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Picture of Perimeter Solutions ribbon cutting ceremony - Photo by Perimeter Solutions - Fire Buyer

Perimeter Solutions Opens Advanced Fire Retardant Facility

News Desk, Project News /

Perimeter Solutions has marked the grand opening of its new PHOS-CHEK facility at McClellan Park in Sacramento, California, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 110,000-square-foot site will serve as a major hub for production and distribution, supporting the company’s ability to deliver PHOS-CHEK to any airbase in North America within hours. The company has made this substantial investment to support the increasingly demanding wildfire seasons in California and across the country. “Our new site at McClellan Park is one of the most advanced fire retardant production facilities in the world,” said Jeff Emery, President of Global Fire Safety at Perimeter Solutions. “Since breaking ground nearly two years ago, our team has worked diligently to install state-of-the-art equipment that maximizes production efficiency. Just as importantly, we designed the facility to be one of the cleanest of its kind. Thanks to a sophisticated HEPA filtration system, virtually zero emissions are released into the environment.” With the addition of the McClellan site, Perimeter Solutions now has seven PHOS-CHEK production facilities, as well as seven distribution sites strategically located across the United States and Canada to ensure the company can provide 24/7/365 support to firefighters battling wildfires anywhere in North America. “Our investment in the McClellan facility demonstrates Perimeter Solutions’ ongoing commitment to innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship. Building this new facility and updating our capabilities at San Bernardino Airbase and Fox Field Airbase in Lancaster, California, helps to strengthen our ability to respond rapidly to wildfire emergencies with the highest quality fire retardant technology available. We are focused on ensuring that firefighters have what they need, when they need it, to save lives and protect property from wildfire,” said Shannon Horn, Chief Operating Officer at Perimeter Solutions. Forecasts for the 2025 wildfire season predict heightened activity. With expanded capabilities at McClellan and across its network, Perimeter Solutions is well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead, delivering PHOS-CHEK fire retardant for both aerial and ground applications to support firefighting agencies across North America.

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Brent Brooks Joins Judging Panel for 2025 Fire Buyer Awards

Event News, News Desk /

We’re excited to announce that Brent Brooks, Specialist at HighRise Firefighting, will be joining the esteemed judging panel for the 2025 Fire Buyer Awards, taking place on November 13. Brent is a globally recognised speaker, instructor, and Captain with Toronto Fire Services, specialising in high-rise tactics and large-diameter hose operations. With 28 years in fire service—beginning at Pearson Airport and including work with De Havilland and Bombardier Aerospace—Brent is now assigned to Toronto’s High Rise Unit.  He has developed training, incident management systems, and R&D for high-rise operations and serves on multiple related committees. Brent founded the HighRise Round Table and has organised major events such as the Canadian HighRise Conference and the Toronto & Montreal HighRise Summit. Internationally active, he represents Canada on the T70 Tall Building Safety Committee in London and is a member of the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings. A sought-after presenter, he has spoken at Firex, the Tall Building Conference in London, and “Makin’ The Stretch” in Pennsylvania. He is also a proud retired Canadian Armed Forces member. Brent shared his thoughts on being part of the judging panel: “In an industry where safety is paramount, recognising true innovation is not just a celebration – it’s a necessity. I’m proud to be on the judging panel for Fire Buyer Awards.” The Fire Buyer Awards are dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in the fire and safety industry. We’re thrilled to have José join us this year, bringing his vast experience and passion for the industry to the judging process. If you or your team have made an exceptional contribution, now is the time to submit your nomination. Nominations are open across a range of categories: https://staging.firebuyer.com/fire-buyer-international-awards/ Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of the celebration on November 13. Register to attend here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/firebuyerawards20257297291754133700608/about/ Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the big night!

