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Detection Award Category-Firebuyer.com

Detection Solution of the Year – Voting Now Open

The Detection Solution of the Year category is now open for voting as part of the Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards. This category highlights the most advanced detection technologies developed to raise safety standards across industrial, commercial, and high-risk applications. Voting will be closed on Friday 24th October 2025. The 2025 shortlist includes: CAST-PRO Multisensor – A multi-criteria sensing unit optimised for early-stage fire identification while reducing false alarm incidence in mixed-risk buildings. The technology combines thermal, optical, and gas sensing intelligence to improve predictive accuracy across dynamic environments. MxPro 5 – A next-generation fire alarm control panel recognised for its network flexibility and advanced cause-and-effect programming for complex site applications. Its architecture supports high-integration projects and is widely adopted in multi-building safety strategies. SMART 3 Blizzard – Designed for extreme conditions, this gas detection system delivers accurate readings in low-temperature and high-interference environments. It is engineered to sustain performance in harsh climates where conventional detection units fail, ensuring continuity of monitoring in critical operational zones. Ultrasense Sensors – Precision-engineered detection components built to improve sensitivity and response speed in mission-critical safety systems. These sensors are designed to integrate seamlessly into smart detection networks, enhancing both performance and maintenance efficiency. The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards are invite-only, acknowledging only the top-tier developments released in the last 18 months. Voting is free to all registered Fire Buyer members and takes just a single click once signed in. By registering, members gain access to Fire Buyer’s exclusive content hub, including expert video briefings, digital magazine editions, and full awards coverage. This is an opportunity for industry professionals to directly shape recognition within the sector and support the technologies redefining detection strategy and compliance worldwide. Make your vote count and celebrate innovation in detection — vote now. Vote here: https://firebuyer.com/awards-technology/detection-solution-of-the-year/

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Firefighting Equipment of the Year – Voting Now Open

Fire Buyer has officially opened voting for the Firefighting Equipment of the Year category, spotlighting the most forward-thinking product developments designed to strengthen front-line firefighting operations. Voting will be closed on Friday 24th October 2025. The confirmed nominees for 2025 are: • Hosemaster – An engineered hose management system developed to improve deployment efficiency and reduce manual strain on crews during aggressive fire attack. • FLIR K75 – A next-generation thermal imaging camera delivering high thermal resolution for improved search, attack, and overhaul accuracy. • MEIKO TopClean D – A specialist cleaning and decontamination unit designed to maintain PPE hygiene and reduce carcinogenic exposure risk. • LHD Care – A maintenance and monitoring solution dedicated to prolonging the service life and performance of linear heat detection systems. • Solberg SPARTAN – A foam suppression solution formulated to deliver high application efficiency with reduced environmental impact. The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards honour innovation, excellence, and leadership across the global fire sector. Only registered Fire Buyer members are eligible to vote, with registration free of charge and providing access to exclusive content, digital issues, and awards coverage. Voting is intentionally streamlined to a single click once signed in. The awards recognise only the most impactful manufacturers and suppliers delivering genuine progress to the industry. Cast your vote and give recognition to the technologies driving operational advancement in firefighting today. Vote here: https://firebuyer.com/awards-technology/firefighting-equipment-of-the-year/

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Firefighting Vehicle Solution of the Year – Voting Now Open

Voting is now open for the Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards Firefighting Vehicle Solution of the Year category. This award recognises the leading vehicle platforms engineered to deliver advanced response capability, durability, and tactical support in fire service operations globally. Voting will be closed on Friday 24th October 2025. The finalists for 2025 are confirmed as: • ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Industrial Pumper – A heavy-duty industrial fire vehicle engineered for high-capacity pumping and sustained flow output in petrochemical incident scenarios. • Fogmaker – A specialist suppression system vehicle designed to improve onboard fire protection and crew safety through high-pressure water mist technology. • K5106 Superflex – A high-performance firefighting chassis system designed for adaptability across urban and industrial response configurations. • Tactical Unit – A multifunctional rapid response platform developed to support first-arriving crews with integrated storage, pump capacity, and modular equipment staging. The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards celebrate innovation and excellence within the global fire industry. Voting is free and exclusive to registered Fire Buyer members. Registration provides direct access to exclusive digital briefings, video analysis, and full awards coverage. With just one click to cast your vote, this is the industry’s opportunity to recognise vehicle engineering that is reshaping fleet capability and response strategy. Join the international fire community and support the technologies that are redefining operational performance. Vote here: https: firebuyer.com/awards-technology/firefighting-vehicle-solution-of-the-year/

