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Innovating HVAC-R Detection

Exclusives /

Sensitron’s Emanuele Barbieri discusses advancements in gas detection for HVAC-R, focusing on safety, sustainability, and future technologies  Please introduce yourself and give a brief insight into Sensitron.  I am Emanuele Barbieri, and I have been with Sensitron for about five years. My role focuses on advancing Sensitron’s involvement in the HVAC-R sector and understanding the demands of this increasingly complex industry. Sensitron is a leader in gas detection technologies, and we aim to provide solutions that ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance across various sectors.  Sensitron’s journey over the years has been one of continuous innovation and adaptation to industry needs. From our humble beginnings to our current role as a market leader, our mission has remained focused on leveraging advanced technologies to protect lives and environments. We understand that the HVAC-R sector is evolving rapidly, and our solutions are designed to meet the challenges of this dynamic field head-on.  How would you describe the current state of gas detection technologies in the HVAC-R sector? How do these systems intersect with safety considerations in gas risk management?  Several technologies support gas detection in the HVAC-R industry, but Sensitron primarily focuses on infrared technology due to its key benefits:  Accuracy and Reliability: Infrared sensors deliver precise detection with minimal false alarms.  Longevity: These sensors have a long lifespan, often surpassing catalytic sensors, as they are not consumed by the gases they detect.  Our gas detection systems are designed to meet stringent safety standards, ensuring they align with gas risk management considerations. This intersection of reliability and compliance strengthens safety in critical environments. The ability to adapt and customise solutions based on specific applications further underscores the value of modern gas detection systems in safeguarding diverse setups.  Sensitron has developed a strong presence in gas detection. What role does your technology play in enhancing gas safety in refrigeration and HVAC-R systems?  Gas detection technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety. Over the past three years, we have focused on educating companies about the importance of gas detection. This involves explaining our technologies and working closely with stakeholders—from large corporations and technical committees to specifiers, system integrators, and end users.  Our main objective is environmental and human safety. To achieve this, we collaborate on regulatory improvements and maintain an open dialogue with industry players. Sensitron’s R&D team actively participates in international technical committees, and we regularly host events with specifiers to raise awareness. In addition, Sensitron’s emphasis on collaboration allows us to address unique challenges faced by different industries. By tailoring our solutions to specific needs, we empower businesses to integrate gas detection systems seamlessly into their operations while prioritising safety and compliance… To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer Twitter (X): @Firebuyer YouTube: @FireBuyerTV Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com  

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FM Approved proportioners with Firemiks

