Euralarm has welcomed VdS as a new associate member in Zug, Switzerland, in March 2026.
VdS will become a member of its Extinguishing, Fire, Security and Services Sections.
VdS services and areas of work
VdS described its work as covering fire protection, security, cyber security and natural hazard prevention.
Its services include risk assessments, testing and certification, inspection services, information systems for natural hazards and a training programme.
The institute also publishes guidelines that it said set international safety and security standards.
How Euralarm described member benefits and section roles
Euralarm said companies joining the association gain insight into other European markets and opportunities, alongside access to EU policy expertise and connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.
It added that membership enables organisations to gain expertise on standardisation and support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.
The association outlined its four sections as Extinguishing, Fire, Services and Security, with VdS joining all sections.
Strategies outline prevention protection and response priorities
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has published new prevention, protection and response strategies outlining how it plans to reduce risk and support safer communities across South Wales.
The Service confirmed the strategies formalise existing operational work and link daily activity with outcomes aimed at protecting life, property and the environment.
Head of Operations Mike Wyatt explained: “One of the key areas highlighted by the HMICFRS inspection was the need to formalise the work we undertake in our communities across prevention, protection and response.
“These strategies bring together the activity delivered by our teams and help connect the work we do every day with the impact it has on saving lives.”
The framework sets out how SWFRS will work with partners to reduce the likelihood of fires and emergencies, strengthen public protection through education, regulation and enforcement, and improve its understanding of risks affecting communities, businesses and individuals.
The strategies also include commitments to reduce smoke, chemicals and carbon emissions, support sustainable building development and contribute to community resilience.
Five themes support implementation, including workforce support, environmental responsibility, collaboration with partners, innovation and continuous improvement.
Operational plans set prevention protection and response actions
The prevention strategy focuses on person-centred interventions such as home fire safety visits for vulnerable people, education programmes for young people and public safety information covering fire, road and water risks.
Partnership working remains central to prevention efforts, with a focus on inclusive delivery and shared responsibility across agencies.
The protection strategy outlines risk-based inspections, targeted engagement with high-risk premises, compliance support through Primary Authority Schemes and measures to reduce unwanted fire signals.
Fire investigation and intelligence sharing support efforts to improve safety standards and identify emerging risks.
The response strategy sets out how SWFRS will maintain operational readiness, meet statutory duties and address risks linked to climate change, urbanisation, industrial activity, public safety and workforce pressures.
Commitments include maintaining staffing levels, improving on-call availability, strengthening collaboration and embedding the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Code of Ethics within operational practice.
The Service stated the strategies align operational activity with identified risks and inspection findings to support safer outcomes across South Wales.
Hong Kong year-end review: response activity and regulatory changes
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department recorded fewer fire calls in 2025, alongside new inspection measures and regulatory initiatives affecting buildings and fire safety compliance.
Details were presented in a year-end review delivered on February 24 by Mr Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services.
Total fire calls reached 35,972 in 2025, compared with 37,828 in 2024.
False alarms fell to 26,915 cases, down from 29,357 the previous year.
Damaging building fires reached 2,000 cases, an increase of 25 incidents compared with 2024.
Electrical faults accounted for about 42 per cent of building fires and human negligence, including careless handling of cigarette ends and candles, accounted for about 25 per cent.
Response performance remained above target, with 96.1 per cent of building fire calls attended within the graded response time, exceeding the department’s 92.5 per cent performance pledge.
A No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26 resulted in 168 deaths and the loss of Senior Fireman (Posthumous) Ho Wai-ho.
Special service calls rose to 42,485 in 2025, compared with 39,320 in 2024.
More than 800 special service calls were handled during Super Typhoon Ragasa in September, including 514 incidents involving fallen trees.
Emergency response personnel also attended a serious aircraft accident at Hong Kong International Airport in October, evacuating four crew members from the cabin.
International deployments included participation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) search and rescue team following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, where personnel helped rescue a survivor trapped for more than 125 hours.
Regulatory developments included the launch of the Registered Fire Engineer Scheme in November 2025, allowing qualified professionals to carry out fire safety risk assessments within a defined scope.
Support for older buildings expanded through three Building Improvement Support Centres, which handled 23,239 cases by the end of 2025.
Approvals of fire services installation drawings increased from 1,176 buildings in 2024 to 1,507 in 2025.
