A practical guide to lithium-ion battery risk at MRFs with Ryan Fogelman

by Breaking NewsWaste & Recycling

By Ryan Fogelman, Fire Protection Consultant, Fire Rover

The waste and recycling industry has reached a critical inflection point when it comes to lithium-ion battery fires.

For years, operators, firefighters, insurers and municipalities have grappled with a problem that continues to grow faster than our collective ability to manage it.

That’s why the “Guide for Developing Lithium-Ion Battery Management Practices at Materials Recovery Facilities,” jointly published by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), represents an important and timely step forward.

What the guide recognises

The guide acknowledges a reality many of us in fire protection have been documenting for nearly a decade.

Lithium-ion batteries, particularly those embedded in everyday consumer products, are now the leading cause of fires at waste and recycling facilities across North America.

From phones and power tools to e-bikes and disposable vapes, these batteries are entering waste and recycling streams in unprecedented volumes, often damaged, hidden and highly unstable.

I’m humbled by the recognition in the guide, particularly in connection with the fire incident data I’ve been compiling and publishing annually since 2016.

What 2025 data shows

If you read my reports, you already know that this year was the worst on record for publicly reported fires since I began consolidating and sharing the data in 2016.

We finished the year with 448 publicly reported waste and recycling facility fires in the U.S. and Canada.

That total is more than last year’s record of 430 fire incidents.

That total is nearly 25% above the annual average of 360 fire incidents.

While data alone doesn’t solve the problem, it plays a critical role in validating what operators and first responders experience on the frontlines every day.

The guide’s inclusion of this information signals an important shift.

Industry associations are now aligning around the fact that lithium-ion battery fires aren’t isolated events or operator failures.

They are a systemic risk tied to product design, consumer behavior and inadequate end-of-life pathways.

What the guide recommends for MRFs

The guide doesn’t pretend there is a single solution, nor does it place unrealistic expectations on facility operators.

Instead, it focuses on risk reduction, not risk elimination.

The more layers of protection you have, the lower the chance that fire can slip through the cracks and grow out of control.

As the guidance states, operators should focus on the following key areas.

  • Early identification and isolation practices for suspect batteries.
  • Employee training that emphasises recognition and response rather than blame.
  • Safe storage and handling protocols designed to limit collateral damage and contamination.
  • Emergency response planning that accounts for the unique behavior of lithium-ion fires.
  • Public education and customer messaging that acknowledges that upstream behavior matters.

Why frontline expectations need to change

The overlying fact remains that our waste and recycling employees should not be the front-line response team unless they are fully and properly trained and equipped with the right tool belt for the job.

This is why our Fire Rover solution is so effective.

It provides the earliest confirmed detection possible, and our agents manage the first six to 10 minutes of an incident, bringing order to the chaos and providing critical communications to operators and fire professionals.

The vape effect in real-world operations

In reality, waste and recycling facilities are being asked to manage a fire risk created largely outside their control.

Disposable vaping devices are a prime example.

These products combine lithium-ion batteries, thin casings and widespread improper disposal, making them uniquely dangerous once they enter processing equipment.

Data drawn from publicly reported fires at waste and recycling facilities consistently shows a troubling upward trend that I’ve identified as the vape effect.

In a nutshell, we’ve seen reported incidents increase about 26% from 2022 to 2025 compared to the average from 2016 to 2021.

I believe this vape effect is driven largely by the lack of safe, convenient drop-off locations for post-consumer electronics such as vaping devices.

Notably, in the US and Canada, this increase would be much higher if a significant number of facilities weren’t protected by Fire Rover.

What the guide signals for the sector

The release of this guide by the NWRA, the ReMA and the SWANA sends a clear message.

The industry is no longer treating lithium-ion battery fires as an operational nuisance.

It’s recognising them as a defining safety challenge of our time, and these associations are now being called on to create a proven and practical strategy for their members to learn from and best practices to follow.

From my perspective, this guide is best viewed as a foundation, not a finish line.

It equips facilities with tools they need today while reinforcing the case for broader systemic change tomorrow.

Fire risk in the waste and recycling sector will not be solved by education, technology, regulation or operators alone.

It will be solved when data, policy, product design and on-the-ground fire protection strategies finally move in the same direction.

This guide is an important step toward that alignment, and one the industry has needed for a long time.

What needs to happen next

The guide rightly calls for collaboration, but the next phase must include direct accountability and participation from battery, consumer electronics and tobacco manufacturers to help fund solutions.

Product design changes, battery removability, takeback programs and funding for public collection infrastructure aren’t optional if we expect meaningful reductions in fire incidents.

Fire Rover performance update

At Fire Rover, we continue to do our part.

We finished the year protecting more than 850 facilities.

