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Big Interview – Hayley Burgess

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Rebecca Spayne, Managing Editor or Fire Buyer speaks with the newly appointed International President of IFE, Hayley Burgess CFIOSH MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc Could you give us a brief insight into your career and your current roles? After graduating from Queens University Belfast with a BSc (Hons) in Science, I commenced a career in Retail Management. This is where my interest in H&S began. I returned to university to complete a MSc in Health and Safety and found myself being drawn towards the specialism of fire. I moved into working in H&S initially in a Charity offering Supported Living to persons with a Learning Disability then a Training Organisation before moving into Private Practice in 2011. I am the Managing Director and Principal Consultant at HB Safety Consultancy, which specialises in the provision of fire safety and Health and Safety-related advice for SMEs operating across Ireland and the UK. My Company offers auditing solutions, fire risk assessments (I am an IFE-registered fire risk assessor), fire policy advice and evacuation planning strategies. I also hold a number of voluntary roles including Vice Chair of the IFE Board of Trustee Directors, Chair of the NI IFE Branch, Chair of the IFE Professional Standards Committee, sitting on the IFE’s Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Working Group, Chair of the NI IOSH Branch, Fire Expert Panel Member for Collaborative Reporting for Safety Structures (CROSS – UK) and most recently IFE International President. The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) recently announced a new Board of Directors. Can you tell us about the composition of the board and the specific expertise and experience that members bring to the table? The IFE Board comprises of elected and co-opted members with a wide and varied range of attributes and skills necessary to ensure the organisation complies with all relevant legislation and governance requirements and leads and develops the institution’s strategy, policy and goals. Congratulations on your appointment as the first female International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers. Can you share your vision for the future of the institution under your leadership and how it will benefit its members? My vision is to continue the collaboration between the Institution and other relevant stakeholders within the fire and built environment sector to share knowledge. I will continue in our unwavering dedication to promoting equality, equity, diversity and inclusivity within the fire sector and also encourage women into the sector and promote their unique characteristics. I believe the institution will continue to grow and attract members whose priority is to demonstrate their professional competence through membership with an organisation which is at the forefront of professionalism in the fire sector. As the Grenfell Tower investigation comes to a conclusion and recommendations are made, registration of a relevant Register will become even more crucial for those wishing to demonstrate their professional competency, the IFE leads the field in this respect having recently become the first licensee authorised for the fire engineering discipline Annex of the new UK-SPEC Higher Risk Building (HRB) registration standard. As the first female International President, what barriers do you feel still need to be broken down to diversify the fire industry? I’ve been very lucky to date in my career and have not encountered any major barriers to diversity, however I am very mindful that this is not the same experience everybody has. The fire industry has historically been male dominated and whilst there has been a significant shift in culture there is still a way to go. The IFE are leading the way in promoting EEDI evidenced by the creation of our EEDI Working Group, Women in Fire Engineering Networking Group and Early Careers Networking Group. These groups will challenge the barriers minority groups may encounter within the sector. With your background in fire safety consultancy, how do you plan to leverage your experience to address the challenges posed to IFE members by new regulations and legislation changes in the field of fire safety, both locally and internationally? The most successful method of overcoming challenges is by educating and familiarising people with the changes. I will use by position to promote relevant IFE Examinations, Webinars, Branch Events etc which will all assist in communicating and enforcing the changes that require to be implemented as a result of the enactment of new legislation. I will use my international visits as an opportunity to ensure members are aware of the extensive range of resources available to them. Competency levels in the fire safety industry are crucial. What initiatives or programs do you plan to introduce or enhance to ensure that members remain well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in this evolving field? The most important and successful criteria for ensuring that our members remain well equipped to fulfil their roles within the sector is education and continuing professional development. The IFE is a leader in its field in that we provide an extensive range of Ofqual Accredited qualifications to enhance our member’s knowledge. The IFE also provides an excellent CPD Platform providing an extensive resource library covering all topics of interest within the fire sector. Throughout the next year our CPD Library will be further developed to ensure we are providing information on the most topical and relevant subjects such as emerging technologies, modern methods of construction and changes to legislation etc. We will also continue to increase our Special Interest Group (SIG) offering which provides Members to join groups of special interest such as the Facades SIG, Transport SIG, Heritage Buildings SIG etc. I will also continue to promote our Contextualised Registers such as the Fire Risk Assessor Register and the most recent Register Higher Risk Building (HRB) registration. The IFE also ensures our registered Fire Risk Assessors demonstrate the highest levels of professional competency by being required to hold Engineering Council Registration at minimum level of EngTech Registration. To read the full exclusive article and other latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer

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Product Spotlight – Marine3

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Marine3 Fire is a biodegradable, mineral-based wetting agent from Mosmart UK. Independently tested and CE marked for use on all Class A fires, Marine3 Fire uses less water to extinguish fires up to 80% faster  Marine3 Fire is a saline-based solution, free of harmful chemicals, which contains a unique blend of biodegradable surfactants. When added to water, it reduces the water’s surface tension, enabling greater penetration and saturation of combustible materials, and significantly cooling the temperature. As a result, Marine3 Fire extinguishes fires significantly faster than water alone, and uses less water to do so. It also reduces smoke and toxic emissions, and helps to prevent reignition. In addition, since it contains natural materials, there is no chemical run-off.  Tried and tested  Marine3 Fire underwent testing at the Fire Services College in Moreton-in-Marsh, to see how it would perform on a range of Class A fires. In controlled conditions and using the same firefighting techniques, tests were undertaken on a car fire, a tyre fire, a straw fire and a timber fire, comparing the Marine3 Fire solution with water alone. In all four scenarios, Marine3 Fire significantly outperformed water in time taken to extinguish the fires, and reignition was prevented. In many instances, it also demonstrated a significant reduction in smoke and toxic emissions: a crucial factor both for firefighter health and for the environment.   Wildfires  Marine3 Fire is particularly effective for preventing, controlling and extinguishing wildfires. It provides deeper water penetration and faster suppression, helping to contain wildfires quickly and prevent reignition.   The properties of Marine3 Fire enable firefighters to suppress fire using considerably less water. This is particularly useful for wildfires, which often occur in places where access to water supplies for firefighting can be scarce.  It can also be used preventatively, by saturating specific areas to help create protective barriers, and by strengthening crucial firebreaks and firefighter escape routes.  Waste fires  Similarly, Marine3 Fire is especially useful for tackling waste fires at landfill and recycling centres. Waste fires are notoriously difficult to contain, since they occur amongst deep layers of highly combustible material. Like wildfires, they can take days to extinguish, and often require huge volumes of water.  The deeper water penetration created by the Marine3 Fire solution can help to saturate much larger volumes of waste, extinguishing fire and preventing smouldering material from reigniting. It can also be used regularly by waste management companies as a precautionary measure to dampen large volumes of waste and prevent fires occurring.  Easy to use  Marine3 Fire can be added directly to the main fire engine water tank or portable pump system and delivered through the hose in the same way as water alone. It is compatible with most firefighting equipment, including in-line inductors, round the pump proportioners and pick up tubes, with no additional equipment required.  Since the optimal solution for Class A fires is just 1%, relatively small quantities of the Marine3 Fire concentrate will go a long way. As a result, this product is very cost-effective and easy to introduce.   For further information, and to view official test videos from the Fire Services College, visit: https://mosmart.uk/fire/ or find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mosmart-uk   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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The Changing Tides of FRSs