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Dräger Develops Breathing Panel to Boost Staffordshire Firefighter Safety

News Desk, Technology /

The Engineered Solutions division of Dräger has designed a breathing air panel for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to protect firefighters working at height on aerial platforms and ladders from smoke and toxic fumes during an incident. The panel protects firefighters positioned on and operating a fire rescue vehicle’s aerial ladder platform (ALP) and turntable ladder. When firefighting from height, firefighters are at significant risk of smoke and toxic fumes inhalation, especially when there is a change in wind-direction. Immediate access to clean air is essential to protect them, and support Incident Command in how best to position the platform and ladders. The panel works by providing a steady supply of compressed air to up to four firefighters. It consists of four high-pressure inlets, a pressure reducer and gauge, a series of valves and a control device that uses a hose to deliver air to a distribution system connected to the aerial ladder cage. The system is designed to prevent leakage and ensure an uninterrupted supply of breathable air. A warning whistle alerts the operator of any pressure issues, and an electrical signal is also shared with other firefighting vehicles attending an incident. The system automatically depressurises after operation. Angloco, a business that specialises in firefighting vehicles and equipment, partnered with Dräger in installing the panel. Vehicle chassis, turntable ladders and ALPS vary in size and design, so Dräger and Angloco worked together to utilise shared experience in previous installations and design a bespoke, integrated solution for Staffordshire’s specific needs and product usage. Mike Williams, BA Maintenance Manager for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, says Dräger was fantastic in its product support: “Staffordshire has worked with the team at Dräger over many years and we trust their product expertise and the team’s ability to modify a solution to the requirements we set out. This expertise is why they were chosen to deliver the project, in addition to proven experience in similar programmes,” he says. “Angloco also provided a brilliant service, and we felt all parties worked hard to ensure we have the best solution.” Thomas Pearson, Marketing Manager Engineered Solutions, at Dräger, says the hospitalisation of a firefighter who attended a plastics factory fire in 2016 brought the issue of firefighting at height to the fore: “Thankfully after this incident there has been a greater priority on the breathing protection and health of all firefighters, not only those tackling a blaze within a structure or building. “We’re delighted to have worked as part of a team that has delivered a solution that delivers on our goal to design technology for life.”

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Magirus Appoints New CEO as Leadership Transition Begins

News Desk, People News /

Magirus GmbH has announced a change in leadership, with Fatmir Veselaj set to take over as CEO of the Ulm-based firefighting technology manufacturer. He will succeed Thomas Hilse, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2021 and will move to the Supervisory Board as part of the transition. The change of leadership was celebrated on 25 June 2025 as part of a festive ceremony in Ulm city centre. Together with the Lord Mayor of Ulm, Martin Ansbacher, and the Commander of the Ulm Fire Brigade, Adrian Röhrle, Veselaj and Hilse unveiled a commemorative plaque donated by Magirus at the site of Conrad Dietrich Magirus’s birthplace in Hirschstraße. The honour also marked the 130th anniversary of the death of the company founder, who is regarded as a co-founder of the German fire service and whose inventions are still influential worldwide today. With Fatmir Veselaj, an experienced transformation manager is moving to the top of the company. Veselaj began his career at Porsche Consulting and was Head of Operations at Mutares, the new owner of Magirus. Since the beginning of 2025, Veselaj has already acted as Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) at Magirus. In this role, he initiated a comprehensive transformation plan. Ambitious goals such as an increase in turnover to 750 million euros, climate neutrality by 2030 and the establishment of the new “Magirus Defence” division are just as much a part of this as a customer-oriented realignment through the introduction of a new platform and business unit structure. “I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead and accept the responsibility with respect and enthusiasm,” says Fatmir Veselaj. “Together with the entire team, we will continue to develop the company in a customer-oriented manner and ensure sustainable profitability. I would like to thank Thomas Hilse for the professional handover phase and look forward to working with him on the Supervisory Board. ” Thomas Hilse can look back on a 28-year international career in commercial vehicle and special vehicle construction, including as Brand President at IVECO. Under his leadership, important decisions were made for the future of Magirus – not least the change of ownership and the strategic reorganisation of the product portfolio. With his move to the Supervisory Board, he will remain with the company as a driving force in the future. “I would like to thank our employees, the works council and our customers for their trust and loyalty over the past four years. Together, we have achieved a great deal and set the course for a successful future,” said Thomas Hilse. “Taking over from Conrad Dietrich Magirus was a great challenge and at the same time a great honour. I wish Fatmir Veselaj all the best in the management and further development of this great company!” Thomas Hilse was honoured at a ceremony held  at the Magirus Iveco Museum in Neu-Ulm. Karl Heinz Banse (President of the German Fire Service Association) presented Thomas Hilse with the German Fire Service Medal of Honour in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of firefighting.

