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DuPont Awards-Firebuyer.com

DuPont Innovation Awards Recognise Best PPE and Fabrics for Emerging Risks

News Desk, Product News, Technology /

DuPont has announced the winners of its 2025 Innovation Awards for Thermal and Mechanical Protection, highlighting developments that address the growing complexity of risks faced by industrial workers and emergency responders. This year marks the first time the awards have been held as a global programme, open to new products incorporating Nomex or Kevlar fibres or fabrics. The awards took place during the A+A exhibition in Düsseldorf, reflecting rising international interest in multi hazard protection as risks evolve across sectors. Across all categories, several themes dominated the entries. Many focused on reducing the environmental impact of protective equipment, improving recyclability and addressing new high risk electrical environments. Firefighter safety also featured strongly, particularly in relation to particulate exposure and hazards linked to electric vehicle fires. Stephanie Vrakas, Global Market Leader at DuPont Personal Protection, said the awards brought together innovations from every region for the first time. She noted that the winners had delivered integrated, multi hazard solutions that improve protection while advancing sustainability. Entries were judged on criteria such as performance, manufacturing quality, design innovation and environmental responsibility. Submissions came from every continent and were assessed across four categories: Nomex for Industrial PPE, Kevlar for Industrial PPE, Nomex Fabrics, and Nomex and Kevlar for Emergency Response. In the Nomex for Industrial PPE category, two winners focused on combining multi hazard protection with environmental progress. Groupe Mulliez Flory’s Phenix protective clothing is made from Nomex Comfort fabric with EcoForce finish, offering durable protection for oil and gas, chemical and electrical sector workers while improving sustainability metrics. Iturri SA’s Nomex Recycled garments for the oil and gas industry use a fabric containing 30% recycled materials. Also recognised were İşmont Tekstil’s Weldforce Welding Suit, which delivers heat and flame resistance with improved mobility, and SureWerx’s 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Suit, an ultra-lightweight garment meeting the highest arc flash requirements. In the Kevlar for Industrial PPE category, three winners developed next generation protective gloves. Ejendals’ Tegera welding gloves provide heat and cut resistance with improved fit and fingertip control. Escorts Advanced Textiles’ Kevlar SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner combines the maximum cut rating with a soft Kevlar based steel reinforced fabric. PIP Global Safety’s G Tek Paradox ultra light gloves offer dexterity, tactile sensitivity and heat protection. S.E.R.B. Regain Perform was also recognised for its anti laceration, flame resistant and antistatic protective sleeve suited to security and glass industry work. Firefighter protection defined the remaining categories. Ibena Shanghai’s Rambo outershell fabric uses Nomex spun yarn and Kevlar filament to deliver tensile strength 30% higher than conventional materials. Kipas’s Nomex Xtreme Max fabric enhances mechanical performance in firefighter suits. PGI Safety’s BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex particulate hood and Alpex Protection Particulates’ Nomex Nano Flex LAM AIR hood improve breathability and thermal protection through advanced layering. Sofileta’s 7158 Navy fire resistant knit protects against arc flash and chemical splashes, while Theodolf Fritsche’s Elastic Premium fabric offers high durability with a unique elastic yarn suitable for multiple protective garment types.  

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C-TEC-Helpline-Firebuyer.com

C-TEC announces new dedicated technical support number

News Desk, Product News, Technology /

Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has announced that its new dedicated technical support telephone number will go live on 24 November. The new number – 01942 366328 – will give customers direct access to C-TEC’s technical support team and is part of the company’s recent large-scale investment in its technical support and professional help desk services. Other initiatives recently introduced include a Cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system, the creation of a specialist CAST technical team to deliver tailored support on its powerful own-protocol life-safety systems and the appointment of additional technical experts to strengthen the existing team. A series of help videos to provide customers with clear, visual, on-demand guidance on the installation and operation of C-TEC’s systems are also in progress and will be released early next year. Terry Gordon, C-TEC’s Engineering/Technical Support Manager, said: “We already have an excellent reputation for technical support in the industry and these new developments are set to enhance this further. The new call logging system, a direct technical line and new specialist CAST support team to assist with things like complex cause and effect programming on our ZFP 1-8 loop networkable addressable fire system will all mean faster and more efficient technical support for our customers.” Customers are advised to save the key contact information below: New technical support line 01942 366328 technical@c-tec.co.uk CAST specialist support 01942 366328 cast@c-tec.co.uk C-TEC’s online support hub https://c-tec.com/info/support-hub

