IFE sets out education pathway for fire safety professionals

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSafetyTraining

Fire safety and the International Day of Education

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has published commentary marking the United Nations’ International Day of Education and linking education to the fire engineering profession.

In the article, the IFE notes that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education to recognise the role education plays in fostering peace and sustainable development.

It describes the day as a reminder that education in fire engineering is connected to saving lives.

The IFE writes: “Education is the foundation of fire safety – without knowledge, we cannot design, innovate or plan to protect communities.”

What the IFE says education should cover

The article sets out the IFE’s view that competence and compliance in fire engineering are non-negotiable because decisions can affect public safety, including choices about materials in a school and evacuation planning for a high-rise building.

It adds that continuous learning helps fire engineers keep up with changing risks, regulations and technology.

The IFE also argues that education should start before professional qualifications and should include teaching children about fire safety and introducing fire engineering as a career option.

It says the IFE offers free Student membership to exam candidates and individuals in fire-related studies, giving access to learning resources, networks and opportunities without financial constraints.

How the IFE describes lifelong learning and CPD

The commentary states that learning continues after qualification and describes CPD as central to maintaining competence and adapting to new challenges.

It says the IFE has built a programme of events, qualifications, resources and initiatives, including an online CPD Hub with webinar recordings and global learning resources, plus a new monthly CPD email introduced this year.

The article includes a perspective from Mabel Higgins, Founder and Director of MH Fire Safety (MHFS), who said: “Becoming a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has been invaluable for my professional growth and contribution to the wider fire safety industry.

“It has connected me with a diverse network of experts, enabling the exchange of ideas, technical insights, and best practices across multiple fire engineering disciplines.

“This collaboration has deepened my understanding of emerging challenges and innovations within the built environment.”

It also says the IFE has incorporated digital exams into its educational offering so that fire safety professionals can gain internationally recognised qualifications regardless of location.

Intersec 2026: Inside Messe Frankfurt’s largest Intersec yet

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec returns to Dubai in January 2026 for its 27th edition, during a period of rapid transformation across the global safety, security and fire protection sectors

Intersec Dubai 2026 will take place from 12 to 14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the 27th edition of the international security, safety and fire protection exhibition.

The 2026 event is set to be the largest in Intersec’s history, spanning 67,000 m² of exhibition space, a 13 percent expansion on the previous year.

More than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries are expected, alongside an anticipated 50,000 trade visitors.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supported by Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, Intersec continues to reflect the UAE’s emphasis on safety, resilience and infrastructure protection, with the country having been ranked the world’s safest in 2025.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the scale of the 2026 edition reflects Intersec’s role as a convening point for industry and government.

“Intersec continues to set the benchmark for advancing global dialogue and partnerships in security, safety and fire protection,” he said.

“The growth of the 2026 edition reinforces the event’s role as a platform where industry leaders, innovators and government stakeholders come together to shape the future of emergency response and infrastructure protection.”

Fire and rescue at the centre of the programme

Fire and rescue remains one of Intersec’s five core sectors, alongside commercial security, cybersecurity, homeland security and policing, and health and safety.

For 2026, the fire strand places strong emphasis on operational technology, emergency response capability and system-level integration.

Across the exhibition floor, fire professionals can expect large-scale showcases of firefighting equipment, new product launches and live demonstrations covering suppression, rescue and incident response.

Major international manufacturers and solution providers will be present, including NAFFCO, which continues as a strategic partner of the event.

Eng. Khalid Al Khatib, CEO of NAFFCO, described Intersec as a key forum for both technical development and sector engagement.

“As a global leader in fire safety solutions and a trusted strategic partner of Intersec, NAFFCO values the event as a driving force for innovation, visibility and industry-wide engagement,” he said.

“Intersec stands out as a global premier event where next-generation technologies are unveiled, decision-makers connect and the future of fire protection is actively shaped.”

That focus on launch activity and live demonstration is likely to make Intersec particularly relevant for operational leaders and procurement teams seeking to compare apparatus, systems and supplier capability within a single environment.

Fire and rescue conference programme

Running across all three days, the Fire and Rescue Conference forms a central part of Intersec’s professional programme.

The agenda brings together fire officers, policymakers, engineers and researchers to examine developments across emergency management, life safety systems and operational decision-making.

Sessions will address applications of AI in fire prediction, building life safety system design, firefighter decision-making under pressure and human behaviour in crisis conditions.