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INTERSCHUTZ 2026: “Turning Point” Brings New Momentum

Event News, News Desk /

With 11 months to go before the start of INTERSCHUTZ 2026, strong exhibitor interest is already evident for the world’s leading trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection, in what many are calling a “turning point”. “Nearly three-quarters of the nine exhibition halls are already booked, and only a few spaces remain available on the open-air-site,” says Bernd Heinold, Head of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe AG. “It’s already clear that INTERSCHUTZ will further expand its role as the world’s leading industry platform.” Against a backdrop of increasing global challenges – ranging from climate change and natural disasters to geopolitical and security threats – exhibiting companies have recognized INTERSCHUTZ as an indispensable showcase for their products and services, as well as a key forum for industry guidance and exchange. Major players and institutions from all key sectors have confirmed their participation. Leading companies in the firefighting segment include Empl, Magirus, Rosenbauer, Volkan, WISS, and Ziegler. The rescue services field is also strongly represented by Binz, Ferno, PAX, Spencer, and WAS. The civil protection segment – which will take on added importance in 2026 given the current global situation – includes exhibitors such as Dönges, Lanco, Mast Pumpen, Polyma, and Spechtenhauser. “We’re also seeing interest from companies that have never exhibited at INTERSCHUTZ before. That’s something we’re especially pleased about,” adds Heinold. Smaller firms and startups will also showcase their solutions alongside the sector’s leading players. For the first time, the German “Bundeswehr” will have a significantly expanded presence at INTERSCHUTZ 2026. This reflects a new emphasis on civil-military cooperation (CMC) – a strategic partnership between civil organizations (both governmental and non-governmental) and the military in alliance and national defense, disaster response, and emergency management. “The current turning point has undoubtedly led to heightened awareness of critical challenges – but also to clear financial commitments,” says Heinold. “In the coming years, we’ll see significant federal investment in civil protection, including major upgrades in equipment for fire and rescue services.” According to Heinold, showcasing products and solutions to an expert audience is essential. “INTERSCHUTZ provides a unique opportunity to bring together users and manufacturers – both commercial and non-profit – to address future challenges in line with our theme: ‘Safeguarding tomorrow.’” There is broad consensus that climate change is advancing rapidly – and INTERSCHUTZ 2026 will directly respond to one of its most visible consequences: the increase in wildfires and vegetation fires around the world. The new WildfireCamp@INTERSCHUTZ will bring together experts from Germany and abroad to present and discuss innovative approaches to fighting and preventing vegetation fires. “We aim to connect developers, solution providers, and frontline responders,” says Heinold. “At WildfireCamp@INTERSCHUTZ, exhibitors will gain firsthand insight into the real-world challenges responders face – and vice versa, emergency personnel will experience the latest technologies and tools from the industry.”

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California County Introduces Fire Mitigation Fees for BESS and Solar Developers