A pilot scheme allowing enforcement authorities to carry out fire safety improvement works on behalf of non-compliant building owners was introduced in the third quarter of 2025, covering 10 buildings.
Testing of an Internet of Things fire detection system began in 10 buildings of six storeys or below, with completion of the pilot phase expected in early 2026.
Inspection timelines for new fire protection facilities were shortened, with average acceptance inspection durations reduced from 52 to 35 days for regular projects and 22 days for public housing projects.
Remote inspection pilots using video conferencing processed 563 licence-related cases between August and December 2025, with full implementation planned for 2026.
Yeung said: “saving those in distress and protecting the community”.
Hong Kong fire safety education: VR expansion and community training targets
Hong Kong authorities outlined plans to expand fire safety education, including increased use of virtual reality technology and wider community training programmes.
Information was provided in a Legislative Council reply on February 25 by Mr Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security.
Fire safety talks and advisory services increased over the past three years, reaching 147,487 in 2025, up from 141,565 in 2024 and 133,295 in 2023.
District-level fire safety work has been coordinated through the Fire Services Department Community Collaboration Network, which includes Divisional Commanders and district fire safety committee representatives.
Distribution of emergency preparedness equipment formed part of this work, with more than 3,000 sets of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and stand-alone detectors provided in 2025.
Plans for 2026 include distribution of 5,400 disaster and emergency preparedness kits equipped with smoke hoods.
Community training programmes continued to expand, with 8,420 members joining the Community Emergency Responder Scheme by the end of 2025.
Annual recruitment targets for the scheme have been increased to 10,000 participants.
Specialised Building Emergency Responder training has also been introduced for property management personnel, residents and building representatives.
Around 100 property management personnel completed training in December 2025.
A further 15,000 licensed property management personnel are scheduled to receive training in 2026 through collaboration with the Property Management Services Authority.
Use of immersive training tools remains part of the education approach, including the Emergency Preparedness Education Bus, which features a virtual reality simulation system.
Additional virtual reality elements will be incorporated into community training programmes, enabling participants to experience simulated emergency scenarios through visual and audio environments.
Two Disaster Prevention Experience Centres are planned for Wan Chai and Tseung Kwan O, featuring facilities and equipment designed to simulate fire incidents and other emergencies.
School-based programmes remain part of the education framework, with the Fire Services Department working alongside the Education Bureau to deliver training and preparedness activities.
Schools are required to conduct fire drills at least once every six months and maintain written evacuation records.
The Hong Kong updates combine operational data from 2025 with regulatory, inspection and training measures planned for implementation during 2026.
Four men arrested in Winchester last week are suspected of accepting payment to help unqualified people gain Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards without completing a genuine training course.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) said the suspected fraudulent test centre should act as a reminder for those responsible for health and safety on construction sites.
Police reported that gaming the system in this way would allow unqualified and inadequately trained people to gain access to construction sites and could put themselves and others at risk of serious harm.
Digital checks and the Engineering Services SKILLcard
Jill Nicholls, Director Of Competence And Compliance at BESA, said: “This incident should remind everyone that we cannot be complacent about health and safety despite all the measures the industry has put in place in recent years.
“We now have an advanced digital system for verifying that card holders are genuine and have completed the appropriate training for their specific work areas, and we would encourage everyone to use the system proactively, especially if they have any suspicions about someone’s qualifications.”
BESA operates the CSCS partner card scheme Engineering Services SKILLcard, which allows card holders and inspectors to access technical and health and safety qualifications in real time via a mobile phone app.
The association said the system also allows cancellation of counterfeit or revoked cards.
It said the SKILLcard has been operating for over 24 years and provides more than 55,000 building services engineers with evidence of the qualifications they need to access sites.
It also said the digital Engineering Services SKILLcard gives users a single continually updated point of access to all their cards and the qualifications they hold.
The system can enable site access via a QR code that can be scanned directly from the card holder’s phone using the CSCS Smart Check App.
BESA said digitisation formed part of the sector’s response to the Building Safety Act, which came into force in 2022, and was intended to increase scrutiny of individual competence and compliance.
It said it provides cards for trade operatives, and also for people with supervisory and managerial responsibilities.
The scheme is also used by self-employed and agency workers, and those seeking employment in the sector.
The association also said it provides a suite of online health and safety training courses and tests.
Insight Training has published maintenance guidance for fire departments using thermal imaging cameras, setting out daily checks and handling steps intended to reduce the risk of equipment failure and extend service life.
