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Firefighters in the North West of England wearing Ballyclare PPE - Firebuyer.com

Ballyclare Supplies New PPE for North West and Northern Irish Firefighters

News Desk, Project News, Technology, Uncategorized /

Firefighters in the North West of England and Northern Ireland will be getting new technical rescue PPE. Ballyclare’s Xenon technical rescue kit will be supplied as part of a new contract. Joint procurement for specialist rescue equipment Fire and rescue services in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland will be receiving the kit. The services, which have a combined 5,800 firefighters, collaborated on a joint initiative to procure specialist kit for non-structural rescue operations, such as road traffic collisions, medical emergencies and natural disasters. Following a rigorous tender process last year involving practical user trials, Ballyclare was selected as the preferred supplier, with its Xenon technical rescue kit hitting the mark for quality, comfort and best value. The North West fire and rescue services already had the Ballyclare Xenon range, as they is a long-standing customer and had worn a previous version of the Xenon technical rescue jacket. Ballyclare highlights growing demand for rescue PPE Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire and Security at Ballyclare, said: “Increasingly, fire and rescue services across the UK and Europe are investing in dedicated technical rescue kit which better suits the everyday incidents they face and prolongs the life of their structural gear. “It’s great to see our innovative Xenon technical rescue design being put to good use by fire and rescue services across the North West and Northern Ireland. “We’re pleased to be able to support these crews with the protection they need to carry out their operations safely.”

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AddSecure launches NGP Advanced Extra DP4 - Firebuyer.com

AddSecure launches new dual-path signalling device

News Desk, Project News /

AddSecure has unveiled a new device which meets new fire alarm signalling standards. The NGP Advanced Extra DP4 is a dual-path signalling device which complies with new standards in the UK. Signalling device for new compliance As a new addition to its NGP Advanced range, the device delivers DP4-grade dual-path signalling over LAN and 4G with dual SIM capability. Under the updated BS 5839-1:2025 code of practice, alarm transmission equipment must meet strict performance criteria to ensure reliable and timely summoning of the fire and rescue services. For Category L systems, dual-path alarm signalling is required, single-path failures must reach the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) within 90 seconds, and any catastrophic failure, a loss of both signalling paths, must be indicated at both the ARC and the Control and Indicating Equipment within three minutes. These requirements correspond to DP4-grade for alarm signalling. Resilient dual-path alarm signalling The Advanced Extra DP4 fully complies with these requirements. It provides 90-second single-path failure reporting, with step-up reporting on the secondary path when the primary path fails, alongside three-minute catastrophic failure indication Nicholas Whiting, VP Alarm Signalling, AddSecure UK, said: “The launch of NGP Advanced Extra DP4 reflects AddSecure’s commitment to supporting the industry through critical changes such as the PSTN switch-off and the move to IP networks. “By meeting the latest BS 5839-1:2025 requirements and offering dual-path resilience, this solution ensures life safety systems remain reliable and compliant. “Installers can trust that Advanced Extra DP4 combines robust performance with third-party certification through the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), our BSI Kitemark and ISO 27001 certification for advanced cyber security standards.”

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Fire at Glasgow Central railway station - Firebuyer.com

Fire at Glasgow Central station cancels all services

News Desk /

Glasgow Central has been closed all day following a fire in a neighbouring building. All services at Scotland’s busiest railway station have been cancelled and travel disruption is expected all day. Vape Shop Fire Sparks Major Travel Disruption The fire began in a vape shop in the city’s Union street at 3.45pm on Sunday, March 8. There has been no injuries reported, but Victorian buildings neighbouring the station have been damaged, with a dome collapsing. As of Monday morning (March 9), the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported the blaze had been reduced thanks to nine fire appliances and three high-reach vehicles. Emergency Services Response A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, Glasgow. “At its height, 18 appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. The incident has since been scaled back and nine appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance.” The fire service asked members of the public to avoid the area and neighbours to keep windows closed. Rail Services Cancelled National Rail said Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, ScotRail, and TransPennine Express services have all been affected. No trains from the high level platforms are running but trains from the lower levels are not stopping at the station. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “We are sorry to customers for the impact this will cause, and we would urge them to check their journey options before they travel, and we aware there will be very limited replacement transport.” Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, tweeted: “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding. “Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe.”

