FFE achieves FM Approval for Fireray One and Fireray Hub Reflective for key international markets

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire EngineeringPassive

FFE Ltd, a specialist manufacturer of fire detection solutions, has announced that Fireray One beam smoke detector and Fireray Hub Reflective have achieved FM Approval, supporting specification and use across the USA, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Australia and New Zealand.

Large-volume environments can present challenging detection conditions, where smoke may dilute, stratify or drift with airflows. FM Approval provides added confidence for stakeholders specifying fire detection solutions for applications where reliability, compliance and continuity of operation matter.

Fireray One is designed for beam smoke detection in large open areas, providing long-distance coverage suited to high-ceiling environments. Fireray Hub Reflective complements Fireray One by combining the same beam detection capability with a low-level controller, enabling a more system-based approach to installation and oversight, and supporting up to three detector heads from a single control point, helping simplify commissioning, verification and ongoing maintenance.

FM Approval an ‘important milestone’ for FFE

“FM Approval is an important milestone for Fireray One and Fireray Hub Reflective,” said Luke Brittany, Product Manager, Fireray Product Range, FFE Ltd. “It gives specifiers and project teams added confidence when selecting an approved beam detection solution for large, open areas, supporting reliable performance and clearer system oversight.”

More information and resources:

Quelfire’s technical solutions ensure compliance at Wales’ largest health and research hub

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionFire EngineeringHealth and Safety

Pentre Awel is the first development of its scope and size in Wales and one of the highest-valued schemes Carmarthenshire County Council has undertaken. This £84 million project covers 83 acres and has created an estimated 1,800 jobs.

The scheme provides medical research and health care, encouraging individuals to lead active lifestyles. Pentre Awel also includes integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities and hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years.

As the chosen passive fire protection system manufacturer, Quelfire worked alongside the main contractor, Bouygues Construction Ltd and all the relevant parties to deliver this project.

The main objective was to incorporate an early engagement approach to design and build Pentre Awel around the tested details available, creating safe and compliant buildings.

Challenges of the project

As this was one of Bouygues UK’s first early engagement projects utilising a new approach and systems, the initial cooperation of relevant parties proved to be the main challenge.

This later led to the coordination of service spacings being problematic due to the large number of services used on the project, steel beams and restricted space available.

Solutions to the issue

Bouygues UK’s initiative to implement a new system called Morta ensured Bouygues completed work in line with the Building Safety Act and built the Golden Thread of Information to hand over to the building owner on completion of the project. It also guaranteed they met Building Regulation 38 requirements.

The Morta system ensured that all service penetrations were covered. If critical information was not provided, the schedule would go back to the responsible person to collate and send over.

The idea of a clear ‘Builder’s Work in Connection’ (BWIC) opening schedule is to make sure all parties work together, take responsibility, and understand what is required.

To provide the most relevant firestopping tested solutions from Quelfire’s extensive library, Quelfire required a detailed schedule with specific information about the project’s service penetration applications.

This included information about the wall or floor construction, the required fire rating, and the dimensions of structural openings.

Additionally, they needed to know if the application involved a head-of-wall scenario, whether any movement was required, and details about the services – such as their type, material, size, and any insulation requirements, including thickness.

However, receiving the information and getting everyone on the same page proved to be quite challenging as, for many, this was a brand-new approach to building construction. Luckily, Pentre Awel discussions began in 2022, leading to the first early engagement meeting in January 2023.

After this, Quelfire had regular project meetings and workshops to discuss the firestopping package, BWIC openings and any non-standard details. This ensured all parties were on the same page and could provide the correct information, minimising confusion.

Senior BIM Coordinator, Bouygues, Tom Marsh’s statement

Tom Marsh, Senior BIM Coordinator at Bouygues, stated: “Quelfire have been very proactive in supporting our Golden Thread initiative via our Information Management platforms.

They have also provided a lot of technical insight which we have used to improve on Pentre Awel processes, as well as other projects moving forward.”

Design Manager, Bouygues, Matthew John’s statement

Matthew John, Design Manager at Bouygues, said: “Quelfire’s Technical Manager, Alec, has supported the Pentre Awel design team throughout the detailed design stage, giving pragmatic guidance on tested passive fire stopping solutions.