Over the past 10 years, our system has only been overpowered twice while delivering results that were previously unheard of in the fire protection space.

The reality is that many suppliers are talking a lot and selling solutions, whether DIY approaches or other technologies, that may appear to address the problem on the surface.

Buyer beware.

There’s a reason Fire Rover is the only FM Approved smart monitor in the world, and that comes from experience, not arrogance.

Where Fire Rover started for me

I’m blessed that in 2015, Brad Gladstone and his partners, Jeremy and Pete, invented Fire Rover and that I was able to witness the first box demonstrated in the back of a scrap metal yard in my hometown of Detroit.

As with any company starting out, some people believed in us and some didn’t, but we’ve since proved to our loyal customers, insurance partners and thousands of fire professionals that our solution does what we said it would do.

In the early years, some assumed our solution was off the shelf and their best route was to try and build their own in-house solution.

Even if you can, that doesn’t mean you should.

Cost, insurance and real-world reliability

The cost of our system is largely offset by insurance savings as it helps mitigate the risk of a major or catastrophic loss by more than 99%.

For most of our systems, the cost is roughly equivalent to half of a full-time employee.

Insurance companies have been learning the hard way that all solutions are not created equal.

Many of these systems have been turned off, especially during the day, or pulled out leaving a trail of wasted dollars, time and effort.

I’ve seen many systems look pretty in the brochure but fail when it comes to real-world deployment.

Our systems are battle-tested, and we install them, maintain them and warranty all the components.

We’ve never had a false discharge, and our systems use an average of less than 500 gallons of suppressing agent or water per event.

Conclusion

It feels like tax season again.

Another year is complete, and another set of data is ready to be added to my annual report.

Last year’s report, “We Are at War: The 8th Annual Waste & Recycling Facility Fires Report in the US & CAN,” is being updated to include 2025 data and analysis.

I’m calling this report, “Fortifying the Front Lines.”

Across the U.S., Canada, France, Australia and now the United Kingdom and New Zealand, operators are making the investments needed to get a handle on the battery-related fire risk, a challenge sure to haunt us for many years to come.

To be clear, this investment is a layered approach that combines public education, policies to expand local and safe battery drop-off locations, efforts to make batteries removable from devices, operational best practices and continued investment in technologies.

Speaking of public education, I’m proud to announce that we’re making progress on a children’s book about lithium-ion battery safety, which we’re currently writing with the help of Dalan Zartman of the Energy Security Agency (ESA).

The book will include a children’s story and parent and teacher facts provided by the SWANA, the NWRA, the ESA and several other organisations.

Individuals and organisations can make a donation to provide copies of this book to classrooms across the U.S. and Canada through The Recycling Society.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a school or school district, feel free to reach out, and I will point you in the right direction.

As Fire Rover heads into its 11th year, the fire problem continues to grow.

Despite this, I truly believe we’re beginning to get a handle on this massive challenge that affects waste and recycling operators and the public at large.

I hope to have better news to share over the next 12 months.

Our waste and recycling operators perform a critical service for society, and we cannot afford for this risk to continue without an all hands on deck approach from all sides.

About the author

Ryan Fogelman, J.D., MBA, is a fire protection consultant with Fire Rover, known for his expertise in bringing innovative safety solutions to market.

His contributions to the field have earned him recognition as one of the Top 20 Global Fire Influencers by the International Fire Safety Journal in 2024 and 2025.

His products have been recognised with two Edison Innovation Awards for Industrial Safety and Consumer Products.

Since February 2016, he has focused on compiling and publishing reports on fires at waste and recycling facilities in the U.S. and Canada, analysing their impacts, solutions and consequences.

His latest report is titled “We Are at War: The 8th Annual Waste & Recycling Facility Fires Report in the US & CAN.”

He has been a member of the NFPA 401 Hazardous Materials Committee since 2019 and contributed to the NFPA 18A special task force for wetting agents in 2025.

For more information or to connect with Ryan Fogelman, you can reach him via email at rfogelman@firerover.com.

Building precision into industrial response: Fire Shield Systems details design for high-risk sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionWaste & Recycling

Fire Shield Systems Technical Director Russell Bonnett and Sales & Marketing Director James Mountain discuss how targeted design supports early detection, effective suppression and alignment with Environment Agency standard

Waste and recycling facilities pose some of the toughest fire protection challenges in industry.

Large volumes of combustible material, shifting fuel loads and constant mechanical movement create unpredictable ignition risks that few conventional systems can handle effectively.

As regulatory and insurance expectations tighten, operators are looking for tailored, data-driven approaches that deliver faster detection, targeted suppression and traceable performance evidence.

Fire Shield Systems Ltd, based in the East Midlands and operating across the UK and Ireland, designs and installs automatic detection and suppression systems built for these demanding environments.