Exclusives, Technology /

Per Aredal, International Sales Director, Firemiks AB sits down with International Fire Buyer to explain the differences in viscosities in proportioners and the transition to SFFF  Please introduce yourself and give a brief insight into Firemiks?  I am the International Sales Director at Firemiks AB, originally established in 1979 as a Swedish family-owned business, now operated by the third generation in collaboration with our strong industrial partners. Over the years, our focus has been on developing, manufacturing, and distributing our proprietary water-driven volumetric pump proportioning systems globally. We pride ourselves on offering custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client’s project while also delivering standardized models that meet rigorous international certifications, such as FM Approvals.  Can you elaborate on the range of viscosities your proportioners handle, and the transition from AFFF to SFFF? FM approval designates our system as the “Variable Viscosity Pump Proportioner,” meaning that if the specified minimum and maximum flow rates in the data sheet are followed, Firemiks can accommodate viscosity changes across a wide flow and pressure range. The dosing remains within the approved tolerance limits specified in the standards (e.g., 3.0-3.9%). This offers the significant advantage of eliminating the need for recalibration whenever there is a change in concentrate or viscosity – unlike bladder tanks, which often require recalibration and create critical downtime during replacement. The FM approval we have received (Standard: 5130 – May 2021) for eight of our 3% models, across three flow sizes -1800, 2400, and 4000 lpm – confirms that the FM-approved Firemiks units provide accurate dosing and can handle concentrates ranging from 1 cP to high-viscosity concentrates (up to 6422 cP at a shear rate of 5 1/s).  This means that if a concentrate has a shear rate curve that falls below or aligns with the specified figures, it will perform well with our FM-approved Firemiks models. This applies especially to the new generation of fluorine-free SFFF concentrates, which are non-Newtonian and have these high static viscosities.  To ensure optimal dosing performance at maximum viscosity for the three FM-approved sizes, the required concentrate delivery hose/pipe dimensions and height are well defined on the data sheet, removing the guesswork from the design.   For even higher viscosities than our FM Approved line, we also offer gear pump models that can handle these as the rotating gears have a continuous motion, removing the reciprocating motions through the whole shear curve as is the case with piston pumps.   How does the Dosing/Return valve contribute to environmental sustainability and cost savings during testing?  With the optional Dosing/Return valve (DRV) placed in Return position it directs the concentrate back to the tank and allows for easy and recurring dosing testing of the system, without generating foam solution. This feature gives substantial savings over many years. No consumption of concentrate and no cost for cleaning or destruction of the solution after the test.  One example: an 8000 lpm unit with 3% dosing rate with 2 tests/year at max speed for 2 minutes. 8000 lpm x 2 min x 3% = 480 Lit of foam concentrate x 2 times = 960 Lit at an average cost of 4 EUR/Lit = 3 840 EUR.- in saved concentrate cost/year, without calculating the cost for cleaning and destruction.  Apart from creating the long-time economic benefits, the optional DRV makes it easier to follow environmental guidelines and regulations. A Pressure Relief valve (PRV) is always included with this DRV option to ensure that no over-pressure is created in the Firemiks, if a valve in the return line back to concentrate tank is closed by mistake.  To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer Twitter (X): @Firebuyer YouTube: @FireBuyerTV Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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The Connected Home with Aico

Exclusives /

International Fire Buyer is proud to announce the release of a video interview with Aico featuring cutting-edge insights into the latest advancements in fire protection and safety with Will Collier, Relationships Manager, South Central for Aico. The video, now available on the International Fire Buyer YouTube channel, offers insights in to how Aico’s market leading HomeLINK and 3000 Series is revolutionising the connected home market for domestic and commercial fire safety and detection solutions. In this interview Rebecca Spayne of International Fire Buyer speaks with Will Collier, Relationship Manager, South Central, Aico at Anticipate London. The interview, titled “The Connected Home with Aico” dives into the innovative technology that Aico showcased at Anticipate London and in the latest issue of Fire Buyer (Product Spotlight – Ei3030 – Fire Buyer International). Aico’s 3000 Series, integrated with HomeLINK technology, represents a significant advancement in smart home safety solutions. The 3000 Series offers comprehensive protection by detecting both fire and carbon monoxide (CO), ensuring full-circle safety for residents. Each alarm in this series is mains-powered with a 10-year rechargeable lithium cell back-up and features AudioLINK technology for real-time local data extraction. The inclusion of the SmartLINK wireless interconnection and data monitoring module allows these alarms to communicate seamlessly; when one alarm is triggered, all others sound, providing audibility throughout the property. This wireless interconnection eliminates the need for complex cable runs, simplifying installation and enhancing system flexibility. By leveraging HomeLINK’s cutting-edge smart home integration and analytics, users gain actionable insights into their home’s safety and health, addressing challenges such as energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This integration empowers residents to take proactive control of their living environment, promoting safer, healthier, and more sustainable homes. This video is part of International Fire Buyer’s ongoing commitment to providing a platform for thought leadership, product innovation and fostering global dialogue on fire safety. Watch the Full Video The interview is available to watch now on International Fire Buyer’s YouTube channel: Watch the Interview Here To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer Twitter (X): @Firebuyer YouTube: @FireBuyerTV Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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CheckFire partners with Bridgehill