“This support has been invaluable in assisting Bouygues in delivering our Golden Thread builders work approval process.”

Quelfire provide technical solutions to Wales health and research hub: Summary

Pentre Awel is the first development of its size in Wales and it hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years. Quelfire worked alongside Bouygues Construction Ltd to complete the project.

Bouygues Design Manager said that the support and advice from Quelfire has been invaluable.

Automated fire safety compliance system unveiled by Ghana Ministry of Interior

by Breaking NewsSafety

Ghana introduces digital fire safety compliance platform

The Automated Fire Safety Compliance System (AFCAS) has been launched in Accra as a digital platform designed to modernise fire safety compliance across Ghana.

The Ministry of the Interior, Ghana, confirmed that the system aims to replace manual and fragmented compliance processes with a standardised digital framework.

Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, said: “Fire safety is a national necessity that underpins the safety of citizens, protection of lives and properties and investor confidence.

“AFCAS represents a bold transition from manual, fragmented processes to a digital, standardized, and technology-driven fire safety compliance regime.”

The platform is expected to enable the Ghana National Fire Service to engage more directly with the public and improve inspection and compliance workflows.

It is intended to streamline inspection procedures, reduce turnaround times and improve service delivery across homes, businesses and public institutions.

The system also aligns with government efforts to use technology to support regulatory processes and investment security.

AFCAS expected to improve fire service operations and public engagement

The Ministry of the Interior, Ghana, stated that AFCAS will support fire service operations, compliance management and engagement with stakeholders nationwide.

Hon. Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, Chief Fire Officer, said: “Before AFCAS, things were done manually, which had its own challenges.

“The benefits will be far-reaching.”

Sarpong also said the system would improve fire service operations, revenue generation and interactions with clients.

She confirmed that AFCAS will be rolled out across the country following its launch.

The launch event brought together representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service, government agencies and the private sector.

Sertus analysis highlights trends in fire safety inspections and compliance

by Featured NewsSafety

Inspections data shows rising unsatisfactory fire safety audit outcomes

Nearly half of all fire safety inspections in the UK were assessed as unsatisfactory in 2024/25, according to government statistics analysed by Sertus.

Figures published on GOV.UK and examined by Sertus show that 42% of the 51,026 fire safety audits conducted during the year were found to be unsatisfactory, with 21,312 audits identifying fire safety concerns.

Formal notices issued to premises owners also increased, reaching 2,990 in 2024/25 compared with 2,044 in 2016/17.

Unsatisfactory audit findings have risen steadily over eight years, increasing from 17,320 in 2016/17 to 21,312 in 2024/25, representing a 23% rise.

The number of formal enforcement notices issued during the same period increased by 46%.

The dataset also shows that only around 2% of the more than 2.5 million premises requiring regular audits receive inspections each year.

Premises requiring audits are expected to be assessed by a competent person approximately every three years.

Sertus links inspection trends to regulatory changes and scrutiny

Sertus attributed the increase in unsatisfactory inspections to regulatory reforms introduced following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Richard White, Commercial Director at Sertus, said: “While the statistics may be alarming on the face of it, I’d argue that the increase is likely happening because of the implementation of the Building Safety Regulator and new legislation.

“There is a proper process in place now, and there wasn’t before.

“More people are beginning to understand what good looks like when it comes to fire safety and are picking up the pieces from sloppy auditing in the past.”

White added: “The spotlight has been firmly placed on high-risk buildings due to the failings that led to the Grenfell tragedy.

“The failings stem from a de-regulated building culture that stems back many years, meaning that we have been through decades of design and build which has largely happened without 3rd party inspection.

“There’s been a change in recent years to more rigorous focus on the design stage, before building commences, so we’d expect future projects to adhere to fire safety standards far better than those constructed in years gone by.”

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter regulatory requirements for higher risk buildings, while the Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that responsible persons must manage and reduce fire risks relating to building structures, external walls and common areas.

These legislative changes expanded audit scope, strengthened enforcement powers and increased documentation and information sharing requirements, contributing to broader inspection coverage and enforcement activity.

