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Crowcon Unveils IQ Gas Detector Range

Crowcon has launched its new IQ range of connected portable gas detectors, designed to deliver smarter, simpler, and more reliable protection for workers across sectors from oil and gas to renewables, chemicals, and utilities. The IQ range forms a complete ecosystem, spanning from compact single-gas wearables to rugged multi-gas area monitors, all linked by real-time cloud connectivity. Crowcon says this modular approach makes it easy for safety managers to adapt devices to changing site risks while removing the servicing delays that often undermine compliance. Built with downward-facing sensors to cut false alarms from dust or exhaled carbon dioxide, each device features swappable, pre-calibrated sensor trays that can be replaced in minutes. That means detectors stay in the field rather than being taken out of service for maintenance. Long-life batteries add to the appeal, with wearables running for up to six months on a single charge – more than twice the industry norm. Crowcon also places a strong focus on compliance. With IQHub, bump tests can be carried out in less than 10 seconds, while a full calibration takes just half a minute. The companion platform, Crowcon Connect, offers managers live visibility of alarms, activity, and fleet compliance from any location, ensuring detectors are ready when they are needed most. Michael Vaux, Commercial Director at Crowcon, said: “The IQ range is a real game-changer, a genuine step forward in portable gas detection. We’ve packed it with everything safety teams need: industry-leading battery life, modular and serviceable sensor tech, and seamless connectivity. It’s all about protecting people without adding cost or hassle.” He added: “No other detector on the market combines this level of flexibility and performance, scaling effortlessly from single-worker protection to full site-wide monitoring. It’s built to be a true on-site companion, not just another bit of kit. “Safety should be simple, reliable, and future-proof. That’s been our mission from the start, to make advanced safety accessible to everyone, from small contractors to global operators.” By addressing maintenance delays, compliance pressures, and the demand for longer run-times, the IQ range sets out to reshape how safety teams manage gas detection – offering protection that is both dependable and practical in the toughest environments.

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NFPA & MODON Partner to Advance Fire Safety in Saudi Arabia

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MODON, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones. Through this collaboration, the two parties have committed to promoting and elevating fire safety standards in industrial facilities across the Kingdom, with a focus on training, education, knowledge-exchange, and research. The MoU was signed at Intersec Saudi 2025 in Riyadh by Eng. Ali Al-Oliwah, Director of the Safety and Security Department, MODON and Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA. Under this agreement, MODON and NFPA will work together to strengthen institutional capabilities and establish a transformative framework to enhance fire safety across industrial facilities. By promoting a culture of fire safety education, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and advancing innovative research, the two organisations will leverage the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ to build a safer future. As part of these efforts, both parties will share related research on fire safety in industrial cities; organise fire and life safety awareness conferences, training, and certification programs for MODON’s associates and other stakeholders; and promote awareness of NFPA codes and standards, as well as general fire safety knowledge among the public. In doing so, the two parties aim to enhance fire prevention guidelines for industrial facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “We are honoured to join with MODON in elevating safety standards within industrial zones,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA. “This collaboration will be instrumental in developing comprehensive fire prevention guidelines, conducting thorough incident investigations, and providing expert training to MODON’s workforce. By sharing NFPA standards, we aim to significantly reduce risks within industrial facilities of the Kingdom.” Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in enhancing fire safety across Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors. By combining expertise, resources, and innovative solutions, both organisations aim to create a more resilient and safer industrial landscape, setting new benchmarks for fire prevention, safety protocols, and response strategies, ultimately contributing to the Kingdom’s broader safety goals and sustainable development.

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IWMA Members Elect New Board and Council Leaders

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced the election of two key figures to its leadership during the association’s recent annual member meeting. Antti Hurme, Director at Marioff, has been elected as a new member of the IWMA Board of Directors. Reflecting on his appointment, Antti said: “I am honoured to have been elected to the Board of Directors of the IWMA. I look forward to contributing to raising awareness of water mist technology as a sustainable, reliable and effective fire protection solution. “Together with my fellow board members, I am committed to supporting the association’s mission and promoting best practices across the industry.” He takes over from Markku Vuorisalo, who is soon to retire. Professor Kemal Sarp Arsava of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology was also elected, becoming the new Chair of the IWMA Scientific Council. He expressed his gratitude, stating: “I would like to thank all IWMA members for their support and for giving me the opportunity to serve as the new Chair of the Scientific Council. “As the council, we will continue to address the challenges related to water mist suppression systems in a scientific, objective, and unbiased manner. “We are enthusiastic to develop educational resources for both aspiring and practising Fire Protection Engineers, while actively engaging in joint industry research projects on water mist suppression systems.” Both appointments signal IWMA’s ongoing commitment to advancing water mist technology and fostering collaboration between industry experts, researchers and engineers worldwide.

