Printworks Belfast upgraded with advanced fire safety system from Hochiki

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Historic Belfast building equipped with new Hochiki fire detection technology

The Printworks Belfast, a Victorian warehouse dating back to 1890, has been fully renovated to meet the demands of modern office spaces while preserving its historic character.

As part of this transformation, a state-of-the-art fire safety system, powered by Hochiki devices, has been installed to protect both the building and its occupants.

The renovation, led by Angus Properties after acquiring the building in 2019, converted the structure into a flexible, open-plan office space.

This project maintains key architectural elements like the cobbled courtyard and Victorian façade while adding modern features such as panoramic city views and a new atrium.

Fire safety system installation at Printworks Belfast

To safeguard the five floors of Printworks Belfast, 365 Fire Security was tasked with installing the life safety system.

This project marked the company’s first use of Hochiki fire detection equipment.

According to James Morrison, National Key Accounts Manager at Hochiki, the decision was based on the technology’s dependability and ease of installation.

Wesley Allan, Managing Director of 365 Fire Security, highlighted the smooth integration of over 500 Hochiki devices, stating: “Its ease of installation was a significant advantage, given the complex nature of the building and the need to minimise disruptions during the upgrade works.”

Hochiki’s cutting-edge fire detection technology

The fire safety system at Printworks Belfast consists of Hochiki heat and smoke detectors connected to a central fire alarm control panel.

These detectors offer rapid and accurate fire detection, ensuring the safety of future occupants.

The installation was completed with a focus on maintaining the building’s historical elements.

The Hochiki equipment seamlessly integrates into the Victorian architecture, ensuring that the fire protection system does not detract from the building’s visual appeal.

Future use of Hochiki technology

The successful use of Hochiki technology in this project has led 365 Fire Security to consider it their preferred choice for future installations.

Allan confirmed: “Despite having no prior experience with Hochiki devices, the Printworks Belfast project has convinced us of their exceptional quality and reliability.”

The completion of this project ensures that Printworks Belfast is now equipped with a modern, reliable fire safety system that complements its newly renovated office spaces.

Printworks Belfast upgraded with advanced fire safety system: Summary

The historic Printworks Belfast has been transformed into modern office spaces while preserving its Victorian heritage.

As part of this upgrade, 365 Fire Security installed a comprehensive fire detection system powered by Hochiki devices.

This system includes heat and smoke detectors connected to a central control panel, providing reliable fire protection across the building’s five floors.

The Hochiki devices were selected for their ease of installation and seamless integration with the building’s historical features.

This project has established Hochiki as the preferred fire safety provider for 365 Fire Security in future developments.

EV-Garm system launched by Dafo Vehicle to improve safety in electric vehicle workshops

by Fire DetectionProductsSafety

EV-Garm launched to improve safety in EV workshops

Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection has announced the release of EV-Garm, a new carbon monoxide sensing system specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs) undergoing repair and maintenance.

As reported by Dafo Vehicle Fire Suppression, EV-Garm aims to improve safety by providing early detection of potential Li-ion battery failures, which are associated with risks such as fires and toxic gas emissions.

The system offers real-time monitoring of EVs, addressing gaps in traditional fire detection systems, which often fail to detect early signs of thermal runaway.

By detecting potential hazards early, the system helps reduce the risk to workshop staff and ensures timely interventions.

How EV-Garm works

The EV-Garm system works by placing sensors near the battery’s over-pressure valve, a critical location for detecting early signs of Li-ion battery venting.

If a battery distress or failure is detected, the system will immediately alert workshop staff through an audible siren, flashing lights, and a notification system.

This swift alert allows personnel to follow safety procedures and avoid further damage or risk.

By addressing these potential issues at an early stage, the system helps maintain both operational safety and efficiency.

Benefits of EV-Garm

One of the key benefits of EV-Garm is its ability to reduce quarantine times and downtime for electric vehicles under maintenance.

Early detection of battery malfunctions allows workshops to address problems before they escalate, minimising operational disruption.

The system also enhances workplace safety.

Continuous monitoring ensures that staff are alerted to any potential hazards, giving them the opportunity to act swiftly to prevent fires or other dangerous incidents.

Industry response to EV-Garm

Tommy Carnebo, EV Risk Specialist at Dafo Vehicle, highlighted the importance of advanced safety systems like EV-Garm in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry.

