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Fortis acquires LaMarco - Firebuyer.com

Fortis Fire & Safety acquires LaMarco Systems

Fire and safety service provider Fortis Fire & Safety Inc has acquired LaMarco Systems Inc. Fortis said the move marked its strategic entry into the Midwest market and enhanced its capabilities in mission-critical life safety technologies. Strengthening life safety and security system capabilities LaMarco, based in Chicago, delivers fire alarm, access control, video surveillance, and smart building systems. Together, Fortis and LaMarco will offer an expanded suite of services spanning traditional life safety systems, advanced security platforms and emerging smart building technologies. Gyner Ozgul, Chief Executive Officer of Fortis, said: “We are proud to welcome the LaMarco team into the Fortis family. LaMarco has built a strong technical bench and a reputation for delivering real value to their customers. “As we grow, it’s important that companies like LaMarco continue to preserve the local culture and relationships that define their success. “That connection to their teams and customers is what made them great, and it’s what will allow us to serve new markets with the same level of trust and accountability.” Partnership supports long-term growth and service expansion Marat Sedenkov, Founder and President of LaMarco, said: “Choosing Fortis was a clear decision for our team because of their shared commitment to people, culture, and long-term growth. “This partnership allows us to expand our capabilities while continuing to serve our customers with the same dedication and responsiveness they expect.”

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Three Fire and Rescue Services in England have implemented Motorola Solutions technology, helping mutual aid efforts in the region - Firebuyer.com

Motorola Solutions helps mutual aid efforts across three UK counties

Three Fire and Rescue Services in England have implemented Motorola Solutions’ Command Centre Technology, helping mutual aid efforts in the region. Norfolk, Suffolk and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services cover over 100 stations and protect 2.5 million people. Improving emergency response Motorola‘s cloud-based Guardian Hub control room ensures joint management of emergency call handling, crew dispatch and incident coordination in mutual aid scenarios. The technology enables the three Fire and Rescue Services to jointly manage 999 calls, dispatch crews and track incidents. The system is designed to support independent agency operations for daily response, while enabling collaboration between agencies across the lifecycle of an incident at a moment’s notice. The platform also removes the need for each service to maintain separate IT systems, helping cut costs and easing pressure on call handlers during busy periods. Impact already demonstrated Darren Cook, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:  “Emergencies aren’t restricted by borders, and our responses shouldn’t be either. “Working closely with Norfolk and Suffolk is already leading to more efficient and effective responses, and the chance to share knowledge on how we’re using this new technology has been incredibly valuable. “Within hours of the hub going live, we saw the benefits, as Suffolk FRS operators took calls and managed dispatch for Hertfordshire FRS during a large structure fire incident.” Scalable technology to support growing service demands Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “During extreme weather events and major fires, it’s crucial that we can share call handling and frontline resources with neighbouring FRSs. “The system gives us visibility into our partners’ ongoing incidents to mobilise our own crews faster and respond more effectively. Ultimately, we can provide a better service for our community, when and where they need it.” David Shorland, UK and Ireland Sales Director at Motorola Solutions, said: “Fire and rescue services are there for their communities, but the pressure they face continues to grow. “Guardian Hub gives services a better way to connect, coordinate and respond. With agencies increasingly required to do more with less, we’re providing a resilient, scalable model to help serve and protect communities.”

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No Fuel. No Fire. campaign - Firebuyer.com

Campaign launches to reduce wildfire risk

An American non-profit has launched a campaign to reduce wildfire losses. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) says WildfireStrong – No Fuel. No Fire will educate consumers on fire management. FLASH aims to strengthen homes and safeguard families from disasters and its latest campaign is rooted in the fire triangle. Understanding the fire triangle and homeowner responsibility It says fuel is the only element of the triangle – the other two being oxygen and heat – that homeowners and communities can control. FLASH is urging homeowners in areas which are at risk of wildfires to begin removing anything which may fuel a wildfire this spring. These include debris and dead vegetation including leaves and needles around homes and from gutters. It also says creating a five foot ember-resistant zone and properly disposing garden waste will also help remove the amount of available fuel needed for a wildfire to spread. Spring cleaning and wildfire mitigation Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH President and CEO, said: “Wildfire mitigation is spring cleaning your yard with a purpose. “By removing dead vegetation, clearing debris and creating an ignition-free zone around homes in spring, people can reduce wildfire risk before the summer fire season begins.” The campaign is sponsored by State Farm and also highlights the threat of wind-driven embers. Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Exec-Corporate Responsibility, said: “At State Farm, part of our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life. One way we do this is through our commitment to help build safer, stronger, better educated communities. “We are proud to support the No Fuel. No Fire. campaign and its resources aimed at mitigating wildfire risks to homes.”