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With the changing landscape of the fire industry, Chris Gannon, Managing Director, Gannon Emergency Solutions offers expert insight into the recent HMICFRS inspections  Given the recent release of the HMICFRS inspections of FRS findings, Rebecca Spayne, Managing Editor of International Fire Buyer speaks exclusively with Chris Gannon of Gannon Emergency Solutions to discover what the outcome means for the future of UK fire services. In this interview Chris divulges his thoughts on the culture associated with fire departments, and the solutions needed to curate a more inclusive and safer place for firefighters. This in turn can help better the industry, foster innovation, dissolve the recruitment and skill gap and protect the mental and physical health of first responders.   Please introduce yourself and give us a brief background of Gannon Emergency Solutions?  I have been in the Emergency Management industry for over 30 years as a former national Fire Chief, Government Adviser, and as CEO of Gannon Emergency Solutions – consultant to clients in over 40 countries on 5 continents.    Most consultants retire from a background in one national system and make recommendations based on that experience. Having retired from public service early and worked on projects all over the world, GES has developed a reputation for reform by bringing a unique collection of knowledge to the table and sharing global experience to help improve organisations.  Could you provide a brief overview of the recent HMICFRS inspections of FRS in England and their findings?  The HMICFRS remit is to: ‘examine the service’s effectiveness, efficiency and how well it looks after its people’. Earlier this year it examined and reported on the values and culture of all 44 fire and rescue services (FRS) in England focusing specifically on topics such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, diversity, fairness, and handling of concerns. The negative results made national headlines.  What was your initial reaction to the results of the HMICFRS inspections?  The findings came as no surprise to me or anyone that has served in an English FRS, bullies and bigots have plagued the profession for decades.  What is frustrating is that these cultures have been allowed to continue for so long despite comprehensive inspections since 2018 and hundreds of confidential complaints.  Essex FRS commissioned an independent review as far back as 2015 that found a toxic culture of bullying and discrimination that should have been a precursor to a wider national study, but whistleblowers were ignored and have suffered as a result of inaction. Recent media investigations seem to have significantly ramped up public attention and pressure. How do these results reflect on the current state of fire and rescue services in England?  If you canvassed the public on speed of emergency response and professionalism on arrival, there would be a very high level of satisfaction.  But internally, the FRS in England has some serious problems. I think the report findings reflect societal change in general and the FRS is the latest institution to come under scrutiny. The FRS has always been revered by the public and strongly supported during industrial disputes which makes the findings even more disappointing and damages both its reputation and public confidence.  Can you elaborate on any specific areas of the fire service that are being re-evaluated in light of these findings?  I am waiting to see what the reaction is to the lengthy list of recommendations and directives given to Chief Fire Officers and the NFCC, but don’t expect sweeping reforms anytime soon. The findings confirm that the current system of recruitment and professional development does not groom enough people who were hired to fight fires and carry out rescues to effectively manage complex, modern organisations and handle issues like these. Not one firefighter I know applied for a job with aspirations to manage finance, admin or HR. It is time to accept that uniformed officers should be restricted to non-executive roles and professional business managers actually run fire services.   To read the full exclusive article and other 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 – Firemiks

