Kahootz extends UK Home Office FireLink programme contract for emergency services communications

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsProducts

Kahootz announces extension of Home Office FireLink programme contract

According to Kahootz, the British Home Office will continue using Kahootz’s secure platform to support its FireLink programme for emergency services.

The extension covers a minimum of two additional years, following an initial contract that has operated since 2006.

The FireLink programme forms part of the Government’s Emergency Services Network, enabling a secure digital communication platform that helps coordinate responses among fire and rescue, police, and ambulance services.

Operational background and scope

Kahootz’s platform has been in continuous service with emergency agencies for more than 20 years.

Since its introduction, the platform’s features have been adjusted and improved to support the integration of multiple organisations.

Its functionality has allowed various emergency responders to communicate efficiently during incidents.

Home Office cooperation

The collaboration between Kahootz and the Home Office reflects a long-standing relationship serving a broad range of public sector needs.

Over almost two decades, Kahootz’s platform has supported emergency services with reliable communication tools.

This long-term approach helps ensure that various UK authorities coordinate efforts effectively.

Additional government and private sector use

Kahootz’s capabilities are deployed within other UK Government departments, including the NHS, Cabinet Office, and Ministry of Defence.

Private sector contractors also use this platform to exchange information at high security classifications.

These arrangements highlight how multiple sectors rely on a single, secure communication framework.

Luca Leone, CEO of Kahootz said: “I am incredibly proud to announce a further contract extension for our work with the Home Office.

“Being in service with our vital front-line responders for over 20 years is testament to the work Kahootz continues to deliver every day, with our customers at the forefront of everything we do.”

Kahootz extends UK Home Office FireLink programme contract for emergency services communications: Summary

Kahootz, a British software provider, has extended its contractual agreement with the UK Home Office to support the FireLink programme.

The FireLink programme integrates into the Government’s Emergency Services Network, a secure communication system used by fire and rescue, police, and ambulance services for coordinated responses.

The contract has run since 2006. This latest extension adds a minimum of two years to a relationship exceeding two decades.

Kahootz’s platform adapts to changing operational needs. It enables multiple emergency services to share essential information.

The FireLink system provides a secure environment for critical data exchange.

Other Government departments, including the NHS, Cabinet Office, and Ministry of Defence, also use Kahootz’s services.

Private sector contractors rely on it for high-security communication.

This continuity ensures consistent tools across various agencies.

The ongoing arrangement reflects a stable approach to emergency response infrastructure, aiming to maintain reliable digital connectivity for public safety operations.

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.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service selects FireWatch workforce management platform

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has selected FireWatch as its new platform for integrated workforce management in a deal that includes the delivery of the FireWatch platform via Microsoft Azure Cloud – with SaaS (Software as a Service) – and Mobile App access for FRS users.

The contract worth circa £1 million covers the replacement of Kent’s existing rostering and availability systems and includes:

  • Resource availability planning and real-time monitoring
  • Resource and skills-based crewing
  • Flexible/self-rostering planning, workflow and fulfilment
  • Overtime resource request and fulfilment workflows
  • General time management, leave and absence workflows and recording
  • Payments and integration with payroll
  • Integration of absence data
  • Mobile App and Web UX access for end-users and managers
  • Mobilisation system integration

The FireWatch deployment will provide ‘anytime, anywhere’ access for KFRS staff including wholetime and on-call firefighters, managers, officers and corporate support staff which will increase real-time visibility of availability and resources, and integrating live data with the control room.

Karen Irvine, Assistant Director of People and Learning at KFRS, said: “At KFRS, we’re always looking for ways we can evolve to continuously deliver a high standard to the people we serve, but we’re also really committed to being an innovative place to work, so we’re really looking forward to working with FireWatch and introducing its benefits.

“Overall, FireWatch will enable us to manage our resources and availability more effectively, including better time management options and a live picture of our service resources and personnel, which will help to match crews, skills and equipment to operational need.”

FireWatch Mobile will allow users to directly manage data and tasks for time/availability, leave and other areas via smart devices. Supervisors and team members will also be empowered to clearly understand the impact of resource changes and to manage and act on any issues or deadlines highlighted within their personalised Key Performance Indicators displayed ‘on-screen’. This includes workflow-driven resource requests and fulfilment processes to address gaps in cover.

Russell Wood, Commercial Manager at FireWatch developer Infographics, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected by Kent Fire and Rescue as a part of a competitive tendering process. We are looking forward to working with the team to modernise their user experience around the management of resources and availability, deliver flexible self-service capabilities and provide live integrated resource information to their control room.”

DHS promotes smart city IoT solutions for first responders

by Projects

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting technology development through its Science and Technology Directorate’s SCITI (pronounced “city”) solutions lab. SCITI stands for Smart City and Internet of Things Innovation.

