BSI launches new water mist fire standard for residential buildings

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

UK adopts EN 14972-17 for domestic water mist systems

BSI has published a new standard for fire protection in residential buildings, replacing the existing British Standard BS 8458.

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), BS EN 14972-17:2025 was released on 7 July 2025 and is now the recognised UK testing protocol for water mist systems in homes and domestic settings.

The new publication forms part of the broader EN 14972 series for water mist systems and provides guidance for ceiling heights up to 5.5 metres.

The FPA confirmed that the previous standard, BS 8458:2015, has been withdrawn and is no longer in effect.

EN 14972-17 includes detailed fire test protocols for various domestic applications including family dwellings, care homes, hostels, and apartments.

Updated European standard forms part of wider EN 14972 series

BS EN 14972-17:2025 has been adopted from a European-wide set of testing protocols under the EN 14972 framework, managed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).

The standard was developed by CEN Technical Committee 191, whose secretariat is held by BSI.

It must be adopted as a national standard by January 2026 and all conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by the same date.

EN 14972-17 is one of 17 published or in-development parts covering fire testing methods for a range of building types, equipment enclosures and specific use cases.

The standard outlines technical requirements including fuel packages, ignition methods, test setups and pass/fail criteria for systems installed in residential buildings.

Residential use cases covered under the new testing protocol

BS EN 14972-17:2025 applies to water mist systems installed in residential occupancies up to a ceiling height of 5.5 metres.

The document lists examples of qualifying settings including apartment buildings, blocks of flats, care homes, and bed and breakfasts.

It also applies to hotel bedrooms, guest corridors, and other small-scale residential areas.

Each application is subject to a defined set of testing conditions and fire load configurations, based on system design.

Countries may append additional annexes specifying minimum design areas, building height limits or system adaptations.

Legal and contractual guidance for UK users

BSI issued a national foreword to accompany the standard, confirming its status as the UK implementation of EN 14972-17:2025.

The British version was published under the authority of the Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 July 2025.

The UK’s participation in the drafting process was managed by Technical Committee FSH/18/5 on water mist systems.

BSI stated that the publication does not constitute legal advice and that users should seek professional guidance when applying the standard.

The document notes that compliance with British Standards does not offer immunity from legal responsibilities.

Next steps for UK water mist stakeholders

The Fire Protection Association said it will provide further updates and technical guidance to support implementation of BS EN 14972-17:2025.

As a recognised test house for water mist systems, the FPA confirmed its intention to help industry prepare for the transition from BS 8458.

The organisation has not yet released a detailed timeline for support materials or testing availability under the new regime.

Installers, designers, and certification bodies are advised to begin reviewing the updated protocol in preparation for full adoption.

The EN 14972 series and its annexes are available through the BSI website and other national standards bodies.

BSI launches new water mist fire standard for residential buildings: Summary

BSI has released BS EN 14972-17:2025 as the new UK standard for residential water mist systems.

The new standard replaces BS 8458:2015, which was withdrawn on 7 July 2025.

The standard forms part of the wider EN 14972 series, covering 17 application areas for water mist systems.

BS EN 14972-17:2025 specifies fire testing protocols for domestic and residential buildings up to 5.5 metres in ceiling height.

Use cases include homes, flats, care homes, hotels, and hostels.

The standard was developed by CEN Technical Committee 191.

It must be implemented nationally by January 2026.

BSI published the UK version under its policy committee on 31 July 2025.

Users are advised that the standard does not remove legal obligations.

The Fire Protection Association will issue further technical guidance.

Marioff introduces IoT system for fire protection monitoring

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

New IoT system supports fire protection in Finland

Marioff has announced the release of an Internet of Things (IoT) system for its HI-FOG fire protection platform, according to a company statement.

The solution enables remote access, real-time monitoring, and smart alert notifications across sites using high-pressure water mist systems.

The Finland-based manufacturer said the technology is designed to enhance operational visibility and allow for faster decision-making in fire safety management.

The company confirmed the IoT system will initially be available to pilot users before being rolled out more widely.

Juha Ilvonen, CEO of Marioff, said: “Our IoT solution marks a significant step forward in fire safety. It helps ensure systems are always monitored and ready—protecting people, property, and business continuity.”

Remote access and real-time alerts included

The connected platform integrates with existing HI-FOG installations and allows centralised control of multiple systems.