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Fire Buyer Managing Editor Rebecca Spayne investigates the changing foam proportioner landscape with expert Per Aredal, International Sales Director, Firemiks  Welcome to our Ask the Expert interview with distinguished foam specialist Per Aredal, the International Sales Director of Firemiks. Firemiks has been at the forefront of innovation in firefighting technology, particularly in the realm of foam proportioning systems. Per Aredal brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field, making him the perfect person to discuss some of the most pressing issues and advancements in firefighting foams.  The article will delve deep into the intricacies of accurate foam proportioning, especially considering the different viscosities of firefighting foams. This is a crucial aspect of firefighting, as the effectiveness of pumps and foam in suppressing fires heavily relies on its accurate mixture and application.  A significant part of our discussion will also revolve around the transition from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF). This shift marks a pivotal change in firefighting practices, driven by environmental concerns and the need for more sustainable and safer firefighting solutions.  Please could you give an overview of who you are and the history and heritage behind Firemiks?  Originally founded in 1979 as a Swedish family-based business – Firemiks AB is operated by the third generation, together with strong industrial partners. Throughout the years, our focus has been to develop, manufacture and distribute our own line of water driven pump proportioning systems worldwide. Our work method is to have the possibility to produce custom solutions to the individual needs of each client project, while also delivering regular models in accordance with international standards.   Can you explain how FIREMIKS foam proportioners work, especially in terms of adjusting to different foam viscosities?  The proportioning of the FIREMIKS is based on the principle of positive displacement for both the water motor that is driven by the extinguishing water flow and the concentrate pump that is driven by the water motor and which injects the concentrate into the extinguishing water flow. In this manner, the dosing relation is established by the volumetric relation of the water motor and the concentrate pump. This dosing relation is not affected much by viscosity, up to a limit of course as is detailed in the units’ performance data. The concentrate pump is connected to an atmospheric concentrate tank with gravity feed to the dosing pump. Solely the extinguishing water is required to power the whole dosing system.  What are the technological innovations in FIREMIKS systems that accommodate the varying viscosities of firefighting foams?  The volumetric water motor design was conceived by us in the late seventies, and it is very compact for the flow it can take. On a typical 3% unit, the water motor will take roughly 30x the volume of the concentrate pump, yet it is barely bigger. Since the start we have constantly refined its design for better performance and reliability. Like all pump design, it is all about the details and the execution. It is important to have flexibility to adapt the design and sizing, so we can quickly match the water motor up correctly with a wide variety of concentrate pumps, each of which also has its specifics to take into account.  Is it difficult to ensure accurate foam proportioning across a range of different viscosities?  As long as one follows the specified min and max flow of the data sheet, FIREMIKS accommodates changes in viscosity in a wide flow- and pressure range. There is no need for pressure balancing or calibration, nor is it possible without physically changing the unit.  What challenges does FIREMIKS, and the wider industry, face when transitioning from AFFF to SFFF in terms of viscosity handling?  Regulatory bodies are driving the shift from PFAS-containing concentrates to SFFF concentrates, prompting a reassessment of many proportioning systems for compatibility. Various manufacturers offer SFFF foams with a wide range of viscosities, including very high-viscosity concentrates. To select an appropriate proportioner, understanding the concentrate’s properties — whether it falls within a viscosity range of 1cP to around 5-6000 cP (measured using a Brookfield Viscometer Spindle #4 at 30 rpm) — or if it’s classified as very high viscosity is crucial. In the past engineers have relied on being to calculate the flow of concentrate, but with these new SFFF that are often non-Newtonian in their nature, accurately and reliably calculating the flow behavior is much harder. On devices that need calibration, the dosing might work in a specific set of circumstances, but as soon as one variable changes, it could fall out of calibration. Then it is much better to rely on a system that by design can accommodate a wide viscosity range, like FIREMIKS.   In what ways does the design of FIREMIKS proportioners, such as piston and gear pumps, cater to different foam viscosities?  FIREMIKS stands out by offering two types of dosing pumps — Piston and Gear pumps —alongside a robust multi-vane motor based on over 30 years of market experience. When working with clients, apart from considering flows and pressures, we prioritise understanding the concentrate type and viscosity, a quite complicated subject, before recommending the suitable pump type and accompanying installation advice.   Our models equipped with Piston pumps are classified as “Variable viscosity proportioners” in FM approval terminology. They maintain precise dosing rates within approved tolerances across a broad viscosity spectrum, from low viscosity to around 5-6000 cP (dependent on variables like temperature, concentrate type, and brand). Important to know is that all Piston pumps systems on the market have a limit upwards on handling viscosity concentrates, due to the Piston pump reciprocating principle; for each revolution, the plunger sucks concentrate and then presses it out and the concentrate goes from zero to full speed twice per revolution. If the static viscosity is too high with non-Newtonian concentrates, the concentrate might not flow smoothly and therefore the correct dosing rate may not be achieved…   To read the full exclusive article and other latest news, see our last