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Award Catergories4 Rescue-firebuyer.com

Rescue Equipment Solution of the Year – Voting Now Open

The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards are now live, and the industry is being called to cast its vote for the Rescue Equipment Solution of the Year. This category recognises the most advanced developments in rescue technology, honouring innovation and operational reliability on the frontline. Voting will be closed on Friday 24th October 2025. The shortlisted nominees for 2025 are: • FL360 LR – A long-range search and rescue camera platform engineered to improve visibility and precision in challenging incident conditions. • Heliskid – A modular firefighting and rescue unit designed for rapid container-based deployment in remote or off-grid environments. • SL-SideSaddle® – Recognised for its compact tactical deployment and enhanced equipment access under pressure. • Ultimate Glow Glove – A high-visibility, heat-resistant glove solution designed to enhance safety and retention in low-light and confined rescue scenarios. The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards honour innovation, excellence, and leadership across the global fire sector. Voting is exclusively open to registered Fire Buyer members. Membership is completely free and provides access to exclusive video content, digital issues, the awards hub and more. Voting is a single-click process once logged in. To vote for Rescue Equipment Solution of the Year, simply register and make your selection. These awards are invite-only, designed to recognise leading manufacturers and suppliers driving forward the capabilities of the global firefighting community. Fire Buyer is proud to spotlight outstanding contributions across rescue operations. Make your voice heard and celebrate the sector’s most impactful developments by casting your vote today. Vote here: https://staging.firebuyer.com/awards-technology/rescue-equipment-solution-of-the-year/

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Pic of Waking Watch-Hochkiki-pic by Hochkiki-Firebuyer.com

Cornerstone and Hochiki deliver Waking Watch Replacement

When a Waking Watch system at three residential blocks in Gravesend needed replacing, Cornerstone Group partnered with Hochiki Europe to deliver a reliable and future proof fire detection solution. The project involved the installation of a fully open protocol system using ESP, Latitude and Wireless Ekho technologies. Waking Watch was originally installed as a temporary safety measure after fire risk issues were identified in many high-rise buildings across the UK following the Grenfell Tower disaster. While it provides manual monitoring of buildings for fire, it is costly, inconsistent and heavily reliant on human response. These limitations make it unsuitable as a long-term solution. To eliminate the need for costly manual monitoring and meet updated fire safety standards, a fully compliant and flexible fire detection system was required. Cornerstone Group installed a Hochiki system combining Latitude fire alarm control panels, ESP hard‑wired addressable fire detection devices and Ekho hybrid wireless devices. The open protocol setup allowed integration with other building safety systems and provided flexibility for future expansion. Hard‑wired detectors were fitted in common corridors, with Latitude EN54‑compliant control panels managing the system. Ekho hybrid wireless units were installed in the entrance hallway of each apartment where cabling would have been disruptive or impractical. Latitude’s compatibility with both ESP and Ekho made it well suited for this multi-storey residential environment. It allowed seamless control of hard‑wired and wireless devices through a single panel per building, reducing the need for invasive installation work and supporting clear event reporting for the building management team. There were some challenges the team faced during installation. Access into the individual flats proved difficult, with scheduled appointments with residents often having to be rearranged. However, by maintaining clear communication and working flexibly around residents’ availability, the team was able to complete the installation with minimal disruption and ensure every flat was properly protected. “We chose Hochiki because their product reliability is proven and the support in sales was very responsive. If we ever needed it, technical help was always first class and helped keep the project on schedule.” The successful replacement of the Waking Watch system has not only reduced long-term costs but also delivered consistent and high‑performance fire detection throughout all three buildings, helping to keep residents safe.

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International Water Mist Conference 2026 to take place in Prague

Max Lakkonen (IFAB), president of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that the 25th International Water Mist Conference (#IWMC2026) will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on October 7 and 8, 2026. The conference will be held at The Grand Hotel International. The event schedule is now available on the IWMA webpage. The first important date is December 15, when the call for papers will be issued, and sponsors can start booking tabletops for the exhibition, which will run alongside the conference. The IWMA says the 2025 event was a success with nearly 170 attendees from 25 countries. 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.” The aim is now obviously to repeat this success. The deadline to submit applications for the Ragnar Wighus Award is 31st March. In 2026, this prestigious award will be presented to the author of the best master thesis related to water mist technology. The IWMA Scientific Council, chaired by Kemal Sarp Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) will evaluate the submissions. The winner will be invited to present the winning thesis in Prague.