News Desk, Project News /

Fire safety supplier CheckFire Ltd introduces Bridgehill fire blankets into the LFX range of lithium-ion battery fire safety solutions. Designed to contain and extinguish lithium-ion battery fires – one of the fastest-growing fire risks in modern industries – Bridgehill fire blankets offer a cutting-edge solution for fire safety in electric vehicles (EVs), fossil fuel vehicles, and industrial equipment such as forklifts. As lithium-ion batteries increasingly power vehicles, tools, and consumer electronics, the demand for effective fire safety measures has grown significantly. These batteries store vast amounts of energy, and when damaged or if they overheat, they can enter thermal runaway – a chain reaction that generates intense heat and flames, spreading to nearby battery cells. Lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges: they burn at extreme temperatures, release toxic gases, and can be difficult to extinguish with traditional methods. In some cases, they can reignite even after being suppressed. Bridgehill fire blankets are specifically designed to tackle these threats – smothering flames, isolating harmful smoke and fumes, and reducing the risk of fire spread. Unlike traditional solutions, such as water, these blankets act quickly – deploying in seconds to protect people, property, and the surrounding area while minimising environmental impact. Ideal for a wide range of locations – including car showrooms, garages, car parks, warehouses, service stations, tunnels, and ferries – Bridgehill fire blankets are available in various sizes to suit different needs, from standard vehicles to larger SUVs and industrial forklifts. Requiring only two people for deployment, they provide immediate, effective fire containment and extinguishing. Importantly, the blankets do not release toxic fumes or hazardous substances, making them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Certified to stringent international standards (including EN 13501-1 and DIN 91489:2024-11), the Bridgehill range has been extensively tested to ensure reliability and effectiveness. Trusted by global brands such as Tesla, Formula 1, Volkswagen, and BMW, these fire blankets have already set a new benchmark in fire safety. “We are thrilled to partner with Bridgehill to bring its market-leading fire blanket range to the UK,” said Cameron Robins, managing director of CheckFire. “With lithium-ion batteries playing a growing role in everyday life, this partnership offers a timely solution to one of the most pressing fire safety challenges of our time.” Frank Brubakken, CEO of Bridgehill added: “We are proud to welcome CheckFire as a distributor of Bridgehill fire blankets in the UK. With their extensive expertise in fire safety, we are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring. At Bridgehill, we take pride in offering innovative and effective fire safety solutions, and we look forward to working closely with CheckFire to bring Bridgehill fire blankets to customers across the UK.” The partnership between CheckFire and Bridgehill reflects a shared commitment to innovation and safety in fire containment and extinguishing. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Are Brandt joins the IWMA Scientific Council

News Desk /

Are Brandt, former president of the International Water Mist Association and Laboratory Manager at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, has again been accepted as a member of the IWMA Scientific Council. After having had to step down from the position as president after two terms – as is required by the articles of the association – he had applied to rejoin the council. Are Brandt was elected IWMA president in 2018 and re-elected in 2021. Before 2018, he had been a member of the council from 2009 to 2018. The Scientific Council, chaired by Bogdan Raciega (Fire Laboratory Director at the Baltic Fire Laboratory), has now accepted the application. Bogdan Raciega says: ‘’It is an honour to have Are as a member of the Scientific Council. His extensive knowledge of water mist systems and years of experience in full-scale fire testing will provide indispensable strength to the Scientific Council team, which is expanding this year to better reach our members worldwide. I would like to invite those interested in strengthening the Scientific Council team, particularly from the regions of Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Australia, to contact the IWMA Scientific Council – only together we can be stronger.’’ To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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CheckFire director highlights record rise in false fire alarms