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Mike Cottam in Focus

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International Fire Buyer speaks to Mike Cottam, Sales Director at Advanced, about his strategy for the Middle East, current trends in fire safety systems and what visitors to Intersec can expect to see on show from Advanced on Stand F22, Hall 4  When did you join Advanced and what is your background?  I joined Advanced just over a year ago. I came from 3M, the global science-based technology company where, over the past 19 years, I held a variety of roles covering sales and marketing, integration, and Lean Six Sigma.  My latest position before Advanced was as EMEA Segment and Channel Leader within 3M’s Abrasive Systems Division based in Dubai, where I headed up the sales and marketing strategy to expand the division’s customer base into key metal-working segments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  So, you are familiar with the Middle East Region?  Yes, I worked and lived in Dubai from 2015 to 2021. I moved there with my wife and three young sons. It was great to experience the culture and live in the Middle East.  What was your vision for the Middle East region when you started your role at Advanced?  When I started a key part of my role was to continue the growth in existing markets, but it was also to accelerate new international markets. From this I understood the important part the Middle East would play as an area we should invest in and develop a team on the ground.  How has Advanced invested in the Middle East since the last Intersec?  At the last Intersec Sasi Kumar had joined Advanced a short time before as Commercial Manager Middle East and Africa. Advanced appointed Sasi to accelerate the company’s growth in the Middle East. Sasi came from sister Halma company FFE Ltd, where he successfully grew their specialist beam and flame detector business as Head of Sales for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.  We have now invested in three new employees in the Middle East, with Business Development Managers Sargunan Sellamuthu, and Hossam Badwy also joining the team. Sargunan was Advanced’s second appointment to the region in a year. He came to Advanced with nearly a decade of fire-industry experience, previously working as a sales manager, successfully handling UAE sales for a European safety systems manufacturer.  Hossam is the newest addition to the team, with a strong sales background, his most recent position was sales lead for global systems manufacturer Johnson Controls. Originally from Egypt he is now based in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia.  What is your strategy for the Middle East Region?  There are three key areas of our Middle East strategy, firstly to drive the Advanced brand so people are aware of the high-quality fire safety solutions we offer. Secondly it is to develop specifications for the brand, so visiting consultants, architects, and key influencers face-to-face to explain the many benefits of Advanced. Thirdly we are looking to develop partnerships with distributors in Saudia Arabia and the surrounding countries in the Middle East. Alongside this we are going to further invest in our Middle East team, we are seeing growth so I would love to continue to expand our organisation in the region. So far this has been stage one of investment in the region and this is set to increase.  What opportunities do you see in the Middle East at the moment?  It is exciting times, with a high level of development, including the giga projects in Saudia Arabia. Alongside this there is also an increase in safety regulation being rolled out which is improving fire safety in the region. Ensuring the right product is specified for the right job is very important to Advanced. It is reassuring for me to know that our broad portfolio of products offers robustness, reliability, and compliance with UL, EN and other important fire safety standards. In this way we’re able to provide specifiers with the versatility of choice to meet a wide range of needs – and peace of mind that the best life safety solutions have been chosen for a particular site.   We also have the flexibility to provide our customers bespoke products. Our AdSpecials department works with our customers to develop customised solutions for specialist projects that our core product portfolio does not cover, we design and build everything from smoke control units to fireman’s control panels, all using tried and trusted technology so if a customer has a complex fire protection challenge, our AdSpecials team will help solve it.   How do requirements in the region compare to elsewhere?  The Middle East is an exciting unique market where both EN and UL fire safety solutions are used. Not all companies can fulfil both requirements but at Advanced we are able to help customers that need both standards in our Axis EN and Axis AX product ranges respectively.   We will have our Axis ranges, with solutions for both EN and UL standards on show at Intersec. The Axis ranges are not only robust and versatile, but also easy to use – from installation and commissioning to servicing, maintenance, and day-to-day operation.   What other products will you be showcasing at Intersec 2024?  We’re delighted to be exhibiting at Intersec again and demonstrating how we can meet a variety of fire-safety needs across a wide range of different sites and sectors. We are keen to show visitors at Intersec that we can provide proven, robust, fire safety solutions that they need. Advanced is also thrilled to be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024 too, we are proud to have been a trusted UK manufacturer during this time providing high quality products.  We will be showcasing both new and updated products and explaining the benefits of each and the problems they can solve. We will also be demonstrating the versatility of our wireless offering at Intersec and showcasing our MxPro 5 open protocol approach. As an EN Standard open protocol fire panel, the MxPro 5 offers freedom, flexibility and safety thanks to the panel’s compatibility with a range

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Japan Ministry of Defense advances towards carbon neutrality