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Fresno County Fire District (FCFD), in the San Joaquin Valley region of central California, has implemented funding strategy to bolster fire and rescue resources amid large-scale energy infrastructure growth As battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar developments expand rapidly across California, local authorities are moving to address the associated risks. In a significant policy shift, the FCFD has announced the introduction of a dedicated fire mitigation payment for developers of BESS and solar PV installations. The fee structure includes an upfront charge—$6,000 for BESS and $3,000 for solar PV—along with annual payments of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Revenue raised will support the establishment of new fire and rescue infrastructure, including a fire station, additional firefighting personnel, engines, and water tenders. The decision, FCFD stated, is aimed at addressing increasing “health and safety concerns” linked to the fire risks of large-scale energy storage and solar facilities. The move follows several high-profile incidents involving BESS sites in California, most notably a significant fire at the Vistra Moss Landing facility near San Francisco. Such events have highlighted both the technical challenges of managing thermal runaway and the strain placed on local fire departments during prolonged response efforts. Fresno County has emerged as a key hub in the state’s energy transition, with a concentration of utility-scale solar and storage facilities. In June, the county approved the Darden Clean Energy Project—touted as the world’s largest battery installation—further underlining the need for robust emergency preparedness. While developers will likely factor the fees into project budgets, the FCFD’s policy also signals a growing recognition that energy infrastructure brings with it new response and risk management demands. These challenges are not unique to California. In the UK, battery site safety has also attracted parliamentary attention. Recent debates have called for stronger regulatory oversight and a statutory role for fire and rescue services in the planning and approval of BESS installations. As jurisdictions adapt to the realities of energy transition, the Fresno County model may become a precedent—embedding fire service funding into the economics of clean energy deployment.

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Aico in Top 1% with EcoVadis Platinum Rating

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Aico has achieved the prestigious Platinum rating from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Aico is now ranked in the top 1% of more than 150,000 companies assessed globally, an exceptional milestone that highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability. EcoVadis assesses companies on twenty-one sustainability criteria across four core themes: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Aico’s rating is a testament to its comprehensive and values-driven approach to sustainable practices. The platinum rating marks a significant progression from Aico’s previous silver medal standing, which had already placed the company in the top 13% of global businesses. This achievement reflects their continued commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through a range of impactful initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental footprint and promoting greener practices. These include the installation of 10 electric vehicle charging points to encourage low-emission transportation, the addition of 406 solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site, and the planting of over 4,000 plants and shrubs to enhance biodiversity and improve local air quality. Further initiatives include the elimination of single-use plastics in dispatch operations since 2019 as well as their eco-fit range, plastic packaging and cutting paper and cardboard use by 58%. Aico has also signed the Zero Carbon Shropshire pledge, reinforcing its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through a focused Measure Reduce Balance strategy. Together, these actions showcase our ongoing dedication to building a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Daniel Rivers, Facilities & Compliance Lead, commented: “Contributing to Aico’s achievement of a Platinum EcoVadis rating has been a rewarding experience. In my role, I’ve helped ensure the right processes and support are in place, while collaborating with colleagues to maintain our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of our people and communities.” As the company celebrates this accomplishment, it also views the recognition as a steppingstone towards even greater progress in its sustainability journey. Ryan Evans, CRM Support and Sustainability Lead, said “It’s a special achievement, not only for myself but the whole team at Aico. It’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment every day that makes Aico a great place to work. Sustainability is so important to us, and this is great recognition for our efforts. “However, the work hasn’t finished, we are always looking at how we can improve even further and continue to be the best we can be”.

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Britannia Fire Warns of Industry Challenges Ahead of PFAS Ban