He said: “As electric vehicles become more common, the importance of advanced safety systems like EV-Garm cannot be overstated.

This product is developed in close cooperation with the industry, and we are thrilled to offer a solution that will not only protect lives but also improve operational efficiency.”

The EV-Garm system is designed to be simple to install and operate, providing an essential safety measure for any workshop handling electric vehicles.

EV-Garm system launched to improve safety in electric vehicle workshops: Summary

Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection has introduced the EV-Garm system, which aims to enhance safety in workshops servicing electric vehicles.

This new carbon monoxide sensing technology is designed to detect early signs of Li-ion battery venting, a major fire risk in EVs.

The system provides real-time monitoring, alerting workshop staff through alarms and notifications in the event of battery malfunction.

The EV-Garm system reduces vehicle downtime by allowing early intervention and helps protect personnel by ensuring a safer working environment.

Bull Products introduces Cygnus Mesh Analyser for improved fire detection system diagnostics

by Fire DetectionProductsProducts

Bull Products launches new diagnostic tool for SITENET fire detection system

Bull Products has introduced a new diagnostic tool to enhance the performance of its SITENET fire detection and alarm system.

The Cygnus Mesh Analyser is designed to assist in the commissioning and maintenance of the wireless fire detection system.

As reported by Bull Products, the Cygnus Mesh Analyser provides detailed information about the structure and strength of the wireless mesh network.

It offers a graphical display of signal strength and connection paths between devices, helping users improve system performance.

This software is available nationwide for engineers and trained installer partners, making the installation and maintenance process more efficient.

Cygnus Mesh Analyser enhances network performance and reliability

The Cygnus Mesh Analyser software offers advanced features that track the history of how devices connect to the network, providing an audit trail of network events.

It displays primary and secondary paths, ensuring dual path redundancy for each device.

Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Cygnus Mesh Analyser to our SITENET range to enhance our installation and maintenance process.

Temporary installations such as construction sites are continually evolving environments, and the Cygnus Mesh Analyser software will provide confidence in the reliability and robustness of the network.”

SITENET system offers a wireless solution for temporary installations

Bull Products’ SITENET system is 100% wireless and EN 54 certified.

It is used on construction sites, including high-rise and subsurface rail projects.

The system provides a robust and reliable fire detection solution through a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network with multipath redundancy.

The SITENET range now includes modern, slimline devices suitable for internal environments like modular buildings.

This makes it ideal for temporary construction projects where appearance and functionality are equally important.

Comprehensive reporting and nationwide availability

The Cygnus Mesh Analyser allows engineers and installers to download a PDF report, which provides detailed information about network health and suggests actions to improve the system’s mesh network.

The tool is available for new and existing SITENET systems and ensures a robust network installation.

The software enhances the performance and reliability of the SITENET system by providing detailed diagnostics that help maintain network stability in various construction site environments.

Bull Products introduces Cygnus Mesh Analyser for improved fire detection system diagnostics: Summary

Bull Products has launched the Cygnus Mesh Analyser, a new diagnostic tool for its SITENET fire detection system.

The software enhances network performance by providing a graphical representation of signal strengths and connection paths between devices.

The system, which is fully wireless and EN 54 certified, is widely used on construction sites and other temporary installations.

The Cygnus Mesh Analyser can be used by engineers and trained installers to ensure efficient installation and maintenance processes.

It offers features such as an audit trail of network events, dual path redundancy, and PDF reporting capabilities.

Kidde Commercial introduces enhanced EXCELLENCE Series fire detection system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

New upgrades to Kidde Commercial’s EXCELLENCE Series improve performance and user experience

Kidde Commercial has launched a series of new upgrades and device refreshes for its EXCELLENCE Series fire detection and alarm system.

As reported by Kidde Commercial, the upgraded system is designed to set a new standard in fire detection, incorporating innovations from the Carrier brand portfolio.

The system features multi-wave, multi-angle smoke detectors, intelligent addressable input and output units (IO modules), and manual call points.

These enhancements aim to improve the technical performance of the system, reduce installation and maintenance costs, and enhance the user experience.

Improved installation and maintenance with new features

The EXCELLENCE Series has been designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind.

