Johnson Controls graduates first HVAC data centre technicians

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

First graduates complete HVAC data centre training

The first cohort of technicians has graduated from the HVAC Data Center Apprentice JCI Academy following a training programme at Lincoln Tech’s Denver campus.

Johnson Controls (JCI) announced the completion of the inaugural class on 13 February 2026.

This workforce development initiative provides a six-week course focused on the technical requirements of cooling systems in data centre facilities.

Students participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training with chiller equipment similar to systems found in operational environments.

The curriculum includes electrical and HVAC fundamentals along with safety procedures and preventative maintenance.

Graduates enter the workforce with experience specifically aligned to JCI equipment and operational practices.

Addressing technical workforce shortages in digital infrastructure

JCI established the academy in 2023 to create a structured pathway into technical careers within its service network.

The company covers tuition costs and provides accommodation alongside relocation support for graduates.

Approximately 300 technicians will be onboarded each year through these academy programmes to meet rising demand.

Industry forecasts indicate the United States could face a shortage of 1.4 million skilled trades workers by 2030.

Alison Neuman, workforce development programme manager at JCI, said: “Today’s data centers require a new generation of technicians trained on advanced, energy-efficient systems.

“Through the Johnson Controls Academy, graduates gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge cooling technologies that are designed to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and operate more efficiently.

“That’s good for our customers, communities and our future.”

The company plans sustained investment in training that combines technical and safety instruction as digital infrastructure grows in complexity.

Additional cohorts are expected to enter the workforce as demand for skilled technicians continues to rise across the data centre sector.

Fire department declines donation linked to proposed data centre project

by AmericasHealth and SafetySafety

Data centre donation declined in Rock

The Rock Volunteer Fire Department in Oklahoma, United States, has declined a $250,000 donation offer made during community discussions over a proposed data centre near Highway 97.

KTUL ABC 8 reported that the offer was made by Google after public meetings about the project, and the department later decided not to accept the funding following discussions with its board of directors.

Fire Chief Charley Pearson confirmed the decision during an ongoing local debate about the proposed development.

Concerns raised by residents have focused on the possible effect of the project on traffic and safety along Highway 97.

Pearson described increased traffic as a factor that could raise the risk of road accidents in the area, reflecting incidents he has responded to during his years as a volunteer firefighter.

Community trust and department role

The department operates with 28 volunteers, two stations and ten trucks, and Pearson described it as relatively large for a volunteer fire service that relies heavily on local support.

According to KTUL ABC 8, Google representative Kate Franko referred to data centres as a “golden ticket for communities across America” during one of the public meetings before later contacting Pearson with the donation offer.

Pearson acknowledged that the funding could have helped a department staffed entirely by volunteers.

Leadership within the department concluded that accepting the donation could create tensions with residents who have voiced opposition to the proposed data centre.

Pearson explained that the department’s equipment, facilities and operations have been supported by the community for many years, which shaped the final decision.

Pearson said: “All of us here are volunteers. We serve the community, whatever happens.”

The department stated it will continue serving the public regardless of the outcome of the proposal.

Fire prevention lessons emerging from data centre battery failures

by Featured News

Data centre fire sparks calls for improved battery safety

A data centre fire in South Korea has renewed attention on global battery safety and the need for stronger fire prevention measures.

According to IDTechEx, the incident occurred on Friday 26 September in Daejeon, around 85 miles from Seoul.

The fire began after a suspected battery explosion triggered a thermal runaway event involving almost two hundred lithium-ion battery packs.

The blaze disrupted hundreds of online government services and has been described as one of the most severe of its kind in the country.

IDTechEx said the incident demonstrates that, although the rate of battery fires per gigawatt-hour deployed has fallen, the overall number remains high due to global growth in battery installations.

The company added that while regulations have improved since 2020, further work is needed to make large-scale lithium-ion systems safer.

Thermal runaway risks in lithium-ion batteries

IDTechEx explained that thermal runaway occurs when exothermic reactions inside a battery cause further heat-producing reactions, increasing the likelihood of combustion.

The process can move rapidly between battery cells and spread from one pack to another within minutes.

The firm noted that in large installations such as data centres, this can result in severe damage, financial loss and disruption to essential services.

In South Korea alone, the National Fire Agency reported 296 battery fire incidents during the first half of 2025, leading to 23 casualties and property damage of 22.4 billion KRW.

The agency recorded 543 battery fire incidents across the whole of 2024 and 359 in 2023, showing a continued upward trend.

IDTechEx linked this rise to increasing use of batteries in electric vehicles and stationary storage systems.

One of the country’s most serious incidents occurred in June 2024 at a factory owned by battery manufacturer Aricell, where 23 workers died following a fire caused by a battery fault.

Data centre demand increases global safety pressure

IDTechEx said growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services is driving the expansion of global data centres and their energy requirements.

The company estimated that data centres will use around 75 gigawatts of electricity in 2025, with demand expected to more than triple within ten years.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being increasingly used in these facilities to provide renewable power, stabilise grid peaks and replace diesel generators.

IDTechEx said this trend is increasing the urgency for stronger safety rules, particularly in areas such as thermal management and runaway prevention.

The firm compared current regulatory frameworks, noting that the United States applies Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards within National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, while Europe relies on self-declared CE marking.

It said China is taking steps to improve electric vehicle battery safety with regulation GB 38031-2025, the first in the world to require “no fire, no explosion” standards, which will come into force in July 2026.

However, IDTechEx noted that similar global regulation does not yet exist for BESS safety, leaving many regions without unified standards.

Safety improvements and future technologies

IDTechEx identified several ways to improve battery safety in data centre environments.

The first is enhanced thermal management, which includes both active technologies such as liquid cooling and passive fire protection using ceramic, mica and foam materials.

The second is improved diagnostics and monitoring, combining gas, pressure and humidity sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to detect faults before overheating occurs.

The third is the use of alternative storage technologies such as redox flow batteries or solid-state batteries, which use non-flammable or solid electrolytes and may present lower fire risks.

According to IDTechEx, large-scale adoption of these technologies depends on supportive regulation and global standards that enable consistent testing and deployment.

The firm said that while lithium-ion batteries are not inherently safe, their risks can be reduced through better system design and management.

It concluded that progress will depend on transparent reporting of failure causes and industry-wide cooperation on safety standards.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is particularly relevant for data centre facility managers, electrical engineers, and those involved in energy storage design, regulation and inspection.

The Daejeon incident highlights the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in large installations and the operational risks of thermal runaway.

For fire safety officers and risk assessors, the case reinforces the need for robust suppression systems, battery room segregation, and reliable early warning sensors in sites using battery energy storage systems.

Professionals involved in system specification and procurement may also need to consider alternative battery chemistries, improved cooling methods and third-party certification standards as key safety criteria in future installations.

The issue is likely to remain a focus as global data centre and renewable energy capacity expand in parallel.

This article was informed by information from the following source: IDTechEx

Fire protection guidance for data centres now available in multiple languages

by ActiveFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Euralarm expands data centre fire safety guidance

Euralarm has released Dutch, German, and Spanish versions of its guidance document on fire protection systems for data centres.

The document outlines key considerations for selecting fire protection systems and details the available options for safeguarding data centres.

Fire safety considerations for data centres

Data centres house expensive equipment and critical data, making fire protection a priority.

The Euralarm guidance explains how protection objectives can vary depending on the client and region.

It provides an overview of different fire suppression technologies, including sprinklers, water mist, gaseous suppression, oxygen reduction, and condensed aerosols, along with their suitability for different fire scenarios.

Target audience for the guidance

The document is designed for data centre designers, operators, and fire protection professionals.

It assumes that readers understand the importance of fire safety and seek clarity on the implications of choosing one fire suppression method over another.

It includes insights on standards, regulations, and the impact of fire protection strategies on business continuity.

Guidance tailored to specific applications

The document does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach but helps stakeholders assess different fire protection solutions based on their specific needs.

It aims to support decision-making beyond minimum legal requirements, taking into account business continuity and asset protection.

Fire protection guidance for data centres now available in multiple languages: Summary

Euralarm has published Dutch, German, and Spanish versions of its guidance document on fire protection systems for data centres.

The document explains considerations for selecting fire suppression technologies, addressing varying protection needs across different regions.

It provides information on suppression methods, including sprinklers, water mist, gaseous systems, oxygen reduction, and condensed aerosols, outlining their effectiveness at different fire stages.

Targeted at data centre designers, operators, and fire protection professionals, the guidance document helps stakeholders evaluate fire safety strategies based on their specific applications.

It also discusses the role of fire protection in business continuity planning.

Global data centre fire detection and suppression market forecast to grow at 7.8% CAGR through 2029

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsResearch

Regulatory compliance drives demand for fire safety systems

The global data centre fire detection and suppression market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% through 2029, as reported by Research and Markets.

This growth is driven by stringent fire safety regulations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, the International Building Code (IBC), and various local standards, which mandate comprehensive fire protection measures in data centers.

Regulatory compliance has become a central focus for data centre operators aiming to safeguard infrastructure, prevent data loss, and maintain business continuity.

The industry’s increasing awareness of reputational risks and financial losses caused by fire-related incidents further underscores the importance of advanced fire safety systems.

AI and machine learning improve fire detection capabilities

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are being increasingly integrated into fire detection systems within data centers.

AI-based solutions use real-time data analysis to identify anomalies, enabling early detection and response to fire hazards.

Machine learning enhances these systems by distinguishing between normal operational patterns and potential fire risks.

These innovations provide a faster and more accurate approach to fire safety, aligning with the growing need for intelligent risk mitigation in data centers as their infrastructure becomes more complex and interconnected.

Focus on sustainability shapes market trends

The demand for environmentally friendly fire suppression systems is rising as data centre operators align with global sustainability initiatives.

Manufacturers are developing suppression agents that are effective yet eco-friendly, avoiding substances that contribute to ozone depletion or global warming.

These agents comply with strict environmental regulations and ensure no harmful residues are left after suppression.

This trend reflects the industry’s commitment to balancing fire safety with environmental responsibility, driving the adoption of sustainable fire suppression technologies.

North America maintains leadership in fire safety innovation

North America leads the global data centre fire detection and suppression market due to its advanced technological landscape and robust regulatory framework.

The region’s substantial number of large-scale data centers, supported by rigorous standards such as those set by the NFPA, drives significant investments in cutting-edge fire safety technologies.

Adoption of AI-powered detection systems and cloud-based fire safety management platforms further strengthens North America’s market position.

With an ongoing focus on minimizing data centre downtime caused by fire risks, the region is expected to maintain its leadership through sustained innovation and regulatory compliance.

Global data centre fire detection and suppression market forecast to grow at 7.8% CAGR through 2029: Summary

The global data centre fire detection and suppression market is projected to grow at a 7.8% CAGR through 2029, reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2023.

Regulatory mandates such as NFPA codes and local safety standards are key drivers, highlighting the need for robust fire safety measures.

Technological advancements, including AI and machine learning integration, are enhancing fire detection accuracy and response times.

The industry’s shift towards sustainable fire suppression agents reflects growing environmental consciousness.

North America remains the leading region in this market, supported by advanced regulations and technology adoption.

This growth reflects the critical role fire safety systems play in protecting data centers from financial and operational risks.

Saudi Arabia data centre fire detection market projected for significant growth

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionPassiveResearch

Data centre fire detection market overview and growth drivers

The “Saudi Arabia Data Center Fire Detection and Suppression Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2019-2029F” report, published by ResearchAndMarkets.com, indicates that the market was valued at USD 56 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% through 2029.

Key factors driving this growth include rapid digitisation across industries, making data centres crucial for storing and processing large volumes of sensitive information.

The need for continuous operations and protection against fire hazards has led to increased demand for advanced fire detection and suppression systems.

Additionally, stringent regulatory standards and the introduction of innovative technologies tailored for data centres are further propelling market expansion.

Integration of AI and machine learning for enhanced detection

A notable trend in the Saudi Arabian market is the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in fire safety systems.

These technologies enable predictive analysis by identifying patterns and anomalies that indicate potential fire incidents.

AI-driven algorithms improve detection accuracy and minimise false alarms by continuously learning from data patterns.

These intelligent systems leverage real-time monitoring and analysis to ensure prompt responses to fire hazards, enhancing the reliability of fire detection.

Moreover, AI integration facilitates more efficient resource allocation for fire suppression, optimising overall fire safety preparedness in data centres.

Shift towards eco-friendly suppression agents

There is a growing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable fire suppression agents in the Saudi Arabian market.

Traditional suppression systems often used agents that posed environmental risks or damaged sensitive data centre equipment.

To address these concerns, the market is shifting towards agents that are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and leave no residue upon activation.

Innovations include clean agents like inert gases and chemical compounds that provide effective fire suppression without harming the environment or critical infrastructure.

This trend aligns with global sustainability initiatives and reflects a commitment to minimising environmental impact while ensuring robust fire safety measures in data centres.

Adoption of multi-sensor detection systems

Data centre operators in Saudi Arabia are increasingly adopting multi-sensor detection systems to enhance fire detection capabilities.

These systems combine various sensor technologies, such as smoke, heat, and air sampling sensors, to provide comprehensive and early detection of fire incidents.

Utilising multiple sensors increases detection accuracy, reduces false alarms, and improves overall reliability in diverse data centre environments.

The adaptability of multi-sensor systems caters to the complexities of modern data centres, offering a holistic approach to fire detection that addresses various potential fire sources and scenarios.