Channel Fire becomes part of Alpine Group as special risk capability grows

by Featured NewsFire DetectionMergers & AcquisitionsPassive

Alpine group adds channel fire to special risk capability

Alpine Group has announced that Channel Fire has joined the group, with the companies presenting the move as supporting accredited fire protection delivery in complex environments.

The announcement described Channel Fire as a specialist fire protection business that provides design, installation and maintenance services where standard approaches are not always suitable.

Channel Fire was founded in 2015, according to the announcement.

What the acquisition means for both businesses

The announcement stated that the acquisition supports Alpine Group’s strategy to build out its Special Risk capability for customers operating in mission-critical and regulated environments.

Claire Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Group, said: “Channel Fire is a specialist business with a strong reputation for accredited fire protection solutions in complex environments.

“Their technical expertise, values and approach align closely with ours and we are pleased to welcome Brett, Luke and the wider Channel Fire team into the group.”

Brett Comber, Director at Channel Fire, commented: “Joining the Alpine Group is an exciting next step for Channel Fire.

“This partnership allows us to continue supporting our customers as we always have, while benefiting from the scale and support of a wider group.”

Luke Huckerby, Director at Channel Fire, added: “Being part of the Alpine Group strengthens our ability to deliver complex, specialist projects while maintaining the high standards and personal service Channel Fire is known for – for both our team and our customers.”

Service continuity for Channel Fire customers

The announcement stated that existing Channel Fire customers should see no disruption to current services or relationships.

It added that customers will continue to work with the same team, supported by additional capability and resources from the wider Alpine Group.

The companies said further updates will be shared as Channel Fire develops as part of Alpine Group.

Adapting to high-risk environments: FM’s approach to lithium-ion risk in mission-critical sites

by Featured NewsSafety

Adrian Oxley, Principal Engineer for Semiconductor/ Digital at FM discusses managing risks across unique environments and how to overcome challenges

To begin with, could you introduce yourself, your role and how your work relates to lithium-ion battery risk in mission-critical environments?

My name is Adrian Oxley and I am the Principal Engineer for Semiconductor/ Digital at FM.

I oversee the technical side of our book around data centres.

I am responsible for making sure that our resources, operating standards and the 2,213 field engineers that work throughout the globe have a strong understanding of the data centre industry.

I also have a link between our clients, the Chief Engineers group that I work in and our research department.

When our clients have technically challenges, we help to focus our research on the issue in order to offer mitigation strategies.

Additionally, I work in close collaboration with our underwriting side of the business to make sure that the engineers are providing relevant information.

What are the main causes of battery failure in data centres and telecom infrastructure, and how do these differ from risks seen in other sectors?

It doesn’t matter what industry you are focused on, whether that be data centres or the automotive industry, you need to be aware of the failures associated with lithium-ion batteries and how they can be categorised.

These categories range from manufacturing faults, mechanical damage and electrical abuse.

There are also typical external type events like electrical failures for short circuits and grounds etc.

They can all cause damage to the batteries and therefore risk putting them into thermal runaway.

How does early off-gas detection work in practice and what kind of indicators or thresholds are most relevant for operators to understand?

Off gas detection works when a lithium-ion cell starts to fail and goes into thermal runaway.

The cells begin to off-gas and the off-gas is the product of a chemical reaction that happens within the cell.

Having the ability to detect something going very wrong early on within that cycle is a positive advantage because it allows you to react proactively once you realise the issue is there.

Off-gas detection is focused on very, very small quantities due to the off-gases being around 10 parts per million.

Where does water mist suppression fit into a layered response, and what features make it suited to technical environments with sensitive equipment?

Water mist is one of the tools in our toolbox.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to these systems but overall, water mist allows us to provide effective fire protection.

I think the key thing to get across is that a water mist system must be specified based on how it’s been tested and what it has been approved for.

If you put a water mist system into an environment that it has not been tested or designed for then it’s not going to do what it’s supposed to do.

This means that you have got to be very careful with water mist systems when it comes to the protection of lithium-ion batteries- certainly within a data centre environment, making it sure it has been approved for the application.

Can you explain how detection and suppression can support each other when integrated as a single mitigation strategy?

The detection system must be a part of an overall mitigation strategy because the system on its own is not really going to do anything for us- it won’t put the fire out; it is only able to tell us that there is a problem.

Ultimately, it is from using the signal from that detection system that we can react hopefully before a fire starts.

With off-gas detection for instance, using that signal to cut the power to the chargers for the battery or cut an electrical breaker to stop the power associated with those batteries is going to give us some benefit.

Effectively, we can use the signal from the detection system, whether that be off-gas or smoke detection, to trigger the water system into action.

Water will be released and the system will use the heat of the fire to let water out of the pipework in a pre-action system.

Are there challenges in retrofitting these systems into existing facilities or when aligning them with other safety controls?

The challenge of a data centre environment is that once the environment is operational, the opportunity to go in there and start fitting fire protection systems is very remote.

 An operator would typically not want to do this retrofit.

This is why it is really important to consider the fire protection strategy at the very early concept of a building.

At that point in time, we can design the system properly and take all the building parameters into consideration during the design.

Certainly, when we are looking at data centres we need to be considering things like high velocities of airflow as this can have a significant impact on the detection system.

If there is a high volume of air flowing through the hot or cold containment this can impact the system operation.

You need to consider if it is feasible to fit a water-based system, such as a sprinkler system, into an existing system.

Yes, it is feasible, but it is also very expensive and challenge.

All of these factors need to be taken in consideration.

Operators are far better off incorporating detection systems into the overall design from a very early stage.

It is very difficult to link existing detection systems because they are designed to be holistic.

Are there any common misunderstandings about lithium-ion risk management in mission-critical sites that you think need clarification?

A lot of the time, people talk about the fire hazard associated with lithium-ion- which is a well-known phenomenon.

The data centre industry especially has seen several recent incidents.

In Korea, there was a government wide shut down for a number of days after a lithium-ion battery system was removed from a data system.

There was also a significant incident Singapore which involved an explosion that caused a substantial amount of damage.

I think this is a factor that is underestimated within the industry because many people do not realise that we’re not dealing with a fire hazard- but an explosion hazard, too.

Therefore, I believe that as part and parcel of the strategy of introducing lithium-ion batteries into data centres, additional factors need to be taken into consideration, such as the location of the batteries, the size of the room associated with it and how the room might react to an explosion.

These are all important things that we look at as FM when evaluating a battery system.

How do you see battery technology, regulatory expectations or infrastructure design influencing this topic over the next few years?

I think the industry is really at a crossroads now.

Previously, everyone worked to the UL Standards when it came to getting batteries certified, but we are now seeing the authorities having more influence.

This means that the people who give the occupation certificates to data centres are turning around and saying the tests they have previously done are not sufficient anymore in proving that the system is not going to cause a significant fire or even an explosion.

Really, the way they are coming as it is because firefighters are going into buildings and facing potential injury because of the high-risk environment[AO1.1], potentially caused by the fire and explosion risk present.

A lot of the authorities having jurisdiction now are asking for large scale fire tests to actually prove the performance of the batteries in a real-life scenario.

This uptake in desire for large scale fire testing is changing the regulatory landscape indefinitely.

Battery technology is changing simultaneously; we are seeing different technologies emerging within the industry and it is important to recognise that we cannot rule out that something worse than lithium-ion might be coming along.

Batteries are an important part of data centres, they’re not going to go away, but the application of them must be taken into consideration moving forward.

At FM, our responsibility is to help the industry navigate this moving forward.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Principles for placement: How Burns and Wilcox UAE aligns UAE codes with NFPA 72

by Featured NewsFire DetectionMENA - Featured News

Fahri Yiyin, Risk Engineering Manager, Burns and Wilcox UAE, explains detector definitions and outlines key spacing and installation requirements across UAE and NFPA standards

Fire detection systems occupy a crucial position among fire safety measures, serving as an essential component in protecting life and property.

Owing to the wide range of available detector types, such systems can be effectively implemented in residential buildings, industrial facilities, offices, and numerous indoor or outdoor environments.

This brief research document highlights the general application principles of smoke and heat detectors.

In practice, these systems are expected to respond consistently under varied environmental and architectural conditions.

Understanding how definitions and spacing rules translate into actual layouts is therefore central to reliable design and to demonstrating compliance within the UAE.

Key definitions in the UAE code

According to the UAE Fire and Life Safety Practice Code, clause 1.2.13 defines a smoke detector as “a device used for detecting visible and invisible particles of smoke resulting from combustion.” The clause further clarifies that several operating principles are utilized for smoke detection, such as photoelectrical and ionization spot-type detectors, air-sampling detectors, and optical beam-type smoke detectors.

The definition “a device in which the sensitive element is fixed in a certain location,” provided in clause 1.2.14, specifically refers to spot-type detectors.

The definition of a heat detector is “a fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate of rise, or both” (1.2.7).

Together, these definitions frame how designers select detector types for different risks.

Spot-type detectors, beam detectors and air-sampling systems each have distinct strengths, but all must be applied in line with the code language and the conditions found on site.

Using NFPA standards alongside UAE requirements

Moreover, clause 2.2.4 emphasizes that the requirements outlined in the code represent only the minimum guidelines, and it remains the consultant’s responsibility to refer to NFPA 70, NFPA 72, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 110, NFPA 111, and manufacturer design specifications for detailed criteria.

Consequently, the placement and design of detectors are further evaluated in accordance with NFPA 72.

This approach allows the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice to establish regulatory expectations while NFPA 72 supplies detailed technical provisions.

For project teams, that means drawing on both documents during design, specification and review, rather than treating either source in isolation.

Spacing rules for flat and sloped ceilings

For spot-type smoke detectors, the maximum installation height is specified as 10 meters, as indicated in Figure 8.8 of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice.

In NFPA 72 (2019 Edition), Section 17.7.3.2 Spot-Type Smoke Detectors provides detailed guidance on the placement, coverage, and application of smoke detectors.

According to the standard, spot-type smoke detectors must be installed directly on the ceiling, while detectors mounted on walls should be positioned no more than 12 inches (305 mm) below the ceiling (Clause 17.7.3.2.1).

In industrial facilities, ceilings are generally smooth or sloped.

Under the definition of flat ceilings, Clause 17.7.3.2.4.2 specifies that a ceiling with beam depths not exceeding 10 percent of the ceiling height is considered flat for the purpose of detector installation.

For such flat ceilings, the maximum spacing between two detectors should not exceed 9.1 meters, while the maximum distance between a detector and an adjacent wall (corner) is defined as 0.7 × 9.1 = 6.4 meters (Clause 17.7.3.2.3.1).

These values represent nominal coverage assumptions that must be checked against building conditions.

Ceiling height, local airflow and potential obstructions can all influence how smoke reaches a detector, so the tabulated distances are often treated as a starting point, not a fixed layout.

In the case of sloped ceilings, detectors should be installed parallel to the slope and positioned along the ceiling surface, ensuring effective smoke collection in accordance with airflow and thermal patterns.

Additional considerations for detector placement near peak points of sloped ceilings are further detailed in Clause 17.7.3.3, which provides specific requirements for optimizing detection performance in varying roof geometries.

The distance between detectors and walls should not exceed 50% of the spacing between two adjacent detectors.

The 0.7 S rule applies specifically to corner points.

On sloped roofs and in high-bay areas, these requirements are particularly important where smoke may stratify or track along the highest parts of the structure.

Aligning rows of detectors with the slope and reviewing peak locations helps maintain coverage where smoke might otherwise bypass devices.

Annex guidance and irregular layouts

Clause 17.7.3.2.3.4 of NFPA 72 (2019 Edition) specifies that Annex A and Annex B may be referenced as supplementary guidelines for smoke detector installation.

Within Annex A, the maximum spacing for spot-type heat detectors is indicated as 15.2 meters, subject to the detector manufacturer’s certification and listing.

The minimum spacing is stated as 3.1 meters (10 ft), while the midpoint value of 9.1 meters is considered standard.

In NFPA 72 (2019 Edition), the placement of smoke or heat detectors in irregularly shaped areas is illustrated in Figure A.17.6.3.1.1(h).

Spacing between detectors may be extended up to 12.5 meters, provided the distance from any wall point to a detector does not exceed 6.4 meters.

Annex material is explanatory rather than mandatory, but it provides practical illustrations that are often essential in non-standard geometries.

Designers can use these diagrams to test whether proposed layouts meet both the spacing rules and the intent of the standard in corners, alcoves and other irregular zones.

In many UAE projects, this combined use of prescriptive clauses and annex examples is supported by simple calculation checks or smoke modelling, together with early consultation with device manufacturers.

This helps demonstrate that detector arrangements are aligned with both code expectations and the documented performance limits of the chosen devices.

For consultants and system designers, the outcome is a more transparent design process.

Clear reference back to UAE clauses, NFPA provisions and relevant annex figures allows spacing decisions to be justified in technical reports, shared with contractors and revisited during future building modifications without losing sight of the original design rationale.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Hochiki system upgrade completed at Admiral Lord Nelson School in Portsmouth

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Hochiki system installed at Portsmouth school

Hochiki has been used by SFA Fire & Security to upgrade the fire detection system at Admiral Lord Nelson School in Portsmouth, using FIREbeam Xtra and ESP for an open protocol configuration.

The school chose SFA Fire & Security for the upgrade after its existing fire system needed replacement.

The installation was delivered across a site described as spanning three floors with specialist classrooms across an extensive area.

SFA Fire & Security provided design and installation as a single delivery partner, according to the company.

Staged work planned around holidays

SFA Fire & Security said the day-to-day routine of a live educational setting meant installation work had to be completed in stages.

It said work was scheduled during the summer holidays and the following half-term break to avoid interrupting students and to maintain progress against deadlines.

The company said it used pre-stage device addressing to support faster on-site delivery.

Detection and control approach across spaces

SFA Fire & Security said the school included spaces such as a laboratory kiln room, an atrium and a sports hall, and that each required a tailored approach.

It said the glass-fronted atrium’s large coverage made point detection impractical.

Hochiki’s FIREbeam Xtra was installed to provide detection coverage at height across the atrium, according to the company.

SFA Fire & Security said it also used heat and multi-sensors to reflect room conditions.

It said multi-sensors were used in science rooms due to gases and smoke generated during lessons.

It said heat sensors were used in food technology rooms and kitchens to avoid unwanted activations from normal cooking activity while still detecting meaningful temperature changes.

Alarm tones configured for different incidents

SFA Fire & Security said it worked with school management to determine bespoke EN54 approved tones and patterns for sounders.

It said the tones were programmed so that different alarm types were distinct, including class change, lockdown and fire incidents.

It said the aim was to support quicker recognition of the alarm type and reduce confusion during response.

Project Director comment on integration

Naomi Fell, Project Director at SFA, said: “We have worked with Hochiki products over many years in various projects and environments and their reliability is top-class.

“Despite the tight deadlines, Hochiki’s ESP open protocol and versatile product range made it easy to integrate into the existing fire system, and easy for the school to operate.

“It’s a system that they can trust and use for years to come.

“We’re very proud to have been able to future-proof the safety of the school in this way.”

Olympia Electronics commentary links Switzerland nightclub incident to safety systems gaps

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIncidentsLighting

Olympia Electronics publishes safety systems commentary

Olympia Electronics has published commentary on the role of safety systems following media reports about a nightclub fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

The company positioned the incident as part of a wider pattern of fires in public assembly venues linked to pyrotechnics used in enclosed spaces.

Olympia Electronics referenced the 2003 fire at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island, US and the 2015 Colectiv club fire in Bucharest, Romania as comparable incidents.

It said these events shared common factors, including a lack of adequate fire detection and fire protection systems.

Media reports cited in the response

Olympia Electronics said published reports about the Crans-Montana incident described shortcomings in safety inspections, a lack of functional fire detection, inadequate emergency lighting and insufficient marking of emergency exits.

It said those reports claimed the venue had gone five years without a fire safety inspection.

The company also stated that published reporting described an absence of fire detection or suppression systems.

Olympia Electronics said those same reports claimed both emergency exits were blocked by the fire.

Detection and warning time during evacuations

Olympia Electronics said fire detection technology should be treated as a measure that enables the earliest possible identification of a developing incident in public assembly settings.

It described early detection as a way to increase the time available for reaction, evacuation and rescue.

Olympia Electronics said videos circulating from the scene showed people filming the outbreak without recognising the severity of the situation.

The company argued that, without an audible warning from a fire alarm siren, pre-evacuation time can increase because occupants do not receive a clear signal to begin moving toward exits.

Emergency lighting in low visibility conditions

Olympia Electronics said soundproofing materials on ceilings can increase risk because some materials are highly flammable, can burn rapidly and can produce dense toxic gases during combustion.

It said adverse conditions can develop in narrow, complex or underground spaces, particularly where smoke reduces visibility and occupants are unfamiliar with the layout.

Olympia Electronics pointed to emergency escape route lighting and exit signage as systems intended to support evacuation where visibility is degraded.

The company said certified emergency luminaires should be treated as complete systems with defined specifications for autonomy, reliability and durability.

Safety culture and inspection focus

Olympia Electronics said legislative compliance alone does not deliver effective safety outcomes without continuous inspections, appropriate design and reliable equipment.

It said responsibility sits across venue owners, designers, installers, technical companies and public authorities.

Olympia Electronics added that it has developed and manufactured fire detection and emergency lighting solutions in Greece since 1979.

Signaline launches new website with manuals, FAQs and stock visibility

by Featured NewsFire Detection

A new Signaline website goes live

Signaline has launched a new website, adding new tools intended to make product information faster to find.

The company said the site includes more content and additional features alongside a refreshed design.

Manuals centralised in the resources area

Signaline said all product manuals are now uploaded in one place within the resources tab.

It added that each manual can also be downloaded from the relevant product page.

Application videos and downloadable PDFs

Signaline said it previously introduced application videos that set out how and why its Linear Heat Detection should be installed.

The company said the updated site groups these videos within the applications pages.

It added that PDFs can also be downloaded for each application.

Signaline also directed users to its YouTube channel for access to its wider video content.

Product FAQs and a stock toggle

Signaline said each product sector now includes FAQs designed to answer common questions.

Examples given by the company include what Linear Heat Detection is, which clip to use and whether Linear Heat Detection can be used in hazardous areas.

Signaline said each product page also includes a live stock toggle to indicate whether the item shown is in stock.

Certificates library covering approvals

Signaline said it has created a dedicated library for certificates linked to its Linear Heat Detection.

The company listed approvals and schemes including EN54, UL and ActivFire.

Hochiki Europe marks long service awards for 2025 employee milestones

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Hochiki Europe recognises staff at 2025 long service awards ceremony

Hochiki Europe has recognised employees across the business for reaching long service milestones at its Long Service Awards 2025 ceremony.

Managing Director Shinsuke Kubo presented awards to colleagues marking five, 10 and 20 years with the organisation.

The company said two employees were also recognised for reaching 25 years of service.

Those employees were Janet Smith and Paul Adams.

Hochiki workforce tenure highlighted

Hochiki Europe said long service remains a central feature of its workplace culture.

The company reported an average employee tenure of 6.89 years.

It said this sits above industry norms.

Hochiki Europe linked that longevity to internal culture and to retaining technical, engineering and market knowledge.

Teams represented across the business

The company said recipients came from functions including Production, Engineering, Quality, Research and Development, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Customer Support.

It added that long-serving staff help maintain continuity across the organisation.

Hochiki Europe said this supports product reliability and ongoing work on innovation and safety.

The company also said many award recipients contributed to product launches, market expansion work, technology advancements and the development of customer support operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Leadership comments from Shinsuke Kubo

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director, said: “Our long-serving employees are the backbone of our organisation.

“Their experience, passion and deep understanding of both our technology and our customers enable us to deliver world-class fire safety solutions.

“I am incredibly proud of their dedication and am honoured to recognise their achievements today.”

Janet Smith on 25 years’ service

Janet Smith said: “What I love most about this industry is knowing that the products we build genuinely save lives.

“Hochiki Europe has always supported its people, encouraged growth and fostered teamwork.

“That is why so many of us stay for so long.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire detection manufacturers, this announcement highlights the role of long tenure in retaining technical and product knowledge across engineering, quality and customer support teams.

For contractors and system integrators working across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, continuity within supplier teams can affect how consistently product changes, technical queries and support processes are handled over time.

For consultants and equipment specifiers, the company’s focus on continuity and product reliability relates to how product ranges are supported through launch cycles and regional expansion work.

For procurement and facilities teams, the reported average tenure figure provides a reference point on workforce stability when assessing long-term supplier relationships for fire detection and alarm systems.

Euralarm publishes guidance on protecting Europe’s critical installations

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Euralarm releases new precautionary guidance

Euralarm has released a new guidance document on precautionary measures for protecting vital installations and facilities across Europe.

The organisation said the document is intended to provide practical direction to strengthen the physical protection and resilience of critical infrastructures.

It described the guidance as a reference for policymakers, infrastructure operators and security professionals involved in protecting vital facilities.

Euralarm said the document aims to illustrate the importance of physical security and safety, along with basic requirements, in the field of critical infrastructure.

Focus on interdependence and shared responsibility

Euralarm said European societies rely on interdependent systems including energy and water supply, healthcare, transport and communications.

It said incidents and evolving threat scenarios have shown how vulnerable vital installations can be to targeted attacks, natural disasters and technical failures.

The guidance states that continued functionality is essential for social stability, public safety and economic security.

Euralarm said the document frames critical infrastructure security as a shared responsibility involving public authorities, security agencies, private operators and specialist security service providers.

Alignment with EU resilience requirements

Euralarm said the guidance builds on the European Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities (CER/RCE), which establishes minimum standards for protecting critical infrastructures.

It said the document promotes cross-sector physical security arrangements that complement cyber and IT security measures.

The guidance notes that national implementation timelines may vary.

Euralarm said the document calls for proactive protective measures to mitigate risks associated with changing threat scenarios.

Risk analysis and layered protective measures

Euralarm said the guidance places risk analysis and resilience planning at the centre of protection for critical infrastructures.

It said these processes help operators identify vulnerabilities early, prevent threats and improve the ability to withstand and recover from disruptive events.

The guidance sets out an integrative security strategy combining structural, technical and organisational measures.

Euralarm said physical security measures cited in the document include perimeter protection, access control, intrusion and fire detection and video surveillance.

It said the approach is intended to create a protective shield tailored to each infrastructure’s risk profile.

Integrating fire detection into critical infrastructure security

The guidance describes fire detection and fire alarm systems as part of a coordinated security concept for critical infrastructure resilience.

It sets expectations for system design based on documented risk analysis, including special fire detection technologies where point detectors are unsuitable.

Examples included aspirating smoke detection for transformer rooms and critical plant, linear smoke detection for large volumes and targeted monitoring of cabinets, junction boxes and power supply equipment.

The document also addresses system interaction, including interfaces between fire alarms, access control and emergency management systems to support evacuation, containment and coordinated response.

It highlights the need for resilient alarm transmission, redundant power supplies and assured connectivity to alarm receiving centres and emergency responders.

It also links fire detection and alarm systems to cybersecurity considerations where products rely on IP networks, remote access and software-based components.

DAS Fire confirms senior appointments to support data centre fire safety

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionPeople

Leadership appointments at DAS Fire

DAS Fire has announced a series of leadership changes in December 2025 as it continues to support fire detection and suppression projects for the data centre sector from its base in Reading, UK.

The company confirmed that Dave Parry has taken on the role of Managing Director with responsibility for guiding ongoing expansion.

He brings experience in leadership roles and is expected to focus on maintaining technically robust solutions and customer service.

DAS Fire stated that these appointments mark a new phase in the company’s development.

Claire Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Group, said: “These changes represent an important step forward for DAS Fire, we are deeply grateful to Stuart for his leadership and lasting contributions.

“We are deeply grateful to Stuart for his leadership and lasting contributions.

“With Dave’s experience and Paul’s continued dedication, we are well-positioned to build on our strong foundation and deliver the innovation, reliability, and service that our clients have come to expect.”

The company reiterated its commitment to delivering advanced, client-focused solutions and to maintaining high standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction.

Stuart Parker to support DAS Fire as consultant

According to DAS Fire, long-serving leader Stuart Parker will step back from day-to-day responsibilities.

He will continue to work with the business in a consulting capacity.

The company said this arrangement allows DAS Fire to retain his detailed knowledge of the organisation and the sectors it serves.

His ongoing involvement is intended to provide continuity for existing projects and customers.

DAS Fire highlighted his long-standing commitment to the business and its growth.

Executive director role focused on customer engagement

DAS Fire confirmed that Paul Darke has assumed the role of Executive Director.

In this position he will continue to lead customer engagement activities.

He will also be responsible for commercial partnerships with organisations that work with DAS Fire.

The company said this role is central to maintaining its reputation for service and technical expertise.

DAS Fire added that the leadership structure is designed to support its work in the data centre sector.

How DAS Fire leadership changes relate to safety-focused clients

DAS Fire supplies fire detection and suppression services to the data centre sector, so leadership continuity is closely tied to how projects are delivered and supported.

The appointment of Dave Parry as Managing Director defines who will oversee the company’s expansion, technical delivery and customer service priorities.

The continued involvement of Stuart Parker in a consulting capacity means existing relationships and operational knowledge remain accessible to ongoing projects.

For customer-facing work, the Executive Director role held by Paul Darke clarifies who leads engagement on commercial partnerships and client service.

These developments are directly relevant for data centre facility managers who rely on fire-detection and suppression partners, and for system installers and fire-protection contractors who integrate such solutions.

Clear leadership responsibilities at DAS Fire can help these stakeholders understand decision-making routes, technical escalation paths and who to contact for planning and future upgrades.

Rethinking detection for complex storage environments: Patol sets out the future of warehouse safety

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustrial

Patol Managing Director Iain Cumner explains how advanced detection solutions improve warehouse safety, compliance, and performance across automated, high-bay environments

Warehousing is changing.

Facilities today are taller, denser, and increasingly automated – designed to support the pace of modern 24/7 supply chains.

For site and facilities managers, the stakes are high.

Delays in fire detection don’t just mean lost stock – they put staff at risk, halt operations, and can damage hard-won reputations.

Let’s face it – cost continues to drive fire detection decisions.

But with UK insurers and regulators raising the bar on compliance, including BS 5839-1, the right solution now matters more than ever.

The challenges of modern warehousing height & stratification

In high-rack warehouses, there are specific areas that make conventional detectors less effective:

  • Height & smoke layering: In tall warehouses, smoke can form layers (known as stratification) rather than rising to ceiling-mounted detectors, delaying alarms.
  • Air movement: Ventilation, fans, or conveyor systems can push smoke away from detectors, while dense racking and tight packing of stock can prevent smoke reaching detectors.
  • Access issues: In high racks or automated storage systems, installing and maintaining detectors is expensive and disruptive.
  • Special environments: Cold storage, dusty sites, and humidity add further complications – from frozen detectors to false alarms.
  • Even subtle fluctuations in temperature can interfere with detectors.
  •  

The result? Increased downtime, costly false activations, and risk of non-compliance.

These factors make one thing clear: conventional approaches to fire detection are unable to keep up with the demands of modern warehouses.

Modern Detection Technologies

Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD)

Once considered unsuitable for dusty or industrial environments, ASDs have evolved to be ultra-sensitive and are now considered to be far more suitable for application that traditional point detection:

  • Continuously samples air through a network of pipes, providing very early smoke detection.
  • Modern systems now feature in-line blow-out filters and dust purge technology, addressing the false alarm problems that gave aspirators a poor reputation in the past.

Benefit for managers: Fewer false alarms, less maintenance, and earlier warnings – giving more time to act without disrupting daily operations.

Linear Heat Detection (LHD)

LHD offers a straightforward, yet effective solution:

  • Uses heat-sensitive cable that triggers when a set temperature is reached.
  • Ideal for racking aisles, conveyor belts, and hard-to-reach areas.

Benefit for managers: Works reliably regardless of airflow, reducing the risk of delayed detection and avoiding costly downtime.

Together, LHD and ASD complement each other, offering detection solutions that adapt to the requirements of today’s warehousing rather than forcing the environment to adapt to the technology.

Expert Insight

Patol’s Managing Director, Iain Cumner, highlights that the conversation around warehouse fire protection has shifted dramatically in recent years: “The days of exclusively relying on ceiling-mounted point detectors in warehouses are over.

With facilities now exceeding 20 metres in height, filled with dense racking, and incorporating complex automation, we need detection solutions that can ‘think differently’.

“Linear Heat Detection and Aspirating Smoke Detection are not just technologies.

“They’re enablers of safer, more resilient facilities. But the key is expertise.

“It’s about matching the right product to the right environment, and designing systems that balance compliance with practicality.”

This people-first, consultative approach is at the heart of Patol’s value proposition.

Trusted fire detection solutions are not just about products but about ensuring safety and continuity for people, businesses, and communities.

Practical advice for consultants and specifiers

When planning or upgrading fire detection in warehouses, keep these points in mind:

  1. Think in zones: Break large spaces into detection zones to quickly identify where a fire starts and limit unnecessary disruption.
  2. Match the tech to the risk: Use LHD for conveyors and racking; ASD for high-value stock or areas where early detection is essential.
  3. Plan maintenance early: Choose designs that allow servicing without major operational downtime.
  4. Work with experts: Engage with fire detection specialists early in the design stage to ensure compliance with BS 5839-1, BS EN54-22 and BS EN54-28 and alignment with insurer requirements.

What is the future of warehouse fire detection?

Automation, robotics, and AI-driven logistics will demand fire protection strategies that are adaptive and intelligent.

We will see more integration between detection and smart building management systems, enabling real-time analytics and predictive maintenance.

Hybrid systems that combine LHD, ASD, and intelligent control will become standard, providing a layered approach to protection.

At the same time, the emphasis on sustainability will grow – with detection systems designed to reduce energy use, minimise maintenance visits, and extend equipment lifespan.

Yet the core principle remains the same: protecting people.

Warehouses are workplaces as much as they are storage facilities.

Fire safety is about safeguarding employees, first responders, and the communities that rely on these essential buildings.

Fire safety in warehouses is about more than technology – it’s about confidence.

Confidence that your site is protected.

Confidence that operations won’t be disrupted by false alarms.

Confidence that your system meets both UK standards and insurer expectations.

Throughout this transition, Patol’s role is to delivers trusted fire detection solutions for challenging environments, combining technical expertise, responsive service, and a people-first approach.

With certified products, rapid dispatch, and ongoing consultancy, we help facilities managers achieve not only compliance but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing both people and assets are safe.

Case Study: Protecting Portcentric Logistics, Felixstowe

At the Port of Felixstowe, PD Portcentric Logistics operates one of the UK’s largest customs-approved warehousing facilities, storing a wide range of goods from fast-moving consumer products to ambient foodstuffs.

With three high-bay warehouses and racking exceeding 20 metres, ensuring reliable fire detection was a significant challenge.

Patol supplied 24 ASD units, installed by BBC Fire Protection (part of Marlowe plc), to provide comprehensive coverage across the site.

A mix of compact and two-channel detectors ensured every zone, from small ambient storage areas to large high-level bays was effectively protected.

By locating the ASD sampling points at accessible low levels, the system offered fast, reliable detection without disrupting operations.

The design also reduced maintenance complexity and downtime, as detectors could be serviced without specialist access equipment.

For the site’s management team, the result was clear: enhanced protection, simpler compliance, and complete peace of mind that both people and products are safeguarded around the clock.

This case demonstrates how modern detection, applied with expertise, can overcome problems that traditional systems would fail to address.

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