News Desk /

In response to the latest fire and rescue incident statistics released by the UK government CheckFire Director, Bruce Robins offers his comments, highlighting the rise in false fire alarms, particularly those due to apparatus, and the need for the public and businesses to ensure they have properly installed, maintained, and functioning fire alarm systems. Robins stated: “The latest fire and rescue incident statistics released by the UK government highlight several important trends in England, particularly the continued rise in false fire alarms caused by apparatus. In the year ending September 2024, fire and rescue services (FRSs) attended 254,041 false fire alarms – a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year and the highest figure since 2011. “Furthermore, 183,115 of these false alarms were due to apparatus, representing a 4.9% increase from the previous year, and a shocking 25% rise compared to a decade ago. This data highlights the crucial need for the public and businesses to ensure they have properly installed, maintained, and functioning fire alarm systems. Faulty or poorly maintained fire alarms not only disrupt emergency services but also divert vital resources away from genuine emergencies, where every second counts. “While it’s reassuring to see a decrease in the number of fires attended – down 7.4% compared to the previous year – this progress must not be undermined by preventable false fire alarms. Effective fire safety begins with attentiveness, from regular alarm testing and maintenance to ensuring the right fire safety measures are in place, such as clear signage and appropriate fire extinguishers. We encourage businesses and households to invest in reliable fire alarm systems and schedule regular maintenance to reduce the risk of false activations. Doing so not only supports fire and rescue services but also enhances safety for everyone.” To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the Expert – Allegion

Exclusives, Technology /

Adam D’Arcy-Wass, Export Development Manager at Allegion UK reviews the fire door safety landscape with International Fire Buyer Magazine  Allegion UK specialises in mechanical hardware solutions, supplying global markets with high quality door closers, exit devices, locks and door furniture. With over 100 years of industry knowledge and understanding, Allegion is backed by a worldwide team of experts and a family of reputable brands, offering support to customers in residential, commercial, healthcare and education environments. International Fire Buyer recently caught up with Adam D’Arcy-Wass, an expert in architectural ironmongery at Briton, to discuss Allegion’s latest fire door safety awareness campaign and what’s ahead for the group in 2025.  Could you explain the key objectives behind Allegion’s Responsible Persons campaign?  Fire door safety plays a significant role in protecting people and property. Though, we’ve found there to be continued discourse concerning accountability, competence and collaboration amongst stakeholders. Allegion UK has a trusted reputation for helping to keep people safe and secure where they live, learn, work and connect, and our latest campaign aims to bridge the gap between fire door safety awareness and expertise. By offering trusted and accessible guidance, we intend to equip responsible persons, duty holders and trade professionals with the foundations and frameworks needed for planning, delivering and maintaining effective fire door safety strategies.  How does the new Fire Door Hardware Guide contribute to improving fire safety standards for responsible persons?  As part of our campaign, we launched a comprehensive ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide in September 2024. Our aim was to deliver an invaluable resource to customers and following an in-depth roundtable session with our Briton experts earlier in the year, we felt it was important to focus on the relationship between fire door safety and the latest fire safety regulations.  Since its introduction in October 2023, Phase 3 of the fire safety reform programme has further strengthened fire safety in all FSO regulated premises and looks to eliminate any ambiguity associated with building compliance. In all settings, greater emphasis is being placed on accountability and coordination, and as such, it’s critical for parties to review and understand their responsibilities under the latest legislation. Fire doors are a key element of a building’s passive fire protection system, and our fundamentals guide provides clear and concise guidance on fire door hardware to ensure the necessary steps are being followed to reduce the risk of fire.  What do you believe are the most common challenges that responsible persons face when it comes to fire door safety compliance?  Our experience shows us that fire door safety is often compromised in three areas – incorrect fire door hardware specification, poor installation and a lack of maintenance. Certified fire doors are tested with – and are therefore reliant on – several components, including hinges, locks, latches and door closers. Decision makers should be able to recognise the significance of door hardware when reviewing the condition of their fire doors, before being confident enough to correctly rectify issues when presented with them – whether that be at the product selection stage, throughout the installation of the product, or during the risk assessment duties of responsible persons.  Can you highlight the key features of the guide and how it aligns with current fire safety regulations?  The latest round of regulatory updates have been put in place to improve fire safety standards across the board and our ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide provides instant access to user-friendly regulatory guidance and the roles and responsibilities linked to them. Our Briton experts have carefully constructed the themes and information presented throughout, with each section designed to raise the confidence of responsible persons and trade professionals when performing their roles.  Within, readers will find a handy combination of valuable insight and practical advice, from legislation breakdowns and useful terminology guides to trusted advice on fire door hardware specification, installation and maintenance. Our tools and know-how are presented in a digestible format, with features including specification and maintenance checklists, door size charts and fixing applications guides, as well as compliance classifications and even QR code access to our latest product installation tutorials.  To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Britannia Fire rolls out P50 across Landsec’s £12bn property portfolio

