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Authoritative Statement issued by Fire Engineers Advisory Panel
THE MINISTRY of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published the Authoritative Statement of the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel in addition to a policy paper focused on the next steps for reform of the fire engineering profession. Read more
BSI issues updated BS 8524 series on Active Fire Curtain Barriers
THE BRITISH Standards Institution (BSI) has published the revised version of BS 8524 focused on Active Fire Curtain Barriers. This long-awaited update to the UK’s definitive series of standards in this area of fire safety follows an extended delay caused by concerns over scope overlaps with a related BS EN designated product standard. Those concerns have now been fully resolved. Read more
Serviced Apartments and Aparthotels: A Growing Fire Safety Challenge
SERVICED APARTMENTS and aparthotels are becoming increasingly common across the UK, write Paul Trew, Ian Bailey, David Quinn, Jon Pagan and Ian Moore, particularly so in urban developments and mixed-use buildings. While the layouts of these units are often very similar to standard residential flats, they’re rented out for varying durations from single nights to several months (or even years), in turn creating a grey area when it comes to fire safety compliance and enforcement. This can affect the design as well as the management of these buildings.
FIA preparing to launch Sustainability Special Interest Group
THE FIRE Industry Association (FIA) is launching a Sustainability Special Interest Group designed to support member organisations in navigating, influencing and leading on sustainability across the fire safety sector. Read more
New appointments strengthen ASFP’s technical and training capability
THE ASSOCIATION for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced the appointment of Nathan Hassall as training officer and Akim Makumbi in the role of technical associate, further strengthening the organisation’s commitment to excellence, competence and Best Practice across the passive fire protection sector.Read more
BAFSA introduces CPD course on sprinkler legislation and regulations
THE BRITISH Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has launched a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited online learning programme concentrated on the key legislation and regulations relating to the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Institution of Fire Engineers: Key Initiatives for 2026
CONTINUING THE organisation’s commitment to progress, innovation and inclusivity within the fire sector, Steve Hamm outlines new initiatives for 2026 that will reinforce the Institution of Fire Engineers’ (IFE) mission of assisting fire professionals worldwide to excel in their careers.Read more
FPA partners with FireQual on fire risk assessment qualifications
THE FIRE Protection Association (FPA) has partnered with FireQual to deliver a new suite of fire risk assessment qualifications fully aligned with BS 8674:2025, the recently published British Standard that sets out the framework for the assessment of fire risk assessor competency.
Built Environment Competence Hub established to support Best Practice
AN ALL-new national resource designed to bring together standards, competence frameworks, guidance and trusted industry insight in one central place has been launched by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Read more#
Join FSM and FFE on 5 February at 10:30am to compare the leading detection technologies used in W&L – optical beam smoke detection, aspirating smoke detection (ASD), flame detection, and linear heat detection, focusing on where each excels, where it doesn’t, and how they integrate for complete coverage.
Warehousing and logistics facilities are large, high-bay environments where smoke can dilute, stratify and drift with airflows, making early, reliable detection challenging. Add long aisles, complex racking, and 24/7 operations, and the cost of false alarms or downtime quickly escalates. This session frames the real-world risks and operational constraints that make W&L different.
Using a recent Nottingham distribution-centre case study, we’ll show how combining technologies can reduce devices at height, simplify maintenance, and improve resilience, without compromising early warning. You’ll see how the selection approach translates into practical design decisions on real sites.
You’ll leave with actionable takeaways on how to choose and integrate the right detection mix for your site, plus pointers to supporting resources for specification and design.
All attendees will receive a CPD certificate. Click here to register
Join FSM and DVS on 18 March at 10:30am for a comprehensive introduction to Video Flame Detection (VFD) and the LPS1976 product standard.
This webinar will explain how VFD technology works, its advantages over traditional smoke and heat detection, and why it has become an essential solution for challenging industrial environments.
It will outline the limitations of conventional detection methods, particularly in areas with high ceilings, airborne contamination, extreme temperatures, moisture, or outdoor airflow, and demonstrate how VFD overcomes these issues by detecting actual flame rather than the by-products of fire. Different types of video detection (smoke, heat, and flame) will be compared, including their suitability, restrictions, and common false-alarm triggers.
All attendees will receive a CPD certificate. Click here to register
Join FSM and C-TEC on 26 March at 10:30am to learn how BS 5839-6 Grade C compliant fire alarm solutions, utilising the latest technology, can better protect people and property in residential settings.
Centred around C-TEC’s massively false alarm resistant Hush-Pro system, you will hear how the system’s Equality Act-friendly central controller, long life-span combination detection and alarm devices and innovative Fire Level 1 and 2 alarm filtering can raise the levels of fire protection in all types of residential dwellings.
From simple stand-alone systems to sophisticated networked systems with BS 7273-4 compliant door release functionality and full Cloud monitoring, the possibilities are immense.
All attendees will receive a CPD certificate. Click here to register