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Fire at Glasgow Central railway station - Firebuyer.com

Vape Industry Seeks Collaboration After Glasgow Central Blaze

The head of a trade industry representing reailers of vapes has said he wants to work with fire authorities. Whilst the cause of the fire which shut down Scotland’s busiest railway station, Glasgow Central, last week is still being investigated, the blaze is thought to have begun in a neighbouring vape shop.  Rail Disruption Continues After Glasgow Station Blaze Rail disruption continues following the fire which happened on Sunday, March 8. Some timetables have been amended. Director General of The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), John Dunne, has written to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The letter has also been sent to Fire and Rescue Services across the UK and the Fire Standards Board. Vape Retailers Reminded of Battery and Fire Safety Measures In the letter, Mr Dunne said his trade association wanted to work with the relevant authorities to identify any lessons arising from the incident to ensure lessons could be learned and to ensure nothing like it happened again. He also said retailers had already sent circulars to their stores immediately following the fire to reiterate fire and battery safety measures. Proposal for Vape Licensing Scheme The letter reads: “While we await the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the fire, we would very much welcome the opportunity to engage with the National Fire Chiefs Council to ensure that, in the meantime, we are doing everything possible to advise our retail members on any immediate steps they should take to confirm that appropriate safety measures are in place in their premises. “Once the cause is known, we would also welcome the opportunity to work closely with you and the relevant authorities to identify any lessons arising from the Glasgow incident that can be learnt to ensure that such an event does not happen again. “We are also working with the British government on the introduction of a mandatory retail licensing scheme, proposed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is currently before Parliament. “This goes beyond the Scottish registration scheme and we believe it could provide an effective mechanism for supporting robust compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK in the future.”

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Sentry Fire Safety Group report on fire doors - Firebuyer.com

Report uncovers gaps in social housing fire door compliance

A report into fire doors in social housing has found significant shortfalls in inspection rates. Sentry Fire Safety Group used Freedom of Information requests to local authorities in England gather data on the inspection of entrance doors and communal fire doors. Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 implementation questioned The report, A Burning Issue: The Reality of Fire Door Safety in Social Housing, found shortcomings in the implementation of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. According to the report, 46% of flat entrance doors and 89% of communal fire doors have been inspected at least once since January 2023. However, the research shows a significant number of doors do not meet the FD30 standard, the minimum requirement for 30-minute fire resistance under Building Regulations. The findings from the report show that 63% of entrance doors and 67% of communal doors inspected did not meet this threshold. Additionally, 63% of non-compliant doors remain awaiting repair or replacement, while 51% of responding local authorities do not currently have a formal remediation plan in place. Industry leaders call for stronger action on fire door compliance Jon Gatfield, Executive Chair of Sentry Fire Safety Group, said: “It has been three years since the Fire Safety (England) Regulations came into force and our research shows that implementation has not progressed at the pace required to protect residents. “Without intervention, non-compliance will persist. We are not here to apportion blame. “Our goal in publishing this research is simple: to support measurable risk reduction, drive stronger accountability and strengthen protection for residents. “We believe there’s a need for a co-ordinated and cross-sector response to ensure safety obligations are delivered in practice, not just in principle.” Bob Blackman MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fire Safety and Rescue, said: “Fire safety failures are preventable. We must address the structural weaknesses, from funding to greater transparency, before further risk accumulates so that we can ensure every resident is protected by standards that are actually enforced. “Addressing these issues is critical to safeguarding vulnerable tenants and ensuring that homes are genuinely safe from fire. “With collective action, we have a chance to turn regulation into reality.”

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Mark Bridges, Mark Haynes, Ian Teader from Ranger and MarkOne - Firebuyer.com

Ranger Fire & Security acquires MarkOne Safety Solutions

Ranger Fire & Security has acquired a fire safety solutions company. Ranger’s portfolio will extend to include West Midlands-based company MarkOne Safety Solutions. MarkOne Safety Solutions strengthens Ranger presence in the Midlands The company specialises in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire safety and emergency lighting systems. It provides services which includes the entire lifecycle of fire safety systems, from initial system design and full installation to specialist commissioning and ongoing service and maintenance, ensuring systems always perform to the highest standards. Ranger CEO highlights strategic acquisition Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire & Security, said: “MarkOne is an excellent addition to the Ranger Group, significantly strengthening our presence in the West Midlands. “The team brings deep technical expertise across the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire safety systems, making the company a natural fit as we continue building a single, national platform to meet all fire and security needs. “Following our earlier acquisition of Ignis Fire Protection, MarkOne further enhances our regional footprint in the Midlands and allows us to provide customers with an even broader range of high-quality fire safety services.” MarkOne Safety Solutions looks ahead to growth Mark Haynes, Managing Director of MarkOne Safety Solutions, said: “Joining Ranger represents an exciting new chapter for MarkOne. “Since the business was founded, our focus has been on delivering high-quality fire safety systems for our customers, from design and supply through to installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. “Becoming part of the Ranger Group allows us to build on that foundation and take the company to the next level. With the additional support, expertise and network that Ranger provides, we will be able to continue delivering the high standards that our customers have come to expect, while expanding the reach of our services across the region.”