News Desk /

Britannia Fire is rolling out its revolutionary, service-free P50s across Landsec’s £12 billion real estate portfolio in the UK. This cost-saving move will see Landsec cut the number of fire extinguishers needed across its property portfolio by around half and will eliminate the need for expensive annual servicing. The P50 will also help Landsec reduce its carbon footprint and future proof its business ahead of the impending PFAS ban. The P50, designed and manufactured by Britannia Fire, is the most significant innovation seen in portable firefighting equipment this decade and a game changer for those in charge of fire safety. Made from composite, it’s lightweight and doesn’t corrode. Its versatility takes away the need for multiple extinguishers at every fire point and simplifies the decision-making process for the end user. Completely PFAS free, its carbon footprint is half that of a traditional metal extinguisher and it has a longer, 20-year life span. A one-off purchase, it doesn’t require expensive annual servicing, just in-house checks and a refurbishment after 10 years. Landsec is one of the UK’s leading real estate companies, whose vast and diverse portfolio includes 20.7 million square feet of prime commercial, leisure and retail space, including Trinity Leeds and Bluewater shopping centres. Last year, Britannia Fire’s largest UK distributor, Safelincs, trialled the P50 at two of Landsec’s larger sites, including Trinity Leeds shopping centre. The savings for them were impressive. By replacing their traditional fire extinguishers with the P50, they halved the cost of purchasing and maintaining them over 10 years and reduced their carbon footprint by two thirds. Following these successful trials, a comprehensive rollout by Safelincs across the remainder of Landsec’s portfolio has begun and is now 10% complete. Landsec is also using Britannia Fire’s free scrappage scheme to dispose of its old fire extinguishers in an environmentally responsible way. Billy Cunningham, Director of Fire Safety at Landsec, was impressed when he saw the cost and environmental savings that could be made with the P50: “For a large company like Landsec, the benefit of switching to the P50 was huge. The fact that the water mist P50 is so versatile and can be used to tackle all types of fires experienced in office and public spaces, including live electrical equipment fires, means that we’re typically halving the number of fire extinguishers needed at sites and cutting costs considerably. “We’re always looking for innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. The P50 meets all our requirements thanks to its low-carbon, low-waste manufacturing process and servicing requirements. It’s also long-lasting, non-toxic and recyclable. The switch to P50 also means we’re ahead of the game and ready for the impending PFAS ban. “The cost and environmental savings have made the upgrade easier to justify to building managers and tenants – especially where there are service charges involved. There’s also a significant benefit for end users – no more worrying about which fire extinguisher to use.  By simplifying the decision-making process, the fire extinguishers are more likely to be used, and small fires contained quickly.” Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire, said: “More and more businesses like Landsec are realising the benefits of switching to the P50. The fact that they need less fire extinguishers and don’t have to pay for costly annual servicing is a game changer. The P50 simplifies everything because for the first 10 years, it only needs a monthly and annual visual inspection, which can be carried out and logged by trained staff. No need for costly, external servicing!” Billy has received positive feedback from sites where the P50 has been installed. He continues: “The rollout process has been very smooth and efficient so far. Safelincs’ engineers are quick, efficient and tidy – often we don’t even know they are there! We also haven’t had to deal with   disposing of the old extinguishers.” To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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NFPA Board of Directors announces three new appointments

