENZING FR/aramid blends produced a 29% lower rise in core body temperature than flame resistant-treated cotton (0.75°C vs 1.05°C), and lower readings than both 100% aramid (1.05°C) and modacrylic/cotton blends (1.1°C).

“For too long, the protective wear industry has relied on a one-size-fits-all fibre approach, yet a structural firefighter and a welding technician face fundamentally different risks,” says Alexander Gstettner, Global Commercial Director, FR fibres at Lenzing. “With PFAS regulations accelerating and workers operating in increasingly demanding thermal environments, we see a clear need for a more structured approach.”

Alongside performance, Lenzing is pushing the sustainability case for its cellulosic. |The company claims that dope-dyed LENZING flame resistant fibres eliminates additional dyeing processes, enabling up to 50% reductions in energy and water use and up to 60% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional dyeing.

Wildfire danger awareness raised in NFFF video

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeopleSafetyVideoWildland Fire

With a growing need for education and awareness surrounding wildfires, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has released a Safety INSight video designed to educate both the fire service and the public on these fires.

“Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more destructive, which makes this a critical time for education.” Said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “We’re proud to bring more attention to the issue by highlighting the advancements being made in wildfire safety while also giving people practical information on how they can better protect their homes and communities.”

The video is said to explain what areas are considered Wild-Urban Interface fires and provides historical context around some of the deadliest and most destructive events in U.S. history.

Also in the video, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) representatives discuss the organisation’s research and testing facilities that recreate real-world scenarios. This work is claimed to help identify vulnerabilities in homes and communities while developing practical solutions that can reduce wildfire risk.

FIS launches e-learning module to support building regulation compliance

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementHealth and SafetyHospitalitySafety

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new e-learning module to help construction professionals understand and meet their responsibilities under the latest building regulations.

The competency-led course, ‘Building Regulation Compliance: Contractor Roles,’ provides practical guidance on compliance requirements and how they apply to contractors. It is aimed primarily at directors, managers and senior leaders, while also offering valuable insight for project teams and supervisors responsible for maintaining standards on site.

A key focus of the course is addressing the misconception that roles such as Principal Contractor and Contractor apply only to higher-risk buildings. These roles are mandatory across all regulated works, making a clear understanding of responsibilities essential for compliance.

According to FIS, the course explains these requirements in a straightforward, accessible way, helping contractors understand where they fit within the regulatory framework and what is expected of them.

Developed in collaboration with FIS members and industry experts, the module aims to simplify complex regulatory requirements and support organisations in embedding best practice.

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the new regulations and the building control process, while strengthening organisational competence and capability. The course also provides CPD points to support professional development.

The training forms part of FIS’s support of the sector through regulatory change, providing timely, practical training that reflects the realities faced by contractors.

FIS members can access the module free of charge through the FIS Academy while non-members can enrol for a fee.

Euralarm publishes White Paper on Fire safety in a connected world

by Safety

The European fire safety industry is at a turning point, Euralarm explained in its latest White Paper.

Digitalisation, remote connectivity and cybersecurity are converging to redefine how buildings are protected and maintained.

White Paper

Euralarm’s new White Paper on fire safety in a connected world covers integrating detection, remote services and cybersecurity.

According to the company, this white paper outlines how fire detection systems are transforming into intelligent, connected infrastructures and what this means for service providers, building operators and policymakers across.

Digital transformation

Across the continent, false alarms remain a significant burden: studies such as Euralarm’s 2022 False Alarm Study show that in some countries the false fire alarm ratio of FDAS (Fire Detection and Alarm Systems) is over 85% Unnecessary activations disrupt business continuity, erode confidence in fire protection systems and potentially waste emergency resources.

At the same time, climate change, energy efficiency targets and a shrinking pool of skilled labour are reshaping building operations and maintenance practices.

Digital transformation offers powerful answers.

Euralarm stated that through smart connectivity, cloud-based monitoring and data analytics, fire detection systems can now provide real-time insights, enabling remote diagnosis, predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making.

These capabilities reduce downtime, improve safety and support sustainability goals by cutting travel and optimising resource use.

However, with connectivity comes a new responsibility: cybersecurity.

As fire systems are more often connected via the internet, they must be protected from digital threats that could compromise safety or availability.

Standards

According to Euralarm, Standards such as EN 50710:2021 (for remote services), CLC/TS 50136-10 (for Remote Access Infrastructure), IEC 62443 (for industrial OT cybersecurity) and ISO/IEC 27001 (for IT information security management) provide the framework for building and operating secure systems that are designed to protect information, assets and operations from unauthorised access, damage or disruption.

Such secure systems that follow Security by Design and Security by Default principles ensure that fire protection remains reliable, even in the connected era.

Sustainable buildings

By integrating fire detection, remote services and cybersecurity, European stakeholders can achieve safer, more resilient and more sustainable buildings.

Interconnected digital fire safety is already emerging as the new operating model and is expected to become standard practice across many new and modernised buildings during the second half of this decade, as connectivity, remote services and cybersecurity requirements become embedded in building operations and European regulatory frameworks.

Those who act now will lead the market transformation, delivering smarter protection and stronger trust in the systems that safeguard lives and assets.

Water safety warning issued as hot weather continues across half term

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Fire chiefs urge parents to speak to young people after four teenagers drown over bank holiday weekend

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an urgent water safety warning as hot weather continues across the half term holidays, following four confirmed drownings of teenagers in inland water over the bank holiday weekend.

Fire chiefs said the incidents were a “stark reminder” of the dangers posed by open water, with rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs attracting more visitors during periods of warm weather.

The NFCC warned that despite high air temperatures, water in open environments can remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement within seconds.

Emergency services often see a rise in water-related incidents during warmer weather, with officials warning that many people underestimate the dangers of open water. Hidden currents, submerged objects and sudden drops can pose serious risks, even for strong swimmers used to pools rather than open water conditions.

Research released by Bournemouth University in 2024 found that when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, the risk of accidental drowning increases fivefold compared to days averaging 10°C. The analysis also showed three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days where temperatures reach 25°C or higher compared with the seasonal average.

Gavin Ellis, NFCC drowning prevention lead, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water. We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous.

“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water. Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather.

“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.”

The NFCC is urging families to follow water safety advice during the warm weather, including swimming only in supervised locations, avoiding jumping into water to cool off and never entering the water to attempt a rescue.

People spending time near water are also encouraged to install location apps such as what3words to help emergency services identify their location quickly in the event of an incident.

Fire chiefs are also reminding the public of the “Phone, Float, Throw” advice if they see someone in trouble in the water:

  • Phone 999 immediately.
  • Encourage the person to float on their back.
  • Throw them something that floats.

The NFCC is also promoting the “Float to Live” guidance for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water, advising people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax to control breathing, move their hands to stay afloat and call for help or swim to safety once the initial shock passes.