Using multi-detection cameras, automatic foam cannons and Class A wetting agents, the company provides engineered protection aligned with NFPA 850 and UK compliance standards.

To explore how Fire Shield is advancing performance-based fire protection for high-risk industries, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Technical Director Russell Bonnett and Sales & Marketing Director James Mountain to discuss their approach.

What challenges make waste and recycling sites difficult to protect compared with other industrial environments?

Russell: In commercial sites like hospitals, food factories or data centres, you install a system, service it every six months and it just sits there.

Waste and recycling is different.

These are harsh environments with material from many streams, including things operators weren’t expecting.

Our systems are tested regularly because they’re regularly put into fire conditions, so activations are common.

There’s also a high staff turnover and a lot of languages on site, so training is ongoing.

Equipment can get hit or damaged.

We work hard to support customers with quality management and training so people understand what the system is there to do and to make sure they tell us if something is damaged so it can be put right.

James: Another challenge is change on site.

We design to the brief we’re given, then find storage piles or processing areas exceed the original design.

We push for ongoing dialogue so if areas change, detection and suppression zones change with them.

Housekeeping is huge.

Waste keeps coming in even during a breakdown, so piles grow.

The less waste sitting around, the fewer fires you have.

Clean, well-kept areas reduce risk.

That’s outside our direct remit, but it affects how effective the system can be.

We see a broad range of sites, from immaculate, fully compliant operations to independents pushing limits on intake, processing and storage.

There’s no one template.

Every site is different.

How do you design systems that balance regulations with the practical realities of high-risk industrial operations?

Russell: It starts with a clear brief.

What’s driving the requirement? Some customers aren’t trying to satisfy the EA’s FPP; they’ve identified a process risk or asset and want extra protection beyond insurance.

Others are entirely EA-led and need FPP sign-off or a permit variation.

Sometimes it’s a new build driven by insurance.

We’ve built a process to make sure we understand the brief, the customer understands what we’re providing and they take what we propose to the authority having jurisdiction.

In the past, clients pushed ahead, spent a lot of money, then shared it with insurers at the end only to be told it wasn’t acceptable.

We work to avoid that by getting everyone aligned early on what the system is expected to do and what sign-off is required.

James: Standards can be straightforward in some industries, but in waste and recycling there often isn’t a directly applicable standard for specific processes like certain MRF operations.

We’ll integrate with a BS 5839-compliant fire alarm system, but beyond that, who sets the spec? Often it’s a mix of Environment Agency requirements around the fire prevention plan and insurer expectations.

Insurers are reluctant to write a specification for a waste site, so the client has to own it.

We always start from a robust baseline: backup pumping (often dual diesel), battery backup for deluge valves and for the detection system.

If power or water is lost, our system can operate standalone.

We don’t rely on an internet connection to decide what to do.

We can dial in and view cameras remotely and alarms and faults go to an alarm receiving centre with keyholder protocols, but the core system functions in worst-case scenarios.

Russell: Some solutions in the field have a single pump where the client, with their authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), has accepted that approach.

We advise diesel-electric or dual diesel for obvious reasons, but budgets play a role.

If backup is removed, the client must get it signed off with their AHJ and insurer.

That responsibility sits with them.

What role does multi-detection technology play in improving early fire identification and incident management?

James: Our multi-detection unit is a single detector that can form part of a compliant fire alarm system.

It looks for three things, which we configure per site: thermal imaging, flame detection and video smoke detection.

The flame function is verified by the heat function to cut false activations from reflections.

The video smoke detection works on contrast.

In these facilities you often get a lot of smoke before meaningful heat or flame, so it gives very early warning, especially out of hours.

When detection occurs, the ARC is alerted and follows the protocol with up to eight keyholders.

Some ARCs review cameras for clients; others have the client review and decide response.

We design with multiple cameras across the facility to avoid single-point failure and blind spots.

Everything is fault-monitored, so a camera fault raises an alarm.

Configuration is site-specific.

We can blank areas and set different temperature thresholds within the same view.

High-risk materials might have a lower threshold, vehicle routes higher.

That detail helps avoid false activations and downtime.

How do foam cannon systems contribute to your wider automatic suppression strategy?

Russell: The foam cannons we use are built to high standards, originally proven in offshore oil and gas, so they’re robust enough for humid, dusty, dirty environments.

They’re manufactured to international standards and third-party accredited.

Functionally they do what you’d expect – pan, tilt, left, right and adjustable jet to fog.

The real difference is how the system is designed to work with the chosen detection medium and the cause-and-effect we agree with the customer.

What happens at detection, what areas are protected, how it’s proved at commissioning and documented – that’s where the value is.

How do you ensure reliability and performance are maintained after system installation?

James: We choose hard-wearing components built to last, install them to the right standard and set them up correctly.