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Colin Milligan, Neil Berrisford and Catherine McHugh from Tecserv UK - Firebuyer.com

Tecserv UK celebrates 25 year anniversary

News Desk, People News /

A fire and security specialist is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Tecserv UK, based in Nottingham, installs and maintains critical systems for a range of buildings across a variety of sectors. Employee trust established to secure future These have included St Paul’s Cathedral, Harvey Nichols, a number of National Trust sites and M&S Foodhalls, as well as hotels including the Ritz and the Bvlgari. The company, which employs 50 people, has established an Employee Ownership Trust which it says will secure the longevity of the brand, protect jobs, and enable employees to directly share in the future prosperity of the business. It has also implemented changes to its structure and senior management team. As part of this transition, Neil Berrisford became Chief Executive, with Colin Milligan appointed Chief Operating Officer and Catherine McHugh taking on the role of HR and Finance Director. Company culture and long term growth Tecserv UK‘s Chief Executive, Neil Berrisford, said: “Reaching 25 years is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our people and the trust our customers place in us. “Employee ownership has strengthened our culture and given everyone a real stake in our success. “We are focused on building for the long term and expanding our capabilities, investing in our team and continuing to support major brands with dependable fire and security solutions.” Chief Operating Officer, Colin Milligan, said: “Our company is built on care, dedication and a passion for delivering honest advice, great results and excellent customer service. “The entire team has pulled together to ensure we have reached this important milestone anniversary and can be optimistic about our future.”

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IWMC is set to be held in Prague in 2026 - Firebuyer.com

IWMC announces new conference feature

Event News, News Desk /

The International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) 2026 is set to return this October. The 25th edition of the IWMC is due to take place on Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8 in Prague. New training workshop added to the programme The organisers have announced a new feature to its regular day-and-a-half programme. This year’s conference will also include a dedicated half-day training workshop which will focus on the design and effective use of water mist systems. Attendees of the workshop will be able to obtain CPD certificates. Industry networking, case studies and standards discussions As well as getting the opportunity to network with other people working in the sector, conference visitors can expect to hear case studies, take part in discussions about standards and guidelines and address achievements and challenges. Topics will include emerging risks, broader application areas and continued technological evolution. The Ragnar Wighus Award will also be presented. This year, it will honour the author of the best Master’s thesis dedicated to smaller droplets. The deadline for submitting synopses is Tuesday, March 31. Max Lakkonen, President of IWMA, said: “Prague is more than a conference, it is where the global water mist community comes together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, shape the future of fire protection – and enjoy doing it together.”

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FIA Class L - Firebuyer.com

What you should know about FIA’s new Class L classification

News Desk, Project News /

OHEAP Fire and Safety shares what fire safety professionals and businesses should be aware of following the introduction of the FIA (Fire Industry Association)’s new Class L classification for lithium-ion batteries. In February 2026, the FIA introduced Class L into the latest edition of BS ISO 3941, formally recognising lithium-ion battery fires as a distinct fire classification. This update acknowledges what fire safety professionals have long understood; lithium-ion battery fires do not sit comfortably within traditional Class A, B or D categories. Their behaviour, intensity and re-ignition risk demand specific consideration. Why Class L Matters? Lithium-ion batteries present a unique fire profile. High energy density, rapid heat escalation, toxic gas release and the risk of thermal runaway distinguish them from conventional solid, liquid or metal fires. Crucially, the hazard can persist even after visible flames are suppressed. The introduction of Class L reflects the growing presence of battery technology across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and commercial environments. As reliance on charging systems, electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment increases, so too does the need for precise risk assessment. What Class L Does (and Does Not) Change Class L does not introduce new UK legislation or mandate immediate equipment replacement. It does, however, provide a clearer framework for how lithium-ion risks should be assessed, specified and managed. Standards influence best practice, procurement decisions, insurer expectations and ultimately regulatory direction. By defining lithium-ion battery fires separately, the industry now has the technical language needed to guide extinguisher testing, suppression development and fire risk assessment methodology. In short: Class L gives the fire industry the exact term to describe the growing and complex hazard of lithium-ion fires. Combating Class L Fire with Proactive Fire Safety While specialist suppression solutions for lithium-ion battery fires continue to develop, effective risk management begins with assessment. Fire blankets may assist in very early-stage incidents, but containment does not eliminate internal thermal runaway. In most cases, the battery unit itself will be irreparably damaged once ignition occurs. The priority, therefore, is prevention, segregation and response planning. OHEAP Fire & Security is actively reviewing lithium-ion risk within customer environments, ensuring fire risk assessments reflect safe battery storage and charging arrangements. Additionally, emergency response planning and staff awareness are key steps in supporting Class L fire risk management. Charging areas and warehouse vehicle storage require particular scrutiny. Equipment is often positioned deep within facilities, increasing detection and response times. Clear procedures and confident staff response are critical. OHEAP Fire & Security’s Perspective: Prepared, Not Reactive   OHEAP Fire & Security sees the introduction of Class L as a natural progression in fire safety standards. The company’s Managing Director, Nicholas Heap, said: “Class L is not about panic. It is about precision. Lithium-ion batteries introduce specific risks that require informed, proportionate safety measures. “Our role is to ensure customers understand those risks and address them strategically.” With more than 60 years of industry experience, OHEAP Fire & Security continues to translate technical change into practical, cost-effective action for UK organisations. What Should UK Businesses Do Now? There is no requirement for reactive spending. There is, however, a clear case for proactive review of lithium-ion battery fire risk management. Organisations should reassess fire safety where lithium-ion batteries are present, ensure the risks and associated risk management strategies are in place. High staff turnover and regular visitor access make clear training essential wherever there is a heightened fire risk. Ultimately, early planning reduces disruption, strengthens resilience and ensures alignment with evolving standards. Find out more at oheap.co.uk