In a blog article by Andrew Starnes, the company said one of the most common causes of thermal imaging camera malfunction is poor care and maintenance.
The guidance says a designated crew member should inspect each device daily to confirm it is operational and free from visible defects.
That process starts with powering on the camera and checking that it starts fully within 30 seconds.
If start-up takes longer, the unit may need to be returned to the manufacturer for servicing.
The article adds that cameras stored below freezing or above 104°F may take longer to power up.
Battery status should also be checked during the inspection.
Most units display a four-bar battery indicator, with each bar representing at least 30 minutes of operating time.
Newer models may offer up to six hours of battery life, although power use can rise when functions such as flashlights, recording or transmission are active.
Users are advised to remove the battery and inspect charging contacts for dirt or damage.
Where a truck-mounted charger is used, both the charger contacts and camera contacts should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe.
Soap, water and solvents are not recommended for those components.
The lens should also be inspected for scratches or chips that may affect image quality.
A flashlight may be needed during this check because defects can be difficult to spot on lenses with diamond coating.
Operators are then advised to scan the surrounding area for signs of detector problems, including image ghosting, static lines on the screen or black dots that remain visible after scanning.
The guidance says black dots can appear after exposure to intense radiant heat sources such as the sun, arc welders or plasma cutters.
It also advises crews to confirm that application modes, recording functions and the default reset function are all working correctly during the scan test.
A radio frequency interference test is also recommended as part of the daily check.
This involves keying a portable firefighter radio next to the camera to confirm that transmissions do not affect the display.
For devices produced since 2013, the test should show no visual interference.
If the display freezes or shows white static, the unit may have damaged or incorrectly installed electromagnetic interference coatings and should be returned for repair.
Thermal handling and charging practices
Insight Training also sets out storage, cleaning and carrying guidance for thermal imaging cameras used in fire service operations.
Cameras should be returned to a charging dock, secured to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment or placed in another designated ready position after use.
The article warns against leaving units on hot surfaces or on vehicle dashboards in direct sunlight.
Camera housings should be cleaned with a mild soap solution.
Paint removers, degreasers and solvents should be avoided because they may damage seals designed to protect against water and dust ingress.
The guidance says some departments have used abrasive tools or strong cleaning agents that can damage protective housings and shorten the working life of the device.
Users are also warned not to remove the battery and submerge the camera in water during cleaning because this can void the warranty and permanently damage the unit.
Port covers for PC connections should remain closed to prevent dust or moisture entering the camera.
The article states that fire service thermal imaging cameras provide approximate thermal readings and are not intended for measuring extreme heat sources.
It adds that pointing a device at radiant heat sources such as the sun, plasma cutters or high-powered lasers can damage the detector and void the warranty.
According to the guidance, this can happen when a firefighter removes equipment and leaves the camera facing upwards towards the sun.
The company also recommends securing cameras to gear in a way that keeps them accessible and reduces the chance of damage or entanglement.
Units should not be dragged, used as forcible entry tools or left in active fire conditions.
Retractable cords are described as a potential entanglement risk if they catch on ladders or other equipment.
The article recommends checking attachment hardware regularly and using locking or swivel-lock carabiners to reduce the chance of accidental detachment.
It also describes a strap worn over the firefighter’s coat, similar to a radio strap, as an alternative carrying option.
Some firefighters, the article says, use seatbelt webbing with a large carabiner as an attachment point.
It also warns against attaching retractable straps to the back of SCBA equipment because that arrangement can damage the camera and shorten strap life.
Battery management is presented as another factor in long-term maintenance.
The guidance recommends allowing batteries to charge fully and discharge fully to reduce the effect of incomplete charging cycles on lifespan.
It notes that lithium-ion batteries do not technically develop a memory effect and are rated for a finite number of charge cycles.
Dirty contacts or poor placement in a truck charger can lead to repeated short charging cycles that reduce battery life.
The article also notes that TIC units are designed to meet IP67 ratings for dust and water resistance, with open battery ports or exposed connection covers increasing the risk of damage.
The guidance presents routine inspection, correct storage and careful handling as part of maintaining readiness and protecting thermal imaging equipment over time.
Apprenticeships investment and participation figures
SOCOTEC UK & Ireland has reported an investment of around £2 million in apprenticeships over the past five years, supporting more than 450 employees on programmes.
The company’s update said it ended 2025 with 130 new apprentices starting in the year, which it described as its highest annual intake so far.
It added that it currently has more than 200 active apprentices and more than 120 managers supporting them.
Lisa Massey, HR Director at SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, said: “We’re incredibly proud of how our learning and development opportunities have enhanced the careers of so many colleagues.
“Some of our people have been working on their courses for up to five years, showing real tenacity and determination to get to the end of their learning journeys.
“This investment isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating genuine career pathways and recognising the exceptional talent we have throughout the business, from early careers apprentices to upskilling employees at every stage of their career.”
Courses, providers and staff progression examples
The company said its apprenticeship programmes span 50 different courses delivered through 26 apprenticeship providers, covering early career professionals as well as employees looking to change roles or build skills at different career stages.
It highlighted Lee Dando’s progression after joining SOCOTEC in 2017 as a Rig Co-ordinator, with the business stating he moved through business improvement manager roles before becoming Field Operations Director in early 2025.
Dando said: “I’m 53 now and have been in the industry since I was 17 years old.
“It’s taken me a while to become a director, but it’s only taken me eight years to become a director at SOCOTEC.
“However, you don’t just become a director, that’s where SOCOTEC stepped in and trained me to be ready for this challenge.
“To become a director in just eight years illustrates SOCOTEC’s commitment to recognising and developing talent.
“The business saw my potential and essentially said to me, ‘If you want to grow, we will support you’ – that is a testament to the business, not just me.”
SOCOTEC said Dando now oversees areas including the Field Services Team, which it described as comprising the drilling division, bio-remediation and plant, plus depot operations and logistics.
It also shared the experience of Nathan Finnan, Senior Site Engineer at SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, describing how he pursued further professional development with the company’s support after working in groundworks, site supervision and project coordination.
Finnan said: “I lost my grandfather recently, and it really made me think about what I want to achieve in my career.
“You could say I should have done it when I was younger, but I’m doing it now, and that’s what matters.
“Better late than never, as they say.
“One thing I’ve learned is that you’re never too old to develop new skills or take on new challenges.”
SOCOTEC said Finnan is working towards a Senior Project Manager role and shared his advice for others considering development.
Finnan said: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment to pursue your goals.
“Life has a way of reminding you that time is precious.
“If you want to develop your career, start now.
“Learn new skills, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges.
“You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”
External recognition and graduation event
SOCOTEC said its learning and development activity has been recognised through a Gold rating in The 5% Club and a Great Place to Work Rating in 2025.
It added that it was also recognised in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list last year.
The company said it held its third annual Earn and Learn graduation ceremony at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-upon-Trent, recognising 85 employees who completed learning and development courses.
It said the event also marked the global launch of SOCOTEC’s Blue Academy, a learning and development initiative intended to expand growth opportunities for staff.
C-TEC has formed a specialist CAST technical support team to support its own-protocol CAST life-safety systems, including complex cause and effect programming and pre-project planning.
The company introduced the team as Alex Riley, Sam Rudd and Jake Field, and said the group will also provide personalised on-site technical support.
Riley has been at C-TEC for four years and has worked in the technical support department.
Rudd was initially employed as an SMT process engineer and has been with the company for three years.
Field previously worked in Manufacturing and is described as the newest member of the team.
Terry Gordon, Engineering and Technical Support Manager at C-TEC, said: “The new CAST technical support team means faster and more efficient technical support for our customers.
“Alex, Sam and Jake were chosen for their technical and people skills and willingness to assist in any situation.
“I am thrilled to have them on board.”
The company said Riley, Rudd and Field also host ZFP and XFP addressable fire system training at its manufacturing facility in Wigan.
The same statement said they also deliver off-site training for customers in the UK and overseas when needed.
C-TEC outlines related technical support changes
C-TEC also said it has introduced other initiatives to boost technical support services.
The company said this includes a dedicated technical support telephone number, a cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system and the appointment of additional technical experts to strengthen the existing team.
For technical support, the contact number is 01942 366328 and the email address is technical@c-tec.co.uk.
For CAST specialist support, the contact number is 01942 366328 and the email address is cast@c-tec.co.uk.
The announcement described the changes as part of a wider effort to strengthen technical support provision.
Wildfire aviation training academy begins in Arizona
Wildland firefighters specialising in aerial supervision and airtanker operations are convening in Arizona over the next month to prepare for a potentially busy 2026 Fire Year.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) stated that the National Aerial Supervision Training Academy (NASTA) will run primarily at the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center at Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, and at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
The academy is described as an umbrella for about a dozen aerial firefighting and support courses for personnel from numerous agencies.
The course areas described include aerial supervision, helicopter coordination, ground-based operations and aircraft dispatching.
The training is described as standardised across federal, state and local agencies to support a single approach to aviation operations during wildfires on any jurisdiction.
Courses, partners and coordination requirements
Airspace over wildfires is described as tightly controlled and requiring close coordination.
NIFC stated that the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service hosts the training and is joined by personnel from the US Wildland Fire Service, CAL FIRE, the State of Alaska and four military airlift wings that are part of the Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems program (MAFFS).
NIFC described this as the 12th annual academy and said it is expected to be among the largest.
Chris Tipton, fixed wing operations branch chief for the U.S. Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, said: “This is truly a team effort.
“We couldn’t do it without the cooperation of our other federal, state, local and military partners.”
Tipton said: “The courses offered as part of the academy are all geared towards attaining qualifications that will better prepare each firefighter for the season ahead”
Public aircraft activity and training schedule
Members of the public may see aircraft conducting practice water drops in remote locations on the Tonto and Coronado National Forests and other areas.
Arizona is described as an ideal location for aerial fire training due to weather, topography and access.
Clear skies are described as reducing the chance for lost training time due to inclement weather.
NIFC stated that the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center can accommodate the number of enrolled students and the aircraft used for the training.
Anne-Lise Artaud, Marketing Manager for the European, Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions at LION, outlines the company’s 2026 plans across training environments, PPE development, lifecycle support and INTERSCHUTZ
Fire and rescue organisations face increasing pressure to modernise equipment and training while keeping crews protected, compliant and available for response.
Decisions around PPE, training systems and maintenance are now closely linked, particularly as services respond to changing risk profiles and greater scrutiny of firefighter exposure during operations and training.
LION EMEA works across training solutions, EN-certified PPE and lifecycle support through its TotalCare services.
As the company prepares for 2026 and the return of INTERSCHUTZ, it is aligning new product launches with a more connected, operational approach.
IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey spoke with Anne-Lise Artaud, Marketing Manager at LION EMEA, about how the company is preparing for the year ahead.
LION works across training, PPE and service support.
How do these areas connect in practice?
If you only work in one area, you tend to stay within that box.
People often look at turnout gear on its own or training solutions on their own, and those perspectives are not always aligned.
Training is sometimes treated as secondary, even though it has a direct impact on safety, performance and long-term health.
When fire services buy turnout gear, the focus is usually on protection, durability and keeping firefighters safe over time.
With training solutions, the focus is more on preparedness, efficiency and improving decision-making.
These priorities are related but they are not the same, and they are often handled by different people within an organisation.
With our 3-pillar approach (Training Solutions, Protective Equipment (PPE), TotalCare service), LION proposed solutions across all three areas: training, PPE and service support, we can step back and look at the full firefighter journey.
We see how decisions in one area affect another and how equipment, training environments and maintenance interact over time.
That broader view helps us understand what customers want, why they want it and how different choices connect.
A clear example is the link between training environments and PPE.
In some training centres, firefighters may be exposed to high heat more frequently than during real incidents, depending on the types of interventions they attend.
Because we work closely with both training facilities and PPE, we see those patterns more often and understand how they affect equipment performance and firefighter safety over time.
Bringing these areas together helps ensure training, PPE and service support are connected in a practical, operational way.
What are LION EMEA’s main priorities and activities for 2026?
2026 is a very important year for us, particularly with the return of INTERSCHUTZ.
After the disruption of recent years, being back at the event is significant.
It is an opportunity to show where we are as a company, how the portfolio has evolved and what we are focusing on going forward.
Beyond INTERSCHUTZ itself, several priorities are shaping our plans.
One is health and safety for firefighters, trainers and trainees.
The challenge is balancing realistic training with protecting health over the short term and across an entire career.
On the training side, we are focusing on healthier ways to train, reducing unnecessary exposure while maintaining realism.
That means looking closely at wood burning, gas consumption and how training environments are designed and operated.
Another priority is PPE.
We are re-entering the European market with our own EN-certified turnout gear.
This is something we have been working towards for some time, and we are now at the point where the gear is in stock and customers are actively testing it through pilot programmes.
For the LION Group globally, this completes an important part of the overall portfolio.
2026 is about increasing momentum, getting the gear in front of more fire services and continuing development in close collaboration with firefighters and first responders.
TotalCare support activities are last but not least.
In Europe, we decided to deliver through qualified and recognized partners new services like PPE cleaning or training solution rentals.
When we supply turnout gear, we want to ensure access to proper care, inspection and long-term support.
Across training solutions, PPE and TotalCare, the focus for 2026 is clarity and visibility, showing how these elements form a connected approach that supports health, safety and operational needs.
What training solutions is LION developing for the coming year?
There are a couple of strands to what we are working on.
One sits in the digital space.
We are working seriously on virtual and augmented reality-based training solutions.
Development is still ongoing, so it is too early to share specifics, but the intention is to bring something genuinely new to the market rather than small updates to existing tools.
INTERSCHUTZ would be a natural point to continue that conversation and demonstrate where this work is heading.
Alongside that, there is a strong focus on training around the equipment customers already have.
We see a real need for more structured guidance on how to use training equipment, training centres and PPE as effectively as possible.
This includes practical advice on operating smoke generators, getting the best performance from training facilities and using equipment in ways that support consistent, high-quality training outcomes.
How is LION approaching PPE development?
We have redesigned a dedicated PPE range called ENgage®.
It includes three structural firefighting models, the LION® ENgage® Ultra™ Edition, the LION® ENgage® Select™ and LION® ENgage® Classic™, plus one wildland model.
Together, they cover a range of operational needs within a single PPE family.
In developing ENgage®, we drew heavily on the experience of our US team, particularly their knowledge of NFPA requirements and PPE design.
That input helped inform decisions around fabrics, construction and performance.
We also applied what we have learned about the expectations of European fire services and worked with high-quality suppliers to ensure all components work effectively together through testing and iteration.
One area where we have taken a different approach is availability.
ENgage® is a stock line, so it is available immediately rather than being fully custom-built from the outset.
This shortens lead times and allows fire services to access certified PPE quickly, whether to fill an unexpected gap or to trial equipment before making longer-term decisions.
Producing a stock range also allows efficiencies that support affordability while maintaining quality and certification standards.
How would you explain the scope of LION’s TotalCare offering?
TotalCare is a broad offering, and one of our priorities this year is to explain it more clearly, because it covers several distinct but connected areas.
It exists to support fire and rescue organisations beyond the initial purchase, ensuring equipment remains effective, compliant and usable over time.
At LION EMEA, TotalCare is structured around several elements.
One focuses on PPE lifecycle management, covering inspection, cleaning, repair and replacement.
In Europe, this is delivered through specialist partners using advanced cleaning and repair processes.
The emphasis is on extending the life of PPE while maintaining performance and compliance.
Another element is maintenance and service support for training solutions, from individual smoke generators through to complete training centres.
Like any technical system, these assets require regular servicing and upkeep to remain reliable.
There is also a training component, which is not about teaching people how to become firefighters.
It focuses on helping firefighters, trainers and instructors use PPE, training systems and facilities effectively.
Fire behaviour and training environments vary, and our role is to support the technical side and help customers optimise how they use the equipment they already have.
A further element relates to acquisition and financing models.
In some cases, buying specialist equipment outright does not make sense.
TotalCare includes options such as rental and leasing, allowing access to equipment when needed without long-term ownership, maintenance and storage costs.
This flexibility reflects how training needs and operational risks continue to change.
Last elements of TotalCare is when fire and rescue services plan the creation of a training centre, LION provides consultancy as part of TotalCare to support informed decision-making.
This includes needs assessment, site and layout studies, selection of appropriate training systems, safety and compliance guidance, and long-term operational planning.
The objective is to help organizations develop training facilities that are effective, safe, and sustainable over time.
What role do major events like INTERSCHUTZ play for LION EMEA?
INTERSCHUTZ is about visibility and reconnection.
After such a long gap, it is an opportunity to clearly restate who we are, what we do and how the different parts of our portfolio connect.
It is also about relationships.
The event allows face-to-face conversations with partners and customers that are difficult to replicate online.
This year, our intention is to be very present, both inside and outside the exhibition space.
INTERSCHUTZ gives us the right platform to bring training solutions, PPE and services together in one place and demonstrate how they connect.
Looking ahead, how do you see LION EMEA’s role as risks and expectations change?
At its core, LION’s role is to support first responders.
We contribute by providing the tools, knowledge and support that help fire and rescue services adapt to new ways of working and respond to changing risks.
Our role is to help facilitate change, whether that means supporting research and innovation or making it easier for fire services to adopt new approaches in practice.
We are not doing that alone, but we do see it as our responsibility to contribute and to support that direction.
Ultimately, everything we do is intended to support firefighters in their daily work, reduce unnecessary complexity and help them feel prepared and confident in increasingly demanding environments.
That purpose has been part of the company since it began more than a century ago, and it continues to define our role going forward.
Fire extinguishers should be inspected every month, professionally serviced once a year, and undergo deeper internal maintenance at six-year and twelve-year intervals, depending on the model.
These inspections ensure that extinguishers are ready to use and fully compliant with international fire safety standards.
Without routine checks, even a brand new extinguisher can fail when needed most.
Understanding how often these inspections must happen, why they matter, and what takes place during a fire extinguisher inspection is essential for anyone responsible for fire safety, including homeowners, employers, facility managers, and building supervisors.
Fire extinguishers are simple devices in appearance, but they have strict performance and safety expectations for effective fire suppression.
This article explains those expectations clearly and thoroughly so readers can feel confident that their equipment is reliable.
Key Takeaways
Fire extinguishers must be checked monthly, serviced annually, and maintained internally at six and twelve year intervals.
NFPA 10 is the governing standard for inspection, maintenance, and testing requirements.
Regular inspections ensure safety, legal compliance, and extinguisher reliability.
All major extinguisher types require periodic inspection, although their servicing needs vary.
Accurate documentation is required for compliance, insurance, and audit purposes.
Why Fire Extinguishers Need Inspecting
A fire extinguisher is only effective if it works the moment it’s needed.
Over time, these devices can deteriorate in ways that are not immediately obvious to the casual observer.
Pressure can slowly drop inside the cylinder, hoses can become brittle, and internal components can corrode.
Even something as simple as a missing safety pin or a partially obstructed nozzle can prevent an extinguisher from operating during a fire emergency.
Environmental factors play a major role in extinguisher degradation.
Heat, cold, humidity, mechanical impact, and chemical exposure can all affect the condition of a cylinder.
Extinguishers in busy workplaces, such as warehouses or kitchens, may be bumped, moved, or even used without being reported.
Without scheduled inspections, damage often goes unnoticed.
Another important reason for routine inspection is human behavior.
An extinguisher might appear untouched for years, yet a previous user may have partially discharged it, leaving just enough pressure to make the gauge appear normal while still rendering the extinguisher ineffective.
Regular checks catch these issues long before a fire reveals them.
In short, inspections ensure that extinguishers remain safe, functional, and capable of performing exactly as designed.
Why Fire Extinguisher Inspections are Important
The most immediate reason inspections matter is the protection of human life.
A properly functioning extinguisher can stop a small incident from turning into a devastating fire.
Early action often prevents injuries, property damage, business interruption, and even fatalities.
Building codes, insurance policies, workplace safety regulations, and fire authorities all rely on NFPA 10 to determine compliance.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in financial penalties, legal liability, and increased insurance costs.
Beyond safety and compliance, regular inspections save money over time.
Extinguishers that are monitored and maintained tend to last longer, reducing the need for costly replacements.
A well managed inspection program creates predictable maintenance schedules rather than emergency repairs.
How Frequently Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected?
The inspection schedule for fire extinguishers is structured into several levels.
Each level serves a different purpose and is timed according to how extinguishers age and how their components degrade.
Monthly Visual Inspection
The monthly inspection is a simple but essential check performed by a responsible person within the building.
It verifies that the extinguisher is present, clearly visible, unobstructed, and in good physical condition.
The individual performing the check ensures the pressure gauge is still in the operable range, that the safety pin is intact, and that there are no signs of leakage or corrosion.
This inspection is deliberately straightforward so it can be completed regularly without the need for technical expertise.
Its purpose is early detection of visible problems.
Annual Maintenance and Inspection
Once a year, extinguishers must be examined by a certified fire protection technician.
This process is far more detailed than the monthly inspection.
The extinguisher is checked internally and externally for mechanical damage, chemical deterioration, clogged nozzles, weakened hoses, and incorrect pressure levels.