According to Kidde Commercial, the system includes pluggable connectors on modules and call points, a quick removable door, and a removable chassis.

These features are intended to simplify installation and commissioning.

“The EXCELLENCE smoke detectors offer solutions for the root causes of nuisance alarms, leading to performance improvements and more accurate detection,” a representative from Kidde Commercial said.

Additionally, all detectors come with optional integrated short circuit isolation, further enhancing safety.

Intelligent design for various components

The EXCELLENCE Series I/O modules provide multiple mounting options, pluggable connectors, and local test facilities for each channel.

The manual call points feature dual LED alarm indicators, optional integrated short circuit isolation, and the ability to support both resettable and frangible elements.

These components are designed to streamline installation and improve operational efficiency.

Kidde Commercial’s 2X-A and 2X-AT panels, added to the EXCELLENCE Series at the end of 2023, incorporate leading-edge technology to enhance system performance.

The panels feature modern aesthetics, improved durability, and an intuitive interface, making them suitable for a range of environments from lobby areas to small control rooms.

Easy system migration and network compatibility

The EXCELLENCE Series allows for easy migration from legacy systems, with the option to replace devices and panels in phases or all at once.

The system’s network compatibility and the use of the same configuration and graphic software as previous versions facilitate a seamless upgrade process.

Nigel Braganza, Product Management Leader at Kidde Commercial, said: “We are extremely pleased with our new EXCELLENCE Series devices and Kidde Commercial panels, which enable installers to reduce their installation, commissioning, and maintenance time.

Additionally, the system provides peace of mind for end-users with superior and reliable detection technology, reducing nuisance alarms.”

Kidde Commercial introduces enhanced EXCELLENCE Series fire detection system: Summary

Kidde Commercial has introduced significant upgrades to its EXCELLENCE Series fire detection and alarm system.

The updated system, incorporating features such as multi-wave smoke detectors and addressable input/output units, aims to improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and offer an improved user experience.

The EXCELLENCE Series is designed for easy installation and maintenance, with options for both new installations and migration from legacy systems.

Additionally, the system includes modern aesthetics and is compatible with multiple network configurations.

The EXCELLENCE Series is CPR, SBSC, BOSEC, and NEN approved, offering reliable fire detection technology with minimal nuisance alarms.

Fike Fire Watch receives FM approval for global use

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire Detection

Fike Fire Watch recognised in FM Global guidelines

Fike Corporation, a manufacturer of fire protection systems, has announced that its portable fire detection solution, Fike Fire Watch, has received FM Global approval.

As reported by Fike Corporation, the system is now recommended in FM Global’s datasheet 10-3 for Hot Work Management.

The Fike Fire Watch is designed to provide temporary fire detection in situations where the fire protection system may be impaired or during high-risk activities, such as hot work or construction.

The system helps organisations comply with NFPA standards and ensures safety in scenarios where permanent fire protection is unavailable.

Key features of Fike Fire Watch system

The Fike Fire Watch system offers an alternative to employing contractors or staff for temporary fire monitoring.

It includes one or two Fike IR3 HD flame detectors, an HD camera, and smoke detection via Fike Video Analytics.

The unit is powered by a battery capable of running for up to 18.7 hours continuously, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring.

If a fire is detected, the system triggers an alarm and can send notifications via SMS, email, or other mobile alerts.

It can also integrate with existing fire alarm systems or third-party monitoring equipment, offering flexible usage in various scenarios.

Industry response to Fike Fire Watch

Kevin Montgomery, Fike’s Manager of Fire Protection Product Management, highlighted the benefits of the new solution.

He said: “Fike Fire Watch fills a very important need in the industry of providing cost-effective temporary fire detection.

“Investing in just one Fike Fire Watch System will easily pay for itself after just a few uses.”

The system’s affordability and ease of use make it particularly appealing to organisations looking to minimise costs while maintaining high safety standards in temporary situations.

Fike Fire Watch receives FM approval for global use: Summary

Fike Corporation has received global FM approval for its Fike Fire Watch system, a portable fire detection solution designed for temporary monitoring during high-risk activities, such as hot work or when fire protection systems are disabled.

As reported by Fike Corporation, the system has been included in FM Global’s datasheet 10-3 Hot Work Management.

The system features flame detectors, an HD camera, smoke detection, and alarm notification capabilities.