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Vape shop fire in Glasgow - Firebuyer.com

Vape shop owners urged to check fire assessments

News Desk /

Vape shop owners are being asked to check their fire risk assessments after a major fire in Glasgow. Scotland’s busiest railway station, Glasgow Central, was forced to close after a fire began in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday, March 8. Major fire response The fire caused major damage to a historic Victorian building, Union Corner. More than 200 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze and making the area safe. At the height of the incident, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources, including a high-volume pump drawing water from the River Clyde, were deployed. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Glasgow City Council are continuing to assess the damage. Retailers urged to review safety measures The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said it is engaging with the fire service and authorities to understand what lessons can be learned from the incident. Its Director General, John Dunne, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Glasgow and we commend the emergency services for their response. “This is an isolated incident and, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, even one case like this is one too many. “We are also advising all our members to check their fire risk assessments and to get in touch with their local fire authorities to seek any further guidance. “Vaping has played an instrumental role in helping millions of adults across the UK quit smoking – which still claims hundreds of lives every day – and responsible retailers play a vital role in keeping these products accessible for adults looking to make the switch. “The UKVIA has long advocated for a robust, fit-for-purpose licensing scheme for vape retailers, including provisions to ensure the highest possible safety and compliance standards, which is now being considered as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”

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IWMA conference - firebuyer.com

24th IWMA Conference reflects growing interest in Water Mist

Event News /

“The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) Conference in Manchester has broken all previous records, underlining the growing global interest in water mist technology”, said IWMA President Max Lakkonen. The event, which took place on 24th and 25th September, attracted almost 180 delegates from more than 25 countries, including a record number of first-time participants. Attendance from Asia and the Americas was also significantly higher than in previous years. The 2025 programme focused on fundamental knowledge, training, and a broad range of case studies from around the world, showcasing different fields of water mist applications. The event was opened by Sir Ken Knight, who offered a valuable perspective from the fire services on the role of water mist in firefighting. Presentations covered topics ranging from the protection of Notre Dame Cathedral to the recently enforced EN 14972 standard in the UK. IWMA launched several documents to guide the market: The Water Mist Guide, an introductory resource explaining how water mist works and how it should be applied, supporting all stakeholders. The updated Standard Matrix, clarifying applicable fire test protocols for the approval of water mist systems. “Mistconceptions”, a new IWMA initiative addressing common misconceptions about water mist, providing evidence-based responses. Max Lakkonen, IWMA President, commented: “We have been positively surprised by the number of attendees and sponsors, which clearly demonstrates the strong momentum of our industry.” Discover more at iwma.net/home

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Intersec Global Announcement - firebuyer.com