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Jayne Bryant, ecretary for Housing and Local Government, Welsh Parliament - Firebuyer.com

Welsh Parliament passes building safety bill

The Welsh Parliament has passed a major piece of legislation which will change the way fire safety in buildings is managed. The Building Safety (Wales) Bill was passed on Tuesday, March 10 and is one of the largest pieces of legislation ever considered by the Senedd. New building safety regime The Bill establishes a building safety regime for shared buildings across Wales, regardless of height or tenure. This legislation was inspired by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower. There are three core principles of the Bill. The first is the requirement for fire risk assessments to be carried out by competent persons. Criminal penalties will apply to those who do not comply. The Bill also establishes clear legal responsibilities for those who manage buildings, ending any confusion about who is answerable for building safety risks. It also champions residents’ voice, empowering them with clear routes of redress. Landmark moment for building safety Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “Today marks a landmark moment for building safety in Wales. “This legislation delivers a new building safety regime for residents across Wales, regardless of building type, height or tenure — going further than anything that exists elsewhere in the UK. “None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of so many partners. “I want to pay particular tribute to the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and the many residents and leaseholders who shared their lived experience with us — their voices have shaped this legislation and will continue to matter as we implement it. “By passing this Bill today, we have taken a huge step forward in ensuring that the people of Wales are safe in their homes.” On the same day, the Welsh Government also published a report on progress being made to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

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Automist System saves Norwich home - Firebuyer.com

Home saved by Automist fire suppression system

An Automist fire suppression system successfully put out a blaze in a house. The system prevented a property in Norwich and neighbouring houses from being seriously damaged. Candle left burning triggered house fire The fire suppression system from Plumis kicked in after residents left a candle burning before going out for the day. The candle ignited nearby furnishings and began to spread. The Automist system detected the fire in under two minutes and suppressed the flames. The fire caused only minor smoke and water damage. Fire damage limited Phil Bueno, Director at Intelligent Mist, who are an authorised Automist installer who fitted the system in 2020, said: “This was a true save. The fire brigade told the residents that not only had Automist saved their home, but also it had likely prevented the fire spreading to neighbouring properties. “The homeowners had also kept up regular servicing which ensured the system worked exactly as intended when it was needed most.” William Makant, CEO of Plumis, added: “This incident demonstrates the critical role Automist can play in keeping people and property safe. “By detecting and suppressing a fire even when residents were not at home, Automist provided active fire protection when it was most needed. “We are proud to work with our network of authorised installers to deliver safer outcomes for households across the UK.”

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International Fire Buyer Announces IWMA Partnership

International Fire Buyer Magazine is delighted to announce its official partnership with the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) for the upcoming Fire Buyer Awards. The IWMA will oversee the Fire Suppression category for the virtual awards programme, which is dedicated to recognising, upholding, and celebrating the achievements of those at the cutting edge of the global fire industry. This partnership comes at a fitting time, with the International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) taking place next week in Manchester, UK. The IWMA is the world’s leading association focused exclusively on water mist firefighting and related technologies. Its involvement not only strengthens the credibility of the Fire Buyer Awards but also underlines the technical integrity and sector-wide relevance of the categories. The IWMA’s role extends beyond an awards partnership. Dirk Sprakel, Vice Chairman of the IWMA and Chairman of the Board at FOGTEC Fire Protection, will also serve as a member of the official judging panel for this year’s event. Entries for the Fire Buyer Judges’ Awards are now open and free to submit: https://staging.firebuyer.com/fire-buyer-international-awards To register for the virtual awards event, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/events

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Picture of Linesense logo - Photo by Linesense - Fire Buyer

Ian Jacob of Linesense Announces Retirement

Ian Jacob, Product Marketing Manager at Linesense Fire Detection, has confirmed his retirement after nine years with the company. Ian joined Linesense at its inception, bringing with him extensive experience in linear heat detection (LHD) systems and a deep understanding of the fire detection industry. During his tenure, he played a key role in promoting Linesense’s digital LHD cable solutions—designed to provide continuous, uninterrupted heat detection across a range of critical infrastructure applications, including tunnels, conveyor systems, floating roof tanks, buses, and power stations. Linesense Fire Detection is a UK-based specialist in LHD technology, offering a comprehensive portfolio of heat-detection cables, interface units, and associated components. Founded to meet growing demand for reliable continuity-of-supply solutions, Linesense has supplied over 10 million metres of cable globally, serving sectors from power generation and waste recycling to road infrastructure and data centres. Under Ian’s stewardship, Linesense secured significant contracts, including the installation of 24,000 metres of LHD cable at Taiwan’s Taichung Power Plant—one of the world’s largest coal-fired facilities—where detection reliability in dusty, high-risk environments is critical. As he steps back from his role, his contributions have helped position Linesense as a trusted global provider of precision heat-detection technology. We wish Ian all the best in his well-earned retirement.

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