NFPA and Mike Holt Enterprises Collaborate to Publish 2026 NEC Changes Book

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and Mike Holt Enterprises announced their collaboration in publishing a book that explains the key changes in the next edition of NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®). The book, titled Changes to the National Electrical Code®, 2026 edition, is the latest project following their collaboration on the publication of the 2023 NEC changes book. This new book will feature full color illustrations and photos, insightful commentary, technical clarifications, and a general review of the code. Electrical professionals, including electricians, electrical contractors, engineers, and inspectors, will find it a valuable resource for understanding the NEC.

“This book will absolutely be the best resource for understanding the changes in the revised 2026 edition of the NEC. It’s the only NEC changes book officially recognized by NFPA,” said Jim Pauley, NFPA president and CEO. “We are excited to partner with Mike Holt Enterprises once again to advance NFPA’s safety mission and bring this information to professionals responsible for understanding and applying NEC requirements.”

The NEC is the most widely used code in the United States and is used extensively across the globe to safeguard people and property from electrical hazards. To incorporate the latest technologies, research, and learnings, the NEC is updated every three years.

“The NEC remains the essential resource for everyone who works in the electrical industry,” said Mike Holt, president of Mike Holt Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be partnering once again with NFPA to meet today’s electrical safety challenges and to help electrical professionals understand the changes in the 2026 edition. It is an honor to develop products based on the NEC that help individuals understand and apply the code easily to their work. The new edition will include hundreds of detailed graphics and photos, and in-depth analysis on the changes.”

Holt has devoted his career to studying and understanding the National Electrical Code and has published his Illustrated Guide to Changes to the NEC for over 40 years.

The Changes to the National Electrical Code®, 2026 edition book will be available in Fall 2025 through NFPA and Mike Holt Enterprises. The 2023 edition, Changes to the National Electrical Code®, is currently available to purchase on the NFPA website and Mike Holt Enterprises website.

About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)  

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.  

Mike Holt Enterprises has been serving the electrical industry for over 50 years, creating and publishing books, videos, online training, and curriculum support for electrical trainers, students, organizations, and electrical professionals. Mike Holt is an author, businessman, educator, speaker, publisher, and National Electrical Code® expert. He has written hundreds of electrical training books and articles, founded three successful businesses, and has taught thousands of electrical code seminars across the US and internationally.

NFPA, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Joey Gase Motorsports drive home fire safety awareness at community event and Watkins Glen Speedway NASCAR race

Gase and car wrapped with Sparky the Fire Dog® will be featured at The Yard FLX community event on September 12, NASCAR Xfinity Series race on September 14.

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Joey Gase Motorsports, LLC are teaming up to drive home the importance of fire safety for communities in Upstate New York. The collaboration between NFPA, Gase, and fire officials is part of an ongoing, collaborative effort to promote Fire Prevention Week™, October 6-12, 2024 and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.™”

On Thursday, September 12, from 4-7 pm, NFPA and Gase, along with local and state public safety officials, are hosting  a community event at The Yard FLX go-kart track. Open to the public, area residents will have the opportunity to meet Gase and check out his race car on display while enjoying fire safety activities that reinforce the importance of working smoke alarms and having a home escape plan, including a fire safety house provided by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Sparky the Fire Dog®, the official NFPA mascot, will also be on-site to greet guests and take pictures together. Some attendees will also get the chance to race against Gase during the festivities.

NFPA is sponsoring Gase in a series of NASCAR race events, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at the Watkins Glen Speedway on Saturday, September 14 at 3:30 pm.

“Our work with Joey has demonstrated the value and impact of delivering potentially life-saving fire safety messages to thousands of NASCAR fans and surrounding communities,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Continuing our work together helps further these messages and maximize the reach and impact of Fire Prevention Week, our biggest public awareness campaign of the year.”

Over the past few months, NFPA has also sponsored Gase at races in Newton, IA and Daytona Beach, FL. Additional races and community events will be sponsored in Talladega, AL and Charlotte, NC, and in surrounding communities in the weeks ahead.

“We are pleased to partner with NFPA on this family-friendly event,” said New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable. “Helping educate the community about fire safety, especially in the home, can go a long way to prevent the devastation that can come with a fire.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” focuses on the importance of having working smoke alarms. According to NFPA’s latest smoke alarms report, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by more than half (60 percent). However, the majority of U.S. home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. 

“It’s an honor to work with NFPA and help remind people that home fires can and do still happen, and that they need to be prepared in the event of one,” said Joey Gase, owner and driver for Joey Gase Motorsports. “My hope in working together is that we can motivate people to take action around home fire safety, which includes taking simple but important steps like making sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes and testing them regularly.”