We have a dedicated maintenance and callout team.

We emphasise the client’s responsibilities under manufacturer guidelines: twice-yearly servicing by our specialist engineers, plus daily and weekly on-site checks – no fault lights on panels, pressures where they should be, pumps checked and so on.

We don’t gatekeep.

Our fire alarm panels are open protocol.

We offer cost-effective SLAs and don’t tie people into expensive contracts.

We keep critical stock in our UK facility.

We can diagnose many issues remotely so we arrive with the right part and minimise downtime.

These sites can’t stop, so response time and keeping systems healthy is key.

What developments or technologies will have the greatest impact on the future of automatic detection and suppression?

Russell: We’re seeing much more engagement with local authorities, fire services and insurers.

Early on it was hard to get people to understand what we were doing; now our approach is more widely accepted.

Manufacturers are improving agents for performance and environmental profile.

On the active side, rapid progress in AI means systems will act faster and more autonomously.

That said, today nothing beats the human eye and nose.

Aspirating systems are very good at early smoke detection, but the human nose still picks it up first.

AI can judge whether a heat signature is a threat, but right now people are better.

That may change; we’ll see on the timeframe.

James: Long-established practices are shifting as the waste stream changes.

More batteries and contamination mean more unknowns.

People are moving toward technologies that are now proven and trusted to offer a viable solution for recycling and waste to energy.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Centurion installs Comelit-PAC LogiFire system for Augean waste facility

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjectsWaste & Recycling

LogiFire system strengthens Augean Kirkby site protection

Comelit-PAC has supplied its LogiFire wireless, addressable multi-panel fire alarm system at Augean’s Kirkby site.

The installation was completed by Centurion Fire & Security to ensure the waste management facility achieved full compliance with fire-safety regulations.

Augean required a system offering full site coverage, local and remote monitoring and minimal disruption during installation.

Comelit-PAC said the wireless configuration enabled a faster and less intrusive setup while maintaining reliability and scalability for future expansion.

Wireless installation delivers full compliance

The system was designed to meet the highest category of fire protection under BS 5839-1:2017 (Category L1).

Emma Smith, Site Manager at Augean, said: “Great service from Centurion, the installation guys always worked efficiently and professionally.

“We’re pleased with the Comelit-PAC products installed and would be happy to recommend, especially the wireless aspect that have made a real difference in our fire safety set-up.”

Thermal CCTV cameras were installed across external areas to provide perimeter monitoring and early fire-risk detection.

External manual call points and sounder visual alarm devices (VADs) were positioned to deliver clear alerts in case of emergency.

Integrated control across all systems

According to Comelit-PAC, the fire detection and CCTV systems were integrated into a centralised management platform.

This configuration enables Augean to oversee the system from any location, maintaining full visibility of site safety operations.

George Antemes, Key Account Manager at Centurion Fire & Security, said: “Working on this project was a great opportunity to demonstrate the efficiency and quality of our team.

“By adopting Comelit-PAC’s multi-panel wireless solution, we were able to complete the works quickly and seamlessly, maintaining full operations throughout.

“The system’s flexibility and ease of installation across the site helped us deliver a high-standard, fully compliant fire safety solution with minimal disruption.”

Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager at Comelit-PAC, added: “Waste management sites present demanding fire risks, and achieving L1 compliance was essential for Augean.

“By combining our fire detection system with integrated thermal CCTV monitoring, we’ve delivered a reliable and scalable solution that ensures complete visibility and futureproof protection across the facility.”

Wireless fire detection and CCTV integration in waste facilities

This development is relevant to fire engineering consultants, system installers, electrical contractors and facility managers responsible for high-risk industrial sites.

The LogiFire system’s wireless architecture demonstrates how Category L1 compliance can be achieved without halting operations, a critical factor for continuous-process environments such as waste treatment.

Integration of thermal CCTV within the same control platform provides combined fire detection and perimeter security monitoring, offering operational efficiency and improved response times.

The project highlights how coordinated system design and commissioning between manufacturers and contractors can achieve both compliance and adaptability for future site growth.

FireDos and Orglmeister form Acedes to deliver autonomous fire prevention systems

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionWaste & Recycling

FireDos and Orglmeister form Acedes for autonomous fire prevention

FireDos and Orglmeister have formed Acedes, a new company focused on autonomous fire prevention technologies.

The companies said the joint entity builds on their existing collaboration and combines expertise in fire suppression and infrared detection.

Acedes was created to provide fully integrated, automated systems designed to prevent fires in high-risk industrial settings such as waste and recycling operations.

According to FireDos, the partnership aims to deliver streamlined support, unified engineering and a more cohesive service offering.

Frank Preiss, Managing Director at FireDos, said: “Acedes represents more than an integration of products; it’s a commitment to our customers.