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LFB logo-Firebuyer.com

Fireworks Linked to Explosions as Major London Warehouse Blaze Brought Under Control

Industry Sectors, News Desk /

A major warehouse fire in Southall, London has been brought under control following an extensive multi agency response that began on the morning of 25 November. London Fire Brigade confirmed that its presence at the Bridge Road site has now been scaled back, with firefighters continuing damping down operations and extinguishing remaining hotspots. No injuries have been reported. The Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service are jointly investigating the cause. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, who led the incident, outlined the scale of the response. He said: “At 0855, the Brigade’s Control officers took the first of over 70 calls reporting a fire at a warehouse on Bridge Road, Southall. Control officers immediately mobilised crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding fire stations to the scene.” On arrival, firefighters were met with a well developed fire within a two storey warehouse and retail structure. “As crews carried out firefighting operations, explosions were reported at the scene. These explosions likely involved cylinders and fireworks stored in the affected structure,” Goulbourne said. The risk of further explosions prompted the declaration of a major incident. Approximately 1000 people from nearby homes and buildings, including three schools and a residential block, were evacuated as a precaution. Goulbourne added: “Twenty five fire engines and around 150 firefighters tackled this incident, working hard to bring it under control.” At its height, roughly three quarters of the building was alight and the roof later collapsed, destroying most of the structure. The Brigade deployed three turntable ladders and its drone team to attack the fire from height and assess the extent of structural damage. Firefighters were withdrawn to a safe distance once the major incident was declared, with operations conducted externally due to explosion risks. The major incident was stood down at in the evening though crews remained in attendance overnight to monitor conditions. Goulbourne thanked all responding personnel and partner agencies, including support from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, London Ambulance Service, the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and Transport for London. Investigations into the cause, including whether fireworks contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, are ongoing.  

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Wang_Fok_Court-Firebuyer.com

Massive blaze rips through Hong Kong apartment development

Health and Safety, News Desk /

A catastrophic fire has swept through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing at least 13 people and injuring many more in one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in recent years. The blaze ignited during the afternoon and spread with shocking speed across several high-rise towers that were covered in bamboo scaffolding for renovation. Firefighters raised the alarm to the highest emergency level as flames engulfed the estate, sending thick columns of smoke billowing across the district. More than a hundred fire appliances and numerous ambulance crews were deployed as emergency teams battled both the fire and hazardous falling debris from collapsing scaffolding. Among the dead is a 37-year-old firefighter who became trapped while attempting to reach residents still inside the burning structure. Authorities reported that nine victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others died later in hospital. Many of the injured are being treated for smoke inhalation and burns, and the final toll may rise as rescue crews continue their search. Firefighters used ladders and breathing apparatus to reach those still trapped, some of whom were unable to escape due to blocked corridors and falling scaffolding. Wang Fuk Court, built in the early 1980s, consists of multiple residential blocks housing thousands of occupants. The renovation work underway at the time is believed to have played a major role in accelerating the spread of the fire, particularly the bamboo scaffolding that surrounded several towers. Investigators are now focusing on how the blaze started and whether any safety lapses occurred during the construction process. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, with emergency shelters set up nearby to house evacuees overnight. Local services have also closed major roads and diverted transport routes as crews continue to secure the area. City officials have expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and have vowed a full investigation. The incident has already raised public debate over fire-safety standards in high-density housing, the use of bamboo scaffolding, and the resilience of older residential blocks during large-scale emergencies.