SCITI innovations promote public safety in urban environments to expand capabilities of first responders, including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, and the associated commercial sector.

The initiative focuses on integrating new and existing technologies to serve public safety needs, with emphasis on validation and go-to-market support through industry partners. A streamlined process is aimed at getting new capabilities commercialized and available to users.

Supporting First Responders

The program seeks to provide new capabilities to support first responders and the associated commercial sector in three areas. They are:

Autonomous navigation for indoor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support search and rescue missions in difficult environments.

Intelligent building sensors to be mounted on fixed indoor building features, such as smoke detectors or exit signs. Sensors provide a mechanism to rapidly prioritize areas for search and rescue.

A body-worn interoperable platform (“SmartHub”) that integrates personal network communications with third-party sensors to improve situational awareness.

Collaborations For Development

DHS Science and Technology is leveraging a “commercial first” approach by working with technology innovation companies, government public safety officials, infrastructure owners and private sector investment partners to promote the design, development and operational testing and evaluation of suitability for commercial adoption. The program has been instrumental in developing and commercializing a number of products.

Improving communication is one area of development. For example, Zello, Austin, Texas, provides a push-to-talk smartphone app that is a low-cost, reliable and secure alternative to traditional radios. Wireless System Solutions, Morrisville, North Carolina, has developed end-to-end multi-standard/band wireless network solutions that provide connectivity from the macro cellular network to the end-point gateway and/or sensor.

Emergency Situational Awareness

To provide situational awareness in an emergency, Known Quantity Sensors Inc., Atlanta, offers an IoT edge sensor platform that uses AI-backed, image-based processing to quantify and locate human occupancy.

CommandWear Systems, Vancouver, British Columbia, provides a simple, secure, mobile situational awareness platform that runs on existing smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and desktop PC. The system enables users to prepare for events and incidents in advance, know where personnel and assets are, communicate with them securely, and then review and analyze a mission after the fact.

Other solutions promote teamwork and collaboration. Mutualink, Wallingford, Connecticut, connect voice, video and information sources so any agency can talk to and share information with partners on-demand, providing instant emergency collaboration, situational awareness and coordination. Coolfire Solutions, St. Louis, Missouri, provides collaboration software that synchronizes data, content and communications to enable people to work together more effectively.

Artificial Intelligence

Providing automation to operate in an emergency, Airgility, College Park, Maryland, provides multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicles that can conduct search and rescue operations or protect the nation’s borders, including onboard artificial intelligence.

Thirteen companies in all were selected in the first phase of the program, and additional companies were added in Phase II. The SCITI solutions lab was created in collaboration with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, TechNexus in Chicago, and Smart City Works venture labs in Washington, D.C.

www.dhs.gov/

TracPlus launches new technology for aerial firefighting

by Projects

TracPlus has unveiled a “world-first” new product for aerial firefighters that will automate the time-consuming collecting and reporting of data now required to satisfy new industry standards.

National Aerial Firefighting Centre of Australia’s (NAFC) OPS-14 Standards now state that operators must accurately collect and report volume collected and dropped, engine starts and stops, and take-offs and landings.

For rotary aircraft, TracPlus said its AFDAU-T1 product removes the need for manual calibration of a bucket, meaning that no pilot interaction is required, even when swapping buckets in a slung load configuration.

For fixed-wing operators, the organisation said the device automatically detects operational data for reporting – including proof of substantive flow from a hopper.

The new tech was produced in collaboration with Sydney-based engineers Aircraft Maintenance Solutions.

“Our goal was to bring a dedicated aerial firefighting data acquisition unit to the market that had been designed to meet the NAFC event reporting contract requirements,” said AFDAU-T1’s lead engineer, Zane Vohland.

“With AFDAU-T1, operators don’t need to worry about data accuracy. They will have peace of mind that their data is reliable, automatic and accurate.”

TracPlus was founded in 2007 and its varied client list worldwide also includes Californian forest fire protection department CalFire and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Previously, Australian Aviation reported that TracPlus secured $5 million of funding from Kiwi tech fund Movac.

As part of the deal, the firm will acquire Cambridge-based v2track, which already supplies it with tracking devices.

Chief executive Trevor McIntyre said, “We had a number of funding options, and we chose Movac due to their investment style and ‘hands-on’ experience in growing successful tech companies.

“It was also really important to us that there was a strong personality fit between the two teams.”

TracPlus staff have already switched to working from home during the coronavirus crisis to allow clients such as aeromedical charity RACQ LifeFlight Air Ambulance to continue flying.

McIntyre said, “We have implemented measures to do what we can to support our operators who are at the face of COVID-19, keeping their teams safe, continuing to provide tracking, 24-hour distress and emergency monitoring to ensure operators can stay in touch with their people.”

www.tracplus.com/