“It also allows us to streamline support, strengthen resources and deliver a more cohesive solution to the market.

“The result is faster response, greater reliability and ultimately, safer operations.”

System showcased at WasteExpo 2025

The companies previewed the system’s combined capabilities at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas.

According to FireDos, the strong response at the event reflected the growing demand for autonomous detection and suppression systems in waste management and recycling sectors.

Acedes systems use infrared cameras and video analytics to detect, target and cool hotspots before ignition.

The technology can operate without human intervention and functions continuously in dark or dusty environments.

Intelligent detection and real-time response

The manufacturer said its system analyses temperature anomalies in three dimensions to calculate the exact position and elevation of hotspots.

Once detected, automated monitors activate to cool the affected area and prevent ignition.

Follow-up scans then verify that the risk has been eliminated before resuming monitoring.

The system operates independently without internet connection, ensuring reliability even in harsh conditions.

According to the company, this approach allows faster response and reduced water consumption while minimising downtime.

John McGrath, Business Development Manager at Acedes, said: “At the heart of Acedes is a simple promise: to help our customers maintain safer facilities, reduce costly disruptions and gain confidence knowing their operations are protected around the clock.

“This is more than a new brand, it’s a dedicated partnership built around the needs of the waste and recycling industry.”

Company aims to expand fire prevention options

Founded in 2025, Acedes brings together infrared detection and suppression expertise from both parent companies.

The firm said it offers a transparent ownership model with no monthly fees or usage-based charges.

Acedes added that its systems are designed for real-time performance, providing early intervention and continuous operation for high-risk environments such as recycling plants, waste facilities and storage bunkers.

According to the company, the combined platform delivers a reliable, autonomous approach to industrial fire prevention.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Acedes introduces autonomous detection and cooling technology aimed at reducing the likelihood of industrial fires before ignition.

The system could be relevant for facility managers, risk assessors and fire engineers working in waste management and recycling sectors, where spontaneous combustion and heat buildup are persistent hazards.

Procurement officers and system specifiers may also find interest in the integration model, which merges detection and suppression into a single platform without recurring service costs.

For fire safety consultants and inspectors, the technology demonstrates ongoing development in real-time, infrared-based prevention systems that operate continuously without human control.

FireDos and Orglmeister unite to advance autonomous fire protection systems

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWaste & Recycling

FireDos and Orglmeister launch ACEDES for autonomous fire protection

Partnership creates new company for fire prevention

FireDos and Orglmeister have launched ACEDES, a new company focused on autonomous fire protection and prevention technologies.

According to the companies, ACEDES builds on both organisations’ established expertise in firefighting proportioners, monitors and infrared detection.

The formation aims to deliver an integrated solution that detects and suppresses fires in high-risk environments such as waste and recycling facilities.

The joint venture, ACEDES LLC, combines the strengths of both firms under a unified structure.

FireDos and Orglmeister said the collaboration will allow them to provide a single, streamlined system and dedicated support for customers.

Focus on integration and customer safety

Frank Preiss, Managing Director at FireDos, said: “ACEDES represents more than an integration of products; it’s a commitment to our customers.

“It also allows us to streamline support, strengthen resources and deliver a more cohesive solution to the market.

“The result is faster response, greater reliability and ultimately, safer operations.”

The new system was previewed at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, where attendees expressed strong interest in autonomous fire prevention technologies.

The companies said the reaction reflected an industry demand for continuous, intelligent and cost-efficient safety solutions.

Features of the ACEDES system

ACEDES systems operate continuously and autonomously, using integrated infrared and video detection to identify and extinguish heat sources before ignition.

The company said the technology prevents false alarms from exhaust heat, sunlight or reflections, even in low-light or dusty conditions.

Its systems are designed to run without operator input while still allowing manual control when required.

ACEDES noted that customers face no hidden costs, monthly fees or usage-based charges.

The company said its solutions are built on proven technologies already used by FireDos and Orglmeister.

John McGrath, Business Development Manager at ACEDES, said: “At the heart of ACEDES is a simple promise: to help our customers maintain safer facilities, reduce costly disruptions, and gain confidence knowing their operations are protected around the clock.

“This is more than a new brand, it’s a dedicated partnership built around the needs of the waste and recycling industry.”

Advancing autonomous prevention technologies

FireDos and Orglmeister said ACEDES is dedicated to advancing autonomous fire protection through systems that detect, target and extinguish hazards before they develop into fires.

The companies added that ACEDES combines technical reliability with transparent ownership and continuous support.

According to the company, this collaboration provides customers in high-risk sectors with a single partner focused on prevention and operational safety.

