With the UK set to ban disposable vapes, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging users to be vigilant about fire safety, especially as more people switch to rechargeable devices. In the UK, all disposable vapes will be illegal to sell, supply, or possess for sale or supply from June 1, 2025. This ban applies to all retailers, including high street and online shops, and also healthcare and stop smoking services. The ban covers both nicotine and non-nicotine disposable vapes.

The new BS 5839-1:2025 standard is now live, offering critical updates to the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. This latest edition replaces BS 5839-1:2017 and reflects evolving industry best practices, regulatory expectations, and technological advancements.

In today’s environment, CCTV systems are more than just a security measure, they are a vital tool for protecting your business, assets, and people. Whether you're managing a retail store, office, or industrial site, a reliable CCTV system can enhance safety, deter crime, and reduce operational stress. Below, we explore five key benefits of installing a CCTV system and why regular maintenance is just as important as installation.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a renewed warning following a rise in fires linked to charging lithium-ion battery-powered devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and power tools. So far this year, six fires in Cambridgeshire have been caused by faulty or unsafe charging of battery-powered devices. Affected items include e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools, a gaming console, and a portable power bank.

A tragic nightclub fire in North Macedonia has once again underscored the deadly consequences of using pyrotechnics in enclosed spaces. With hundreds of lives lost in similar incidents around the world, this article examines why nightclub fires continue to occur, the risks facing UK venues, and the actions necessary to prevent future disasters.

A large fire at a battery recycling facility in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire has reignited urgent questions over fire safety compliance and the handling of hazardous waste materials. While no injuries were reported, the incident caused widespread disruption and led to precautionary evacuations.

A Cornwall hospitality business owner has been fined £12,775 after serious fire safety violations were uncovered during inspections in 2023. The case highlights the critical importance of compliance with fire safety laws to protect lives and property.

Firefighters in Nottinghamshire were called to a dramatic blaze in Worksop after approximately two tonnes of discarded lithium-ion batteries ignited and began exploding. The incident marked the first use of a new firefighting tool designed to improve response to rural fires.

A Derbyshire health club has been issued a fire safety enforcement notice after a chlorine leak earlier this year resulted in several customers being hospitalised. The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) conducted an inspection of a Health Club and Spa in Long Eaton in January 2025. Following their assessment, a formal enforcement notice was served on 3 February, citing serious shortcomings in the facility’s fire safety measures — including inadequate risk assessments, insufficient emergency routes and exits, and poor staff training.

A devastating fire has gutted a long-standing bicycle shop in Claudy, County Londonderry, causing an estimated £500,000 in stock losses, according to the business owner. Brian Cassidy, owner of Claudy Cycles, spoke about the emotional toll of the incident. “Thirty years of your life, gone in one night, it’s hard to take,” he said. “But I’m determined to rebuild.”

Access control systems (ACS) are essential tools for safeguarding sensitive areas and information across various industries. Whether you're protecting confidential medical records or securing restricted office zones, these systems ensure that only authorised personnel have access through methods like key cards, PINs, or biometrics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionising fire safety by enhancing risk detection, minimising false alarms, and improving overall protection. These technologies are paving the way for smarter, data-driven fire prevention strategies within business premises and organisation locations.