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Wardour Fire & Security and PAT-iT Enter Strategic Partnership

Wardour Fire & Security and PAT-iT, specialists in electrical and fire safety, testing and inspection, have announced a strategic partnership to provide a full suite of fire safety services to businesses nationwide. The collaboration, effective immediately, aims to streamline compliance and enhance workplace safety through integrated fire protection, maintenance, and testing solutions. By combining Wardour’s extensive fire safety knowledge with PAT-iT’s expertise in fire and electrical safety, the partnership will offer UK businesses a single, trusted provider for fire alarm installation, maintenance, emergency lighting, fire extinguisher servicing, and electrical compliance. This approach is designed to simplify safety management, reduce administrative burden, and ensure full regulatory compliance under the latest UK fire safety legislation. “Our partnership with PAT-iT represents a major step forward in making safety simpler and more accessible for organisations of all sizes,” said Simon Pell, Director of Wardour Fire & Security. “Businesses no longer need to juggle multiple contractors. We’re offering a complete, end-to-end safety solution they can rely on.” Lee Turtle TMIET, Director of PAT-iT, added: “We have been working with Wardour Fire & Security on a few projects in recent months, so collaborating in partnership seemed the next logical step. Together, we can offer clients the reassurance of expert compliance across both electrical and fire safety disciplines. It’s about saving time, ensuring safety, and providing total peace of mind.” The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to raising industry standards and providing transparent, professional, and cost-effective services tailored to the evolving needs of UK businesses. Wardour Fire & Security is a Lincolnshire based-based fire protection and security solutions provider for commercial, industrial and residential clients. PAT-iT is a BSI award-winning provider of expert safety and electrical compliance testing services.

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Cover Story – Lakeland Fire + Safety

International Fire Buyer sits down with Lakeland Fire + Safety’s Barry Phillips, Doug Dafler and Kevin Wiltbank to discuss building true head to toe protection for the modern fire service For more than four decades, Lakeland has been recognised for its role in protecting workers in hazardous environments. In recent years, however, the company has moved beyond its industrial PPE origins and developed into a global fire protection authority. This evolution is strategic and deliberate, marked by the rebrand to Lakeland Fire + Safety and a shift toward building a full portfolio designed for the realities of modern firefighting. This direction is guided by people with lived experience in the sector rather than purely commercial oversight. Doug Dafler, Director of Sales – US, Lakeland Fire + Safety, reflects on that shift and his own journey as part of it. He said, “I started in the fire industry 40+ years ago, working with fire PPE manufacturers. Because of this, I’ve witnessed how Lakeland’s commitment to protection has deepened. When Veridian became part of Lakeland, it felt like joining a wider mission rather than just a larger company.” That mission, to protect people, now defines how Lakeland designs, tests and deploys protective systems across international markets. Whether in wildfire response in rural America, compartmentalised fires in European city structures or complex industrial incidents, Lakeland’s direction has moved toward a philosophy of integrated protection that is built for real operational use. Heritage and Strategic Transformation Lakeland began in the industrial sector, supplying chemical and disposable protective garments to workers in hazardous industries. That heritage laid the foundation for a clear operating principle: protection is only effective when it is reliable and accessible. As global demand for specialised protective wear grew, so did the expectation that manufacturers understand operational pressures rather than simply supply equipment. Doug Dafler described how this shift was perceived from within the industry. He said, “Lakeland’s start was providing PPE to workers, and that mission to protect people has been constant. What has changed is the scale and the expectation that we can now apply that same principle to the fire service with a full head to toe approach.” The acquisition plan that followed was not simply commercial expansion but part of a targeted strategy to assemble capability across every layer of firefighter protection. Beginning with Eagle Technical Products, followed by Pacific Helmets, Jolly, LHD and Veridian, Lakeland built a portfolio that now spans structural turnout gear, wildland and tech rescue gear, helmets, hoods, boots, gloves and decontamination services. Each brand retained its identity but sits within a unified operational framework shaped by Lakeland Fire + Safety. Barry Phillips, Chief Revenue Officer, Lakeland Fire + Safety, offered a wider commercial perspective. He said, “Lakeland was strong in chemical and industrial PPE, and that made it possible to support demand during COVID. That strength allowed the business to position itself to acquire additional companies and build out the fire segment. We saw an opportunity to integrate a broader range of gear and create a full coverage solution for the fire space.” TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE

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Product Spotlight - FLIR-October25FireBuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Flir K-Series Thermal Cameras

Flir K75 and K85 Thermal Imaging Cameras for firefighting, deliver mission-critical reliability without system delay but with instant colourisation Flir, a Teledyne Technologies company, today launched its next-generation K-Series thermal cameras for best-in-class imaging before, during, and after firefighting. New single-range dynamic gain and higher resolutions support faster and better decision-making, while the introduction of integral wireless connectivity provides seamless configuration, live streaming, training, media downloads, and camera management. With the K75 and K85, users can transition to a new era of firefighting professionalism. A high resolution of up to 640 × 480 provides premium thermal imaging quality for precise target identification and enhanced situational awareness from first alarm to clean-up and post-event review. Moreover, the newly introduced single-range interface ensures uninterrupted focus with a simplified live image display and minimal menu interaction to avoid missing critical information. The three-button K75 (320 × 240) will replace both the single-button K33 and three-button K45 (240 × 180), while the three-button K85 (640 × 480) will supersede the single-button K53 and three-button K55 (320 × 240). Trusted Performance Based on a proven legacy of K-Series quality and performance, users can benefit from greater situational and tactical awareness, supported by ergonomic, intuitive ease-of-use. Offering full connectivity, the next-generation cameras retain the familiar and preferred pistol-grip design. “The K75 and K85 are engineered for frontline firefighting with their rugged IP67-rated construction, 2-meter drop resistance, and outstanding high-heat performance,” said Peter Dekkers, Director of Business Development, Flir. “Our engineers have optimized these next-generation cameras for reliable thermal visibility in low-light, no-light and smoke-obscured environments, benefitting not just fire departments, both those in industrial safety, maritime safety and defence. Users will discover that quality is set to the highest professional standards, backed by over 10 years of proven design with previous-generation K-Series sensors.” End-to-End Capabilities With their new application-centric modes, the Flir K75 and K85 give full attention to every phase of the firefighting operation, enhancing crew readiness via pre-mission planning and post-mission insights. Preparation: The Flir Responder app features new wireless configuration and streaming to ensure firefighters are set for the mission ahead. Scene arrival: The new search mode is a valuable tactical addition that helps crews to locate fire and detect lower temperatures during scene size-up. With colorization from 80-200°C (175-400°F), better contrasting supports the faster identification of fire sources. Fire attack: A new single range provides seamless operation from -20 to 650°C (-4 to 1202°F). With no lowgain and high-gain modes, users do not have to switch between the two, avoiding any potential to miss crucial information or endure image freezing due to range change. Overhaul Scene departure: A new detection mode highlights significantly hotter areas in a red gradient. Featuring hot and cold spot tracking/monitoring over time, this mode is useful for post-fire analysis. Regarding clean-up, the K75 and K85 feature fewer sharp edges where dust and soot can stick. TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE

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Product Spotlight-Drager October

Product Spotlight – Dräger

Dräger has developed a bespoke smoke extraction system for Kent Fire and Rescue’s new training facility, enabling realistic, safer firefighter training with reduced environmental impact Dräger, the specialist in medical and safety technology, has designed a custom-built smoke extraction system for Kent Fire and Rescue’s (KFRS) new five-storey, live training facility. The new training facility is designed to ensure the fire service can deliver realistic training while minimising the polluting impact on the environment. The Ashford-based site is replacing the 30-year-old Live Fire Training building which was nearing the end of its operational life. The redevelopment at Ashford includes a live fire training building that accommodates lessons, including scenarios developed from the challenges faced by firefighters during the 2017 Grenfell tragedy, and other tall building fire incidents. It is due to open in 2026. The design features three burn floors, with eight carbonaceous burn rooms, and a further two floors dedicated to training using synthetic smoke. The various internal layouts provide commercial, residential and industrial settings, offering a variety of training scenarios. Dräger’s innovative design comprises a specialist extraction system that collects and filters smoke from the building and then emits the cleaned air into the atmosphere via a chimney. In the event of an emergency during training, fire personnel can activate the emergency system which then extracts at a rate which will provide total visibility within 90 seconds, enabling a timely intervention or extrication. The system provides a vital function in supporting the health of firefighters, other KFRS employees on site and those in the immediate vicinity during training. It will also support KFRS in its commitment to provide improvements and help it to meet its target of carbon neutrality by 2030. Dräger has also collaborated with KFRS in designing bespoke fire cribs that house materials for live burns, and which have been adapted to suit the size and requirements of the new facility. TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE

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