Fire Safety Digital

Solar Panel Fires Rise as Rooftop Solar Expands

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:10:14 GMT

The rapid growth of rooftop solar has been creating a new challenge for fire safety professionals, with concerns around installation quality, ageing components and the risks posed by live electrical systems.

Across the world, solar installations are increasing as governments, businesses and households look to expand renewable energy generation. But as more panels are installed on buildings, fire and rescue services are also having to consider the additional risks they can create.

West Midlands Fire Chief Thanks Staff and Public

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:17:50 GMT

West Midlands Fire Service chief Simon Tuhill has thanked both staff and members of the public for the collective response to the recent wildfire outbreak which ravaged parts of the country earlier this month.

In an open letter published last week, Chief Fire Officer Tuhill outlined how the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) received thousands of 999 calls on 13th August, which was one of the hottest days of the year.

EEM launches £800m fire safety and building remediation framework

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:16:01 GMT

Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) has begun a bid race for an £800m fire safety and bulding remediation framework for public buildings.

The new framework will replace EEM’s existing agreement, which is due to expire in November, with the replacement expected to go live in February 2027.

UK Fire Services Follow Australia’s Approach to PPE Care

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:04:22 GMT

An Australian PPE decontamination specialist is bringing more than 30 years of experience to the UK, as fire services face growing pressure to improve equipment care, reduce downtime and extend PPE lifespan.

Industrial Decontamination Services UK (IDS UK) is establishing a new PPE decontamination facility in Northamptonshire, expected to open by the end of the year.

UK Government Bans Disposable BBQ Sales Amid Wildfire Risk

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:50:29 GMT

The UK government has imposed a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, as they attempt to combat the "significant risk to the public" during the current drought and heatwave.

The ban comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham had urged retailers to pause sales during periods of extreme heat.

10 Technologies Tackling the Wildfire Threat

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:47:17 GMT

Wildfires are no longer a problem confined to southern Europe or a handful of extreme summer days.

In 2026, the UK has already seena significant increase in wildfire activity, with more than 1,000 recorded, and July marking a record high. Fire services are dealing with increasingly dry conditions, extreme heat and fires spreading into areas where communities and infrastructure are at risk.

When Compliance Isn't Enough: Lessons From a Fatal Racing Crash

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:03:40 GMT

A coroner has called for stronger fire safety measures in off-road motorsport after finding that two competitors survived a crash but died when their vehicle was rapidly engulfed by fire.

Gerald Hoekstra, 46, and Ede Taric, 50, were taking part in the 2022 Desert Enduro Race in Victoria, when their vehicle crashed into a tree and rolled onto its side.

New Forest Wildfire: Are Current Precautions Enough?

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:26:15 GMT

The New Forest has strong fire safety measures in place, but a major wildfire has raised questions about whether prevention measures can keep pace with increasingly extreme weather.

A major wildfire has been burning across more than 100 hectares of the New Forest, with more than 120 firefighters working to contain it.

Ken Bullock to Depart BAFE

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:25:42 GMT

BAFE have announced that Ken Bullock, the Technical Schemes and Assurance Manager, will step down from his post on 18 August 2026.

Mr Bullock joined BAFE in October 2023 to review the delivery and management of BAFE Schemes, whilst also devloping strategic relationships wioth UKAS, certification bodies and colleagues across the fire safety industry.

BAFE, the independent organisation that develops and maintains third party certification schemes for fire safety services across the UK, are currently undergoing a wide review of their structure and will be looking at the future operations arrangements for its BAFE Schemes.

Speaking on his departure, Bullock said: “It has been a thoroughly enjoyable two and a half years at BAFE and I would like to thank all the team for the support they have provided and collaboration they have offered, in particular Dr Justin Maltby-Smith and Lewis Ramsay, whose support in reviewing and updating the BAFE schemes, has been invaluable.

"BAFE schemes are now more robust, relevant, and effective and I am proud to have led the review process alongside my colleagues across the fire safety sector. Their contributions to updating the schemes portfolio, the time given and insights provided have been invaluable. I wish them and BAFE all the best for the future."

Justin Maltby-Smith, CEO of BAFE Holdings, added: "Ken has been very effective in moving the BAFE Schemes forward and played an instrumental role in building a solid foundation for further developments and future growth. I’m very grateful for all of his contributions, as are the rest of the Board of Directors and his colleagues, and we wish him all the best when he begins his next challenge."

Industrial Fire Puts Emergency Response to the Test

hbrackstone@nineteengroup.com (Hollie Brackstone) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:55:49 GMT

A major industrial fire involving more than 30,000 tonnes of sulphur at Port Adelaide in South Australia has highlighted the complex challenges emergency services face when responding to hazardous materials incidents.

The fire broke out inside a large storage shed, prompting a significant response from South Australia's Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS). Around 18 fire appliances, including HAZMAT and aerial units, attended the incident, while nearby residents were advised to evacuate due to large volumes of toxic smoke.