New figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reveal a rise in Home Fire Safety Visits during the year to March 2025, with record support directed towards vulnerable households. The report also tracks progress on smoke alarm ownership, fire safety audits, and enforcement actions. The statistics make for interesting reading with a mixed picture across the country. These findings will guide future prevention work, housing policy, and compliance monitoring across England.

A West Bromwich industrial estate blaze highlights the urgent need for fire risk assessment, fire alarms, fire safety equipment and sprinklers. In July 2025, a major fire ripped through an industrial estate in West Bromwich, destroying four factory units and sparking a large-scale emergency response.

Trying to keep an overview into five minutes will be a challenge, but I shall try my best to do so. We have had many successes throughout the year, but I wanted to just highlight a couple of changes that have had a positive impact on the business and express my commitment that we will continue to improve. Any feedback is gratefully received.

A former waste site Director has been sentenced over illegal practices which lead to a major fire in Lancaster. The blaze, which broke out at Supa Skips in Lancaster in December 2023, was fuelled by abandoned waste and led to weeks of disruption. Cleanup costs exceeded £2 million, according to the Environment Agency (EA).

SS Systems is proud to announce that one of our apprentices has successfully completed his Fire Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship after three years of dedicated training and development. This milestone marks an important step in his career, and we are delighted that he will be continuing his professional journey with us as he builds on his skills and expertise.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has published Version 2 of its Fire Risk Assessors "Standard Scope of Services", setting out clearer expectations for the fire risk assessment process. This long-awaited update provides stronger legislative alignment, improved transparency, and a shared understanding for both assessors and their clients.

The UK Government has taken a major step toward making online shopping safer with the Product Regulation and Metrology Act, which has now received Royal Assent. As part of the broader Plan for Change, the new legislation strengthens consumer protection by holding online marketplaces to the same safety standards as traditional high street retailers.

As Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) become central to the transition to reduced emissions in the UK, a critical question emerges. Are firefighting strategies keeping pace with the rapid rise of this technology? While BESS supports renewable energy integration and strengthens grid resilience, it also introduces new, serious hazards particularly for first responders, people and property.

Nearly ten years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Welsh Government has announced a major overhaul of fire safety legislation for flats and high-rise buildings. The new laws, set to begin rolling out from 2027, aim to bring greater accountability, clearer responsibilities, and stronger protections for residents.

We are reaching out to inform you of an important compliance update regarding your Ansul R-102 fire suppression system. Please ensure this letter is directed to the individual responsible for fire safety within your organisation.

In accordance with the latest interpretations of UL300, LPS1223, EN16282-7, EN17446 , NFPA 17A standards and other related standards., All Kitchen Suppression Systems are required to be connected to the Fuel Shutoff, Supply Air shutdown, Fire Alarm Activation and Continual Fan Extraction. This industry-wide information reflects evolving safety best practices, with increasing emphasis placed on system integration by manufacturers, fire safety professionals, and insurers alike.