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Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), announced the pivotal sale of a Striker® Volterra™ 6×6 electric aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle to the Japan Ministry of Defense. The electric ARFF vehicle is built to meet the unique firefighting standards of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). This marks a significant step towards carbon neutrality in Japan’s defense sector by integrating innovative, environmentally conscious technologies that align with the country’s energy transition strategy. The JASDF embarked on a transformative journey by selecting the Striker Volterra electric ARFF vehicle as part of a trial to evaluate the reduction of carbon emissions in their operations. This purchase is part of the Japan government’s broader goal to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent and the Japan Ministry of Defense’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from 2013 levels by 2030, in pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050. The Ministry of Defense is poised to adapt to the impacts of climate change with a forward-looking approach that encompasses a broad view of both direct and indirect implications. The Striker Volterra electric ARFF vehicle, known for its eco-friendly operations without compromising on performance, is expected to significantly contribute to this vision. “We are proud to support the Japan Ministry of Defense with their ambitious carbon neutrality goals,” said Salim Hawi, Vice President of International Sales, Oshkosh Airport Products. “Our commitment is to deliver not just a best-in-class product but unparalleled support throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.” The Striker Volterra 6×6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh patented electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions to support all daily driving through the integrated onboard batteries. In addition to its environmental benefits, the vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity water and foam tank, a high-flow roof turret, and a dry chemical powder system exceeding ICAO and NFPA requirements. Other advanced technologies and design elements include a modular cab design and TAK-4 ® all-wheel independent suspension. The vehicle will be built to deliver outstanding performance in emergency response situations, equipped with an 10,500-liter (2,774-gallon) water tank, an 800-liter (211-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump. Additionally, it will be equipped with a 330 kg (728 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Oshkosh Corporation Classification – Restricted Hawi added, “As the JASDF evaluates the performance and emission reductions offered by the Striker Volterra, we are confident the Striker Volterra electric ARFF vehicle will exceed expectations, setting a precedent for future investments in electric vehicle technology. Our team remains committed to innovation and is honored to be selected by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force as it leads the transition towards sustainable defense operations.” To learn more about Oshkosh Airport Products and the Striker Volterra electric ARFF vehicle, visit www.oshkoshairport.com 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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Hochiki to showcase FIREscape Nepto at Intersec 2024

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Hochiki, the leading provider of innovative, Japanese designed life safety solutions, specialising in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of state-of-the-art fire detection and emergency lighting systems will be at Intersec 2024 – the world’s leading event for emergency services, security, and safety. The Hochiki regional team, who are based in Dubai, UAE, will be at the event to demonstrate their range of sophisticated fire detection systems, Latitude and their emergency lighting system, FIREscape Nepto. For many of Hochiki’s customers Latitude is the at the core of their safety systems and the team are excited to announce that the system will be the headline product on show at this year’s event. The platform is favoured worldwide due to its powerful networking capabilities, its modular hardware which is configurable for multiple applications and its impressive cause and effects programming capabilities. Sophisticated enough to operate anywhere in the world, in multiple languages, Latitude works across a diverse range of applications – from schools and hospitals, skyscrapers filled with thousands of office workers, apartment blocks and entertainment venues, cultural, commercial and manufacturing spaces as well as international travel ports, hotels and logistics hubs. The system has been designed to be simple to configure and easy to use by anyone, utilising touchscreen technology with a graphical user interface to help display vital information. It is UL, FM and EN approved and recently achieved BOSEC approval, adding to its existing EN 54 Part 13 approval and recent acquisition of Denmark’s prestigious DBI certification. At the 2023 event, the Hochiki team exclusively revealed to the world their all-new emergency lighting system, FIREscape Nepto.  Back for the 2024 event, the team will be on hand to demonstrate features such as its intelligent self-contained LED luminaires and exit signage connected via screened, extra-low voltage (40V) cabling. Integral batteries with a 10-year lifespan, make installation and maintenance of the FIREscape Nepto system quick, easy and appealing to install teams. And as the whole system is networkable, fully self-monitoring and self-testing with a central point of control, fire and security teams around the world rate it as one of the best on the market. Commenting on attending the event, Hochiki Middle East General Manager, Mr Hemanth Kumar said, “We’re thrilled to be here at Intersec to kick off what will be an exciting 2024 for Hochiki customers. We will be showcasing the capabilities of our market leading system Latitude and our emergency lighting system FIREscape Nepto. We look forward to seeing customers new and old at this year’s event.” Intersec will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 16th – 18th January 2024. Hochiki will be exhibiting in hall 4, stand B-22. For more information about Hochiki Middle East, please visit: www.hochiki.ae 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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Aico Announce Exciting Promotion for 2024