New Intersec Global identity unveiled

Event News /

Messe Frankfurt Middle East has officially unveiled Intersec Global, a new unified international brand that brings together the world’s leading security, safety, and resilience events under a single global platform. The brand is headquartered in Dubai and aligned with the UAE’s long-term national priorities. Launched today (13 January) during a press conference at Intersec 2026, which featured Eng. Arif AlJanahi, Security Consultant, SIRA, Lt. Col. Taher Hassan Al Taheri, The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence, and Eng. Khalid Al-Khatib, Chairman, NAFFCO, Intersec Global marks the evolution of the event into a connected international ecosystem bringing together governments, regulators, industry leaders and innovators from around the world to shape the future of safety, security and resilience globally. The announcement positions Dubai as the global anchor and convening point for international dialogue, collaboration and best practices across the physical, digital and human security domains. Intersec Global will be the flagship event, fostering collaboration between the global portfolio of Intersec events, including Intersec Buenos Aires, Intersec Europe, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Intersec Shanghai, Secutech Taipei, Secutech India, Secutech Vietnam, Secutech Thailand, and the Adria Security Summit. Ted Bloom, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Intersec journey began nearly three decades ago with a modest gathering in Dubai, and it has since evolved into one of the world’s most influential platforms for security, safety and fire protection. That growth mirrors Dubai’s own transformation into one of the smartest and safest cities globally, driven by ambition, collaboration and long-term vision. “The launch of Intersec Global is not about redefining who we want to be, but about reflecting what Intersec has already become: a truly international meeting point where governments, industry and innovators work side by side to address increasingly complex challenges. Anchored in Dubai and shaped by the region’s unique ability to turn vision into delivery, Intersec Global will build on decades of partnership, investment and trust to drive deeper collaboration, meaningful dialogue and real-world impact for the global security and safety community.” The unveiling of Intersec Global builds on a legacy that began in Dubai two decades ago as a regional meeting point for the security, safety and fire protection community. The original event has evolved into the world’s leading exhibition for the security, safety and fire protection industries, setting the agenda for international collaboration, innovation and best practice. The scale and scope of Intersec 2026 underscore the platform’s alignment with UAE national priorities, including resilience, crisis preparedness, infrastructure protection and future-ready regulation. With strategic support from The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), the event continues to demonstrate how policy, technology and operational readiness converge in practice, reinforcing Dubai’s role as the global anchor of the Intersec ecosystem. Nathan Waugh, Portfolio Director – Security, Technology & Production Portfolio, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec Global represents more than a name change; it’s a commitment to uniting the industry around shared challenges and solutions. The brand reflects the UAE’s growing influence in setting international standards, developing talent and fostering cross-border cooperation. From National Security & Law Enforcement and Surveillance & Physical Security to Cybersecurity & Resilience, Fire, Rescue & Emergency Response and Safety & Wellbeing, the platform is designed to support long-term industry development beyond the exhibition itself.” Through Intersec Global, insights generated in Dubai, UAE, will inform discussions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, while innovations and best practices from international markets will feed back into the flagship UAE event. This two-way exchange reinforces Dubai’s position as a global benchmark for resilience, regulation and security innovation. Intersec 2026, the largest edition of the event to date, continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until 14 January. For more information and to register for the event, please click here.

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Ci Safe - Home Panel

Ci Global wins Best Passive Fire Safety Product at Intersec Awards 2026

Event News, News Desk, Technology /

Ci Global has won Best Passive Fire Safety Product at the Intersec Awards 2026, marking a significant moment for prevention-first approaches to fire and building safety. Ci Global was founded by British inventor Anthony D Parfitt, a Home Office-approved safety-systems innovator with decades of experience developing safety-critical technology for the UK Government and police, including the original ANPR system used by the DVLA. The award recognises Ci Safe, a fire and building safety system designed to detect early electrical warning signs and act before an electrical fire can start. Unlike traditional fire-safety systems, which focus on detection and response after ignition, Ci Safe operates quietly in the background, preventing risk at source within a building’s electrical infrastructure. Electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of fires worldwide, yet prevention at socket and circuit level has historically been overlooked in favour of alarms, suppression, and evacuation systems. Ci Safe was developed to address this gap – adding a preventive layer that works alongside existing fire-detection and life-safety systems. Accepting the award at Intersec, Ci Global Founder and Chairman Anthony D. Parfitt said: “Ci Safe was built because I couldn’t accept that electrical fires are treated as inevitable. Recognition like this matters not because of a trophy, but because it signals a shift in how fire safety is being approached – earlier, and with prevention designed into the fabric of buildings.” Ci Safe continuously monitors for early electrical warning signs such as abnormal heat build-up and fault conditions, using AI locally within the system to understand risk and Intelligent Autonomy to act immediately at source. Cloud-based AI is used to analyse safety data over time, identify patterns, and provide wider visibility across buildings and portfolios. The system is designed to operate both online and offline and can integrate alongside wider building-management and national safety platforms. Alongside this local prevention capability, 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, supporting situational awareness and coordination when visibility is reduced and conditions are changing rapidly. Local autonomous protection continues at source, ensuring immediate intervention without reliance on connectivity or human intervention. Ci Global has been exhibiting at Intersec Dubai 2026 throughout the week, hosting live demonstrations of Ci Safe at Hall 8, Stand 8G12, where visitors can see the system operating in real time. The Intersec Award adds to growing industry discussion around the need to move beyond reactive fire-safety models and toward intelligent, prevention-led infrastructure, particularly as buildings become more complex and electrically dense.

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