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Kentec supports Martyn’s Law compliance for public venues

Kentec has announced its Wireless Lockdown Notification System, developed to help public venues, complies with newly introduced Martyn’s Law legislation in the UK. Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The legislation is intended to strengthen the safety of public spaces in response to terrorism threats. It requires more than 180,000 UK venues to assess capacity and implement proportionate risk assessments, security plans, and clear procedures for responding to terrorist incidents, including evacuation and lockdown. The bill received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, with compliance required by April 2027. Enforcement will sit with a new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority, and failure to comply could result in fines of up to £18 million or, in serious cases, criminal prosecution. Lockdown Communication Kentec’s Wireless Lockdown Notification System has been designed to provide a fast, reliable, and straightforward approach to lockdown communication. Drawing on the company’s long standing experience in fire safety systems, the solution applies proven life safety technology to wider security and emergency response, enabling venues to act quickly, remain compliant, and protect occupants during an immediate threat. The system is suitable for a broad range of environments including schools, theatres, libraries, and corporate buildings. It enables rapid activation of spoken lockdown messages across a site using simple controls, ensuring clear and intelligible instructions even in high pressure situations. Only one message is broadcast at a time, reducing confusion and supporting decisive action. High sound output ensures announcements can be heard in large or noisy spaces, while visual indication panels provide clear system status and fault information. Network Resilience A self-healing wireless mesh network maintains communication by automatically selecting the strongest signal path, and long-life batteries help reduce ongoing maintenance. Installation is designed to be minimally disruptive, with off-site configuration and limited cabling requirements supporting fast deployment. Derrick Hall, Director of Sales & Marketing, said: “At Kentec, public safety is at the heart of everything we do. With Martyn’s Law set to reshape how venues approach security, our Wireless Lockdown Notification System allows organisations to implement effective, immediate protective measures without compromising operational efficiency or visitor experience. “It integrates seamlessly with existing fire alarm, access control, and security systems, providing a comprehensive safety solution that prioritises speed, simplicity and intelligibility. By enabling venues to enact instant, fully audible and easy-to-follow lockdown procedures, Kentec is helping organisations mitigate risks while providing reassurance to employees and visitors alike.” For more information, contact marketingmail@kentec.co.uk

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Everest Fire and Rescue get training on how to use Fire Cloak.

Fire Cloak trains Everest Fire and Rescue

Fire safety professionals from the UK travelled to Nepal to train fire fighters serving the foothills of highest mountain in the world. The team from Sheffield-based Fire Cloak provided the Everest Fire and Rescue team with electric vehicle (EV) fire containment equipment and hands-on training to support the organisation’s frontline response capabilities Electric vehicle fires A team of volunteers operate the fire service in Kathmandu, Nepal. During the training, they learned how to manage EV fires, lithium-ion battery thermal-runaway risks, electrical fire hazards and effective suppression techniques. Matt Butcher, sales and marketing manager at Fire Cloak, said: “Everest Fire and Rescue are supported by Scottish Fire and Rescue, and we were proud to work with the team there on this project. “A team of volunteers from the UK recently visited Kathmandu to help train members of the Everest Fire team. Part of that training involved expert insight into handling EV fires, with a strong focus on lithium-ion battery hazards, suppression techniques, and electrical fire risk mitigation.” Milestone Mr Butcher added: “The Everest Fire team works in and around the foothills of the Himalayas, particularly Mount Everest, making this a very exciting milestone for Fire Cloak. “Not only are we supporting enhanced EV fire safety for the people of Nepal, but potentially for climbers and visitors in the region as well. We can now genuinely say that Fire Cloak is ‘on top of the world’ in more ways than one.”

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Pierce Manufacturing Appoints New President

