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Fire-Dex AeroFlex turnout gear earls UL verification - Firebuyer.com

Fire-Dex AeroFlex turnout gear earns UL verification

News Desk, Product News /

Fire-Dex has announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system under UL Verification 1641, confirming performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when worn in a specific configuration. Balancing particulate protection and breathability Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy at Fire-Dex, said: “Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability. “AeroFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out. “That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble. This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.” Tested configuration and verification results The evaluated configuration included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, alongside AeroFlex pants equipped with an optional particulate-blocking barrier. Testing was conducted in a controlled particulate chamber, where a firefighter performed prescribed actions over 20 minutes before skin contamination was assessed following careful doffing. UL Solutions reports less than 1mg of exposure across the wearer, confirming that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat to pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area without an added barrier in the coat. The optional barrier in the pants provided additional lower body protection. Zoned breathability and thermal management design The AeroFlex turnout system is engineered around zoned breathability, incorporating VaporLite breathable composite panels in high heat and moisture areas including side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees. AeroVent Technology is integrated within these zones to move warm, humid air outward under pressure while maintaining a particulate-blocking element. By addressing the balance between moisture vapour transport and contaminant protection, the system supports improved cooling, reduced heat burden and enhanced mobility during operational use.

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Pierce Manufacturing launches new production line - Firebuyer.com

Pierce Manufacturing launches first phase of new production line

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Pierce Manufacturing has launched the first phase of its new High Flow production line at its Appleton, Wisconsin facility. The initiative forms part of a wider $150 million investment programme across sites in Wisconsin, Florida and Tennessee, aimed at expanding production capacity, improving quality and reducing fire apparatus lead times. Operational efficiency The High Flow Line introduces a redesigned production model centred on balanced workloads, enhanced in line quality control and integrated technology to improve safety, efficiency and consistency. The company says “Phase I” is already delivering measurable improvements within the custom chassis assembly process, with further phases scheduled to transform remaining final assembly operations in the second half of 2026. Leadership perspective on modern firefighting demands Marty Bass, President of Pierce Manufacturing, said: “These investments reflect our continued focus on transforming how custom fire apparatus are built to meet the needs of modern firefighting. “By integrating High Flow production principles with advanced technology and expanded facilities, we’re creating safer, more efficient work environments for our team members while accelerating lead time reductions for our customers. “We’ve already reduced lead times by more than three months from their peak, and we expect this next phase will build on that momentum.” “With High Flow, we’re embedding continuous improvement into every stage of production. This approach helps eliminate waste, simplify work and elevate customer quality while creating a more consistent, predictable manufacturing process that supports our teams and our customers.” Technology integration and workforce safety enhancements The new line incorporates digital work instructions, improved tooling, ergonomic workstations and advanced inspection technologies, supporting both operator safety and production consistency. These developments build on recent investments at the Appleton campus, including automation, robotics, fabrication technologies and expanded paint capacity.

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Honeywell’s 4 Series NDIR Flammable Gas Sensors - Firebuyer.com

Honeywell launches new infrared gas sensor

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Honeywell has unveiled a new gas sensor for industries such as mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and plastics manufacturing. The 4-Series NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor can be used to detect flammable gases, such as methane, propane and butane, in industrial settings. Detection of flammable industrial gases It uses optical non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology and is designed to integrate into fixed and portable gas detectors carried by workers. The sensor has an integrated condensation reduction system, allowing it to clear excess moisture and maintain performance in humid environments and confined spaces like refineries. Carmen Becker, President of Honeywell Sensing Solutions, said: “In gas detection, the accuracy, precision and reliability of the sensing solution are crucial for worker safety. “Our new flammable gas sensor is an example of how Honeywell is using extensive domain expertise and introducing innovative technology to strengthen operational safety in industries critical to global infrastructure.” Resistance and lifespan Unlike traditional pellistor or catalytic bead sensors that can degrade or become “poisoned” in harsh environments, the NDIR sensor has high poisoning resistance, limiting the risk of sensor failure and reducing instances of false positives. With infrared technology, the NDIR sensor is also able to consume less power than traditional flammable gas sensors, extending the operational lifespan and prolonging a portable gas detector’s battery.