Marioff said the core features include real-time monitoring, event-driven alerts, and consolidated system management through a single interface.

Samuli Bäck, Manager, Connected Services at Marioff, said: “This technology gives customers full visibility of their HI-FOG system—no matter where they are.
“It means faster decisions, proactive maintenance, and ultimately, safer environments.”

The system generates automated notifications about technical issues, fire events, or required maintenance tasks.

Marioff added that the solution offers data insights that can support predictive maintenance planning.

Company says HI-FOG integration will be seamless

Marioff stated that the new IoT capability has been developed to integrate into existing HI-FOG installations without major system changes.

The company has worked on high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems for more than 30 years.

It said the goal is to extend the operational life and reliability of installed systems by improving the level of oversight available to building operators and facility managers.

The company said the IoT features are intended to align with increasing customer expectations for digital, connected fire protection tools.

Pilot launch phase to precede full deployment

Marioff confirmed that the connected services will first be tested in select environments through a pilot rollout.

The company did not provide a specific timeline for the general availability of the system.

The pilot phase is intended to verify performance in real-world conditions and allow for any refinements based on customer feedback.

Marioff said feedback from pilot users will help finalise the interface and data presentation tools before broader release.

The system is expected to be rolled out to a wider user base following the completion of the trial phase.

Focus on preventative maintenance and analytics

One of the main use cases for the IoT system is supporting preventative maintenance by analysing trends in system data.

Marioff said the technology allows users to access historical and current system performance data from one platform.

The system is designed to provide a view of anomalies that may indicate wear or technical degradation before a full inspection is required.

This approach aligns with wider industry trends toward predictive safety system servicing.

The company said these capabilities are aimed at reducing the risk of downtime or performance issues.

Marioff introduces IoT system for fire protection monitoring: Summary

Marioff has released an IoT-based system for fire protection monitoring.

The system is designed to work with existing HI-FOG water mist installations.

It provides real-time system visibility and centralised remote access.

The platform includes automated alerts for maintenance or events.

It offers analytics to support predictive maintenance.

The company is based in Finland.

The system will be introduced through a pilot programme before wider rollout.

Marioff has over 30 years’ experience with water mist systems.

The announcement was made in a company statement dated 14 July 2025.

Juha Ilvonen is the CEO of Marioff.

Samuli Bäck is Manager, Connected Services at Marioff.

Keep calm and carry water: Meeting global water demand with mobile pumping systems

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionPumpsResearch

IFSJ reviews today’s global mobile water-supply market, detailing value, growth outlook, technology strengths and operational hurdles for fire and rescue services worldwide

Large-diameter hose, modular booster pumps and container-mounted hose-handling systems let incident commanders lift water from rivers, lakes or the sea and push it several kilometres to a fire line.

This mobility solves two familiar bottlenecks: hydrant grids stop at city limits and buried mains can fail after storms or earthquakes.

The need is rising because longer wildfire seasons, larger petrochemical tanks and stricter insurer requirements all demand flow rates well beyond traditional hydrant output.

Market overview

Mobile water supply straddles two measurable product categories.

Verified Market Reports values the global lay-flat hose segment at US $1.5 billion in 2024 and projects US $2.5 billion by 2033, a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent.

Data Intelo estimates the portable and trailer-mounted fire-pump market at about US $2.54 billion in 2023, rising to US $4.3 billion by 2032 on roughly the same CAGR.

Taken together, the current addressable segment sits near US $4 billion and, at a blended growth rate of just over 6 percent, should top US $6.8 billion late next decade.

North America accounts for 38 percent of sales, Asia-Pacific 35 percent and Europe 20 percent, a distribution that reflects the geography of wildland fire losses, refinery expansions and infrastructure spending.

Modern high-flow pump modules now exceed 40 000 l min⁻¹ when supplied from an open source, making them suitable for cooling crude-oil tanks up to 75 metres in diameter or supporting multiple aerial monitors simultaneously.

Large-diameter hose advocates have demonstrated sustained flows of this magnitude over multi-kilometre lines for more than a decade.

Automated deployment containers can lay one kilometre of 250 mm hose in under ten minutes, replacing dozens of tanker shuttle trips and reducing driver fatigue.

Because equipment is containerised on ISO frames, it can travel by road, rail, air or sea without special permits, simplifying mutual-aid logistics.

The same hardware also drains flooded tunnels, cools nuclear reactors during refuelling outages and supplies potable-water relief after hurricanes, allowing public-safety agencies to spread capital cost across several departments and funding streams.