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

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Free webinar from the Fire Protection Research Foundation

The NFPA are inviting teams to participate in the next upcoming Fire Protection Research Foundation webinar, from their 2024 annual webinar series:

Scheduled for September 12th, 10 am – 11:30 am US Eastern Time on the topic of “Environmental Impact of Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents Compared to Other Types of Fires”.

The registration link to share with international interested parties is: https://nfpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6217248721378/WN_rkpEqsMnQUSPhl6weH-q1A#/registration

Registrations are free and required to attend the live webinar.

NFPA to establish office in Riyadh to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 developments

New NFPA office to bolster safety standards in Saudi Arabia

As reported by Arab News, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will open a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This move aims to support the Kingdom’s extensive infrastructure and urban development projects, which are central to its Vision 2030 initiative.

Jim Pauley, CEO of NFPA, highlighted the significance of the new office, noting that it reflects the rapid pace of urban growth in Saudi Arabia and the associated safety challenges.

“What is different (about Saudi) is the speed of the development that’s happening.

“And so, what we’re really going to do is open our office here in Saudi Arabia so that we have a presence that can be able to work with the entities to do this,” Pauley said.

The Riyadh office will initially focus on laying the groundwork for its operations in the region.

Over time, it is expected to expand its capabilities in response to the growing demands of Saudi Arabia’s development projects.

Enhancing local collaboration and training

The new NFPA office will enhance direct collaboration with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders.

The organisation has been involved with Saudi Arabia’s building code, which already includes approximately 110 NFPA standards.

The new office will serve as a central point for increasing this collaboration and improving the implementation of safety standards.

Pauley noted that the expansion aims to support the Kingdom’s ambitious projects and improve the application of global safety standards locally.

“Vision 2030 encapsulates Saudi Arabia’s vision for rapid growth with safety at its core.

“We commend the leadership for prioritising safety from the outset rather than retrospectively,” Pauley stated.

The NFPA plans to collaborate with local entities to provide specialised training for engineers, inspectors, and installers, helping to build a skilled local workforce adept at applying fire safety measures.

Strategic role in Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects

NFPA’s new office is expected to play a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.

These large-scale developments present unique engineering and safety challenges, making rigorous safety protocols essential from the start.

Pauley praised the Ministry of Investment for its role in facilitating NFPA’s establishment in the Kingdom.

The ministry has helped secure a non-profit licence for NFPA, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing public safety standards.

The Riyadh office will act as a hub for safety initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa, reinforcing NFPA’s global network and fostering greater collaboration within the region.

NFPA and Saudi Electricity Company sign memorandum to promote fire and life safety

Saudi Electricity Company: Agreement to boost fire and life safety standards

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing fire and life safety standards across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The signing ceremony, held at SEC’s headquarters in Riyadh, was attended by key representatives from both organisations.

The MoU signifies a shared commitment to reducing the impact of fires and hazards through the exchange of information and knowledge, supported by awareness forums and conferences.

Focus on safety protocols and training

Engr. Saeed Al-Qahtani, Acting Executive Director, Fire Prevention & Fighting Sector at SEC, stated: “Partnering with NFPA allows us to align our safety protocols with global best practices.

“This agreement signifies our commitment to continuous improvement in fire and life safety, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of safety excellence in the energy sector and beyond.”

The initiative will use the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem as a model, aiming to establish extensive training and certification programs, fire research, and education for the public at the community level.

NFPA will provide comprehensive training programs and technical support to SEC personnel.

Commitment to safety in the GCC region

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, commented: “NFPA is delighted to partner with Saudi Electricity Company in this important initiative to advance fire and electrical safety.

“Being aligned with the largest producer, transmitter, and distributor of electrical energy in the Middle East and North Africa highlights NFPA’s commitment to furthering safety in the Kingdom as well as the GCC region.

“We look forward to developing comprehensive plans based on the use of our codes and standards, trainings, certifications, and technical expertise.”

This partnership underscores NFPA’s dedication to improving safety measures and operational efficacy within Saudi Arabia’s electrical sector.

Support for SEC personnel

In addition to establishing training programs, NFPA will offer technical support to ensure SEC personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

This collaborative effort aims to uphold the highest safety standards within the Kingdom’s electrical sector, contributing to the overall safety of the community.

The MoU is a testament to both organisations’ dedication to enhancing fire and life safety through rigorous standards and continuous improvement.

NFPA signs MoU with Bahrain Civil Defence to enhance fire safety measures

MoU signed to enhance fire safety in Bahrain

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Directorate of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This agreement aims to improve fire safety and prevention measures in Bahrain.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, with key representatives from both organisations in attendance.

The partnership will leverage NFPA’s expertise in fire, electrical, and life safety, along with Bahrain Civil Defence’s local knowledge in firefighting and civil defence.

The collaboration focuses on organising awareness forums, promoting education, and sharing best practices to enhance public safety.