News Desk, People News /

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of three new members to the NFPA Standards Council: Guy Colonna, FSL Consulting LLC; Raymond Grill, Ray Grill, Consulting PLLC; and John LeBlanc, Factory Mutual. In addition, Randy Krause was reappointed to a second three-year term, Jeffrey Foisel’s appointment was extended for three years, and Rodger Reiswig’s appointment was extended for one year. All appointments and re-appointments began on January 1, 2025. Guy Colonna joined NFPA as an engineer and staff liaison after serving in the US Coast Guard for 12 years with assignments afloat and ashore. During his 34-year tenure at NFPA, he staffed committee projects responsible for documents on maritime fire protection and industrial and chemical hazards. He also developed and instructed training programs for many of these topics and authored numerous technical papers and presentations. Colonna currently serves as a principal member of NFPA technical committees on hot work safe practices, confined space safe practices, and classification and properties of hazardous chemical data. He holds engineering degrees from the US Coast Guard Academy and Stanford University and is a registered professional engineer in chemical engineering in Massachusetts. He holds professional memberships with NFPA, AICHE, ACS, ASSP, and SFPE.  Since retiring, Colonna has remained active as a consulting engineer with FSL Consulting LLC. Ray Grill is principal of Ray Grill Consulting PLLC. He is licensed as a fire protection and mechanical engineer in several states with more than 40 years of experience in fire protection engineering. Grill is a fellow and past president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. He is also a lifetime member of NFPA and has served as a trustee of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. Grill currently chairs the Installation Technical Committee of NFPA 13, the Building Services and Fire Protection Equipment Technical Committees of NFPA 101 and 5000, and serves on the Notification Appliance and Emergency Communications Technical Committees of NFPA 72. He is also an NFPA 72 instructor for NFPA. John LeBlanc is a staff vice president and senior engineering technical specialist within the chief engineers group at Factory Mutual (FM), where he has worked for 40 years. LeBlanc is responsible for the development and updating of FM’s property loss prevention data sheets on ignitable liquid handling/storage, aerosol products, explosion protection systems, and provides support to all the special hazard subject matter experts who handle combustible dust standards, flammable gas standards, hazardous chemical standards, and special protection systems. He received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Science in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He currently serves on 15 NFPA committees, is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and a fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. The NFPA Standards Council, appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, is comprised of 13 members. The responsibilities of the Council include overseeing NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations and Rules, and serving as the appeals body over matters related to standards development. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Fire at Turkey’s Grand Kartal Hotel Claims 78 Lives

Exclusives /

A catastrophic fire erupted in the early hours of January 21, 2025, at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu Province, Turkey. The blaze resulted in the tragic loss of at least 78 lives and left more than 51 individuals injured. The fire ignited around 3:30 a.m. local time on the fourth floor of the 12-story hotel, specifically in the restaurant area. The flames rapidly spread to the upper levels, exacerbated by the building’s wooden cladding. At the time of the incident, the hotel was near full capacity, hosting approximately 238 guests, including numerous families taking advantage of the school holidays. Emergency response teams faced significant challenges due to the hotel’s remote location and the adverse weather conditions. Approximately 267 emergency personnel were deployed, utilising 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances. The arrival of firefighting units was delayed until 4:15 a.m., attributed to the hotel’s distance from Bolu and freezing temperatures. The hotel’s position adjacent to a cliff further complicated firefighting operations. Despite these obstacles, the fire was successfully extinguished after a 12-hour battle. Tragically, some guests resorted to jumping from windows to escape the advancing flames, resulting in fatalities. Others fashioned makeshift ropes from bedsheets in desperate attempts to evacuate. Survivors reported the absence of functional fire alarms or smoke detectors, leading to chaotic and perilous evacuation efforts. A field hospital was established nearby to provide immediate medical attention to the injured. In response to the tragedy, Turkish authorities have detained nine individuals, including the hotel’s owner, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared a national day of mourning and emphasised that all necessary measures will be taken to uncover the cause of the fire and hold those responsible accountable. This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent fire safety protocols, particularly in hospitality establishments. The reported absence of operational fire detection systems and the rapid spread of the fire due to wooden construction materials highlight areas necessitating urgent review and improvement, especially in remote locations which delays firefighters response time. Ensuring the implementation of comprehensive fire safety measures is imperative to prevent such tragedies in the future. The devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate fire safety practices. As investigations proceed, it is essential for all stakeholders in the hospitality and fire safety sectors to collaborate in reinforcing and adhering to robust safety standards to safeguard lives. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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