Challenges

A four-kilometre, 250 mm hose line with booster stations can cost around US $2 million, beyond most volunteer or municipal budgets.

Crews must learn pump control and hose handling, but seasonal rotations hinder training.

Deployments may need six flatbeds and a crane, hard to stage in forests or refineries.

Damp hoses risk microbial growth, and diesel engines require regular testing.

EU PFAS foam bans from 2026 will raise water demand and require larger equipment.

New rigs deliver 9,000 gpm from draft with one engine.

Digital-twin planning, VR training, hybrid power packs and automated flakers now streamline setup and reduce injury.

Regional Insights

North America continues to buy the largest share of high-capacity pump-trailers.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports 64,897 wildfires burned 8.9 million acres in 2024, both metrics above the ten-year average.

Because many rural reservoirs dry out by late summer, agencies increasingly spec emergency budgets for long-distance supply lines rather than additional tankers.

Europe suffered roughly 500,000 ha of forest loss in 2023—its fourth-worst year on record—prompting the EU Civil Protection Pool to subsidise cross-border high-capacity pumping modules able to bridge 20 km.

First deliveries enter service in the Mediterranean this summer, timed to the 2025 fire season.

Asia-Pacific commands the fastest growth in pump procurement; Allied Market Research identifies the region as both the largest and quickest-expanding fire-pump market by revenue, citing refinery and LNG-terminal construction from India to South Korea.

In the Middle East and Africa, oil-refining pump demand already holds 32 percent of the global market, notes Global Trade Magazine, and containerised hose modules double as cooling-water backups for desalination plants.

Adoption is steady rather than rapid because ambient heat shortens hose life and inflates maintenance budgets.

Latin America recorded its worst wildfire year on record in 2024: Brazilian agencies estimate more than 30 million hectares burned, a 79 percent increase over 2023.

State governments are now pooling regional caches of mobile pumps financed through development-bank climate-adaptation funds, aiming to cut deployment times when the dry-season winds return.          

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

BGF investment supports Rapidrop Global fire safety expansion

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionSafety

UK manufacturer Rapidrop receives fire safety investment

BGF has invested in UK-based manufacturer Rapidrop Global, a supplier of fire safety products, to support international expansion.

According to Rapidrop Global, the funding from BGF will support growth into new markets and product development, alongside leadership restructuring and operational scaling.

Rapidrop is based in Cambridgeshire and designs and manufactures fire sprinkler heads and infrastructure products.

The company stated that it holds global accreditations from multiple internationally recognised bodies, enabling it to serve customers in over 80 countries.

BGF has described the fire suppression market as undergoing growth, driven by changes in regulation, urban development, and increased fire safety measures in global construction.

Fire suppression market growth creates investor interest

BGF’s Central & East investment team, led by Mark Nunny and Elena Kovalikhina, completed the deal as part of their recent activity in the region.

The investment follows two other recent BGF investments in the last 12 months, in Signify Research and Miracle Design & Play.

According to BGF, the fire suppression industry is forecast to grow at over 8 percent annually through to 2030.

This growth is attributed to regulatory requirements and a global focus on reducing fire risks in buildings.

BGF investor Mark Nunny said: “Rapidrop is a well-established brand in a rapidly expanding, regulation-driven market.

“With a diversified customer base – including distributors, installers, and contractors – Rapidrop has built a strong foundation for sustained growth.

“Rapidrop’s strong portfolio of proprietary products, combined with its global regulatory approval, provides a significant competitive advantage.

“We are excited to partner with Chris and the team to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.”

Leadership changes accompany expansion strategy

As part of the funding deal, Rapidrop has appointed Chris Shelley as Chief Executive Officer and Richard Whiting as Chair.

Shelley previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at ENVEA Group.

Richard Whiting has taken on the Chair role to support strategic planning during the expansion phase.

Chris Shelley said: “I am delighted to have recently joined Rapidrop.

“My first impressions are of a high-quality business with an excellent reputation, strong fundamentals, and a talented team.

“This provides a fantastic platform to further enhance our operations and capitalise on the strong tailwinds for growth.

“BGF’s investment and support will enable us to remain focused on driving product innovation and expanding our global footprint.

“I look forward to working closely with them and the entire Rapidrop team to deliver the next chapter of the company’s success.”

