LION partners with Decontex for fire service PPE cleaning

by Featured NewsPPE

LION adds CO2 PPE cleaning to fire service support

LION Safety Solutions has partnered with Decontex Holding to deliver SuperCritical CO2 PPE Cleaning technology through LION TotalCare for fire departments.

LION said it will deploy the technology across its facilities nationwide over the next year.

The rollout will expand access to the system through LION TotalCare, with installation, servicing and support managed locally in partnership with Decontex.

The company said the technology was invented by NASA and developed by Decontex.

It added that the system exceeds NFPA 1850 cleaning standards, based on verification by an independent U.S. laboratory.

The technology has been used to clean more than one million pieces of PPE across 16 countries.

LION and Decontex outline partnership

Mark Smith, CEO of LION Safety Solutions, said: “We are always seeking ways to improve how we serve our customers.

“That means developing and delivering the best technologies available and deploying them in ways that make our solutions safer, more sustainable, and more effective.

“This partnership allows us to do exactly that — combining advanced innovation with the trusted expertise and support our fire service customers rely on.”

The company said Decontex developed the process over the past decade with academic partners.

Tommy Verminck, CEO of Decontex Holding, said: “LION’s operational excellence, deep experience and expertise and commitment to the fire service, makes this partnership truly values-aligned.

“We couldn’t think of a better partner with who to deliver our technology at scale.”

LION said the agreement forms part of its ongoing investment in PPE care and maintenance services.

Fire Brigades Union warns on station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire

by Featured News

Station closures proposals name eight sites

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has informed firefighters of proposals to close eight fire stations across the service area.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the proposals were shared on 23 January and warned they would put lives at risk by reducing emergency cover across Dorset and Wiltshire.

The eight stations facing potential closure are Ramsbury, Bradford on Avon, Wilton, Mere, Cranborne, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton and Charmouth.

The fire authority is scheduled to meet on 10 February to decide whether to progress the proposals to a 13-week public consultation.

Union response and operational concerns

The FBU said closing fire stations would leave communities without adequate protection from fires, flooding and other life-threatening emergencies.

Barney Hedgecock, FBU fairness at work representative for Dorset and Wiltshire, said: “Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue service is already severely overstretched and under-resourced.

“The raging Holt Health wildfire this summer should have been a stark warning that the service needs urgent investment to face increasing extreme weather events.

“Firefighters work tirelessly to keep communities safe, but the reality is that cuts and station closures put lives at greater risk.

“Fewer firefighters and fire engines available will mean slower response times to emergencies, at times when every second counts.

“The FBU is calling on the fire authority to reject these disastrous proposals.

“The council and fire service leaders must put public safety first and stop these cuts.”

Wider industrial context

The FBU said it is placing members on an industrial footing to defend services against cuts across the UK.

It said firefighters in Oxfordshire are moving towards industrial action in response to proposed cuts by the county council, and that cuts have been averted in Avon and Leicestershire following union campaigns.

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is facing a devastating loss of resources, with senior leaders threatening to close eight fire stations.

“We need a fire and rescue service that is fit to face the future.

“Closing fire stations and running the service ragged will only leave communities at greater risk.

“Instead we need investment to rebuild resilience.

“The FBU is ready to fight to prevent dangerous cuts up and down the country, and firefighters have been successful in stopping them in several brigades.

“Firefighters are making it clear that we won’t stand by while cuts cost lives.

“Dorset and Wiltshire fire authority and fire service must do everything in their power to secure the funding desperately needed to rebuild the service.”

The fire authority will determine next steps following its meeting on 10 February.

Is Scotland’s fire service ready for what’s next? Inside the SFRS strategy for 2025–28

by Featured News

Service strategy outlines vision for evolving needs in Scotland

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has formally approved its new strategy for 2025 to 2028, outlining priorities across community safety, operational readiness and organisational reform.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the strategy responds to shifts in incident trends, such as a decline in house fires and a rise in flooding and wildfires, alongside wider social and infrastructure challenges.

SFRS said it will deliver the strategy through a three-year delivery plan supported by local fire and rescue plans, directorate plans and individual team objectives.

The strategy sets five overarching objectives: safer communities through prevention, safe and effective response, investing in people, improving performance, and innovation and investment.

According to SFRS, these priorities are shaped by national guidance including the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland, and are aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision and public sector reform goals.

Community prevention work remains central to SFRS operations

The strategy confirms that preventing incidents before they occur remains a core function of the service.

SFRS said it will continue to focus on reducing fire risk in homes and businesses and supporting vulnerable individuals through targeted interventions.