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business, has appointed Marty Bass as President of Pierce Manufacturing. His responsibilities include oversight of Pierce Manufacturing, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh Airport Products (ARFF) and Frontline Communications within Oshkosh Corporation’s Vocational segment. Bass brings more than two decades of leadership experience and strategic expertise in highly engineered, global manufacturing businesses, with a strong background in operations, quality systems and complex supply-chains. Global Team Leader He joins Pierce following a 19-year career at Brunswick Corporation, where he most recently served as President, Americas Market Operations for the Navico Group. During his tenure, Bass held roles of increasing responsibility, including President of Mercury Marine’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region and Vice President of Global Category Management and Strategy at Mercury Marine. In these roles, he led large global teams and supported sustained business growth through transformational initiatives and disciplined operational execution. “Marty is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to deliver quality, efficiency and long-term growth to meet the critical needs of our customers,” said Mike Pack, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and President, Vocational. “As Pierce continues to make significant investments in people and across operations, Marty’s experience leading advanced manufacturing organisations will be instrumental in helping us remain focused on what matters most: delivering safe, reliable, quality fire apparatus while being thoughtful stewards of our customers’ resources.” Industry Challenges Bass joins Pierce as president at a time when fire departments across North America are navigating increased budget pressures, industry-wide extended lead times and rising operational demands. Pierce has remained focused on addressing these challenges through more than $150 million in disciplined capital investment and capacity expansions, process improvements and workforce development aimed at strengthening quality and improving production flow in order to continue to reduce delivery timelines. “I’m honoured to join Pierce Manufacturing and build upon the legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and customer commitment which defines this organisation,” said Bass. “Fire departments and their communities rely on Pierce apparatus to perform in the most critical moments, and that responsibility guides every decision we make. My focus will be on supporting our teams, reinforcing quality and operational discipline, and ensuring we continue to earn the trust of our customers and the fire service community.” Navy Nuclear Engineering Prior to his corporate career, Bass served as an officer and engineer in the United States Navy within the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. He holds dual master’s degrees in business administration and engineering management from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With Bass’s appointment, Pierce Manufacturing reinforces its commitment to strong leadership, operational and innovational excellence, and continued partnership with fire departments across the country. For more information about Pierce Manufacturing and its innovative fire apparatus and operations, visit www.piercemfg.com  

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Shaping Tomorrow’s Fire Professionals

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is championing National Apprenticeship Week, raising awareness of the diverse opportunities in the sector to open doors for aspiring fire professionals to start their journey. Throughout the week, the IFE will spotlight apprentices from across the sector to share their experiences and how IFE Student membership has supported their development. Each day will focus on a different IFE resource, from CPD and events to networking opportunities and a clear, supportive pathway to professional registration. By equipping and empowering individuals at every stage of their career, we are building a stronger profession and shaping a shared vision of a safer world. Advancing Industry and Building Impact Developing future talent is key to advancing fire engineering. This year marks the third year the IFE has celebrated apprenticeships and the amazing impact they can have for everyone. Ellie Leadon, IFE Student member and a Design Engineer at BB7, said: “An apprenticeship offers the best of both worlds – the chance to gain practical experience while continuing my studies and earning throughout the programme. “The combination of working on live projects, learning directly from experienced peers, developing both technical and personal skills, and gaining direct insight into the fire engineering industry made an apprenticeship the ideal route for me to gain experience and prepare for a long-term career.” IFE CEO, Steve Hamm commented: “The IFE is proud to take part in this annual campaign and celebrate up and coming talent. As a professional body, it is paramount that we advocate for diversity and support individuals in their professional development. The modern apprenticeship pathway not only ensures a more dynamic and inclusive workforce but actively encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the fire sector.” Celebrating Talent As well as supporting the National Apprenticeship Week campaign, the IFE has announced the return of its Graduate Lecture event; a day celebrating the next generation of fire engineering talent. Held on 13th May at Edinburgh University, the day will showcase the latest research from graduates and provide ample networking opportunities for students to meet with employers from across the sector. This year also sees the continuation of the Elevate webinar series, a free resource dedicated to educating early career professionals on an array of topics from across the sector. Further information on both events is available at www.ife.org.uk/events. To learn more, follow the IFE’s National Apprenticeship Week campaign on LinkedIn which takes place t from 9-15th February 2026.

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NFPA Announces Appointments to Standards Council

The National Fire Protection Association NFPA Board of Directors has announced one new appointment and five re appointments to the NFPA Standards Council. Alan Manche, vice president of external affairs at Schneider Electric, has been appointed to the Council for an initial three year term. In addition, Anthony Apfelbeck, Dwayne Sloan and Victoria Valentine have each been re-appointed for a second three year term. Michael Crowley’s appointment has been extended for a further two years, while James Quiter has been re-appointed as chair for a second three year term. Industry Experience Manche brings more than 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, spanning product design, testing, certification and industry standards development across a wide range of electrical products and systems. In his current role at Schneider Electric, he is responsible for company strategy and participation in trade and industry associations, standards organisations and conformity assessment activities. He has also worked closely with the enforcement and electrical inspection community. He currently serves on multiple NFPA committees, including NFPA 70 National Electrical Code Code Making Panels and the Correlating Committee, NFPA 110 and 111 Emergency Power Systems, and NFPA 70B Electrical Equipment Maintenance, where he previously served as chair. Manche holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and is a licensed professional engineer in Kentucky. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Miami University. Oversight and Standards The NFPA Standards Council is appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors and is made up of 13 members. Its responsibilities include oversight of NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with NFPA regulations and acting as the appeals body on matters relating to standards development.