UK ownership retained following founder legacy

Rapidrop was founded by Daniel Gill, who initially operated the business under the name Kestrel Fasteners.

Following Daniel Gill’s passing in 2017, the Gill family has continued to be involved in the business.

Dan Gill and Rebecca Park will retain a majority stake in Rapidrop and remain involved in the company’s operations.

According to the company, the family has supported the organisation’s expansion and strategic direction in recent years.

Since 2017, Rapidrop said it has doubled in size.

Advisory roles in the investment process

Legal, tax and financial advice for the transaction was provided by several firms.

On behalf of BGF, legal services were provided by Mills & Reeve, financial due diligence by WayPoint Change, and tax advice by Claritas.

Rapidrop was advised by Menzies on corporate finance and by Trowers & Hamlins on legal matters.

The management team was advised by Howes Percival.

BGF investment supports Rapidrop Global fire safety expansion: Summary

BGF has made a multi-million pound investment in Rapidrop Global, a fire safety product manufacturer based in Cambridgeshire.

The investment is intended to support international market growth, product development and leadership restructuring.

Rapidrop designs and manufactures fire sprinkler systems and infrastructure components.

The company is accredited by global regulatory bodies and supplies over 80 countries.

BGF said the fire suppression market is expanding due to regulation, urbanisation and global construction.

The investment deal was led by BGF’s Central & East team, which also supported two other companies in the past year.

Chris Shelley has been appointed CEO and Richard Whiting has been appointed Chair.

Shelley said BGF’s involvement will support innovation and international scaling.

The Gill family retains majority ownership and remains involved in the business.

Rapidrop was originally founded by Daniel Gill under the name Kestrel Fasteners.

Advisors involved in the deal included Mills & Reeve, WayPoint Change, Claritas, Menzies, Trowers & Hamlins, and Howes Percival.

Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionSafety

BAFSA records multiple lithium battery-related sprinkler activations

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has reported a series of recent UK fire incidents in which sprinkler systems responded to lithium-ion battery fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, one event occurred in a four-room flat where a hallway fire blocked the primary escape route.

A concealed sprinkler head above the fire activated and extinguished the blaze before crews arrived.

Ten people were trapped and later rescued from the fourth floor by aerial ladder platform.

The incident was reported to BAFSA’s Sprinkler Saves UK initiative.

BAFSA confirmed the system prevented escalation of the fire and limited injuries to minor smoke inhalation.

This is one of several reported cases involving sprinkler systems activating in response to lithium battery fires inside residential properties.

Birmingham e-bike fire controlled by residential sprinkler system

In a separate case from April 2023, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service reported a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike caught fire while charging in the hallway of a retrofitted residential block of flats in Birmingham.

The fire blocked the internal escape route.

A sprinkler head activated and extinguished the fire.

Residents sought refuge on an external balcony until firefighters arrived.

No injuries were recorded.

According to a statement issued by West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, a resident said: “We couldn’t get out. We were on the tenth floor. It was too high. I can tell you for sure that the sprinklers saved our lives. It is brilliant they were installed in the first place.”

Gloucestershire fire suppressed before fire crews arrived

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service reported that in December 2024, an e-bike battery caught fire inside a studio flat within a house of multiple occupancy.

The fire was fully extinguished by a single sprinkler head in the room of origin.

The resident evacuated the building without injury.

The fire service was not required to suppress the blaze, which had already been controlled upon their arrival.

Station Manager Obi Selassie said: “If it was not for the activation of the sprinkler system extinguishing the fire before the arrival of the fire service, we could be discussing a different outcome for this incident.

“The benefits of sprinklers should not be underestimated – they save lives and reduce injuries, and protect firefighters.”

Sprinklers continue to activate in lithium battery incidents

According to BAFSA, none of the recent incidents led to fatalities.

All sprinkler systems operated as intended, with a single head controlling or extinguishing the fire.

In each case, the fire originated from a lithium battery installed in a personal electric transport device.

The sprinkler systems protected primary escape routes or enabled time for safe rescue.

BAFSA noted that although current UK sprinkler design standards do not specifically reference lithium-ion battery fires, these systems continue to demonstrate fire containment value.

BAFSA highlights ongoing reporting through Sprinkler Saves UK

All incidents were submitted to the Sprinkler Saves UK database.

BAFSA encourages further reporting of sprinkler activations that result in fire control or extinguishment.