Fike Fire Watch can provide up to 18.7 hours of continuous monitoring and is a cost-effective alternative to hiring contractors for fire watch duties.

False fire alarms cost Greater Manchester fire service millions annually

by Featured NewsFire DetectionResearch

False fire alarms increase strain on fire service resources

As reported by Personal Injury Claims UK, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has responded to 67,125 false fire alarms since April 2019, equating to between 12,000 and 15,000 incidents per year.

These false alarms place a financial and operational burden on the service, with daily averages exceeding 30 incidents.

In 2023/24 alone, the service responded to 14,696 false alarms, marking an increase from the previous year.

In 2020/21, numbers had dipped due to pandemic restrictions, with 12,338 incidents, but these steadily rose again following the lifting of restrictions.

Costs associated with false alarms

False alarms are not only disruptive but also costly.

According to the figures obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has incurred costs between £5.5 million and £7.5 million annually over the last five years due to false alarm callouts.

Factors contributing to false alarms include faulty or poorly designed equipment, poor maintenance, and environmental factors such as steam, dust, and aerosols activating alarm systems.

Fire service impact and public safety concerns

The fire service warns that responding to false alarms can have serious implications.

As stated by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue: “Fire service attendance at false alarms also means that firefighters are not available to attend real emergency calls and are disrupted from carrying out important training, emergency planning and other key activities.”

In addition to the strain on resources, false alarms can lead to complacency among businesses and the public.

The fire service explained that repeated false alarms may reduce the effectiveness of fire safety systems, as people may become desensitised to the warnings.

Nationwide false alarm trends

The issue of false fire alarms extends beyond Greater Manchester.

Nationwide, they make up 38% of incidents attended by fire services, contributing to a £1 billion annual cost to the UK economy, according to a study by BRE Group.

These false alarms disrupt services and potentially place public safety at risk, especially if emergency resources are diverted away from real emergencies.

The fire service continues to address this challenge by raising awareness of proper alarm maintenance and reducing avoidable triggers.

False fire alarms cost Greater Manchester fire service millions annually: Summary

Since 2019, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has responded to 67,125 false fire alarms, costing the service between £5.5 million and £7.5 million annually.

The incidents have increased in recent years, with 14,696 responses recorded in 2023/24.

The fire service attributes these false alarms to factors such as faulty equipment and environmental triggers.

These unnecessary callouts place strain on resources, potentially compromising the ability to respond to genuine emergencies.

Nationally, false alarms account for 38% of fire service callouts, costing the UK economy £1 billion annually.

Detection designed differently

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C-TEC’s Marketing Manager, Andy Green, discusses why the CAST-PRO, its new range of fire detection and alarm devices, is the real deal

Conceived over a decade ago, enhanced numerous times along the way and now delivered, CAST-PRO is a British designed and built, fully EN 54 parts 3, 5, 7, 17, 23, 29 and 31 certified heat, smoke and CO fire detector with a tone or voice sounder and onboard visual alarm device.

Packed full of features, many of them patented, our comprehensive beta testing regime confirmed to us some time ago that CAST-PRO doesn’t just reduce installation costs, it reduces false alarms effectively, detects real fires reliably and indicates true alarm conditions decisively.

With third-party certification now complete, we are delighted to announce CAST-PRO is available to purchase today.

What’s so special about CAST-PRO?

At the heart of the CAST-PRO design is the MASC™ miniature advanced smoke detection chamber.

Featuring computer designed airflow layers and a revolutionary non-focal non-linear prismatic angular bandpass filter (pictured) which facilitates multiple path detection, it was specifically designed to allow space for reliable Heat and CO detection, a 92 dB(A) tone or 86 dB(A) voice sounder AND a C-3-9.4 visual alarm device – all in the same attractive, compact device.

The patented MASC™ smoke detection chamber filters out unwanted light caused by contamination but directs wanted light from smoke particles using multiple paths directly towards CAST-PRO’s light sensor.

Contamination ridges absorb stray light and serve as an effective dust trap and parabolic reflector to reflect light from contamination away from the sensor.

This unique approach means lots of contamination can be tolerated before drift compensation needs to work, significantly increasing the life of the detector.