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BSI new standard on fire doors - firebuyer.com

BSI release new standard on fire doors

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BSI have released a revision on its standards for fire resistant and smoke control doors. BS 8214:2026 covers fire doors made of different materials including timber, steel, glazed metal, and composite designs. Expanded scope beyond timber fire doors Its predecessor, BS 8214:2016, only covered timber doors. The new guidance covers “fire doors as a coordinated complete system however they are supplied to site, whether this is as door assemblies, doorsets or door kits.” It also provides recommendations that “addresses the lack of a code of practice for metal and composite fire doors, providing new guidance for installation, maintenance and manufacture” and “improved guidance on sealing the interface between fire door frames and the surrounding structure” which includes information about proper smoke control. Alignment with regulation and industry feedback In publishing the code of practice, the BSI said BS 8214:2026 “responds to feedback from industry associations, certification bodies, and regulatory authorities,” ensuring the guidance is aligned with modern practice and regulatory requirements.” BS 8214:2026 “aligns with current UK regulatory requirements, including UKCA and CE marking, and reflects duties introduced through the Building Safety Act, the Fire Safety Act, and associated legislation.”

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C-TEC FastConvert - Firebuyer.com

C-TEC launches FastConvert addressable zone converter

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C-TEC has launched a new addressable zone converter. FastConvert from C-TEC is a four to eight-way conventional to addressable zone converter. Designed to simplify fire alarm system retrofit The system is designed to facilitate the fast conversion and upgrade of a multi-zone conventional fire system to an addressable CAST system utilising pre-existing wiring. It is fully compatible with C-TEC’s XFP and ZFP CAST fire systems and its award-winning CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm devices. Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director, said: “FastConvert is a clever innovation designed with the installer in mind. As fire detection and alarm technology has improved, more and more sites are looking to upgrade their old conventional systems to addressable, not just because the conventional devices are reaching end of life, but also because an addressable system can identify the precise location of a fire or fault, facilitate sophisticated cause and effects and reduce false alarms. ” “We are definitely seeing this in schools, care homes and hotels where FastConvert is coming into its own as an ingenious retrofit upgrade solution which can utilise a conventional system’s existing zone wiring whilst maintaining compliance with BS 5839-1.” Webinar to demonstrate upgrade solutions C-TEC will be hosting a webinar on FastConvert’s features on Thursday, April 23 entitled “Need to upgrade your fire detection and alarm systems? We can save you thousands!”. Sign up for your free place here

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Crash at LaGuardia Airport kills two - Firebuyer.com

Two killed as plane crashes into fire truck

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A pilot and copilot have been killed in a collision between a plane and a fire truck. The incident happened at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Sunday, March 22 at 11:40pm local time. Air Canada Express Flight Collides with Fire Vehicle The Air Canada Express flight from Montreal struck the vehicle whilst it was landing at the airport, injuring 41 people, 9 of whom are thought to have serious injuries. The fire truck was driving towards a seperate incident when the incident happened. According to the Port Authority, the fire truck was crossing the runway and was travelling towards another plane which reported an issue with odour. Airport Closure and Emergency Response Following the crash, the airport was closed for several hours. One of the pilots has since been identified as Antoine Forest, 30. Audio from the air traffic control tower reveals a staff member saying, “Truck One, stop, stop, stop!” in the seconds before the crash. In a news conference given following the crash, the Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani said he was “grateful for work of dedicated first responders” who arrived on the scene in minutes. LaGuardia is New York’s third busiest airport and had 33.5 million passengers in 2024.

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Wang Fuk Court Hong Kong - Firebuyer.com

“Systemic failures” caused Hong Kong apartment fire

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The public inquiry into a fire which ripped through a Hong Kong apartment complex killing 168 people has begun. The first day of public hearings on the incident which happened in November last year revealed a series of “unacceptable systemic failings that cannot be overlooked”. Fire Safety Systems and Human Failures Under Scrutiny The blaze took over Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po District and burned for over 43 hours. 78 people were injured and one firefighter was killed. The incident was the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980. The inquiry heard that almost all life-saving fire protection measures had failed. The fire – which engulfed seven out of the eight residential towers – most likely begun as a result of a discarded cigarette which ignited flammable materials inside a lightwell. Cause of the Wang Fuk Court Fire Senior Counsel Victor Dawes said: “On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors.” “We are unable to clearly point out which [government] department has ever taken responsibility for the matter.” Mr Dawes said workers smoking, fire alarms being deactivated, fire hoses turned off, removal of fireproof windows from stairwells, polyfoam boards used to block windows, non-fire-retardant scaffolding all combined to create a catastrophic environment. Ongoing Investigation and Criminal Proceedings The investigation will be led by a judge and an independent committee. They will assess whether fire safety standards were inadequate, if construction practices contributed to the fire and if there were failures from government officers or contractors. A criminal investigation is ongoing after police arrested 38 people on suspicion of manslaughter and fraud.