The association uses the collected data to assess trends, support evidence-based advocacy, and raise awareness of sprinkler performance in residential and commercial settings.

BAFSA said the Sprinkler Saves UK project is designed to promote transparency and build a national picture of real-world sprinkler effectiveness.

More case studies are available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk.

Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes: Summary

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association reported multiple lithium-ion battery fires in the UK involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

Each incident involved activation of a single sprinkler head that suppressed or extinguished the fire.

One fire occurred in a flat in Avon, trapping ten occupants until firefighters arrived.

A second case was reported in Birmingham, where residents were rescued from a balcony.

A third fire in Gloucestershire was extinguished before fire crews arrived.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Obi Selassie confirmed the importance of early sprinkler activation.

BAFSA stated that current standards do not explicitly cover lithium-ion battery fires.

The Sprinkler Saves UK project tracks and publishes real-world data on sprinkler performance.

All incidents were based in the United Kingdom.

No fatalities were reported in any of the three incidents.

All information was published by BAFSA on 1 July 2025.

Aerogels fire protection role in EV batteries

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionSafety

Aerogels show promise in electric vehicle battery safety

Aerogels are being investigated as thermal and fire protection materials for electric vehicle batteries, according to a report by IDTechEx.

The report, titled Aerogels 2025–2035: Technology, Market, Forecasts, outlines the projected use of aerogels across electric vehicles and other sectors over the next decade.

IDTechEx said aerogels are emerging due to their low density, low thermal conductivity and insulation capabilities, with silica-based and silica composite materials currently dominating the market.

NASA originally developed aerogels for aerospace missions such as Stardust and Rover. Since 2020, the material has been tested for thermal barriers and fire protection in the automotive sector.

The report attributed the increased interest in aerogels to the rising number of electric vehicles globally and a corresponding demand for fire protection materials.

Composition and challenges of aerogel integration

According to IDTechEx, aerogels are solid materials composed of 90 to 95 percent air and derived from silica, silica composites or organic materials.

Silica composite aerogels are the most widely used, followed by silica aerogels in powder or granule form. Polymer-based aerogels are being developed for aerospace and battery light-weighting.

These polymer aerogels are up to three times lighter than silica but have lower operating temperatures and higher costs. Material choice depends on industrial application, operational temperature and handling constraints.

The report noted that silica composite aerogels may generate dust during handling, which could impact their performance.

Handling difficulties and the need for encapsulation are cited as limiting factors to wider adoption.

IDTechEx also stated that aerogels are more expensive than other materials, which continues to be a barrier to market entry.

Aerogels compared to other fire protection materials

IDTechEx explained that aerogels are used between cell-level and pack-level protection in battery systems.

Compared to foams and ceramics, aerogels have lower thermal conductivity and density, making them suitable for insulation and fire resistance.

Silica-based aerogels offer higher operating temperatures than polymer aerogels, which is critical for fire protection applications.

However, the report warned that silica composites require careful handling due to dust production.

To improve performance, manufacturers are developing composite aerogels with porous polymer matrices, making them more compressible and better suited to battery expansion and contraction cycles.

These solutions aim to limit the spread of thermal runaway events in battery systems.

Thermal runaway concerns drive new solutions

In its report Fire Protection Materials for EV Batteries 2025–2035: Markets, Trends, and Forecasts, IDTechEx highlighted that growth in electric vehicle sales has increased attention on thermal runaway prevention.

The issue of thermal runaway – the rapid self-heating of batteries leading to fire or explosion – is a key risk area for fire safety professionals.

Aerogels are one of several materials being explored to prevent thermal events or slow their propagation.

The report also referenced a broader analysis of electric transport markets in Electric Vehicles: Land, Sea, and Air 2025–2045.

This analysis forecasts long-term uptake of electric cars, buses, trains, trucks and two-wheelers, reinforcing the importance of safe battery materials.

Regulatory approaches vary by region

IDTechEx reported that regulatory approaches to thermal events differ worldwide.

China was the first country to mandate a 5-minute warning period between the onset of thermal runaway and the appearance of fire or smoke.

In April 2025, Chinese authorities announced plans for a stricter measure, requiring batteries to resist fire or explosion for 2 hours after the initial event.

The regulation is expected to take effect in July 2026.

In other regions, regulation is less advanced and often focuses on alternative safety strategies such as gas management.

The report noted that as regulations evolve, demand for reliable fire-resistant materials such as aerogels is expected to grow.