Collaborative efforts to advance fire safety

NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley stated: “Building on the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework, we are charting a roadmap for developing comprehensive training and certification programs, advancing fire research, and enhancing public education across the Kingdom.”

He added that the initiative aims to advance fire safety and mitigate risks through increased fire risk awareness and reduction strategies.

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development MENA at NFPA, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “It’s an honour to collaborate with Bahrain Civil Defence on our shared mission to advance fire and life safety across the Kingdom.

“By leveraging the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, we aim to empower communities and ensure that Bahrain Civil Defence personnel are equipped with the highest standards of safety knowledge and skills to help fulfil their commitment to public safety.”

Strategic alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030

Brigadier Pilot Ali Mohamed AlKubaisi, General Director of Civil Defence of Bahrain Civil Defence, commented on the partnership: “This initiative is a strategic milestone for the General Directorate of Civil Defence in the Kingdom of Bahrain to implement Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 by raising the level of safety and fire prevention.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding allows us to be part of the NFPA Ecosystem, learning, developing, and benefiting from international community experiences in order to participate in strengthening this framework.”

He further mentioned the goal of qualifying employees to international standards, exchanging experiences, and leaving a positive impact on all stakeholders involved.

NFPA’s global efforts and mission

NFPA operates in over 70 countries, supported by more than 5,000 volunteers and engaging with over 43,000 global members.

The organisation promotes safety in a rapidly electrifying world, addresses critical crises globally, defends the value of codes and standards, and highlights international efforts in emerging issues and trends in fire, electrical, and life safety.

This partnership is part of NFPA’s overall objective of increasing safety for people and property.

Enhanced virtual training program for firefighters launched by NFPA and Vector Solutions

NFPA’s virtual training program aims to improve firefighter response to emerging hazards

As reported by the NFPA, Vector Solutions has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to host the NFPA Fire Incident Response Simulated Training (FIRST) Application.

This virtual training program is designed to enhance firefighter competency in responding to distributed energy technologies and lithium-ion battery fires.

The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The FIRST Application offers a game-like training experience that allows firefighters to train in realistic virtual scenarios.

These scenarios include fighting electric vehicle and energy storage fires in residential garages.

Based on real-world test data, the program provides interactive, multi-user simulations that mirror actual incidents, aiming to improve firefighters’ response times and effectiveness.

Vector Solutions’ role in distributing NFPA training

Vector Solutions has been serving state, county, and municipal governmental entities since 1999, with a particular focus on the Fire and EMS market.

The collaboration with NFPA leverages Vector’s TargetSolutions Training Management System to distribute essential training materials.

This partnership aims to address the evolving needs of modern firefighters through innovative training solutions.

Josh Grossman, General Manager of the Public Sector at Vector Solutions, said: “We are honored to support NFPA in providing their cutting-edge training to firefighters across the country.

“Our work together exemplifies our united commitment to ensuring first responders feel prepared and protected as they battle today’s emergencies.”

NFPA’s vision for digital learning in fire safety

Andrew Klock, NFPA Senior Manager of Education and Development, emphasized the long-term impact of NFPA’s training programs.

He said: “Since the inception of NFPA’s electric vehicle and hybrid fire safety training courses 14 years ago, we’ve seen about 350,000 firefighters benefit from these in-depth lessons.

“Our hope in working with Vector Solutions is to meet the needs of today’s digital learners by using Vector’s responder platforms to reach the millions of first responders who may battle these types of fires in their own communities.”

Tracking firefighter training progress with Vector Solutions

Vector Solutions is supporting this initiative with a pre-built TargetSolutions custom Activity in its training management system.

This feature allows fire departments to track and report on their personnel’s training progress, ensuring they receive the credit deserved for their participation in the simulation.

Access to the NFPA FIRST Training program is available for free, providing an invaluable resource for fire departments across the US.

Dubai Civil Defense honoured with NFPA global safety award

Dubai Civil Defense recognised for global safety efforts

The Dubai Civil Defense, under the leadership of the Ministry of Interior, has been awarded the inaugural NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.

The announcement was made by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during the NFPA Stars at Night awards ceremony at the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando.

Major General Jamal Bin Adeith Almehairi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defense, accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Interior.

This award, inspired by former NFPA board member Hatem Kheir, recognises exceptional commitment to safety through the principles of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.

The Dubai Civil Defense’s integration of advanced technologies, extensive training programs, and proactive community outreach has significantly enhanced fire and life safety standards in Dubai and globally.

Leadership and innovation in fire safety

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Dubai Civil Defense has become known for its innovative approaches.

The organisation has focused on adopting smart technology and comprehensive training programs to deliver critical safety and security services, thereby improving the quality of life in the UAE and raising awareness about emergency preparedness and disaster management.