Public consultation launched on fire safety standards in construction

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Construction consultation and key dates

Draft fire safety guidance for construction sites has been released for public consultation, with responses due by Wednesday 18 March.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) said the consultation is intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and may also support installers and construction site managers responsible for fire safety.

A Special Interest Group meeting will take place on Monday 16 March to gather feedback and help develop the FIA’s position.

Comments must be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 11 March, after which registered contributors will receive draft copies, a comments template sheet and meeting distribution details.

What the fire safety guidance covers

The draft code of practice sets out guidance for managing fire safety on construction sites, including projects lasting more than 30 working days with over 20 workers on site at any one time or exceeding 500 person-working days.

Recommendations include the development of fire safety management systems designed to address both organisational and site-specific risks during construction works.

A separate draft specification defines requirements and performance criteria for fire detection and fire alarm systems intended for temporary use during construction.

The specification is primarily intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and is also relevant to installers and site managers with fire safety responsibilities.

Temporary installations fall within its scope, with permanent systems and project-specific suitability remaining outside its remit.

The document also references fire safety responsibilities set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Draft versions of both documents are available through the BSI Standards Development pages here and here.

Fire Aware calls for duty of care-led cultural change in fire safety

by Featured NewsIndustry CommentSafety

Fire Aware and duty of care

Fire Aware has called for cultural change in fire safety through a duty of care across multiple sectors.

In the recent commentary piece, Fire Aware says everyone involved in the design, construction, maintenance and letting of the built environment should understand an obligation to fire safety, including businesses outside fire specialisms.

It also references Dame Judith Hackitt, who led the Grenfell Inquiry, and her calls for cultural change through moral and ethical behaviours.

The commentary adds that the new independent Building Safety Regulator has been created to “promote competence and higher standards.”

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “We have many members who are not directly connected to fire safety but still accept they have a duty of care for public safety.

“People can get hurt through a fire incident even if it is by the actions of people way outside of the fire specialisms.

“Committing to the moral and ethical values of being fire safe is more than a job.

“It’s a way of life and a vocation.

“Our members are all of the same mind and we are moving towards raising the bar of standards, competence and commitment to fire safety of the public.

“Ultimately, we are talking about protecting people.”

Sectors highlighted and the proposed approach

The commentary highlights hospitality and healthcare as sectors it describes as particularly vulnerable to fire risk.

It links hospitality risk to the number of bars, restaurants and hotels trusted to protect customers.

It links healthcare risk to protecting vulnerable and elderly people, including those who cannot look after themselves in the event of a real fire.

Fire Aware says it is focusing on the moral responsibility of those working in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It says it aims to influence member company behaviour through a moral code of conduct delivered via a series of charters.

Fire Aware describes itself as a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors, with a shared aim to work and trade responsibly to best practice standards in the interests of general public safety.

Siemens strengthens UK fire safety products sales team

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Fire safety products appointments across the UK

Siemens has appointed five people within its fire safety products sales team as part of changes it said are intended to support partners promoting the Cerberus PRO IOT-enabled fire detection system.

Ryan Taylor has moved from another Siemens division where he worked with end users from design and supply through to commissioning of fire safety systems.

This work included the Building X digital building platform.

Taylor brings more than 20 years’ experience in the fire industry to his new role as Regional Sales Manager (RSM), Fire, Midlands and West.

John Dunbar has worked for Siemens for around six years on the Comfort side of the business.

In his new role, he will also be responsible for Fire products in Scotland and the North East.

Regional roles and scope

Mark Beaumont will take on responsibility for the North of England.

Beaumont has worked for Siemens for more than 20 years.

His most recent position was in a business development role across the Siemens portfolio, including building management systems, power and fire.

In his new position as RSM, he will focus on fire systems, from detection and alarm to extinguishing and evacuation.

Mark Gutteridge is the Area Sales Manager for Fire and Comfort for the South.

Gutteridge has been in his new role for around six months, having previously been Siemens Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland for the company’s digital industries business.

Completing the line-up is Marios Malone as RSM for fire in the South.

Malone has more than 20 years of experience in the fire safety industry, including three years with Siemens.

Robert Yates, Head of Building Products Fire Safety in the UK, said: “It is a very exciting time for the business with the use of digitalisation in our offering.

“It was important for us to have a strong team in place to support our partners and to maximise the opportunities this presents in the market.

“We have recruited from within Siemens, drawing not only on the understanding of how the company operates but also from those who have direct experience of working within the fire safety arena.”

S Jones Conversions launches new tiered battery storage solution range

by Featured NewsPorts & MaritimeProductsTransport

Battery storage range expands with Green Battery Store

S Jones Conversions has developed an entry-level battery storage solution called the Green Battery Store as part of its battery storage range.

The company said the unit is intended for lower-risk applications to house batteries categorised as ‘green’ or low risk by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) assessment.

It is described as providing environmental protection and basic electrical safety for storing smaller quantities of batteries in lower-risk scenarios.

The Green Battery Store is available in sizes from 8’6″ to 40ft.

The unit’s listed features include aluminium louvre vents, fire-resistant board linings, an HVAC system and an anti-vandal multi-locking personnel door.

It is described as suited to use where risk assessments identify minimal fire and explosion hazard or where facilities have existing safety infrastructure.

How the tiered range is described

The Green Battery Store is described as the latest addition to a tiered range with units categorised by the level of safety features required.

Alongside Green, the tiers are described as Bronze for moderate-risk applications, Silver for higher-risk applications and Gold for the most demanding scenarios including destructive battery testing.

The company said selecting the most appropriate solution depends on the DSEAR assessment and considerations including property insurer requirements, local fire authority guidance, battery chemistry and volume, proximity to other infrastructure and risk tolerance of third parties.

Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at S Jones Containers commented: “Over the last few years we’ve established our reputation as a ‘go to’ partner for containerised battery storage and testing units.

“Our new tiered approach to the range is an important development – making it even easier for our customers to choose the solution that best meets their specific project needs including budget requirements.

“The new Green Battery Store provides an affordable solution that still puts safety first for peace of mind.”

Features described for Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers

S Jones Containers’ Bronze Battery Store is described as combining fire-retardant passive protection with active environmental controls as well as explosion venting and thermal management.

It is described as intended to contain and mitigate hazards during normal operation and minor thermal events.

Silver is described as building on Bronze with 60-minute fire-rated compartmentalisation, automated fire detection and integrated sprinkler capability.

Gold is described as featuring independent gas detection, temperature monitoring and automated mechanical ventilation response as well as fire and explosion risk reduction features.

It is also described as including hermetically sealed access doors and gas detection systems.

The Gold tier is described as designed for high-risk applications including ultra-high-density storage and lithium-ion battery cell destructive testing, with a design intended to reduce exposure to toxic gases that may be released during the testing process.

Los Angeles post-fire rebuilding linked to 2028 Olympics timeline

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Rebuilding and the Olympics timeline

Los Angeles is rebuilding after the Palisades fire in January 2025, with recovery measures introduced rapidly and publicly linked to the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Commentary published in the Los Angeles Times by CBS News national correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti described how Gov. Gavin Newsom referred to the Olympics as the “Recovery Games” while recovery efforts were being announced.

Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass toured the burn zone about 24 hours after the fire ignited, during a period when homes were still burning and emergency crews remained deployed.

The commentary described the visit as unusual for an active fire scene and linked it to criticism surrounding the emergency response, including the absence of a live news conference before historic 100-mph winds.

Bass was in Africa when the fire began and was unable to communicate reliably during a reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Accra, Ghana and her return journey to Los Angeles.

Newsom was focused on preparations for a visit by then-President Joe Biden related to the designation of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla national monuments.

A city official told Vigliotti: “The first time they toured the damage, they discussed the Olympics and federal funding.

“Losing the Palisades hurt them politically. Losing the Olympics would be game over.”

Rebuilding rules and permit approvals accelerated

The Los Angeles Times commentary reported that Newsom introduced a state “Marshall Plan” within days of the fire, reducing permitting timelines to under 30 days and suspending environmental reviews governing rebuilding in fire-affected areas.

Homes were permitted to rebuild closer together and with expanded dimensions, described using Bass’ phrasing of structures becoming “taller and longer.”

Recovery oversight included newly appointed wildfire recovery leaders, including civic leader Steve Soboroff and figures associated with the “L.A. Rises” initiative such as Magic Johnson, Mark Walter and Casey Wasserman.