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Car parts factory fire in South Korea - Firebuyer.com

Fire at car parts factory fire kills 14 people

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A fire at a car parts factory in South Korea has killed 14 people. The blaze started on Friday, March 20 and was not extinguished until the next day. Almost 60 people were injured. Rapid Fire Spread Local fire chief, Nam Deuk-woo said the fire spread so rapidly, by the time the emergency services arrived, workers were seen to be jumping from three-storey windows. More than 500 firefighters, police and emergency services personnel were deployed to the scene. They also used firefighting robots. Significant Firefighting Risk There was a delay in accessing the building because fears it would collapse. Sodium stored inside the building had to be removed before water could be sprayed on the building. This is because sodium can explode when mixed with water. The factory made engine valves and was a supplier for Hyundai and Kia. The cause of the blaze is still being investigated.

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Kidde Commercial launches EXCELLENCE SmartCell Gateway - Firebuyer.com

Kidde Commercial launches EXCELLENCE SmartCell Gateway

News Desk, Product News /

Kidde Commercial has launched a new addition to its range of fire detection systems. The EXCELLENCE SmartCell Gateway is a wireless system which can fully integrate with an addressable panel protocol. Integrating wireless devices with addressable panels As part of the EXCELLENCE fire detection ecosystem, it is purpose built to connect SmartCell wireless devices with the wired Kidde Commercial addressable system. This fully integrated solution allows for hybrid installations, combining both wired and wireless components, which the company says offers flexibility, performance and scalability. Each gateway is loop-powered, offers integrated short circuit isolation, and supports up to 32 SmartCell wireless devices. With up to four gateways per loop, large-scale hybrid systems with minimal cabling and maximum design flexibility are achievable. Key features of the EXCELLENCE SmartCell Gateway A full list of capabilities can be seen below: Loop-powered Integrated short circuit loop isolator for enhanced fault tolerance and system stability Supports up to four gateways per loop, totaling up to 128 SmartCell devices per loop Combines wired and wireless devices within one system Compatible with Kidde Commercial Addressable Panels running the Excellence Protocol Enables staged expansion across sites, zones, or floors, without impacting legacy wiring 1400m line-of-sight wireless range Secure, reliable communication to all SmartCell wireless devices EN54-13, EN54-17, EN54-18 and EN54-25 certified for full compliance in all fire safety applications System specifiers, designers and installers can benefit from full compatibility with the SmartCell wireless device range, ensuring unified monitoring, control and configuration across both wired and wireless device types. It supports adaptive fire safety strategies, enabling quick reconfiguration and expansion if the site’s layout or purpose changes.

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Perimeter Solutions firefighting foam - Firebuyer.com

First Newtonian Fluorine-Free Foam Earns FM Approval

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A firefighting foam has become the first of its kind to secure Factory Mutual (FM) approval. The SOLBERG EVOLUTION 3% Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF) from Perimeter Solutions is a Newtonian formulation designed for ARFF and sprinkler applications. First fluorine-free foam approved for both DoD and FM standards It is the first fluorine-free foam on the Department of Defense’s Qualified Products List to also hold FM approval for use in fixed sprinkler systems. The fluorine-free technology is suitable for aircraft hangars, fuel storage facilities, and other fixed fire protection systems. Meeting evolving fire safety and environmental requirements Zachary Brackin, Manager of Business Development and Southern Region Sales Manager at Perimeter Solutions, said: “Aviation fire protection is evolving, and so is the chemistry behind it. “This advanced formulation delivers effective fire suppression that meets the strict performance and compliance standards set by FM, UL, ICAO, FAA and the US Department of Defense, helping customers transition to fluorine-free foam that is compatible with their existing fire protection infrastructure.” James Perriss, Director of Product Management, Global Suppressants at Perimeter Solutions, said: “SOLBERG Evolution builds on the success of SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF, the first fluorine-free concentrate to be included on the Department of Defense’s Qualified Products List (QPL). “This formulation expands the range of approved applications, including use with standard sprinkler systems, providing another example of how SOLBERG is advancing fire suppression technology while supporting customers with environmentally responsible, high-performance solutions.”

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