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Pierce Expands Florida Operations to Boost Production

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business, has announced a further phase of strategic facility enhancements at its Bradenton, Florida site, as part of a wider investment programme aimed at increasing production capacity and improving operational efficiency. The expansion builds on recently announced investments at the company’s Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus. In total, Pierce is investing approximately 150 million US dollars across its facilities, with around 70 million US dollars committed to date. The manufacturer has also added 800 new jobs in the United States and continues to recruit. Increasing Output and Workflow The Bradenton programme is focused on improving quality, production flow, safety and ergonomics for employees, while increasing output to meet growing demand for custom fire apparatus. A central element of the initiative is the addition of a 185,000 square foot facility near the existing Florida campus. The building forms part of more than 500,000 square feet of new space previously announced to support higher fire apparatus production volumes. It will provide expanded material storage and kitting capacity, improved production flow and enhanced training facilities. Together with associated process improvements, the site is expected to be operational by mid 2026. Pierce is also investing in expanded paint operations at Bradenton to increase capacity and improve production consistency. The project includes additional booth space and upgraded material handling systems designed to streamline workflows and support continued growth. Critical Role “Our growing team in Bradenton plays a critical role in delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect,” said Marty Bass, President, Pierce Manufacturing. “Over the past several years, Pierce has significantly expanded its Florida workforce and production capability. These investments reflect our continued focus on building high-quality apparatus, supporting our team members, strengthening our operations and positioning Pierce to meet customer demand well into the future.” Further site infrastructure improvements are under way at the Bradenton campus, including expanded parking, improved traffic flow and enhanced security measures, aimed at supporting a safe and efficient environment for employees and visitors. For more information, visit www.piercemfg.com

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Ci Global Establishes Official Presence in the UAE

Ci Global, the British fire and building-safety company behind the prevention-first Ci Safe system, has officially established a local presence, enabling deployment of its patented, multi-award-winning electrical fire-prevention technology across the country. The move follows recent regulatory approvals and represents a key milestone in Ci Global’s Middle East expansion, allowing the company to work directly with regional partners, authorities, developers, and building operators to address electrical fire risk at source. Safety Critical Innovation Ci Global was founded by British inventor Anthony D. Parfitt, a safety-systems innovator with decades of experience developing Home Office-approved, safety-critical technology for the UK Government and Network Rail. His work includes the original Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system developed for the DVLA and deployed across UK police forces. At the centre of Ci Global’s offering is Ci Safe, an intelligent fire and building-safety system designed to prevent electrical fires before ignition. Unlike traditional fire-safety systems, which focus on detection and response once smoke, heat, or flame is present, Ci Safe continuously monitors electrical behaviour at points of use – such as sockets, plugs, and connection points – where many electrical fires originate. Ci Safe is an AI-driven ecosystem that combines intelligent devices and sensors with autonomous, on-site decision-making to act instantly at source – even offline. While its primary focus is preventing electrical fires before ignition, the system is designed to support wider building-safety risks, including gas and water leaks and conditions associated with mould. When abnormal conditions are detected, including unsafe heat build-up or electrical fault patterns, power is automatically removed before ignition can occur. Safety data is captured over time to provide wider visibility, pattern recognition, and insight across buildings and portfolios. The system operates autonomously while integrating with existing detection, alarm, and suppression systems. Real-Time Situational Awareness Alongside prevention at source, Ci Safe includes a command-and-control layer that provides building managers and emergency crews with real-time visibility of safety conditions across buildings. This includes a live 3D digital twin and drone-assisted visualisation to support situational awareness when visibility is limited and conditions are changing rapidly. Local autonomous protection continues independently, ensuring immediate intervention without reliance on connectivity or human action. Electrical faults remain among the most common causes of building fires globally, particularly as buildings become more electrically dense and digitally connected. Ci Global’s approach is designed to address this risk earlier – before faults escalate into visible danger. Commenting on the UAE expansion, Anthony D. Parfitt, Chairman and Founder of Ci Global, said: “Establishing a presence in the UAE is an important step for Ci Global. It allows us to support deployment locally and work closely with partners who share a commitment to prevention-first safety. Electrical fires have long been treated as inevitable. Our focus is on changing that assumption by intervening before a fire can begin.” Award Winning Technology Ci Global’s expansion follows its recent recognition at Intersec Dubai, where Ci Safe was awarded Best Passive Fire Safety Product, reflecting growing industry interest in prevention-led approaches to fire and building safety. With its UAE presence now in place, Ci Global will focus on regional collaboration, pilot projects, and integration with wider building-safety and emergency-response frameworks, supporting safer homes, buildings, and infrastructure across the Middle East.    

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