Aerogels fire protection role in EV batteries: Summary

IDTechEx has reported that aerogels are being explored as fire protection materials for EV batteries.

The material offers low thermal conductivity and density, making it suitable for use as a thermal barrier.

NASA developed aerogels for aerospace applications.

Since 2020, they have been trialled in electric vehicle safety systems.

The most common types are silica composites and powder-form silica aerogels.

Polymer-based aerogels are emerging but are costlier and have lower operating temperatures.

Aerogels are more expensive and require encapsulation.

Handling challenges and dust generation remain technical issues.

Compared to foams and ceramics, aerogels have stronger insulation properties.

Composite variants with polymer matrices are being developed for battery cycling resilience.

IDTechEx identified thermal runaway as a core risk in battery design.

Electric vehicle growth is increasing the need for fire protection materials.

China has introduced a 2-hour post-event fire resistance regulation.

Other countries may follow with their own standards.

Aerogels are expected to see increasing use if handling and cost barriers can be addressed.

Senate passes aerial firefighting support act to expand suppression fleet

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsFire Suppression

Senate advances wildfire suppression act with bipartisan backing

The Office of Senator Mark Kelly has reported that the United States Senate has passed the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025.

The bill is designed to improve wildfire suppression capabilities by increasing access to aircraft and parts for aerial firefighting.

The measure was introduced with support from Senators Mark Kelly, Martin Heinrich, Tim Sheehy and Alex Padilla.

It will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The legislation amends existing laws to enable the Department of Defense to sell surplus aircraft and components at fair market value, specifically for use in wildfire response operations.

New law to expand U.S. aerial firefighting capabilities

According to the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, the bill reauthorises provisions of the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996.

It allows the Secretary of Defense to sell excess aircraft and related parts to government-contracted aerial firefighting service providers.

The parts and aircraft must be used exclusively for wildfire suppression.

The original authority lapsed in 2005 and was later reauthorised between 2012 and 2017 before expiring again.

If passed by the House, the new law would provide a renewed legal framework to support the year-round use of military surplus resources in civilian wildfire suppression.

The bill does not provide free transfers but mandates that the sales be conducted at fair market value.

Political support reflects rising wildfire risk

Senator Mark Kelly said: “In Arizona and across the West, wildfires are more frequent, more intense, and no longer confined to a single season.

“Strengthening our aerial firefighting fleet by making more aircraft and parts available is a smart, proven way to help firefighters respond faster and keep communities safe.

“I’m proud to support this effort to ensure the tools are in place to meet the growing threat, and I’ll keep working to get it done.”

Senator Martin Heinrich said: “I’m pleased that my Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is one step close to becoming law.

“The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is urgently needed to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico and across the West.

“I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources that our communities need to effectively respond to wildfires.”

Lawmakers cite urgency of wildfire response improvements

Senator Tim Sheehy said: “It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history.

“It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.

“The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act supports that mission by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to provide our aerial wildfire suppression fleet the resources necessary to fight wildfires quickly and aggressively.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bipartisan legislation, and I will continue to use the full power of my office to support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country.”

California experiences drive support for aircraft access

Senator Alex Padilla said: “As catastrophic wildfires devastate communities across the country, we need to be smarter and more resourceful in our approach to wildfire suppression.

“Californians saw firsthand the power of our aerial wildfire suppression fleet in putting out the Los Angeles fires as quickly as possible.

“Shoring up aerial firefighting fleets by allowing the Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft parts is a lifesaving, commonsense priority — and I’m glad to see the Senate come together to unanimously pass this bipartisan legislation.”

Senate passes aerial firefighting support act to expand suppression fleet: Summary

The Office of Senator Mark Kelly reported that the Senate passed the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025.

The Act allows the sale of Department of Defense surplus aircraft and parts for use in aerial wildfire suppression.

The bill reauthorises a previous authority that expired in 2017.

The aircraft and parts must be sold at fair market value.

Sales are limited to contractors working with the federal government on aerial firefighting.

The Act aims to improve year-round response capabilities to wildfires in the U.S.

Senators Mark Kelly, Martin Heinrich, Tim Sheehy and Alex Padilla supported the legislation.

Senator Kelly said the measure reflects the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires.

Senator Heinrich said the Act is essential for operating Very Large Air Tankers.

Senator Sheehy said the current wildfire season is already among the worst in history.