The technician verifies that the extinguisher is appropriate for the hazards present in the environment, that it meets current standards, and that all labeling remains clear and legible.
An annual inspection ensures the extinguisher meets operational and regulatory expectations.
Six Year Maintenance and Inspection
Certain extinguishers, particularly stored-pressure dry chemical models, require internal maintenance every six years.
During this procedure, the extinguisher is fully discharged, opened, and inspected from the inside.
Any degraded components are replaced, the interior is cleaned, and fresh extinguishing agent is added.
After reassembly, the extinguisher is pressure tested and tagged as having undergone six-year maintenance.
This level of servicing addresses aging components that cannot be evaluated through external inspection alone.
Twelve Year Maintenance and Inspection
Many types of extinguishers require hydrostatic testing at twelve years.
Hydrostatic testing ensures the cylinder can safely withstand the pressures required during operation.
The extinguisher is emptied and filled with water under controlled pressure while a technician monitors for deformation, leaks, or structural weakness.
If it passes the test, it can be safely returned to service; if it fails, it must be removed permanently.
Hydrostatic testing is essential for preventing catastrophic cylinder failure.
Reactive Maintenance and Inspection
Any extinguisher that has been used, dropped, damaged, exposed to corrosive conditions, or found to be leaking must be serviced immediately, regardless of the scheduled interval.
This unscheduled maintenance ensures extinguishers remain reliable after incidents or unexpected deterioration.
What Happens During a Fire Extinguisher Inspection
A professional fire extinguisher inspection involves several methodical steps designed to evaluate the condition and performance of the extinguisher.
Visual Inspection
The technician examines the entire extinguisher body, including the handle, hose, nozzle, carrying bracket, pressure gauge, and labeling.
The goal is to identify signs of physical damage, vandalism, rust, or tampering.
Placement, accessibility, and suitability for the environment are also assessed.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing ensures that the cylinder walls are strong enough to contain the internal pressure during discharge.
It involves filling the cylinder with water under pressure and observing any structural changes.
This test protects users from rare but dangerous cylinder ruptures.
NFPA 10 Compliance
NFPA 10 defines where extinguishers must be mounted, how high they can be positioned, how often they require inspection, and which extinguisher types are permitted for specific hazards.
During an inspection, technicians verify that each extinguisher matches the hazard classification of the area, meets mounting and visibility requirements, and carries all required labeling and tags.
Inspection Report
Once all checks and tests are complete, the technician prepares an inspection report that becomes part of the fire safety record.
This document outlines findings, maintenance performed, test results, and recommendations.
In many jurisdictions, these reports must be kept on file for audits, insurance verification, and code compliance.
What Records Are Taken During Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Fire extinguisher records must be kept accurately and include the technician’s name, the inspection date, detailed notes about the extinguisher’s condition, any corrective actions taken, and the date when the next inspection is due.
These records help track the history of each extinguisher, verify compliance during legal or insurance reviews, and identify patterns that may indicate environmental damage or misuse.
Proper record-keeping protects the building owner legally and helps ensure consistent fire safety management.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Requiring Inspection
Every type of extinguisher must be inspected, yet most have different maintenance requirements:
Water Fire Extinguishers (Class A)
Water extinguishers rely on simple, reliable mechanics but still require pressure checks, inspections for internal corrosion, and periodic hydrostatic testing.
Foam Fire Extinguishers (Class A and B)
Foam extinguishers contain agents that can degrade over time.
They require both internal and external checks to ensure their chemical mixture remains effective.
Powder Fire Extinguishers (Class ABC)
Powder extinguishers are versatile and widely used but require internal maintenance every six years to prevent compacted powder, moisture intrusion, or internal corrosion.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers (Class B and C)
CO2 extinguishers operate at high pressure, so their cylinders must undergo rigorous hydrostatic testing.
Weight checks are essential because CO2 extinguishers have no pressure gauge.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
These are typically used in commercial kitchens for cooking oil fires.
Because their agents must remain chemically stable, annual inspections and prompt servicing after use are mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Fire extinguishers are among the most important safety tools in any building, yet they are often overlooked until needed.
Regular inspections ensure these devices function correctly, comply with safety standards, and remain ready to save lives.
By understanding how often inspections should occur, what happens during them, and why they matter, building owners and occupants can create safer environments and meet their legal and ethical responsibilities.