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development MENA at NFPA, stated: “Dubai Civil Defense led by the Ministry of Interior has made exceptional progress in the adoption of smart technology and extensive training programs to deliver vital safety and security services, ultimately improving the quality of life for the UAE community and raising emergency preparedness and disaster management awareness.”

Global initiatives and partnerships

The Ministry of Interior of the UAE has also spearheaded the International Initiative for Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC).

Launched at the World Government Summit in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2023, I2LEC aims to foster cooperation among law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and governments to combat environmental crimes.

In its first year, I2LEC garnered support from over 60 law enforcement agencies worldwide, seizing more than $32 million in proceeds from environmental crimes.

Additionally, the initiative trained over 270 law enforcement officials from more than 40 countries, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development through enhanced community safety and international partnerships.

NFPA Stars at Night Gala highlights

The 2024 NFPA Stars at Night Gala celebrated 14 individuals or organisations across seven award categories.

This event highlighted the importance of recognising and promoting best practices in fire, life, and property safety on a global scale.

Eng. Dana Kamal further emphasised the impact of such recognitions: “By honouring entities like the Dubai Civil Defense led by the Ministry of Interior, this award promotes the adoption of best practices in fire, life, and property safety and crisis management, setting a high standard globally.

“It encourages other organisations worldwide to strive for similar excellence in protecting lives and property.”

NFPA updates fire department medical program standards

New NFPA 1582 standard for fire departments

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has updated its guidelines for physicians and healthcare providers involved in fire department medical programs.

As reported by The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), NFPA 1582, also known as the Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, now provides a single standard for both candidates and current fire fighters.

This update includes considerations of age and biological sex in the benchmarks for cardiorespiratory fitness.

The previous standard differentiated between medical requirements for candidates and incumbent fire fighters, relying solely on test results without accounting for individual factors.

NFPA collaborated with IAFF officials, FEMA representatives, attorneys, and medical experts over two years to finalise the new standard.

Grading and fitness programs

The revised NFPA 1582 standard now assesses fire fighter cardiorespiratory fitness using a percentile system.

Fire fighters who score in the 35th percentile or higher will be considered to have a passing test score.

Those scoring below this benchmark, with age and biological sex considerations, may be assigned a fitness program aimed at improving their cardiopulmonary health.

Once the decision to amend the standards was made, the IAFF and other task group members pushed for the inclusion of metrics related to age and biological sex.

Ensuring accurate and complete results

IAFF Chief Medical Officer Dan Whu emphasised the importance of these considerations: “Cardiopulmonary fitness levels are often not uniform across genders and ages, so it was important for the IAFF to ensure the new standard gave accurate and complete results.”

Whu added: “Considering these factors does not mean fire departments would have to lower expectations, it just means that appropriate fitness levels have been now adopted to reflect the cardiopulmonary differences that may be found within genders and different ages.”

Collaborative effort

The development of the new standard involved extensive collaboration.

NFPA, working with various stakeholders, ensured that the revised guidelines would provide a more accurate and fair assessment of fire fighter fitness levels.

This approach aims to create a healthier and more capable fire fighting workforce by recognising and addressing individual differences in fitness and health.

Bahrain civil defence strengthens fire protection with new agreement

Bahrain signs agreement with National Fire Protection Association

Following directives from His Excellency Shaikh Rashed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain has taken steps to enhance its civil protection and safety system.

Commander Rakin Tayar Ali Mohamed Al-Kubisi, Director General of the Public Administration of Civil Defence, signed an agreement with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

As reported by The Daily Tribune, this agreement represents Bahrain’s commitment to continuous improvement in fire prevention and public safety.

The signing ceremony occurred during the International Conference on Fire Protection in the United States.

Participation in the international conference

A delegation from the Bahraini Ministry of Interior attended the International Conference on Fire Protection.

Their participation demonstrates Bahrain’s dedication to staying updated with the latest fire safety practices.

The conference provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage with global experts and discuss advancements in fire protection technology and strategies.

This engagement underscores Bahrain’s proactive approach to improving its civil defence infrastructure.

Focus on continuous improvement

The newly signed agreement aligns with Bahrain’s strategy for continuous enhancement of its public safety measures.

By collaborating with the NFPA, Bahrain aims to adopt best practices and advanced fire protection standards.

Commander Al-Kubisi emphasised the importance of this partnership, noting that it will significantly contribute to the country’s fire safety initiatives.

The agreement is expected to lead to better training, updated protocols, and improved safety regulations.

Impact on public safety

The collaboration between Bahrain and the NFPA is poised to positively impact the overall public safety framework in the country.

The agreement is likely to result in the implementation of cutting-edge fire prevention technologies and practices.

Bahrain’s commitment to improving civil defence capabilities will enhance the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The partnership with the NFPA will provide the necessary support to achieve these objectives.