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Safety 5.0 Book-Firebuyer.com

SIBEC 2025 showcases smart solutions for innovation and safer communities

Event News, News Desk /

The fourth edition of SIBEC has concluded at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional centre for innovation in fire and life safety. Organised by SIBCA, a leading fire, life safety and ICT solutions provider operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt, SIBEC 2025 brought together senior industry figures to exchange insights, present advanced technologies and define new standards for smart governance and safer urban infrastructure. A central feature of this year’s event was the release of Safety 5.0: Building Safety in the Age of AI, Smart Technologies, and Sustainability. Co-authored by Ibrahim Lari, Chairman and CEO of SIBCA, and Sudhi Ranjan Sinha, Vice President for Global and Strategic Accounts and Account-Based Marketing at UL Solutions, the book provides practical guidance for business, facilities and technology leaders operating in increasingly complex risk environments. Available through online retailers, it outlines tools for identifying emerging opportunities, evaluating the impact of technological shifts on safety and establishing systems that enable smarter, safer ecosystems. Reflecting on the event’s success, Ibrahim Lari said: “SIBEC 2025 has demonstrated that smart, data-driven technologies are no longer optional, they are essential to building safer, more resilient communities. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators and partners under one roof allowed us to share solutions that will shape the future of safety and smart living in the UAE and beyond. We are proud to have hosted this event in Abu Dhabi, and we remain committed to driving meaningful progress across our industry.” Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at NFPA, highlighted the value of regional engagement. He said: “In today’s digital era, advanced technology plays a vital role in ensuring safety. SIBEC 2025 served as an outstanding platform for NFPA to engage with government, businesses and technical experts on implementing smart life safety codes and standards across a rapidly evolving region.” This year’s edition hosted a record 36 partners and 1,000 attendees from sectors including HVAC, BMS, ELV, AV, lighting, ICT and IoT. Major participants included NFPA, UL Solutions, Emirates Safety Laboratories, Honeywell, Huawei, Siemens, Carrier, Johnson Controls, Hitachi, Motorola Solutions, Dahua, Hikvision, Hanwha and Fogtec. SIBCA is already preparing for SIBEC 2026, with a commitment to delivering an edition of even greater scale, relevance and impact.  

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FDrager FSC Sandtable-Firebuyer.com

Capita’s Fire Service College chooses new wildfire training innovation from Dräger  

News Desk, Product News, Technology /

The Engineered Solutions division of Dräger, an international specialist in the fields of medical and safety technology, has provided Capita’s Fire Service College (FSC) with a highly intuitive training tool to enhance the theoretical and tactical training required to tackle wildfires. In the first four months of 2025, a staggering 286 wildfires were recorded, with the BBC reporting that the area of the UK burnt by wildfire so far this year is already higher than the total for any year in more than a decade. The National Fire Chief Council is warning there is currently a heightened risk of wildfires that is resulting in increased investment in wildfire training and a greater need to develop firefighters’ skill. The intelligent design of Dräger Wildland-Fire Sandbox (WFS 1000) uses a software-based display allowing for multiple scenarios of fire propagation to be realistically demonstrated, based on internationally recognised wildfire calculation models (Campbell Predictions System and Rothermel Fire Spread Model). Comprising multiple components including a depth camera, projector and sandbox, the integrated software is used to accurately predict fire propagation against numerous simulation parameters, taking into consideration weather conditions, terrain and tactics employed to extinguish the fire. The WFS 1000 training tool is now part of Capita FSC’s new three tier wildfire curriculum, which develops the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours for all levels of fire service personnel, from new recruits to strategic incident commanders. The WFS 1000’s use of real maps and satellite images means that the College can deliver realistic training in a safe space enabling the trainees to transfer the skills they’ve developed into the real world. Pippa Steele Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital at Capita FSC says the WFS 1000 will provide firefighters with the skills they require: “Training is all about making sure firefighters are prepared and equipped with vital experience as soon as we see new threats emerging. That is why Capita is committed to harnessing cutting-edge technology to strengthen safety and resilience. “An important quality of the training tool is that it is intuitive and easy for trainers and learners to use to allow full immersion in the learning experience. Dräger’s technology provides these requirements and more. As a result, we have been able to develop a course that brings theory to life and delivers interactive training to firefighters that is transferable to real-world experiences.” Thomas Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger added: “Rising incidences of wildfires has accelerated the need for more firefighters to be trained, and our solution will enhance the authentic training of firefighters by bringing wildfire incidents to life without putting any firefighters at risk. “At Dräger, we pride ourselves on designing technology for life, and are committed to protecting, supporting, and saving lives through our designs.”  