Senator Padilla said the bill will support faster suppression responses across California.

The bill will proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Project: FireDos firefighting monitors installed at waste plant in Macau

by Fire SuppressionProjects

Fire protection upgrade supports expanded Macau waste facility

FireDos has reported that its remote-controlled M2 firefighting monitors have been installed at the Macau Waste Incineration Plant following a capacity expansion completed in August 2024.

The installation is part of a fire protection system upgrade for the plant’s third construction phase, located in the Pac On area of Taipa, Macau.

The facility processes municipal solid waste and converts thermal energy into electricity.

FireDos said the customer requested FM-approved, explosion-proof electric monitors with wireless remote control and a control cabinet.

The company supplied four M2-AC400-50 monitors with multi-purpose nozzles via Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd.

Equipment designed for explosion-prone environments

FireDos stated that all monitors and control components are FM-certified and ATEX-approved.

It explained that explosion protection is critical in incineration facilities due to the presence of combustible gases and fine dusts.

The company noted that each M2 fire monitor can deliver up to 2,500 litres per minute and supports both hollow jet and spray jet discharge through a stepless nozzle adjustment.

According to FireDos, the system is electrically operated and centrally managed, with water piping, cabling and control cabinets installed above the waste bunker.

It added that all four monitors are controlled via radio remote to allow simultaneous and precise operation.

Fire monitor placement ensures full coverage of pit

The monitors were installed in pairs on opposite sides of the incinerator’s garbage pit, at a height of 23 metres.

FireDos stated that this positioning allows the water streams to reach any area within the pit simultaneously.

The company said this arrangement improves the effectiveness and consistency of the suppression system across the full volume of the waste bunker.

Commissioning required local and remote collaboration

FireDos reported that Shanghai Vision was responsible for the local implementation.

The company delivered a six-hour remote training session to Shanghai Vision’s technical personnel ahead of installation.

FireDos remained online during the commissioning days to assist with real-time troubleshooting and final adjustments.

It noted that additional customer requests for on-site service during commissioning created challenges that were resolved through coordination with the local team.

Project marks Phase III of long-running waste facility

The plant has been operating since 1992 and was previously expanded in 2008.

FireDos said the Phase III expansion increased the plant’s daily treatment capacity by 1,300 tonnes.

It added that the site now contributes further to the city’s waste-to-energy goals through improved energy recovery from combustion.

The company said its system was chosen to meet the customer’s specifications for a proven fire safety solution.

FireDos firefighting monitors installed at waste plant in Macau: Summary

FireDos has installed four M2 firefighting monitors at the Macau Waste Incineration Plant.

The system was delivered via Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd.

Each monitor is FM-certified and ATEX-approved.

The monitors provide a water flow rate of up to 2,500 litres per minute.

They can be operated simultaneously via radio remote control.

They were installed at 23 metres above the waste pit to provide full coverage.

FireDos delivered six hours of online commissioning training.

The company also supported the local team during on-site commissioning.

The customer requested explosion-proof, FM-approved monitors with wireless control.

The installation follows a facility upgrade completed in August 2024.

The plant now processes an additional 1,300 tonnes of waste per day.

FireDos said the solution meets the requirements for high safety standards.

All monitors and components are managed by a central control cabinet.

Johnson Controls launches Hygood IGS-300 for fire suppression in critical facilities

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

System designed for global use and UK compliance

Johnson Controls has announced the release of the Hygood Inert Gas System 300 (IGS-300), a fire suppression solution designed to support critical infrastructure and asset protection.

According to the company, the system has been developed to simplify installation and improve performance while maintaining compliance with international safety standards.

Johnson Controls stated that the Hygood IGS-300 is intended for use in a wide range of building types, including data centres, control rooms, medical sites, laboratories, and heritage facilities.

Features include pressure control, acoustic protection, and flexible layout

The manufacturer reported that the IGS-300 incorporates regulated flow technology operating at 60 bar.

It said this feature helps to reduce pressure spikes, simplify pipework requirements, and lower the need for large overpressure vents.

According to Johnson Controls, acoustic nozzles have been integrated to minimise noise disruption during discharge, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronic equipment.

The company added that the system allows for flexible layouts, including multiple rows of containers and longer pipe runs, which can support better use of available space.

Certification and compatibility with recognised fire safety standards

Johnson Controls explained that the Hygood IGS-300 has received certifications including UL Listed, FM Approved and EN 12094 compliance (CE and UKCA).