Wider themes include advances in passive fire protection, evolving fire codes and standards, and the influence of climate change on fire dynamics.

The conference positions innovation alongside lived operational experience, drawing on regional and international expertise to explore how emerging research and technology can be applied in real-world fire and rescue contexts.

The programme is supported by an expert advisory committee and sponsored by organisations including NFPA, Fike and FM Approvals, reinforcing its technical credibility and global relevance.

Fire apparatus, data and future fleet direction

Intersec 2026 also reflects growing regional interest in how fire service fleets are evolving.

Dubai Civil Defense has been at the forefront of this shift, integrating AI-assisted dispatch and navigation systems to optimise response routing and deploying electric fire vehicles as early as 2021.

Other services in the region are now assessing hybrid and electric platforms with fast-charging capability, balancing sustainability objectives with the performance demands of frontline response.

Connected vehicles, drone-supported incident intelligence and predictive analytics are increasingly part of this conversation.

Gulf civil defence agencies have also been examining platforms such as the Rosenbauer RT electric fire engine, already in operational use in cities including Berlin and Los Angeles, as potential models for future deployment.

At Intersec, these developments are expected to feature both on the exhibition floor and within conference discussion, reflecting a broader shift towards intelligent, data-driven emergency response aligned with smart city infrastructure.

Passive fire protection moves into focus

One of the most significant developments for Intersec 2026 is the attention given to passive fire protection.

On 14 January, the exhibition will host Passive Fire Day, powered by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.

The programme is linked to the ASFP’s initiative, “From Trade to Profession – A Professional Future for Passive Fire Protection”, which aims to reposition passive fire protection as a defined professional discipline.

Passive fire protection elements such as firestopping, fire doors, fire-resistant materials and coatings have historically been treated as secondary considerations in many projects.

Passive Fire Day is designed to address that gap through structured discussion around early design integration, installer competency, inspection regimes and regulatory compliance.

Sessions will explore building regulation developments, case studies, fire door installation best practice and emerging competency frameworks for installers and inspectors, with the stated aim of reinforcing the role of passive measures in maintaining life safety.

PFPCon ’26 Dubai and professional certification

Intersec’s passive fire programme is extended through the introduction of the FCIA-NFCA Passive Fire Protection Conference 2026, co-located with the exhibition.

PFPCon ’26 Dubai marks the first dedicated passive fire protection conference of its kind in the Middle East, delivered by the Firestop Contractors International Association and the National Fireproofing Contractors Association.

The conference offers technical workshops, panel discussions and peer networking, alongside the opportunity for attendees to sit FM and UL Firestop certification exams during the show.

By combining conference content with accessible certification routes, Intersec 2026 positions itself as a focal point for contractors, inspectors, engineers and consultants seeking to strengthen professional credentials alongside technical knowledge.

Health and safety and the wider protection ecosystem

Beyond fire response and building safety, Intersec continues to position health and safety as a connected discipline.

The Health and Safety Conference 2026, powered by IOSH, will run on 12 and 13 January, bringing together safety managers, industry leaders and specialists to examine workplace protection and worker wellbeing.

Agenda topics include AI-enabled risk assessment, occupational health and mental wellbeing, and safety challenges in high-risk sectors such as construction and transport.

IOSH’s involvement is further reflected in governance, with its President, Richard Bate, serving on the Intersec Awards judging panel.

On the exhibition floor, PPE and frontline protection will be highlighted through the return of the Safety Walk, a live feature that combines product demonstration with on-stage presentation.

Suppliers will showcase helmets, protective clothing, gloves, harnesses and other equipment, with interactive elements allowing attendees to assess comfort, functionality and design improvements.

Smart safety technologies and training tools

A broader theme running through Intersec 2026 is the integration of smart safety technologies.

Wearable sensors, biometric monitoring and VR-based training tools are increasingly being adopted to improve hazard awareness and reduce injury risk.

Industry analysis cited ahead of the show projects the global smart PPE market to exceed $8 billion by 2030, driven by investment in connected safety equipment.

Examples include biometric wearables that monitor fatigue and strain risk, and immersive training simulations that improve emergency response readiness.

For fire and safety professionals, Intersec provides a setting to assess how these tools can be integrated into operational programmes, training environments and prevention strategies.

Awards, recognition and sector leadership

The Intersec Awards 2026 will take place on the evening of 13 January, recognising achievement across fire, safety and security.

Now in their fifth edition, the awards include dedicated fire and safety categories such as Best Active Fire Safety Product, Best Passive Fire Safety Product and Best Fire Safety Project – Middle East & Africa, alongside awards that recognise organisational impact and professional leadership.

NAFFCO serves as Founding Partner for the 2026 awards, with additional category sponsorship from organisations including Fike.

The awards are judged by a panel that reflects the breadth of the sector, combining regulatory, operational, technical and professional expertise.

Judges include Lt. Col. Dr. Essa Almutawa of Dubai Civil Defense, Olga Caledonia, Director of International Operations at NFPA, Mike Ward, Managing Director of the ASFP, and Terry Johnson, Regional President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, alongside senior consultants from across the Middle East and international markets.

For attendees, the awards programme provides more than ceremony.

Shortlisted projects, products and organisations offer a practical reference point for how fire safety, life safety and protection systems are being delivered, assessed and governed across different jurisdictions, highlighting approaches that have translated technical intent into measurable outcomes.

A multi-dimensional event for the sector

Intersec Dubai 2026 brings together exhibition scale, professional discussion, training and recognition within a single programme, creating multiple entry points for fire and safety professionals with different responsibilities and priorities.

For operational leaders, the exhibition offers direct access to apparatus, systems and technologies that can be evaluated side by side, supported by live demonstrations and technical engagement with manufacturers and suppliers.

For engineers, consultants and regulators, the conference programmes and passive fire protection focus provide structured discussion around standards, design integration, competency and compliance, supported by international perspectives and regional case studies.

Professional development is embedded throughout the event, from technical workshops and certification exams to CPD-accredited conference sessions.

At the same time, networking remains a central function, with opportunities to engage informally on the show floor and through curated business matchmaking programmes.

Taken together, Intersec 2026 positions itself as a working environment for the sector, where strategy, practice and professional standards are examined in parallel rather than in isolation.

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

FIA establishes sustainability group for fire safety sector collaboration

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSustainability

Sustainability special interest group to launch

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has launched a new Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) to support fire safety organisations working on sustainability-related requirements and practices, with its first meeting scheduled for Friday 20 February 2026.

The FIA said the group has been created in response to rising regulatory and market expectations across the built environment, where fire safety influences product selection, system design, construction methods and whole-life building performance.

The association stated that the built environment accounts for around 37 percent of UK carbon emissions and nearly half of all material resource use, positioning fire safety decision-making as part of wider environmental and social considerations.

Sustainability focus areas and practical outputs

The Sustainability SIG will bring together manufacturers, service providers and sustainability specialists to address environmental and social aspects of sustainability relevant to fire safety.

Planned focus areas include Environmental Product Declarations and Life Cycle Assessments, embodied carbon and Net Zero pathways, circular economy principles, product lifecycles, ESG reporting and practical tools, along with social sustainability topics such as diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and community impact.

The group is expected to share practical guidance, real-world case studies and tools that members can apply within their organisations, with the aim of supporting consistent and proportionate approaches across the sector.

Regulatory context and participation

The FIA said sustainability-related requirements affecting the built environment are developing quickly, citing upcoming and ongoing changes including the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025, CPR updates, Digital Product Passports and embodied carbon disclosure.

The Sustainability SIG will support members through these changes by providing guidance, peer insight and aligned approaches with organisations including UKGBC, BRE and ASBP.

Members and non-members are invited to register interest in joining the founding cohort of the Sustainability SIG and to contribute to setting its initial agenda by contacting technical@fia.uk.com.

The group forms part of the FIA’s wider work to support fire safety organisations as sustainability considerations become more embedded in regulation, procurement and building performance expectations.

Fire safety training gaps show up in workforce figures

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

Fire Aware sets out training focus

Fire Aware has called for further training and education across the industry to help improve prevention and improve fire safety across the built environment.

The organisation said it wants training and guidance to reach all levels of the supply chain, including people who carry a duty of care without working in a fire safety specialism.

Shortages linked to new legislation demands

Fire Aware said the sector is facing shortages of qualified staff.

It said the problem has been made worse by the need for specialist skills to manage new legislation introduced under the Building Safety Act.

NFCC figures cited on fire engineering capacity

Fire Aware linked its message to figures recently reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

The NFCC reported that there are fewer than 30 fully competent fire engineers in the English Fire and Rescue Services.

It added that fire safety and building protection staff make up 2.7% of the fire and rescue service workforce in England.

Educators and course provision across roles

Fire Aware said its growing number of Fire Aware Educators includes members with specialist skill sets in all aspects of fire safety.

It said the educators offer training and guidance for the supply chain still navigating the new regulatory regime changes.

The organisation said its training provision also covers people who are not connected to a particular specialism but still carry a duty of care.

It said this could include landlords and those working in the hospitality sector, as well as facility managers and care home staff.

CEO sets out culture and support aims

Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “Working in this industry is a vocation, not a job, and should be treated as such.

“We need to attract more skilled specialists to help improve risk assessments and help with fire prevention methods.

“But we need to capture within the organization those who are outside fire safety but still carry a responsibility.

“All parts of the supply chain must work with the same vocational approach, not just those who are qualified to do so.

“The legislation being introduced is robust and also quite complex.

“The guidance and support we offer will help navigate the relevant parts for our members and for anyone else wishing to tap onto this knowledge and intelligence.”

Fire Aware said its members provide training courses relating to fire safety and management for designers, main contractors, domestic trades, material suppliers, building management, hotel and leisure, commercial and private landlords and local authorities.

The organisation said its work includes a focus on the moral responsibility of those working in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It said it aims to influence behaviour through a moral code of conduct set out via a series of charters for member companies.

SFPE announces April 2026 Singapore fire safety conference programme

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

SFPE Conference dates and location confirmed

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced that its 2026 SFPE Fire Safety Conference on Performance-Based Design will take place in Singapore from 15-17 April 2026.

SFPE said the event was announced on Wednesday 7 January 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The conference is held every other year and the programme will run across three days.

Programme scope and presentation format

SFPE said the programme includes more than 45 presentations.

It said there will be nine case study team presentations.

SFPE said the event will also include discussion panels, networking events and live discussions.

It said topics listed for the programme include evacuation, timber structures and performance-based design frameworks and applications.

SFPE also listed sustainability design, digitalization, fire dynamics and battery fire hazards among the planned subject areas.

It said the programme includes the latest research and innovation projects related to performance-based design.

SFPE chief executive on conference aims

Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, stated: “We are thrilled to bring the 16th SFPE Fire Safety Conference on Performance-Based Design to Singapore in April 2026 — a truly global forum where fire protection engineers, regulators, educators, researchers, and industry partners come together to explore the cutting edge of performance-based fire safety engineering,”

“This biennial conference is known around the world as the premier event for those advancing robust, innovative fire and life safety solutions.

“With three days of technical presentations, real-world case studies, dynamic discussion, and unparalleled networking opportunities, attendees will gain deep insight into current and future trends in performance-based regulatory systems, modelling and risk analysis, and collaborative design approaches that help shape safer built environments for communities everywhere.”

Co-chairs outline performance-based design priorities

Conference Co-Chairs Joseph Vaughn, PE, SET, Jensen Hughes, Macao SAR, and David Stacy, PE, Summit Fire Consulting, United States, said: “As performance-based design continues to mature globally, it is essential that we strengthen the technical foundations that support engineering judgment, promote consistency in regulatory application, and improve the reliability of analytical tools.

“This year’s program features real-world case studies and emerging research to advance performance-based design worldwide.

“Our goal is to equip practitioners with the technical depth and shared understanding needed to deliver robust, defensible, and innovative fire safety solutions.

“SFPE invites professionals across the globe to join us in shaping the future of our industry.”

Pre-conference seminar and course focus

SFPE said one conference seminar is planned ahead of the main event and is available at a discounted rate when bundled with conference registration.

It said the seminar is titled Substantiating the Suitability of a Fire Model.

SFPE said the course will take place on 13-14 April 2026.

It said the instructor is Bryan Klein.

SFPE said the one-and-a-half-day course will cover defining the problem, model selection, verification and validation and uncertainty analysis.

It said the course is listed as 10 PDHs.

Expo and registration details

SFPE said the conference will include an expo with companies showcasing products and offerings.

It directed readers to its website for the full conference schedule, sponsorship opportunities and registration.

London Fire Brigade faces £18m in cuts, FBU warns

by Breaking NewsEMSFire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has claimed that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is facing £6 million in budget cuts, with a further £12 million in what it described as “unidentified savings.”

In a statement released on its website, the union criticised the LFB for borrowing heavily for a new headquarters redevelopment while threatening these cuts to the already overstretched frontline.  

It said that the LFB 2026-2027 budget submission also removes key operational budgets such as for uniform and communications upgrades.  

David Shek, Fire Brigades Union Executive Council Member for London said that “senior leaders of the London Fire Brigade are sitting on reserves and borrowing millions for property projects while fire engines sit idle, without enough firefighters to crew them.” 

The FBU has alleged that between 1 January and 8 November 2025, the full fleet of fire engines was only available for 33 shifts as a result of cuts to crewing, amounting to 1 in 20 shifts.

It said the last time that every LFB fire engine was available was 30 September.  

Advanced launches “powerful” smoke control system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire DetectionNews CategoriesPassiveProductsProducts

UK-based fire detection specialist Advanced has launched SmokeGo, a new smoke control system designed to provide compliant smoke management through Control & Indicating Equipment (CIE).

The launch comes amid increased scrutiny of smoke control performance and compliance across the UK construction and fire safety sectors, particularly in complex and high-risk buildings.

Approved to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4, SmokeGo is designed to comply with ISO 21927-9 and BS 7346-8 standards.

The system, available for the UK market, integrates with Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels, enabling both automatic and manual control of fans and dampers.

SmokeGo supports up to 15 fan and damper switch cards per P-Bus and can be scaled further using PENN or additional panels, making it suitable for projects of varying sizes.

Each switch card can control up to six individual fans and dampers, allowing flexible smoke compartment management and manual override options.

The control system has been designed to support faster configuration and commissioning. Configuration is handled via Advanced’s software, which pre-allocates inputs and outputs for fan and damper control and automatically applies required feedback delays, simplifying system setup.

Additional features include cascade mode to manage smoke spread across compartments, automatic stairwell pressurisation, post-alarm purge functions, and interlocks to ensure dampers are open before fans are activated, helping to prevent duct over-pressurisation.

Automatic testing can also be scheduled to support regulatory compliance while reducing maintenance visits.

SmokeGo is intended for use in applications including high-rise residential buildings, commercial developments, healthcare facilities and mixed-use projects.

Smoke control system with custom options

SmokeGo is also available as a custom panel option through Advanced’s AdSpecials service, offering tailored enclosures, interfaces and finishes for site-specific requirements.

Automatic testing can also be scheduled to support regulatory compliance while reducing maintenance visits.

Click here for more information on SmokeGo.

Swiss bar fire investigation finds no safety inspections for five years

by Featured NewsIncidentsInspectionSafety

An investigation into the Swiss bar fire has found that no safety inspections were carried out at the venue for five years prior to the deadly incident, which broke out on NewYear’s day and killed more than 40 people.

Nicolas Féraud, the mayor of the Swiss municipality of Crans-Montana, confirmed that Le Constellation bar had not undergone any safety inspections between 2020 and 2025.

Authorities said the blaze may have been caused by sparkler candles attached to champagne bottles coming into contact with the venue’s sound-proof ceiling, raising concerns about fire safety compliance.

Speaking at a press conference, Féraud said the last full inspection of the bar took place in 2019, following an earlier review in 2018 after the merger of neighbouring municipalities Chermignon, Montana, Randogne and Mollens into the newly formed Crans-Montana authority.

The 2018 inspection resulted in the installation of a panic handle on the main entrance door, while inspectors reported no issues with the acoustic lining.

A follow-up inspection on May 13, 2019, confirmed the correction of the door handle and again raised no concerns regarding sound-proofing materials.

Both inspection reports set the venue’s maximum capacity at 100 people in the basement and 100 on the ground floor.

Courts to determine responsibility for Swiss bar fire

The inspection carried out in mid-2019 was the last before the fatal incident last week. Féraud said the failure to carry out inspections in the following years was unexplainable.

Speaking during a press conference, he said the Municipal Council had only become aware of the gap between inspections when “consulting the documents submitted to the Public Prosecutor this weekend.”

“We bitterly regret this,” Féraud said, adding that “the courts will determine the influence such a failure had in the chain of causality that led to the tragedy.”

IFE and FIA fire safety guidance targets serviced apartments and aparthotels in England

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSafety

Fire safety grey area inside aparthotels

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), working with the Fire Industry Association (FIA), has published an introductory note on serviced apartments and aparthotels and the fire safety challenges they can create for design, compliance and building management in England.

The IFE said serviced apartments and aparthotels are increasingly common in UK urban developments and mixed-use buildings, with rental durations ranging from single nights to months or longer.

It said this creates uncertainty because the units can resemble standard flats but operate more like hotels in terms of occupant turnover and familiarity with the building.

The note said this grey area can affect both building design decisions and the way fire safety is managed during occupation.

Why occupancy affects compliance routes

The IFE said many fire regulations treat buildings containing “dwellings” differently from buildings that do not, and that the definition can be complex.

It said duration of occupancy is often a key factor, with daily rentals less likely to be classed as dwellings and year-long rentals more likely to meet that definition.

Regulation 5 of the Building Regulations sets out scenarios that can count as a “material change of use”, including changes to the number of dwellings or converting a building into a hotel.

The IFE said converting an existing building to serviced apartments or an aparthotel is likely to be treated as a material change of use, requiring compliance with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations.

In this scenario, the “non-worsening” criteria often applied to existing buildings would not apply.

The IFE said the trend of converting redundant city-centre offices into aparthotels or flats can be complex and may fall short of purpose-built residential standards if not carried out competently.

Fire safety strategy and evacuation decisions

The IFE said blocks of flats are often designed around a stay put approach, based on compartmentation and occupants being familiar with escape routes and procedures.

It said serviced apartments and aparthotels can challenge that approach because short-term occupants may be unfamiliar with the building, which can point towards simultaneous evacuation in some cases.

The note said any move towards simultaneous evacuation would bring different design and management needs, such as enhanced detection and alarm, clear signage, escape route management and a continuous staff presence with evacuation planning.

It said a hybrid approach may suit some buildings, where an initial smoke detector activation triggers an alarm within the flat of origin and escalates to full evacuation if a heat detector activates in a key location.

The IFE said this would need careful consideration alongside management response expectations and any smoke control system designed around one flat evacuating at a time.

Sprinklers or alternative automatic suppression systems should be considered as part of the overall strategy.

The note added that a hotel-based approach can also be challenging because many aparthotels include cooking facilities, which are not typically present in hotel bedrooms.

HRB status and fire risk assessment scope

The IFE said the status of a building as a Higher Risk Building (HRB) in England can depend on height and whether it contains at least two residential units, a care home or a hospital.

It said the definition of “residential units” excludes hotels, and that it is currently unclear how serviced apartments and aparthotels fit within HRB occupancy definitions.

The IFE said this distinction affects whether building control applications go to a Local Authority or Registered Building Control Approver for non-HRBs, or to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for HRBs.

It said HRBs in occupation must register with the BSR and have a Building Safety Case in place, and that failing to do so could be a criminal offence.

The note said changes in how units are rented could change the regulatory position, including scenarios where longer-term rentals lead to units being classed as dwellings.

The IFE said fire risk assessment scope can also change under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, because dwellings are excluded but non-dwellings must be included.

It said if units are not dwellings, fire risk assessments would need to cover the apartments themselves as well as common areas, affecting responsibilities, enforcement and compliance.

What this means for building fire roles

Fire engineers and fire engineering consultants may need to confirm intended occupancy patterns early, because the note links rental duration to how terms like “dwelling” may be interpreted in practice.

Risk assessors may face changes to fire risk assessment scope where units are treated as non-dwellings, because the note says this can extend assessment beyond common parts into apartments.

Architects, building services engineers and M&E engineers may need to reflect on evacuation strategy choices where occupant familiarity is low, because the note contrasts stay put assumptions with short-term occupancy patterns.

Facility managers and building managers may need to test whether any managed evacuation approach can be sustained over time, because the note describes reliance on 24/7 staffing, training and long-term financial commitment in some strategies.

Developers and those engaging with building control may need clarity on regulatory pathways and HRB status, because the note describes different oversight routes for HRBs and non-HRBs and the legal consequences tied to registration and safety case duties.

Guardian Fire services acquired by Investcorp in US expansion move

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Investcorp acquires Guardian Fire services in US

Investcorp has acquired Guardian Fire Services, a fire and life safety service provider in the US, from Northern Lakes Capital.

The company said the transaction will see Guardian’s management team remain meaningful shareholders in the business.

Guardian is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, US, and operates through 17 branches across the Southeast, Northeast and Western regions.

According to Investcorp, the acquisition represents the first investment from Investcorp North American Private Equity Fund II.

The firm said the deal aligns with its strategy of supporting middle market service businesses in North America.

Investcorp’s North America Private Equity group has been investing in mid-market companies for more than 40 years and reported completing more than 75 transactions.

The group said it has deployed more than $22 billion in transaction value since inception.

Guardian operations across branches and sectors

Investcorp reported that Guardian provides fire protection and life safety services to commercial, industrial, healthcare and educational customers.

The company’s service offering includes inspection, testing and maintenance activities.

It also covers installation of fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lighting systems for end users.

Investcorp stated that Guardian operates through a branch-led model supported by a large technician base.

The buyer said Guardian serves a diverse customer base across its multi-state footprint.

According to Investcorp, Guardian works within a market shaped by compliance mandates and the critical nature of fire safety services.

Growth record in a fragmented compliance market

Investcorp described Guardian as operating in a large and fragmented market.

The company said this market is characterised by demand driven by regulatory requirements and the essential role of fire and life safety.

Investcorp reported that Guardian has completed 12 acquisitions since 2022.

The firm said Guardian has maintained strong customer and technician retention metrics while integrating these acquisitions.

According to Investcorp, Guardian has established itself as a market leader within its chosen segments.

The company stated that Guardian’s development to date reflects a focus on scale and local presence.

Investcorp said this acquisition fits within its objective of backing growth-focused, technician-centric, branch-based businesses.

Management perspectives on the new partnership

Amit Gaind, Senior Managing Director of North America Private Equity at Investcorp, said: “We have been tracking the fire safety sector for several years, and Guardian has been on our radar for some time.

“In getting to know the team over the last two years, we have been consistently impressed by their operational excellence, above market rate of growth, and commitment to customers.

“This investment aligns well with our experience in technician-centric, branch-based businesses, and we look forward to supporting Guardian’s continued expansion.”

Rajiv Sheth, Managing Director at Investcorp, added: “What impressed us about Guardian is how thoughtfully they’ve built scale.

“The strength of the business comes from its branch leadership, strong technician base and dedicated employees that are the backbone of this business.

“Guardian’s approach of preserving local expertise while providing expanded resources creates genuine value for both employees and customers – a rare combination that drives their market leadership.”

Ray Misfeldt, CEO of Guardian Fire Services, said: “When we first met the Investcorp team, we were immediately drawn to their exceptional track record of scaling and improving technical services businesses like ours.

“Their thoughtful playbook for growth and operational know-how aligns perfectly with our vision for Guardian’s future.

“We’re grateful to the Northern Lakes Capital team for their partnership in building Guardian into the company it is today, and we’re excited about our next chapter with Investcorp.”

Joel Grebenick, Partner at Northern Lakes Capital, said: “Ray and his team have built an exceptional business with a clear competitive advantage in their industry and the markets they serve.

“We’re proud of what Guardian has accomplished during our partnership and confident that Investcorp is the ideal partner to support the company’s next phase of growth.”

Gaind added: “After successfully investing our first dedicated North America buyout fund in 11 leading service businesses, we are excited to initiate the second fund of our NAPE franchise with this investment in Guardian.

“The company fits well into our strategy of backing fast-growing middle market companies in resilient industries, led by motivated management teams and driven by talented employees.”

Investcorp confirmed that Lincoln International served as financial advisor and Fredrikson & Byron served as legal counsel for Guardian on the transaction.

The firm said Baird acted as financial advisor for Investcorp.

It added that Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher provided legal counsel and Willkie, Farr & Gallagher served as financing counsel to Investcorp.

How the Guardian acquisition affects service provision

The acquisition brings additional private equity backing to a multi-branch fire and life safety provider operating across several US regions.

Guardian Fire Services delivers inspection, testing, maintenance and installation of fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lighting, serving commercial, industrial, healthcare and educational facilities.

For facility managers and building services engineers, Guardian’s scale across 17 branches could influence how multi-site portfolios source inspection and maintenance support.

Fire-protection contractors and system installers may encounter Guardian as a partner or competitor in a market driven by compliance mandates and ongoing service needs.

Procurement officers focused on fire and life safety services may factor Guardian’s growth record, including 12 acquisitions since 2022, into supplier assessments.

Investcorp’s use of its North American private equity platform for this deal indicates continuing investor interest in technician-centric fire and life safety service models.