Real estate listings reflected the accelerated process, promoting fast-track approvals and redevelopment potential.

One listing cited in the commentary stated: “Now made easier with expedited permitting… this property offers a rare chance to create your dream home without delay,”

State records referenced in the commentary showed about 20% of destroyed homes in Los Angeles received residential building permits within one year.

The commentary compared this with Urban Institute figures showing approximately 2% of homes received permits after the 2023 Lahaina fires and about 5% following the 2018 Paradise fires.

It also described investors purchasing fire-damaged land and seeking approvals for redevelopment.

Fire protection capacity and rebuilding constraints

The Los Angeles Times commentary stated that Los Angeles has fewer fire stations than in the 1960s despite population growth and expansion into fire-prone areas.

Concrete composite materials and reinforced cement-based panels were described as alternatives to wood construction, offering four times greater wildfire resistance at comparable cost.

Forensic wildfire investigator Faraz Hedayati told Vigliotti: “Our urban layouts are not designed to survive 70-mile-an-hour fires.

“We must increase the distance between structures,”

The commentary cited the Dixon Trail development in Escondido as an example where wider spacing and hardened materials exceeding minimum code requirements were associated with lower insurance premiums.

More than 13,000 homes were lost in January 2025 and only a fraction have begun reconstruction, with inspectors, architects, engineers and builders identified as limiting factors alongside insurance payouts lagging construction costs.

The commentary stated that these conditions leave rebuilding ongoing as permitting approvals and construction capacity continue to develop.

Why Massachusetts is revisiting single-stair fire safety rules now

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Healey-Driscoll administration launches advisory group on single-stair fire safety rules

A new Massachusetts executive order will study allowing single-stair construction in some residential buildings above three storeys.

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced the order on 13 February 2026.

The announcement described the current Massachusetts building code requirement for two exit stairs in buildings above three storeys or with long interior corridors.

The release said this requirement can make it harder to build mid-rise development on smaller parcels.

Driscoll said: “Building new housing that prioritizes affordability, enhancing the livability of our communities and keeping people safe couldn’t be more important as we respond to our housing shortage.”

“Our administration is spurring all kinds of housing production to meets the range of needs facing Massachusetts residents, so I’m eager for the advisory group to get started and study the feasibility of single stair construction while considering all possible safety risks.”

Advisory group remit and building code updates

The announcement said the Governor is establishing a technical advisory group to develop a process for evaluating whether, and under what conditions, single-stair multifamily residential buildings above three storeys can be safely permitted in Massachusetts.

The release said the group will include fire services, building officials, national architectural experts, accessibility advocates and public-safety professionals.

Its charge includes comparing single-stair and multi-stair buildings, identifying required fire and life safety precautions and recommending targeted updates to the State Building Code.

Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said: “Every safe, evidence-based strategy to build more homes is needed to meet the housing demands we’re facing, and single-stair multifamily residential buildings could offer us a new way to increase our housing supply.”

“This executive order will bring together the right people – from fire safety officials to architects, accessibility experts and more – who will help us explore the possibilities and find the best path forward.”

Existing practice examples and land capacity estimates

The announcement said Massachusetts would be following an approach used in numerous U.S. states and in other countries if it adopts a single-stair standard for residential buildings above three storeys.

It gave examples including New York City and Seattle permitting single-stair buildings up to six storeys for decades and Honolulu legalising them in 2012.

It also said Tennessee, Montana and Connecticut have enacted legislation allowing single-stair buildings up to six storeys under specified safety conditions.

The release cited Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies identifying 4,955 underutilised parcels within ¾ mile of rapid transit that could host a mid-rise building.

It said the Joint Center for Housing Studies estimates these sites could produce up to 130,000 new housing units through urban infill alone if single stair is allowed up to six storeys and 24 units.

John Nunnari, Executive Director, AIA Massachusetts, said: “This is a thoughtful, evidence-driven step that brings together architects, fire-safety professionals and public officials to carefully evaluate how housing production, affordability and life-safety can be advanced together.”

“We look forward to contributing our expertise to a transparent, data-informed process that prioritizes both safe building design and the creation of much-needed housing across the Commonwealth.”

The release said the advisory group will study feasibility and safety risks as part of the executive order’s process.