For more information, visit acedes.com.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The launch of ACEDES has direct relevance for professionals managing fire risks in waste and recycling operations, industrial plants and storage facilities where spontaneous combustion and heat build-up are persistent concerns.

Facility managers, system specifiers and procurement officers can assess ACEDES as an integrated option combining detection, extinguishing and automation functions.

Fire engineering consultants and contractors may also find the combined FireDos-Orglmeister system relevant for projects requiring continuous protection in high-hazard settings without ongoing monitoring costs.

The technology’s focus on early detection and 24/7 autonomous operation addresses a recurring operational need in sectors where staff presence is limited during off-hours or night shifts.

Why this North London recycling site turned to Siemens for fire safety

by Featured NewsProjectsWaste & Recycling

Fire detection system installed at Islington Waste Recycling Centre

Siemens has reported that its Cerberus PRO fire detection system has been installed at the Islington Waste Recycling Centre in North London.

The project replaced a 20-year-old system to address evolving waste management fire risks.

According to Siemens, the site handles mixed recyclable waste including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber.

It said the growing presence of disposable vapes and battery fires has increased the hazard profile.

The facility is one of seven in North London that together process 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year.

Partnership with TP Fire and Security

The installation was delivered in partnership with TP Fire and Security.

Siemens noted that TP Fire and Security is an approved partner and a long-standing provider of fire detection and alarm services to Islington Council.

The firm explained that TP operates from offices in Norfolk, Essex and the Midlands, delivering design, installation and maintenance services nationwide.

TP Fire and Security became an approved partner after Tom Warner joined the business as a fire safety engineer.

Warner had previously worked with Siemens systems and identified the Cerberus PRO as well suited to the Islington site.

Features of the Cerberus PRO system

The Cerberus PRO was selected for its ability to avoid false alarms in dusty environments.

Siemens stated that its advanced signal analysis (ASA) detectors use tailored parameters to distinguish between actual fires and deceptive triggers such as dust.

This configuration reduces disruption while maintaining early detection capability.

Kevin Harris, Technical Design Manager at TP Fire and Security, said: “The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment.

“The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.”

System layout across the facility

Three Cerberus PRO panels have been installed.

They connect to ASA detectors and manual call points via the existing compliant cabling.

The setup includes 69 detectors in the basement, 38 on the ground floor, and 52 across the first and second floors including the plant room.

A further 74 detectors are located in the tipping hall and 42 in the offices.

Siemens highlighted that the system supports rapid detection in environments where the available reaction time is short.

Experience in waste sector applications

Siemens has extensive experience in protecting waste processing facilities worldwide.

It worked closely with TP Fire and Security to ensure the installation met all relevant fire safety regulations and standards.

Waste sites contain combustible materials and can present ignition sources from processing equipment.

The company indicated that the Cerberus PRO technology is designed to address these hazards.

It added that systems of this type play a role in preventing escalation of small incidents.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This installation shows the use of fire detection systems tailored to industrial and environmental demands.

It underlines the operational value of false alarm immunity.

It also demonstrates the importance of customised fire safety measures for waste facilities handling combustible materials.

Siemens Cerberus PRO deployed at Islington Waste Recycling Centre: Summary

Siemens reported that its Cerberus PRO fire detection system has been installed at the Islington Waste Recycling Centre in North London.

The project replaced a 20-year-old system.

It addressed risks from disposable vapes and battery fires.

The site processes plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber.

TP Fire and Security installed the system.

The setup used three Cerberus PRO panels and ASA detectors.

ASA detectors reduce false alarms in dusty environments.

Detectors were installed across the basement, floors, tipping hall and offices.

The system meets relevant fire safety standards.

Siemens has global experience in waste facility protection.

The role of FireVu in reducing false negatives and alert delays

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWaste & Recycling

NetVu’s FireVu solution combines smoke, flame, and thermal analytics with visual verification for faster, more reliable alerts

Integrated detection for high-risk industrial environments

The FireVu IP smoke, flame, and thermal Multi-Detector is an example of how integrated technologies are being deployed to deliver early detection capabilities – particularly in complex, industrial environments such as waste and recycling facilities, where the prevalence of combustible materials can escalate into a significant incident very quickly.

Pinpointing the source for faster, more accurate alerts

The FireVu Multi-Detector brings together video-based smoke detection, patented flame recognition, and thermal sensing into a single unit.

By detecting fire at its point of origin, rather than relying on smoke drift or rising heat, the system delivers more precise alerts.

This is critical in large indoor or outdoor spaces, where more traditional fire detection methods can miss the ignition source and be hindered by complex airflow patterns.

Detection based on physical laws, not assumptions

FireVu’s visual flame detection is based not just on flicker detection or heat, but on the analysis of colour and absolute intensity according to physical laws, which NetVu says improves detection rates while virtually eliminating false negatives.

These features are supported by thermal sensing with programmable temperature thresholds, adding another layer of risk assessment.

Configurable zones and seamless system integration

The FireVu Multi-Detector is designed to connect directly to a fire alarm control panel and also supports additional protocols for broader fire suppression systems integration, helping FireVu slot into existing infrastructure without added complexity.

It offers a high degree of customisation, with up to 16 zones which can be configured independently for flame, heat, and smoke.

Built for durability in demanding environments

Physically, it’s a robust unit, IP66-rated, and suitable for both in- and outdoor use, with optional armoured fire-retardant cabling.

Its onboard storage Product Focus View our product section online enables edge recording even if network connections are disrupted.

It’s available in two lens configurations which offer different detection ranges and fields of view depending on how they are being used and installed.

Real-time visibility with centralised software control

NetVu’s Enterprise Observer Software and NetVu Connected are the technologies that tie the FireVu system together; allowing alarms, video, and data to be streamed and managed securely in real time, whether on-site or remotely.

It makes it easier for operational teams and fire crews to verify alerts quickly, take appropriate action, and also provides post-incident footage.

FireVu’s potential for complex, high-consequence environments

The combination of rich video analytics, thermal imaging, and smart configuration options makes FireVu a strong candidate for high-risk or hard-to-monitor industrial environments – from oil fields and power stations to storage sites and distribution centres.

Its ability to provide both early warning and visual confirmation will appeal to insurers and risk managers looking to enhance situational awareness alongside detection.

Find out more

For more information on the product visit: www.firevu.com

This was originally published in the August 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here. 

Firefighters back campaign for UK contaminated land law

by Featured NewsPeopleWaste & Recycling

Campaigners demand urgent reform on UK landfill site safety

Campaigners gathered at the UK Houses of Parliament on 11 June to call for new legislation to protect communities from toxic landfill exposure, according to the Fire Brigades Union.

The proposed legislation, known as Zane’s Law, aims to improve accountability and public transparency regarding historical landfill sites.

It is named in memory of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died in 2014 following exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas believed to have migrated from a nearby landfill during floods.

Zane’s father, Kye Gbangbola, was paralysed in the same incident.

The Fire Brigades Union reported that more than twenty community groups affected by landfill and contaminated water shared their experiences at the summit.

Support was voiced by Baroness Natalie Bennett and solicitor Des Collins, who represented families in the Corby toxic waste case.

Firefighters raise concerns about flooding and toxic exposure

According to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, hydrogen cyanide was detected at the Gbangbola home after floodwater passed through a nearby landfill site.

The Fire Brigades Union stated that the site has still not been thoroughly tested.

It cited a 2010 report identifying an “unacceptable risk” from migrating landfill gases that could cause “significant harm, serious injury and capable of causing death”.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “Contamination from unregulated, historic landfill poses a serious threat to the environment, health and lives.

“With the climate emergency resulting in increasing floods, which threaten to spread this contamination, the government cannot ignore the rising risk.

“Everyone should have the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

“Firefighters, who are on the frontline of flooding incidents, stand with the communities who have been tragically impacted and with the continued call for justice for Zane.

“The UK government must bring in Zane’s Law to save lives by properly regulating contaminated land and water.”

Legal voices and political backing strengthen the campaign

Baroness Natalie Bennett, who chaired the 11 June summit, said: “Current UK regulations on contaminated land are grossly inadequate and a threat to the safety of many, especially given climate breakdown, rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and flooding.

“Zane’s Law proposes measures to address this crisis.

“The need to act was acknowledged in the 1990 Environment Protection Act, but then the protective provisions were removed after lobbying of the Conservative government by mass house builders.

“I hope, but sadly don’t expect, that Sir Keir Starmer’s government would step up to one of its primary responsibilities, to protect life.”

Des Collins, who also spoke at the summit, is the solicitor who represented families in the Corby toxic waste case and features in the recent Netflix series Toxic Town.

The Fire Brigades Union said the event was designed to give voice to communities facing similar dangers today.

Parents of Zane continue public call for reform

Kye and Nicole Gbangbola, Zane’s parents, continue to lead calls for the implementation of Zane’s Law.

Speaking at the summit, they said: “Today we’ll hear the brave voices of people who are struggling to get protection from the horrific impacts of living in proximity to toxic landfill and poisoned water – and hear them at the heart of government.

“Britain should be leading the way in environmental law, instead our legislation is woefully inadequate.

“We need Zane’s Law now!”

They have repeatedly called for government accountability over the contamination that led to their son’s death.

The Fire Brigades Union reiterated that firefighters, frequently responding to flood emergencies, are directly exposed to the consequences of such regulatory failings.