The document identifies ageing populations, health inequalities and climate-related threats as emerging areas of concern for future prevention work.

According to the strategy, enhanced data use and local partnership working will be used to shape prevention activity and support community resilience.

SFRS also said it would revise its enforcement approach to reflect findings from major incident reviews, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Emergency response shaped by climate and operational learning

The service said that its operational model will be adapted to meet evolving risks, including more frequent extreme weather events.

According to the strategy, firefighters will receive continued training under the 2023–28 Training Strategy to maintain competency and adapt to new techniques.

SFRS said it will explore different delivery models and ways of working to improve productivity and incident response.

Investment in new systems, vehicles and technologies is planned to support safe and timely deployment.

The strategy commits to embedding lessons learned from past incidents, both within SFRS and from other UK and international services.

Staff wellbeing and diversity are key priorities

SFRS said that supporting the health, safety and career development of staff will remain a core objective through 2028.

The strategy outlines commitments to mental wellbeing, leadership development, and inclusive recruitment.

The service aims to expand representation across its workforce to reflect Scotland’s population, including people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

According to SFRS, a revised set of organisational values will be developed to guide behaviours and professional standards.

The service also intends to enhance its support for on-call staff through new employment practices.

Innovation and investment to drive efficiency and capacity

The strategy sets out a commitment to modernising infrastructure, equipment, and digital systems.

According to SFRS, future investment aims to ensure firefighters have appropriate tools, vehicles, and facilities, particularly in relation to contaminant reduction and environmental standards.

The service said it would consider expanding its role in communities, such as supporting medical response or delivering other public services where appropriate.

SFRS also said it would adopt more efficient internal processes and automate routine functions to increase organisational capacity.

These changes will be supported by research, data analysis and cross-sector collaboration.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 2025–28 strategy focuses on safety, risk and reform: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has published its strategy for 2025 to 2028.

The strategy sets five objectives: prevention, response, people, performance and innovation.

It responds to changes in risk, including more wildfires and flooding.

SFRS said its prevention focus includes vulnerable groups and national partnerships.

Operational response will be shaped by climate change and new training.

Staff wellbeing, inclusion and leadership development are identified as priorities.

Investment is planned in fleet, equipment and fire station facilities.

Digital systems and automation will be used to improve productivity.

The strategy includes a new delivery plan, overseen by the SFRS Board.

It aligns with national government guidance and local authority needs.

Progress will be measured through performance dashboards and public reporting.

The strategy document is available on the SFRS website.

Uniting the global fire service 

by Breaking NewsSearch and Rescue

Prioritising fire and life safety over political interference, with Duncan J. White 

Across the world, fire and rescue services are driven by a shared mission: to protect life, property, and the environment. Yet, in many jurisdictions, their effectiveness is often compromised by political interference, from budget cuts dictated by short-term agendas to operational decisions made without professional consultation.

The time has come for the global fire service to unite in vision and coordinated action to ensure that fire and life safety remain paramount, above political manoeuvring. 

The first step is strengthening professional independence. Fire services must advocate for statutory protections that insulate their strategic decisions from political cycles. This includes creating national fire safety boards or independent fire commissions comprising experts, not political appointees, to oversee planning, resource allocation, and policy development.

By ensuring that leadership is grounded in expertise and not electoral influence, services can remain focused on long-term safety outcomes. 

Duncan J. White

Secondly, unity must extend across borders. International collaboration is vital to creating a united front. Organisations like the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (|IFE) can serve as platforms to develop global codes of ethics, professional standards, and common advocacy goals.

By presenting a unified voice to governments and international bodies, the fire service can more effectively argue for sustained investment and autonomy. 

Duncan J. White

Technology and data also offer a critical pathway. A globally shared database of incident trends, response outcomes, and risk assessments would not only enhance preparedness but also arm the fire service with indisputable evidence of where policy decisions hinder life safety. When facts are transparent and globally benchmarked, it becomes harder for political actors to justify underfunding or downgrading services. 

Equally important is public engagement. When communities understand the life-and-death stakes of fire safety decisions, they become powerful allies. Global campaigns that demystify fire service operations and highlight their societal value can drive civic pressure against politically motivated interference. Firefighters are among the most trusted professionals – their collective voice, amplified through public support, is a formidable force. 

Ultimately, fire and life safety are not political issues; they are human ones. The global fire service must unite not just in operational tactics, but in values and advocacy.

By institutionalising independence, fostering international solidarity, leveraging data, and engaging the public, we can ensure that decisions affecting safety are made in the interest of those most at risk – the people we serve. 