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Aico are excited to announce the launch of its exciting new promotion, “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go!” for 2024. Aico are offering their supply chain the chance to win dozens of prizes throughout January and February as a thank-you for all their continued support in 2023. This promotion offers an incredible opportunity to win a series of thrilling getaways and exciting days out, including trips to Las Vegas, Dubai, and across Europe. Plus, there are vouchers for days out throughout the UK to be won. To be a part of this grand adventure, simply purchase Aico products between January 1st and February 29th, 2024. Distributors can scan their invoices to accumulate entries, while installers can input codes found on selected products. The more Aico products you purchase, the higher your chances of winning! Picture yourself strolling along the shimmering Las Vegas Strip, where iconic casinos and dazzling shows await. Envision yourself sipping a refreshing beverage amidst the towering skyscrapers of Dubai, a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Aico is giving you the chance to experience these dream destinations firsthand. For those who prefer the charm of Europe, imagine venturing through the labyrinthine streets of Barcelona or stepping into the enchanting world of Disneyland Paris. You will have endless opportunities to create lasting memories. For a taste of home, there are also short stays in the picturesque Lake District, a stunning area of mountains, lakes, and forests, and the vibrant city of London, rich in history and culture. Aico is also offering a variety of vouchers for days out throughout the UK. Whether you are seeking exhilarating theme park thrills or an immersive cinema experience, there’s something for everyone. Alex Garmston, Marketing Manager at Aico commented “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go! promotion is our way of showing appreciation to our valued supply chain partners for their unwavering support throughout 2023. We are excited to see the grand prizes being won, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with our supply chain in 2024.” So, mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable journey with Aico’s “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go!” promotion. With every Aico product you purchase, you are one step closer to unlocking your dream getaway. Further updates and information will be provided on Aico’s social media platforms. 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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Earthquake devastates in China

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A powerful earthquake has struck a mountainous area in northwestern China, causing extensive damage, displacing residents in freezing temperatures, and resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives, marking the deadliest quake in the country in nearly a decade. The 6.2 magnitude quake hit just before midnight on Monday, causing over 700 injuries, disrupting infrastructure, and cutting off power and communication lines in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, according to officials and Chinese media reports. As rescue teams searched for survivors in collapsed buildings and dealt with a landslide, those rendered homeless braced for a chilly night in tents hastily set up at evacuation sites. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles) in Gansu’s Jishishan county, approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the provincial boundary with Qinghai, as per the China Earthquake Networks Center. The United States Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.9. State broadcaster CCTV confirmed 113 fatalities and 536 injuries in Gansu, while 13 people lost their lives and 182 were injured in Qinghai, north of the epicenter, according to a local Communist Party official during a press briefing. Over 4,000 firefighters, soldiers, and police officers were mobilised for rescue operations, with the People’s Liberation Army Western Theatre establishing a command post to coordinate the response efforts. 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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GFE to showcase the latest products at Intersec 2024

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European manufacturer of complete fire safety systems, Global Fire Equipment (GFE), will showcase the latest additions to its product portfolio on Stand F10 in Hall 3 at Intersec 2024 which takes place in Dubai from 16 – 18 January. GFE’s experts will be on hand to showcase the company’s range of advanced addressable fire alarm control panels and detectors. Visitors to the stand will also hear about the benefits of working with a complete systems provider that has the latest approval – EN 54-13:2017+A1:2019. Visitors will also hear about GFE’s latest product innovation across its industry-leading detectors, emergency lighting and graphical fire alarm monitoring, control and communications software. Commenting on the company’s plans for Intersec, João Paulo Ajami, Managing Director of GFE, said: “Intersec is widely regarded as one of the most important industry exhibitions in the Middle East. The Middle East is a strategically important market for GFE so we are delighted to have a strong presence again at this year’s show. “We look forward to welcoming customers – new and old – on stand and bringing them up to speed on our latest product innovation, our projects in the region and our future plans.” To pre-arrange a meeting at the show, please call +351 289 896 560 or email info@globalfire-equipment.com. For further information on Global Fire Equipment, please visit www.globalfire-equipment.com. 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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