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UKTC ensure Scan Image-Firebuyer.com

UKTC survey exposes widespread fire safety certification failures

News Desk, Product News, Technology /

A new survey of fire safety professionals has revealed extensive dissatisfaction with existing third-party certification schemes, with 60% of respondents reporting issues with their providers and 82% calling for far greater transparency. The findings form the basis of a whitepaper published by United Kingdom Testing and Certification Ltd. (UKTC), setting out continued deficiencies in product assurance eight years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The survey, carried out among fire safety event attendees in 2024, records concerns about “inconsistent positions”, “lack of transparency”, and “poor value for money service” among legacy certification schemes. Three quarters of respondents said they judge the credibility of certification bodies primarily on UKAS accreditation status and regulatory compliance. Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC and author of the whitepaper, said: “Despite the proliferation of third-party certification schemes, the sector still suffers from dangerous opacity. Field of Application reports, classification reports and test data are routinely withheld from the public, forcing specifiers and contractors to make critical safety decisions in the dark.” In direct response to the issues highlighted, UKTC, acquired by the SOCOTEC Group earlier in 2025, has launched UKTC ensure. It is the first certification scheme built explicitly around the Golden Thread principles recommended by Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future report. The scheme is backed by UKAS accreditation under ISO 17065 and ensures that every performance claim is traceable and every certificate verifiable. Key features include full publication of supporting documentation such as Field of Application and classification reports, real-time updates with version control, a secure digital vault providing a single source of truth, and clear product marking with QR code access to performance data. The scheme accepts both British and European test evidence, along with Extended Field of Application reports, creating a more accessible and transparent route to certification. The whitepaper stresses the urgency of reform. As the Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC report states: “It is for product manufacturers to develop products that do the job expected of them, and to market them honestly, making no false claims; it is for Conformity Assessment Bodies to test and assess those products against defined specifications, impartially and independently.” Hutchison added: “The lessons of Grenfell and subsequent inquiries cannot be ignored. Too often, critical voices and concerns were missed or dismissed, which cannot continue. Real change is long overdue, and change starts with transparent certification.” The scheme aligns with the digital, auditable approach set out in government guidance and British Standards, including BS 8644-1:2022. Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, added: “The release of this whitepaper highlights several concerning shortcomings in the third-party certification market at present. There’s a clear requirement for radical change, and we look forward to seeing UKTC ensure have a real positive change on the sector.” Further information and the full whitepaper are available at www.uktc-ensure.com.  

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HarveyMelvin&BrianRowley-Ventro-Firebuyer.com

Ventro Strengthens Electrical & Security Expertise with Strategic Acquisition

Industry Sectors, News Desk, People News /

Ventro Group has completed the acquisition of Harrold Jones Services, a respected Midlands based provider of electrical, security, fire safety and building refurbishment services. The transaction represents a significant step in Ventro’s growth strategy and strengthens its position as a leading national building compliance partner. The acquisition enhances Ventro’s established capabilities in electrical and security services, bringing additional technical expertise and reinforcing the Group’s commitment to delivering fully integrated building compliance solutions across the UK. Harrold Jones Services, founded in 1979, brings a long standing reputation for reliability, innovation and high quality service delivery, particularly in electrical and security disciplines. Harvey Melvin, CEO of Ventro Group, said: “This acquisition is an exciting milestone for Ventro. This is a strategic acquisition for Ventro Group to expand on our existing electrical and security offering, further improving our industry leading expertise and experience. HJS’s commitment to quality means we can deliver even greater value to our clients, helping us achieve our goal of becoming the UK’s leading and most trusted building compliance partner.” Brian Rowley, Managing Director of Harrold Jones Services, added: “We know that with Ventro our customers will benefit from the continuity of our dedicated team but also from Ventro’s extensive expertise, innovative systems and processes, and full suite of compliance services. This partnership ensures our customers and staff can rely on a company capable of supporting their needs today and beyond.” HJS’s long serving workforce will join Ventro Group, creating new opportunities for professional development within a rapidly expanding organisation. Ventro confirmed its commitment to retaining the continuity and customer relationships that have defined HJS’s success, while supporting the team with enhanced systems, broader service capability and nationwide coverage. Clients of both organisations will benefit from an expanded and fully integrated service offering. The combined strengths of Ventro’s national fire, electrical and security expertise with HJS’s specialist technical capability will enable improved response times, increased support resources and more streamlined service delivery. Customers can expect continuity from familiar teams coupled with the advantages of working with a larger, innovation driven compliance partner. The acquisition aligns with Ventro’s long term strategy to build a comprehensive end to end compliance service that supports organisations in meeting their regulatory obligations while improving operational efficiency. With foundations in Plymouth and operations nationwide, Ventro continues to grow its presence and capability through targeted investment and strategic partnerships. Pic: Harvey Melvin CEO, Ventro Group and Brian Rowley, MD, Harrold Jones Services  