Summit highlights systemic gaps in environmental protection

Campaigners, the Fire Brigades Union noted, presented evidence of systemic failures across the UK related to unregulated landfill sites.

It stated that despite known risks from sites like the one near the Gbangbola residence, testing and remediation actions have been delayed or avoided.

The union said this summit marked a renewed effort to push for legislative change before further incidents occur.

The organisation also underlined that the calls for Zane’s Law represent not only a push for environmental reform but also a demand for justice for affected families.

According to the Fire Brigades Union, the event brought together affected communities, legal experts and emergency responders to make a unified appeal for government intervention.

Firefighters back campaign for UK contaminated land law: Summary

Campaigners held a summit at the UK Houses of Parliament on 11 June 2025.

The summit called for new legislation named Zane’s Law to regulate contaminated land.

The event was supported by the Fire Brigades Union.

Zane’s Law is named after Zane Gbangbola, who died in 2014 following exposure to hydrogen cyanide.

His father, Kye Gbangbola, was paralysed in the same incident.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service detected hydrogen cyanide at the family’s home.

A 2010 report had warned of serious risks from migrating landfill gases.

The landfill site near the Gbangbola home has not been fully tested.

More than twenty community groups participated in the summit.

The summit was chaired by Baroness Natalie Bennett.

Solicitor Des Collins, involved in the Corby toxic waste case, also spoke.

Steve Wright of the Fire Brigades Union voiced support for the campaign.

Kye and Nicole Gbangbola called the legislation “urgently needed”.

The Fire Brigades Union said firefighters are regularly exposed during flooding.

The organisation urged the UK government to introduce Zane’s Law.

Image Source: Fire Brigades Union

India issues fire prevention directive for landfill and waste sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWaste & Recycling

Fire directive targets open burning and landfill risk

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reported that the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued new orders to reduce fire incidents at waste sites and cut air pollution.

Under Direction No. 91, the Commission has directed agencies across Delhi-NCR to prevent fires caused by legacy and fresh municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass.

These measures aim to address rising concentrations of particulate matter and harmful gases linked to open burning.

The Commission’s directions are issued under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021 and are intended to enhance fire safety at sanitary landfill (SLF) sites and dumpsites, with agencies instructed to take comprehensive fire mitigation actions.

Landfill fire prevention and legacy waste management

The Commission has ordered agencies to identify and assess fire risks at all SLF sites and dumps in the Delhi-NCR region.

This includes categorisation, boundary fencing, and the installation of CCTV systems and methane gas detectors.

The Ministry reported that timelines for bio-remediation and legacy waste liquidation should align with submissions made to the Supreme Court.

State governments and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are expected to review and update action plans.

To prevent internal heat build-up, windrow temperatures must be monitored and logged.

Fire drills and audits must be conducted quarterly, with sites equipped with extinguishers, fire tenders, water tankers, earthmovers and sand.

New obligations for fresh waste handling

Agencies must now ensure that MSW is collected, processed and transported in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

According to the Ministry, there will be a zero-tolerance policy for open waste burning across transit and collection areas.

Surveillance will be increased in areas vulnerable to open burning, especially at night and in winter. Enforcement patrols will be expected to conduct regular checks.

Urban Local Bodies have also been directed to expand capacity for handling horticultural waste throughout the year.

Public engagement is required to help prevent fires caused by unauthorised burning.

The Ministry stated that Residents Welfare Associations, industry bodies, shopkeepers’ groups and sanitation staff are all expected to play a part through awareness and participation efforts.

Quarterly reports and enforcement

The Ministry confirmed that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and State Pollution Control Boards must each provide a quarterly summary of compliance in a standardised format. These reports must detail actions taken to prevent fires and open burning.

The Ministry noted that these directions do not replace existing orders issued by the courts or other regulatory bodies, including the Central Pollution Control Board.

Non-compliance will be penalised under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021.

The Commission is seeking to ensure uniform enforcement and greater accountability in fire prevention and risk control at waste sites.

India issues fire prevention directive for landfill and waste sites: Summary

The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued Direction No. 91 under the CAQM Act, 2021.

The direction addresses fire incidents at landfill sites and the open burning of municipal waste and biomass in Delhi-NCR.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confirmed the order on 4 June 2025.

The order applies to agencies operating within the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

Measures include waste segregation, landfill temperature checks and CCTV surveillance.

Agencies must install gas detectors and conduct fire safety audits quarterly.

Open waste burning at collection and transit points is now banned.

Urban Local Bodies are instructed to expand waste handling capacity.

Public awareness campaigns must be conducted to reduce open burning.

Quarterly reports must be submitted to the Commission in a prescribed format.

Non-compliance may result in penalties under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act.

The directions supplement existing rules issued by the courts and CPCB.

The Ministry stated that the new measures are mandatory for all relevant agencies.