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Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, the leading manufacturer of fire extinguishers in the UK, last week addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons. He highlighted the significant challenges facing the fire safety industry in achieving a smooth transition away from PFAS firefighting foam. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), widely used in firefighting foams, are under scrutiny due to their environmental impact and health risks. Known as ‘forever’ chemicals, they do not degrade easily in the environment. Research has also indicated that they can lead to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, a higher risk of certain cancers and immune system suppression, which is why the European Union is phasing them out of firefighting foam and implementing a total ban by 2030. The UK is yet to announce a ban but is expected to follow suit later this year. While the Committee investigates whether the UK is doing enough to address the risks, Spence told MPs that a successful phaseout of PFAS fire extinguishers will be dependent on several limiting factors: • Disposal bottlenecks – with only two UK-approved facilities able to incinerate PFAS foam waste, backlogs are growing and will only get worse. Units contaminated with PFAS cannot be reused or recycled, further compounding the issue. • Increasing costs – as demand for compliant disposal grows, so too will the associated costs. • Customer confusion – many end-users remain unclear on what is already banned, what will be banned, and what steps they should be taking now. He confirmed, however, that the industry has made huge strides to reduce its environmental impact. Spence told the Committee that there are now PFAS free alternatives on the market enabling customers to easily make the switch, including Britannia Fire’s innovative and environmentally friendly P50 fire extinguishers: “At Britannia Fire, we recognised the detrimental effects of PFAS some time ago and successfully removed them from all our products last year. We’ve been leading the way and pushing the rest of the industry to follow suit. “Our P50 fire extinguishers meet all required standards, are PFAS free, fully recyclable and have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional metal extinguishers. They are also multi-purpose meaning less units are required, and do not require costly annual servicing.” He continued “The fire industry is committed to sustainability and safety, but the road to a PFAS-free future is complex. Whilst there are good alternatives now on the market, there are still a number of challenges that the industry must overcome. “We’re calling for urgent action to streamline disposal methods, for example, potentially extracting water from foam to reduce incineration volumes, and a review of existing servicing requirements which could enable a more flexible and realistic phaseout timeline.” To support end-users during this transition, Spence is suggesting that businesses make the switch sooner rather than later: “By moving early, businesses will avoid inflated disposal and replacement costs.”

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Marioff Pioneers IoT Innovation in Water Mist Fire Protection

News Desk, Technology /

Marioff, a global leader in water mist fire protection, is proud to be among the first in the fire protection industry to introduce an Internet of Things (IoT) solution—uniquely designed for high-pressure water mist systems. This new technology enables real-time monitoring, smart alerts, and centralised control, setting a new benchmark for safety, operational efficiency, and peace of mind. As a company that designs complete fire protection systems, Marioff has been advancing the HI-FOG solution for over three decades. The new IoT solution builds on this legacy—seamlessly integrating with existing HI-FOG systems to provide continuous visibility, real-time alerts, and smarter system management. We are proud to take on this new frontier in fire protection technology. Having spearheaded the development of high-pressure water mist systems, no one is better positioned than Marioff to lead their evolution into the IoT era. We know the technology; we’ve built it from the ground up—and now we’re bringing it fully online. “Our IoT solution marks a significant step forward in fire safety,” says Juha Ilvonen, CEO of Marioff. “It helps ensure systems are always monitored and ready—protecting people, property, and business continuity.” The new system empowers users with remote access and centralized control across multiple sites. “This technology gives customers full visibility of their HI-FOG system—no matter where they are,” says Samuli Bäck, Manager, Connected Services. “It means faster decisions, proactive maintenance, and ultimately, safer environments.”

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CAST-PRO Wins Fire Innovation of the Year Award

News Desk, Technology /

CAST-PRO, the integrated ‘all in one’ fire detection and alarm device by C-TEC, has been named Fire Innovation of the Year at the Fire & Security Matters Awards. Fully compatible with our ZFP and XFP CAST addressable fire panels, CAST-PRO is a UK-manufactured EN 54-certified heat, smoke and CO fire detector with a tone or voice sounder and onboard visual alarm device. Packed full of features, many of them patented, CAST-PRO doesn’t just reduce installation costs, it reduces false alarms effectively, detects real fires reliably and indicates true alarm conditions decisively. The Judges’ Statement read: “CAST-PRO is a remarkable step forward in intelligent fire detection and alarm technology both in conception and design. The device’s algorithms are specifically engineered to reduce false alarms and provide the highest levels of fire detection in real-life situations. A fantastically innovative product.” Andrew Foster, C-TEC’s MD said: “As an independent engineering-led manufacturer, we have the drive and freedom to be exceptionally innovative. We pride ourselves on always being ahead of the curve, continually creating open-protocol life-safety products that break the mould – the latest of which is CAST-PRO, a device designed to significantly decrease installation time, increase cost-savings and provide the highest levels of fire protection.”

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