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Fogmaker valve-Firebuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Fogmaker 

Exclusives, News Desk /

Carl Zandler, Segment Sales Manager for Commercial Vehicles at Fogmaker International, explores how its latest fire suppression innovation enhances safety and evacuation time in BEV fires The transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is transforming commercial transport, cutting emissions and operating costs. Yet one question remains at the heart of safety discussions: what if a fire breaks out?   While the likelihood of a BEV fire is low, the consequences are severe. Once thermal runaway begins, temperatures escalate rapidly, releasing toxic gases and flames that can engulf a vehicle within minutes. Passengers and drivers have precious little time to act. Fogmaker’s latest innovation directly tackles this risk. The company’s new Sectioning Deployment Valve delivers precise, targeted suppression, buying vital seconds that can mean the difference between a safe evacuation and disaster. Targeted Suppression Across Multiple Zones   Traditional fire suppression systems are often limited to a single protected compartment. Fogmaker’s new design changes that. The Sectioning Deployment Valve allows one central suppression unit to serve multiple critical zones such as battery packs, engine bays or auxiliary systems, within the same vehicle. When sensors detect heat or smoke, the valve automatically channels the Fogmaker Eco 1 suppression agent to the affected compartment. A single unit protecting a 1m³ area can sustain up to two minutes of suppression, holding back flames and cooling hotspots. That sustained action can slow fire progression long enough for passengers to exit and emergency services to respond. The Science Behind Fogmaker Eco 1 All fires rely on the same chemistry: heat, fuel and oxygen. Fogmaker’s Eco 1 agent neutralises each element of this ‘fire triangle’ through three coordinated mechanisms.   Firstly, rapid cooling: The agent’s water base absorbs heat exceptionally efficiently. Dispersed at 105 bar pressure into ultra-fine droplets, it achieves massive surface area contact with hot gases, absorbing thermal energy in seconds.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE  

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Hochili alarms-Firebuyer.com

Feature Sponsor – Hochiki

Exclusives, News Desk, Product News, Technology /

UL 7th Edition sets a new benchmark for fire detection in the Middle East, with Hochiki offering compliant, high-performance solutions  In June of last year, the latest edition of UL 268, known as the 7th Edition, became the new benchmark for smoke detector performance in the Middle East. This updated standard, mandatory for UL-listed smoke detectors introduced a range of new fire and false alarm tests designed to reflect real-world conditions more accurately.   Raising the Standard for Fire Detection  The significance of 7th Edition is the improved testing which now includes tests for both smouldering and flaming polyurethane foam which is a material commonly found in modern furniture. It also introduces a ‘cooking nuisance’ test, which simulates smoke from cooking. The standard dictates how sensors should perform, and the onus is on manufacturers to improve their detection design to meet these stringent tests carried out by underwriters’ laboratories.   Simply put, manufacturers must produce devices that detect real fires faster, and reduce false alarms that cost time, money, and can cause a lack of trust in a system. This is especially relevant in buildings such as hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use developments that dominate urban Middle Eastern skylines. Choosing devices that meet these new regulations is vital if installation companies want to maintain their credibility.   Ensuring Compliance and Credibility  For fire safety engineers and specifiers, UL 7th Edition offers clear benefits. It provides a future-proofed standard of performance that aligns with global best practice and increasingly with regional regulatory demands, from UAE and Saudi Arabia to Qatar and Bahrain. Specifying smoke detectors that meet UL 268 7th Edition not only ensures compliance but also enhances the resilience of life safety systems. It’s a move that reflects a building’s commitment to both occupant safety and operational reliability.   This is where Hochiki Europe provides a strategic advantage. One of the first manufacturers to launch a full range of UL 268 7th Edition-compliant conventional detectors, Hochiki is addressing a gap in the market with high-performance detectors that are both affordable and easy to install.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE   

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