The time for global alignment is now. Fire knows no borders, and neither should our commitment to safety. 

Stay safe! 

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

Ghana fire service land sale warning issued by interior minister

by Featured NewsSafety

Government condemns encroachment on Ghana fire service land

Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has publicly warned against the illegal sale and purchase of lands allocated to Ghana’s security services, including the Ghana National Fire Service.

According to Modern Ghana, the Minister issued the warning during a visit to the regional headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Tamale, where he urged the public and organisations to respect legal boundaries and ownership of these lands.

The Minister said the government intends to preserve the land for security purposes and emphasised that unauthorised sales could undermine national safety efforts.

Ghanaian fire service retooling declared a government priority

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Ghana National Fire Service, stating that upgrading its equipment and resources remains a top priority.

He explained that efforts are underway to enhance working conditions and operational capacity to support the Service in meeting its responsibilities.

He added that these improvements would help ensure the GNFS is equipped to manage the growing demands placed on its personnel.

Minister addresses attacks on fire service officers

Mohammed-Mubarak condemned recent attacks on fire service personnel and disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Inspector General of Police to provide officer escorts during emergency operations.

The Minister said these measures aim to ensure the safety of responders during deployments.

He stated that such incidents undermine the morale and effectiveness of fire service staff and must be addressed through both policy and enforcement.

Insurance packages planned for service personnel

The Minister also announced that talks are underway with the National Insurance Commission to develop insurance packages tailored for fire service personnel.

He explained that this would enhance the overall welfare of officers and provide better protection in the event of injury or loss.

He indicated that this initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve conditions for frontline workers.

Regional commander outlines service challenges

During the same visit, Regional Commander ACFO II Franklin Masiku presented key challenges facing the Tamale region, including a shortage of office space, inadequate logistics, and insufficient resources.

He acknowledged the Minister’s visit as a positive step and voiced optimism about the government’s commitment to resolving these constraints.

Masiku said improvements in these areas would help the Service deliver its mandate to protect lives and property across Ghana.

Ghana fire service land sale warning issued by interior minister: Summary

Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak warned against the sale and purchase of security service lands in Ghana.

The statement was made during a visit to the Ghana National Fire Service headquarters in Tamale.

The Minister called on individuals and organisations to respect legal ownership of GNFS land.

He stated that preserving this land was essential for national security.

He reaffirmed that retooling the Fire Service is a government priority.

He highlighted plans to improve working conditions and increase operational resources.

He condemned attacks on fire personnel during deployments.

He said discussions are underway with the IGP to provide police escorts for GNFS officers.

He also confirmed ongoing talks with the National Insurance Commission for officer insurance.

GNFS Regional Commander ACFO II Franklin Masiku outlined current challenges in Tamale.

Masiku cited a lack of accommodation, equipment, and logistical support.

He welcomed the Minister’s engagement and voiced hope for solutions.

Delhi Fire Service audit and reform initiative launched through national partnership

by Featured NewsSafety

Delhi Fire Service in India to be overhauled through tripartite reform plan

The Delhi Fire Service is set to be audited and restructured under a new agreement involving central and state agencies, according to Millennium Post.

The initiative was approved by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and will include the Delhi Fire Service, the Directorate General of Fire Services, Home Guard and Civil Defence under the Government of India, and the National Centre for Good Governance.

Officials from Raj Niwas said the effort will focus on evaluating the current performance of the Delhi Fire Service and proposing changes to improve response time, operational capability and institutional effectiveness.

National and state-level cooperation drives the initiative

Millennium Post reported that the agreement was based on a proposal submitted by the Delhi government’s Home Department.

The proposal recommended a full structural overhaul of the Delhi Fire Service to strengthen its service delivery and public safety functions.

According to Raj Niwas officials, discussions had previously taken place with the Director Generals of both the National Centre for Good Governance and the Directorate General of Fire Services, who agreed to collaborate on the audit and reform process.

Agreement will include operational, legislative and financial evaluation

The Raj Niwas spokesperson said: “Both the top officers expressed interest in collaborating with the Delhi Fire Services to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its current operations and recommend improvements across operational, financial, institutional, and legislative dimensions.”

Officials said the three organisations are expected to formalise their partnership through a memorandum of understanding.

The initiative will examine internal processes and identify areas where reforms can enhance effectiveness and accountability within the department.

Modernisation of equipment and training to form part of reforms

Officials from Raj Niwas stated that the plan includes upgrading firefighting infrastructure and equipment to ensure frontline teams have access to essential tools.

The agreement will also prioritise regular training and skill development for firefighters to maintain and build operational capacity.

The National Centre for Good Governance will focus on introducing governance reforms to support transparency, responsiveness, and citizen engagement within the fire service.

The organisation will also oversee the re-engineering of internal processes and deliver training programmes for fire department staff.

National fire service to support adoption of standards and technology

According to Millennium Post, the Directorate General of Fire Services will ensure alignment between Delhi Fire Service operations and national fire safety standards.

The department will guide the adoption of national policies and practices to raise prevention and response capabilities.

Raj Niwas officials said the Directorate will also support the delivery of training programmes focused on new firefighting techniques and emerging technologies, and provide access to additional resources and technical knowledge.

Delhi Fire Service audit and reform initiative launched through national partnership: Summary

The Delhi Fire Service will undergo a formal audit and reform process.

The initiative is being carried out through an agreement between the Delhi Fire Service, the Directorate General of Fire Services and the National Centre for Good Governance.

It was approved by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

The goal is to improve response time, service delivery and internal governance.

The plan includes evaluation of operational, financial, institutional and legislative aspects.

Modernisation of equipment and regular training are part of the proposal.

The National Centre for Good Governance will lead governance-related reforms and internal process changes.

The Directorate General of Fire Services will ensure alignment with national standards.

The Directorate will also support capacity-building and training in new technologies.

A memorandum of understanding between the organisations is expected to be signed soon.

The reform is specific to Delhi, India.

FBU announce firefighters will oppose “disastrous” policy at scrutiny meeting

by Featured NewsFire Brigades UnionProducts

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced that firefighters have address a meeting of the county council’s fire scrutiny panel Friday 7 March, calling on councillors to recommend that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service drops plans to change shift patterns. 

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that changing day shifts from 8am to 7pm instead of 9am to 6pm for wholetime (full time) firefighters risks forcing many firefighters out of the service. 

In letters to councillors, over 70 firefighters from across Gloucestershire have raised concerns that the imposed changes to working hours will increase childcare and caring costs for firefighters already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.  

Ten frontline firefighters have been invited to address the meeting of the scrutiny panel and Gloucestershire fire and rescue service’s chief fire officer. The fire scrutiny panel comprises of county councillors, who have the power to recommend against this change. 

FBU officials say that the county council will be punishing women in the service instead of supporting them, while the change in working hours will have a detrimental impact on firefighter and public safety. 

Brigade Organiser, Fire Brigades Union, Kate Yhnell’s statement

Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Organiser for Gloucestershire said: “Gloucestershire firefighters are urging all members of the county council fire scrutiny committee to recommend against disastrous changes to working hours tomorrow.

“Forcing firefighters to work eleven hour shifts will only pile unnecessary pressure on the frontline.

“We are raising the alarm that exhausting the workforce and pushing many firefighters out of the service will create an avoidable staffing crisis, risking public safety.

“Gloucestershire fire and rescue service should be supporting women and those with caring responsibilities, not punishing them with this additional financial and mental burden. 

“To avoid potential industrial action, Gloucestershire county council must start listening to firefighters and reverse this decision.” 

Regional Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, Dave Roberts’ statement

“Gloucestershire county council fire scrutiny panel stated that the decision was properly consulted on, but firefighters feel they have not been given a genuine opportunity to voice their concerns.

“This policy is being imposed with little regard for its consequences, and it is unacceptable that Gloucestershire fire and rescue service are proceeding against the wishes of those on the frontline.” 

Firefighters called on councillors in Gloucestershire to drop shift change plans, announce FBU: Summary

Firefighters have recommended that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service drops plans to change shift patterns.

Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Organiser for Gloucestershire said they were raising the alarm that exhausting the workforce and pushing many firefighters out of the service will create an avoidable staffing crisis.

Fire Brigades Union challenges real-terms funding cut to fire service

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Local government settlement reveals fire service funding increase below inflation

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised the UK government’s funding allocation for fire and rescue services in England, arguing that a real-terms cut will put public safety at risk.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published its local government settlement on 3 February, outlining central funding levels for fire and rescue services from April 2025.

The budget will rise by 1.4%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate is around 2.5%.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “This funding settlement is a real-terms cut to fire and rescue services across England.

“Even in cash terms, it will leave central government funding lower than it was a decade ago.”

FBU warns of further strain on fire and rescue services

FBU has stated that continued budget restrictions will worsen staffing shortages and emergency response times.

The union reports that since 2010, one in five firefighter roles has been cut, with central funding declining in real terms.

The latest budget allocates £999 million for fire and rescue services in England, reflecting a £13.4 million cash increase.

In contrast, in 2013-14, central funding was £1.24 billion when costs were lower.

Wright stated: “These cuts put lives at risk. We have lost one in five firefighter jobs since 2010, and response times are the worst they’ve ever been. Labour was elected promising change.”

Concerns over reliance on local taxation

The FBU has expressed concern that local authorities may attempt to compensate for the funding shortfall by increasing council tax.

The union has warned that this approach could widen disparities in fire service provision across different regions.

Wright said: “There is already a postcode lottery on fire cover, and a lack of central government funding will make fragmentation worse.

“In some areas, local authorities will raise council tax to cover the shortfall. In others, they may choose to cut the fire service even more.”

Call for investment in fire services and firefighter pay

The FBU has urged the government to reconsider the funding settlement and increase investment in fire and rescue services.

It is also calling for a pay rise for firefighters, citing significant real-terms wage reductions over the past 15 years.

Wright said: “The Fire Brigades Union urges the government to think again and deliver the investment we need to keep people safe.

“Any further cuts to fire services are cuts to public safety, and FBU members will be making that case to fire authorities across the country.

“We are also clear that we must see substantial real-terms improvement in pay, following 15 years of falling wages.”

Fire Brigades Union challenges real-terms funding cut to fire services: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has criticised the UK government’s local government funding settlement for 2025, stating that the 1.4% increase for fire and rescue services in England is below inflation and amounts to a real-terms cut.

Since 2010, firefighter numbers have declined by 20%, and response times have worsened.

The FBU warns that the funding shortfall could result in increased reliance on council tax to cover costs, leading to regional disparities in fire service provision.

The union is calling for a reassessment of the budget and for firefighter pay increases to offset years of declining real-terms wages.

Wright has urged the government to reconsider its position and prioritise public safety by ensuring adequate resources for fire and rescue services.

FireWatch goes live at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

by Featured NewsProducts

Infographics has announced that East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has successfully launched the latest phase of its FireWatch deployment.

The service has worked closely with Infographics over the last year to roll out the FireWatch Mobilisation Interface with SSS Public Safety (previously Capita) Vision, as well as launching On-Call Payment Calculations and Self-Service.

The new phase of the IT programme builds on the foundations of integrated FireWatch modules already in place for Human Resource Management, Wholetime Availability, On-Call Availability, Support Staff Flexitime, and Training and Development.

Mark Matthews, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The deployment of the FireWatch Mobilisation Interface ensures an accurate view of real-time resource availability and competence across the Service, as FireWatch is now directly integrated with emergency dispatch operations within Joint Fire Control.

“Plus, the rollout of On-Call Payment Calculations automates the generation of on-call payments for turnouts, attendances, and other working time – significantly reducing previous, inefficient manual form submission processes. 

“The launch of Self-Service will improve the completeness of personal and diversity information.  This will assist us in understanding the diversity of our workforce and how we can best support our colleagues, with greater awareness when performing Equality Impact Analysis.

“The path has not been without challenges, but we have been particularly impressed with the commitment, response, and overall excellent service that Infographics have continued to provide to ESFRS, assisting us in delivering IT solutions to improve processes and increase efficiency.”

Russell Wood, Commercial Manager at Infographics, said: ”It has been great to work with East Sussex Fire and Rescue on the latest phase of their FireWatch programme, which delivers live integrated resource information within control, speeds up payment processes and provides a ‘complete picture’ of availability across the FRS. These latest rollouts advance the efficiency and visibility of operational and management processes.”

West Pottsgrove Township signs 5-year fire protection contract

by Featured News

West Pottsgrove Township has once again hired Pottstown to provide fire services for the borough and township with a new five-year contract to continue the arrangement that began just over a year ago.

Prior to Pottstown winning the initial contract, West Pottsgrove suspended previous service provider West End Fire Company as its fire service in August of 2021 in the wake of months of disputes between the two entities, primarily over money, including a state attorney general investigation of the fire company’s finances.

The township commissioners voted unanimously to instead pay the Pottstown Fire Department for 18 months of fire services provided by its four volunteer fire companies.

According to the new contract, adopted unanimously without comment at the 12 September borough council meeting, the township will pay just over $91,000 per year for fire protection, although the final payment will be adjusted to reflect the Pottstown Fire Department’s actual costs for the year to provide fire protection in the township.

The contract indicates West Pottsgrove will additionally be responsible for an annual payment of $30,180 to pay a share of the Pottstown Fire Department’s workers compensation insurance costs.

The new contract, which was approved by the West Pottsgrove Township Commissioners at their 3 August meeting goes into effect on 1 January 2023.