This, combined with CAST-PRO’s powerful false alarm rejection algorithms, which recognise non-fire events but still track real fire signals means false alarms are massively reduced whilst ensuring real alarms are acknowledged quickly, especially if CAST-PRO’s additional fire sensing functions are utilised.

What else can CAST-PRO detect?

As well as detecting smoke, our fully loaded CAST-PRO device features heat and CO fire detection allowing it to operate in one of 12 different modes (see Table 1) and for its operation to be tailored, not just to the environment, but to specific risks.

 CAST-PRO is inherently flexible and can provide everything you need to satisfy the fire safety requirements of today’s complex multi-purpose buildings.

CAST-PRO’s Test mode does not change a detector’s settings so devices do not need reconfiguring when testing is complete.

Whilst testing is underway our CAST-PRO devices will continue to work in their normal detection mode, so if a real fire occurs elsewhere on the Zone being tested a full alarm will trigger.

This ensures the site is always protected properly.

Indeed, this feature actually facilitated the speedy extinguishing of a real fire in a zone under test at one of our beta test sites!

ENVISION Enabled

As well as being compatible with C-TEC’s ZFP CAST protocol touchscreen-controlled addressable fire panel, CAST-PRO is fully compatible with C-TEC’s powerful ENVISION Cloud-based IoT software.

Combined with the features detailed above, ENVISION elevates CAST-PRO to greater levels of protection, delivering true, verifiable, live data on the status of your CAST-PRO devices – fires, faults, tests, pre-alarms, investigation periods started and more – direct to your smart phone or desktop.

ENVISION makes testing and commissioning a breeze allowing device names to be updated, sounders to be sounded, VADs to be switched on and more, all whilst standing alongside a device and remotely from the fire panel.

Test reports are also available at the touch of the button.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

False fire alarms in Northern Ireland reveal rising financial strain and resource impact

by Featured NewsFire DetectionResearch

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service sees over 47,000 false alarms in five years

As reported by Personal Injury Claims UK, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has responded to more than 47,000 false fire alarms over the past five years.

Between April 2019 and 2024, the service dealt with a total of 47,090 false alarms.

The investigation highlighted that these callouts have placed a significant strain on both the service’s finances and resources.

On average, NIFRS has responded to 8,000 to 10,000 false alarms annually, which equates to more than 20 incidents daily.

In 2019/2020, NIFRS recorded 9,172 false fire alarms, the third-highest number during the five-year period.

Although this number dropped slightly to 9,106 in 2021 due to the pandemic-related lockdowns, callouts surged again after restrictions were lifted.

In 2023/24, NIFRS experienced a new peak, responding to 10,347 false alarms.

Causes of false fire alarms identified

Common causes of false fire alarms have been identified as faulty or poorly designed equipment, inadequate user training, and lack of maintenance.

Additionally, everyday occurrences such as fumes from cooking, steam from showers, and dust from construction work can also trigger alarms.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stated: “Most signals from automatic systems are often false alarms, frequently triggered by cooking fumes, dust, or a lack of maintenance, leading to unnecessary call-outs for our fire crews.”

This data has raised concerns over the increasing burden on emergency services and the potential risk posed by repeated false alarms.

Financial cost of false alarms to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

The financial impact of false alarms on the NIFRS has been significant.

According to figures obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK, the cost of responding to these callouts has fluctuated between £1.4 million and £1.8 million annually since 2019.

This financial burden has prompted a policy change by NIFRS regarding how it responds to automatic fire alarms.

The service no longer attends automatic fire alarm callouts at occupied commercial premises unless a fire is confirmed.

This policy aims to reduce unnecessary strain on fire crews and resources.

False fire alarms across the UK

False fire alarms represent the largest share of incidents attended by fire services across the UK, comprising 38% of all callouts.

The issue is not unique to Northern Ireland; according to a study by BRE Group, false fire alarms cost the UK approximately £1 billion annually.

The ongoing trend of false alarms presents risks not only to the safety of individuals but also to the efficiency of emergency services.

As such, there is growing concern about the long-term effects if the current patterns continue unchecked.

False fire alarms in Northern Ireland reveal rising financial strain and resource impact: Summary

An investigation by Personal Injury Claims UK has revealed that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has responded to over 47,000 false fire alarms between April 2019 and 2024.

These callouts have placed a significant burden on the service, both financially and operationally, with annual costs ranging from £1.4 million to £1.8 million.

NIFRS has introduced a policy change to reduce unnecessary responses to automatic fire alarms in commercial premises.

False alarms continue to be a major issue across the UK, accounting for 38% of all incidents attended and costing an estimated £1 billion annually.

Plotting a new course for Saudi fire safety with Advanced

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionMiddle East - Breaking News

Sasi Kumar, General Manager Middle East and Africa at Advanced, discusses current and future fire-safety trends in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has seen significant development of fire safety technology during the last two years.

New trends are emerging, in particular, UL fire safety systems are gaining popularity.

Fire systems are needed to protect both large sites such as shopping centres, schools, universities and hospitals, as well as high-rise residential projects.

Advanced’s networked systems are the perfect fit for these challenges as they are fully scalable to suit virtually any application including ‘campus’ style and high-rise style configurations.

Advanced’s UL 864-10th Edition-approved Axis AX is a versatile fire alarm system combining addressable panels with audio systems, command centres and a comprehensive range of wired devices including CO detectors offering superior performance, quality and ease of use.

End-users will be in complete control thanks to its networking capabilities, configuration options and comprehensive cause-and-effect programming.

An impressive feature of the Axis AX is its scalability, being able to deliver fast, reliable, communications from a two-panel network right up to a large 200-node network.

Very few manufacturers offer the capacity to connect to up to 200 panels, making the Axis AX ideal for small and large projects.

Evacuating safely

Another emerging trend in Saudi Arabia is that high-rise residential buildings require a fire alarm system with voice evacuation.

Fortunately, the flexible Axis AX offers integrated audio for automatic (and manual) alarm signalling and live voice paging.

These features are critical for residential buildings as Saudi Arabia has many high-rise apartment blocks over 10 floors high.

As fire engine evacuation ladders do not extend to the higher floors it’s imperative to be able to evacuate the building easily.

Axis AX’s voice evacuation can store 16 pre-recorded messages allowing the panel to operate autonomously to evacuate a building if the fire brigade isn’t present.

It offers simple three-channel audio (evacuate, alert, page) and complex multi-channel mass notification.

A message can be prioritised, vital if an evacuation strategy changes during an emergency.

If the fire brigade is present, Axis AX provides telephone communication channels which are integrated into the system with a telephone handset ensuring maximum safety.

The fire and emergency telephone system identifies the location of the field telephone users during emergencies and users can plug a telephone into an Axis AX fire panel to communicate the situation on a given floor speeding up evacuation.

But problems can occur with voice evacuation if the audio doesn’t sync and people hear multiple messages.

To solve this the Axis AX range features PerfectSync which ensures audio synchronisation even over large networks where it is possible to deliver a message from the first panel to the 200th with fast messaging to aid fast evacuation.

This clarity is ideal for tall residential buildings or large shopping centres or universities.

EN and UL

Saudi Arabia and the Middle East is a unique market where both UL and EN fire-safety solutions are used.

Not all fire protection solution companies cover both requirements but Advanced can help customers that need both systems with our Axis AX and Axis EN ranges.

The Axis ranges are not only robust and versatile, but also easy to use – from installation and commissioning to servicing, maintenance and day-to-day operation.

Like the Axis AX, the Axis EN can similarly support networks of up to 200 panels and networks can be combined to create large systems making it ideal for complex, large-scale installations.

Whether networking wide-area, high-risk sites, remotely monitoring networked sites, or integrating with building management systems (BMS), intuitive software and panel navigation make setup straightforward.

Hybrid

Another trend gaining ground in the Saudi Arabian region is wireless fire-alarm technology.

This mirrors the situation in Europe where it is estimated the wireless fire alarm sector will increase by 10% from 2023 to 2032 due to new infrastructure and ongoing Government investment.

With wireless technology tried and tested in Europe, the Middle East is prioritising wireless solutions, especially following the development of robust, reliable Mesh technology.

Wireless fire alarm systems are also an attractive solution for retrofitting, since buildings do not have to run cables.

However, some wireless systems also integrate with existing fire alarm systems when an upgrade is required, creating a hybrid system, such as the Advanced Axis EN.

Because of their availability and cost viability, hybrid systems are expanding and account for the largest system type in the wireless fire alarm sector.

Avoiding complacency

False fire alarms are another issue in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

In fact, ‘how to overcome false fire alarms’ is one of the most common questions installers ask when they visit Advanced’s stand at Intersec.

False alarms can cause financial, operational and reputational damage and costly downtime.

Where they occur frequently, they also put lives at risk through fire alarm complacency.

At Advanced our Axis EN minimises unwanted alarms thanks to its built-in false alarm management and reduction software, AlarmCalm.

This allows easy, flexible configuration of false alarm strategies and provides control of verification and investigation delays thanks to its unique use of ‘building areas’, independent of fire zones, for programming.

It offers the precise application of different false alarm strategies across various parts of a building.

Hotel kitchens, bathrooms and conference rooms require very different approaches and AlarmCalm provides the freedom to choose the right one.

Since demand for fire safety systems is increasing in Saudi Arabia, Advanced is also looking to expand its presence in the Kingdom.

The company has distribution partners in the Middle East and is actively looking for new partners in Saudi Arabia.

To partner with Advanced or to find out more about the latest trends in fire safety systems, visit Advanced on stand 3-C36, Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024, which will take place from 1 – 3 October 2024 at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC).

For further information on Advanced and all our products Email: skumar@advancedco.com  or  visit: https://uk.advancedco.com

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Pano AI launches weather map layers to improve bushfire management in Australia

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProductsProjects

Weather map layers launched in Australia at AFAC 24

Pano AI has introduced its new Weather Map Layers feature at the AFAC 24 Conference, Australia’s largest emergency management event.

The feature integrates forecasted weather data with real-time fire threat information, enabling users to monitor fire risks and changing weather conditions on a single platform, as reported by Pano AI.

The Weather Map Layers will assist in improving decision-making for fire responders across Australia, helping them to respond more effectively to fire threats.

Arvind Satyam, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Pano AI, emphasised the importance of integrating weather data into fire management systems: “By providing visibility into temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind gusts and wind direction, Pano AI’s Weather Map Layers offers greater situational awareness, significantly improves decision-making during critical moments and allows for more tactical and appropriately scaled responses to fire risks.”

Fire management enhanced through weather tracking

Pano AI’s new feature allows users to overlay critical weather information, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, directly onto an interactive map.

The platform uses AI and high-resolution cameras to help fire responders identify and respond to new ignitions before they become larger threats.

According to Andrew Prolov, Head of Australia GTM at Pano AI: “The first few minutes are vital in preventing a bushfire from escalating out of control.

“While we can’t prevent fires from starting, our technology now offers the added capability to overlay important weather data to better understand the conditions in the regions that we are monitoring.”

Hourly updates to improve situational awareness

Weather Map Layers will update hourly, ensuring responders have the most accurate and current information.

With a data resolution of 28km, the system provides a forecast for the current hour, giving fire management teams up-to-date insights into fire behaviour based on weather conditions.

This timely data aims to improve fire containment efforts and overall safety during fire events.

The integration of weather forecasting into fire response is expected to enhance strategic decision-making, enabling responders to predict fire behaviour more accurately and act with greater precision.

The weather tracking capability offers fire management teams a tool for monitoring and assessing the fire environment in real-time, potentially reducing the impact of bushfires in Australia.

Deployment across Australian states

Pano AI has rolled out its technology across five states in Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania.

The deployment spans 28 stations, covering over 2 million hectares of land, including forestry, farmland, and renewable energy zones.

This expansion highlights the company’s commitment to providing effective early detection and response solutions for bushfire risk management.

Mr Prolov added: “We are committed to providing the most effective early detection technology to help identify bushfire risks and to prevent fires from escalating out of control.”

New feature enhances bushfire response across Australia: summary

Pano AI launched its Weather Map Layers feature at the AFAC 24 Conference in Sydney.

The system integrates real-time fire threat data with forecasted weather information, improving decision-making for fire responders across Australia.

Key features include hourly updates of critical weather data, including temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which assist in predicting fire behaviour.

The system is already deployed across five states and covers over 2 million hectares of land.

Pano AI utilises high-resolution cameras and AI to help fire responders detect and respond to fires before they escalate.

The feature aims to improve the overall effectiveness of bushfire management by enhancing situational awareness and providing more strategic responses to fire threats.