It added that this allows the system to align with globally recognised fire protection standards such as NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520.

These approvals are designed to assist specifiers and engineers working across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.

The company stated that this certification support enhances the system’s suitability for international and UK-based projects.

Installation and maintenance efficiency through simplified assembly

Johnson Controls reported that the Hygood IGS-300 includes several design features intended to improve ease of use and reduce labour.

The company said the system includes simplified actuation and streamlined container assembly with standardised components and removable pressure gauges.

It added that a master container actuation feature removes the need for a pilot container, supporting a more compact configuration.

According to Johnson Controls, the system is available globally through authorised distributors, with regional recharging offered through its service locations.

Johnson Controls launches Hygood IGS-300 for fire suppression in critical facilities: Summary

Johnson Controls has introduced the Hygood Inert Gas System 300 (IGS-300).

The system supports fire suppression in locations such as data centres, museums, laboratories and telecom sites.

It uses inert gases INERGEN or IG-55.

It features regulated flow at 60 bar to reduce pressure spikes.

The system includes acoustic nozzles to protect sensitive equipment.

It allows flexible layouts, including up to four rows of containers.

It is certified UL Listed, FM Approved and EN 12094 Compliant.

It complies with NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520.

It removes the need for a pilot container with master actuation.

It offers simplified assembly with removable gauges and standardised components.

It is available via global distributors.

Recharging is available through regional service centres.

Britannia Fire discusses extinguisher innovation at IFSJ Leaders 2025

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

UK manufacturer sets out environmental aims for fire extinguisher production

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference has reported that Britannia Fire Joint Managing Director Andy Spence delivered a presentation on extinguisher innovation and regulation at the 2025 event in Dubai.

Spence said the fire industry must support new ideas that meet environmental and customer expectations.

He noted: “Innovation needs to be encouraged and new ideas explored and developed in all industries.”

Spence explained that Britannia Fire had transitioned fully to composite extinguisher production and is aiming to move away from traditional servicing models.

He said the company is using AI, sensor technology, and new agent types in its upcoming range.

Fire extinguisher design changes linked to circular economy goals

Spence told the audience that production methods must reflect the full life cycle of fire safety products.

He said: “Companies need to look at where improvements can be made to benefit the customer, the industry and the environment.”

He added: “If we can develop it, we can test it and we can ensure that it works then it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Spence said composite extinguishers can meet safety requirements while reducing carbon output, minimising servicing needs and extending lifespan.

He stated: “We have a 20 year lifespan PAS free reduction in carbon footprint, recyclable and it’s better for the environment.”

Industry regulation identified as key obstacle to change

Spence raised concern about the pace of regulation, particularly around British and European extinguisher standards.

He said: “We stifle innovation by not moving faster.”

He added: “It used to take five years to write a standard. It still takes five years. But it was five years 30 years ago.”

He noted that updates in communication and testing allow for faster revisions.

He said: “We’ve got email now. Somebody needs to tell them. It’s so easy. We can move a lot quicker.”

Local sourcing and PFAS-free materials highlighted in UK market

Spence reported that over 75 percent of extinguishers sold in the UK are imported from China, despite high transport distances and associated emissions.

He stated: “They travel 4,000 miles to the UK before we actually put them onto a wall.”

He added that composite extinguishers can be made in the UK using local materials and processes that reduce dependency on chemical treatments.

He said: “We have a full PAS free range of products as well.”

He also discussed fire agent options for lithium-ion battery incidents and outlined a new development for small-scale battery devices.

Britannia Fire outlines composite extinguisher approach at Dubai event: Summary

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference reported that Andy Spence spoke on behalf of Britannia Fire at the 2025 event.

He presented on changes in fire extinguisher manufacturing and servicing approaches.

Spence said composite materials now replace steel in Britannia Fire’s extinguishers.

He explained that the company’s P50 range uses less energy and lasts up to 20 years.

He reported that many extinguishers used in the UK are imported from China.

Spence said the company aims to use local sourcing and PFAS-free agents.

He stated that battery-ready units using AVD are now in development.

Spence raised concerns about regulation timelines within BSI and Europe.

He said the pace of standards development has not kept up with technological change.

He added that innovation must be supported to meet customer and environmental targets.

The presentation formed part of Britannia Fire’s Platinum Partner participation at the event.

Watch the presentation: