The ONS wanted to uncover the number of fires where the source of ignition was from a ‘hot work’ activity (such as from a blow lamp or welding equipment) across each of England's Fire and Rescue Service areas.

During the 2023-2024 financial year, there were 199 ‘hot work’-related fires recorded, 85% of which were caused by welding or cutting. Looking at the corresponding figures for 2024-2025, the number of ‘hot work’ fires fell by 9%, with a total of 182 fires caused by ‘hot work’ activities in England (1.3% of all non-dwelling fires).

However, as was the case in 2023-2024, 85% of fires in 2024-2025 were sparked by welding or cutting, highlighting the fact that these activities continue to be the predominant source of ‘hot work’-related incidents.

Appraising how many of these fires occurred in the construction industry, in 2023-2024, 12 fires broke out in buildings under construction, while there were eight incidents of fire outbreak in 2024-2025.

Across both financial years, a total of 32 fires relating to ‘hot works’ realised at least one casualty/fatality at the scene of the incident, with 19 in 2023-2024 and 13 in 2024-2025.

Results from the regions

The data also highlights which Fire and Rescue Service regions in England recorded the most ‘hot work’-related fires in 2024-2025. The regions with the highest proportion of ‘hot work’ fires, compared with all non-dwelling fires that year, were Cumbria (4.55%), Derbyshire (4.06%), Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (3.85%), North Yorkshire (3.57%) and Hereford and Worcester (3.5%).

The London Fire Brigade reported the highest number of ‘hot work’ fires with a total of 14 incidents. However, this only accounted for 0.81% of all non-dwelling fires recorded in the region.

In comparison, the five regions with the highest percentage of ‘hot work’ fires in 2023-2024 were Northumberland (4.6%), Hertfordshire (3.98%), Devon and Somerset (3.91%), West Yorkshire (3%) and North Yorkshire (2.93%).

Managerial oversight

Gary Ellis, managing director of CE Safety, commented: “While the number of fires related to ‘hot works’ don’t contribute to a huge percentage of the total number of fires in England every year, our analysis of data from the ONS still shows that these highly dangerous incidents do still happen consistently every year. Although there was a drop in the number of ‘hot work’-related fires in 2024-2025, it was only small and there’s still a significant number of such fires being attended. These fires should be near enough avoidable.”

Ellis continued: “There’s often a lack of managerial oversight of ‘hot work’ activities. The requirements for a fire risk assessment and ‘hot work’ permit are well known, but in many cases they’re generic and treated more like a paper exercise by both the client and the contractor. The data we’ve presented here shows that proper practices should always be put in place when conducting ‘hot works’, thereby ensuring everyone has received comprehensive fire training for safety purposes.”

Statistics in full

The study analysed ‘other building’ fire incident data from the ONS across all 43 of England’s Fire and Rescue Services for the financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, examining a total number of 26,431 fire incidents.

As stated, the research analysed the total number of fires where the source of ignition related to a ‘hot work’ activity, as well as fires that occurred in buildings that were registered as being ‘under construction’.

*Access the full statistics online at https://cesafety.co.uk/news/latest-figures-regions-with-the-most-hot-work-fires-2023-2025/

In the realm of fire safety, the choice of equipment can significantly influence outcomes. Fire inspections require tools that not only meet safety standards, but also enhance operational efficiency. Among these tools, specialised ladders are notable for their non-conductive nature and durability.

The selection of appropriate ladders directly impacts the safety and success of inspections, making it essential for professionals to choose wisely.

Understanding the key features and Best Practice associated with ladder use in fire-prone environments is critical for both safety and effectiveness. On that note, it’s worth exploring fibreglass step ladders that are specifically designed for such environments.

Importance of ladders

Ladders are essential in fire safety inspections, offering access to hard-to-reach areas and enabling thorough assessments. Their versatility allows trained inspectors to navigate various terrains and building structures efficiently. In fire-prone environments, ladders must be reliable, providing stability and support under demanding conditions.

The right ladder choice can significantly enhance both safety and productivity during inspections. Advanced ladders are designed with features that reduce slip risks and ensure firm footing, even on uneven surfaces. This reliability is crucial when performing detailed checks at heights or in confined spaces. By selecting ladders tailored to specific inspection needs, it’s perfectly possible to optimise workflow, while in parallel maintaining high safety standards.

Fire safety inspections often involve examining smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and alarm panels that are mounted at considerable heights. Without proper ladder access, these critical components may be inadequately inspected, potentially leaving vulnerabilities undetected.

Professional-grade ladders enable inspectors to conduct comprehensive evaluations of fire suppression equipment, emergency lighting systems and ventilation structures. The ability to safely reach elevated areas ensures that no aspect of fire safety infrastructure is overlooked, in turn contributing towards more thorough risk assessments and, ultimately, protecting building occupants from potential hazards.

Advanced solutions

Advanced ladder solutions incorporate materials and designs that are particularly suited to fire-prone settings. Some ladders offer electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for environments where contact with electrical hazards is possible. This feature alone enhances the safety of inspectors by reducing the risk of electric shock.

Moreover, modern ladder designs focus on ergonomic use, ensuring that they are easy to transport and deploy quickly. Features such as non-slip treads and stabilising bars provide additional security, while also minimising accidents during use. These innovations in ladder technology not only improve performance, but also extend the lifespan of the equipment through enhanced durability.

Proper use and maintenance of ladders will be essential for maximising their effectiveness and safety during fire inspections. Inspectors should ensure that ladders are set up on stable ground, with all locks engaged before climbing. Regular training on ladder use can prevent misuse and minimise accident risks.

Maintenance plays a vital role in ladder reliability. Regular checks should be conducted to identify any signs of wear or damage. Components such as hinges and feet should be examined routinely to ensure they function correctly. By adhering to Best Practice, optimal performance for ladders can be maintained throughout their service life.

Impact on standards

The integration of advanced ladder technologies significantly elevates safety standards within fire inspections. These innovations not only enhance personal safety, but also contribute towards more efficient inspection processes. Ladders equipped with cutting-edge features allow inspectors to conduct thorough assessments with increased confidence and reduced downtime.

By adopting advanced ladder solutions, organisations demonstrate a commitment to high safety protocols and operational excellence. This proactive approach not only safeguards personnel, but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards, thereby reinforcing trust in inspection outcomes.

Ultimately, choosing the right ladder technology can transform fire inspections into safer and more efficient operations.

*Further information is available online at www.tradeproductsdirect.co.uk

The Building Regulations 2010 set performance standards that all buildings must meet. They’re supported by statutory guidance in the Approved Documents. However, in the pages of its Building Regulations and Guidance Position Statement, the NFCC warns the current system is “outdated” and, further, suggests the guidance no longer reflects modern construction methods, changes in building use or the needs of a diverse or ageing population.

Much of the guidance for the Building Regulations is still based on post-World War II building studies and, according to the NFCC, has not kept pace with new risks or new legislation (including the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Safety Act 2022).

The NFCC’s Position Statement highlights that:

*Approved Documents don’t guarantee compliance with the Building Regulations, while non-compliance doesn’t automatically incur liability, in turn creating ambiguity that demands clearer standards, stronger competence and improved oversight

*critical areas (including guidance on access and facilities for Fire and Rescue Services) have gone more than a decade without meaningful review

*building design must enable all residents to evacuate without external assistance, yet current Government guidance still doesn’t require evacuation lifts – even in new residential buildings – and fails to reflect the fact that many residents cannot safely use stairs in an emergency

Human factors

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan commented: “Buildings should be designed with the safety of the occupier in mind. Safety should never be compromised or considered secondary to the building design, while the design should be inclusive and accessible from the outset.”

Garrigan continued: “The Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the need to consider the human factors that can affect an individual’s ability to leave a building safely. This must be built into planning and design from the very beginning.”

Further, Garrigan observed: “Our Position Statement is clear. The Building Regulations guidance is outdated, hasn’t kept pace with modern methods of construction, is too often misunderstood and too slow to change. Residents including those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities have the right to expect that, should they need to, they can evacuate – or be supported to evacuate – their homes safely. Those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must adhere to clear and consistent standards.”

In addition, Garrigan commented: “The Government’s commitment to further consultation and regular review of Approved Document B is welcome, but it must translate into meaningful and timely action. We need a modern, inclusive and accountable system that reflects how people live today and ensures tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire can never be repeated.”

Cultural shift

Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety called for a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and consideration of how buildings will be used and managed once complete. Fire and Rescue Services provided advice on more than 45,000 Building Regulation-focused consultations last year, yet this advice is not always acted upon (which can lead to costly measures including Prohibition Notices and the introduction of Waking Watch patrols).

The NFCC also highlights that current interpretations of the guidance allow developers to exploit ‘non-worsening’ provisions, avoiding the installation of critical life safety systems such as sprinklers and firefighting lifts, even when these could be added at minimal cost during refurbishment procedures.

Without regulatory action to stop these practices, the NFCC warns that the culture change envisaged by the Independent Review will not be achieved.

Firefighters must be able to rely on buildings to provide safety for firefighters and adequate facilities that allow them to perform their role. This requires clear standards for vehicle access, adequate water supply, properly designed firefighting shafts and effective ventilation in corridors and basements, thereby ensuring that fire crew members have the best possible conditions to save lives.

Key recommendations

Importantly, the NFCC’s Position Statement makes three core recommendations to Government:

*Regularly update Approved Documents

Ensure comprehensive reviews at least every five years, with clearer definitions of common building situations, mandatory evacuation lifts in all new residential buildings, retrofitted sprinklers in single-stair high-rises, improved firefighter access and water supply provisions and explicit consideration of long-term management responsibilities

*Strengthen competence across the system

Examination of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel’s Phase 2 recommendations, including licensing for principal contractors on higher-risk buildings and mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors, supported by a Government-led Construction Skills Strategy designed to address workforce gaps

*Improve oversight and accountability

Protect Building Control bodies from commercial pressures, make Fire and Rescue Service advice statutory, review non-worsening provisions to prevent the avoidance of safety upgrades and enforce Operational Standards Rules on a consistent basis

While welcoming the increased scrutiny the Building Safety Regulator has brought to the design, construction and management of buildings in the interest of safety, the Industry and Regulators Committee’s 80-page report (entitled ‘The Building Safety Regulator: Building a Better Regulator’) also warns that the delays mean the Government is in danger of missing its stated target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Having heard from a range of witnesses including representatives of campaign groups and other organisations, developers, housing associations and regulators working closely with the BSR, the Committee also finds that:

*the BSR has not given clear enough guidance on how applicants are supposed to demonstrate that their buildings are safe

*many applications are being rejected or delayed due to basic errors and applicants’ inability to evidence how they are considering elements of fire and structural safety, which reflects poorly on the construction industry

*many construction products don’t have relevant product standards, leaving them entirely unregulated

*difficulties in local authority funding and the introduction of regulation have left an ageing workforce of building inspectors wherein it’s a struggle to meet demand

*despite these skills shortages, smaller works such as bathroom renovations in high-rise buildings are being subject to the scrutiny of the BSR’s hard-pressed multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)

Further, the report is calling on:

*the BSR to give greater guidance to its MDTs on how compliance with the Building Regulations should be evidenced and assessed to ensure greater consistency

*the Government to remove smaller works from the BSR’s Building Control approval processes or introduce a streamlined approval process for them

*the BSR to allocate the same MDTs to similar buildings or projects built by the same organisation, which could improve efficiency and consistency

*the Government to provide long-term funding for the training of new building and fire inspectors

Anxiety and frustration

Baroness Taylor of Bolton, chair of the Industry and Regulators Committee, observed: “The tragic loss of 72 lives due to the Grenfell Tower fire laid bare the urgent need to reform building safety regulation in England, particularly so for high-rise buildings. The introduction of the Building Safety Regulator was a necessary and welcome step.”

Baroness Taylor continued: “However, the scale of the delays caused by the BSR has stretched far beyond the regulator’s statutory timelines for Building Control decisions. This is unacceptable. We welcome the fact that the Government and the BSR are now acting to try and make practical improvements, but this will not address the anxiety and frustration that residents and companies have experienced.”

Further, Baroness Taylor noted: “It doesn’t improve safety to delay vital remediation and refurbishments, nor to deter the delivery of new housing in high-rise buildings. We expect to see further action from the Government and the BSR to ensure that construction projects in high-rise buildings can be brought forward more quickly and without compromising on vital safety improvements.”

BSR response

The BSR has issued a response to the report through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It states: “We recognise that Building Control applications have been taking too long to process. Since the Committee began its hearings in the summer, we have made significant changes to speed up decision-making with a focus on new build and cladding remediation applications. These changes include the introduction of a new Innovation Unit, batching processes and account managers to improve communication with applicants.”

The statement continues: “These improvements are helping to increase industry confidence and, in the 12 weeks to 24 November, enabled construction to proceed on over 11,000 new homes. We also saw a 73% approval rate for new build decisions during that time, demonstrating that changes introduced are beginning to work.”

Further, the statement – issued through the Engagement and Policy Division at the HSE – reads: “Making sure buildings with dangerous cladding are remediated quickly is also a priority and will be the focus of our new Remediation Enforcement Unit, which will begin working on cases in the New Year.”

In conclusion, the HSE comments: “The Committee’s recognition that the BSR has successfully driven a ‘crucial cultural shift’ towards safer homes is a welcome endorsement of the new regime. We remain firmly committed to being a proportionate and enabling regulator that works alongside the construction sector to protect residents and deliver safe buildings in support of the Government’s housing targets.”

*Read ‘The Building Safety Regulator: Building a Better Regulator’ online

A group of solar PV and component manufacturers, fire experts and solar safety solution providers underpins the network, which is chaired by the BRE. The Fire Industry Association, the MCS Company, the CGM Group UK, Enphase Energy, IMO Precision Controls, PVStop, SolarEdge Technologies, ArcBox (a division of Viridian Solar) and Solar Energy UK are all contributing towards the project.

At present, there’s a lack of evidence-based information on how often fires involve solar panel systems, which parts of the system may be responsible for fire episodes or how these fires typically develop. The research will make use of reliable data sources and analyse them to identify the causes and frequency of solar PV fires. Any lack of data has implications for customer reassurance on the safety of these systems and designing safer installations.

PV-FIN contributors will work to identify the specific causes and consequences of solar PV-related fires and propose a selection of recommendations and solutions designed to reduce the risk in times ahead.

There will be a focus on three main areas to inform the PV-FIN’s recommendations:

*collecting reliable data on PV systems fire incidents across residential, commercial, industrial and utility installations in the UK

*engaging stakeholders (including Fire and Rescue Services, manufacturers, installers and researchers) to address current knowledge gaps

*analysing trends to identify causes and patterns of solar PV fires in the UK

Critical element

Solar PV is a critical element of the UK’s green transition. As such, there’s an increasing need for up-to-date and reliable data on the fire risk posed by these systems in order to promote their take-up among homeowners, businesses and the public sector alike.

The group will deliver the project within 12 months. All of the associated data will be summarised into a publicly available research paper detailing the findings and resulting recommendations.

Raman Chagger CEng FIET, principal consultant at the BRE specialising in fire safety, commented: “Making solar PV systems safer is essential if we are to encourage their adoption and, ultimately, make the successful transition to clean energy. We don’t know the extent to which fires occur within solar PV systems and how this could have a potential knock-on effect on UK solar deployment.”

Chagger continued: “Supported by the collective expertise and data-led approach of the group, we will identify potential solutions to this challenge. These could involve updates to public and industry guidance, product improvements or revised standards and Codes of Practice alongside areas for further research in the future.”

Practitioners harbouring data that may support this work are invited to contact the PV-FIN steering group via e-mail at [email protected]

*Further information is available online at www.bregroup.com

Sugarcrete, which has been developed from sugarcane by-product bagasse and sand-mineral binders, is designed as an alternative to traditional bricks and concrete blocks, offering a carbon footprint that’s around six times smaller than conventional clay brick, while also delivering high performance in use.

In recent full-scale fire testing conducted at the AFITI Laboratories in Spain, walls made from Sugarcrete were exposed to internal temperatures of 1,100°C inside the kiln chamber, while the external face remained at just 26°C. The trial ran for a full 240 minutes (ie four hours) with the material maintaining its integrity throughout.

Independent assessors confirmed Sugarcrete achieved an EI 240 rating (placing it among the highest-performing materials for sustained fire resistance) in line with EN 13501-2:2023, meaning that it successfully prevented fire penetration (E) and restricted heat transfer (I) for the duration of the test.

This performance outstrips standard clay brick and concrete block walls and matches specialist fire partition systems used in the highest-risk environments.

The result means Sugarcrete, developed by researchers at UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), is now a viable option for safety-critical uses, including industrial fire walls, protected escape routes, Data Centres and petrochemical environments.

Already recognised for its sustainability credentials, Sugarcrete offers the construction sector a route to reduce embodied carbon without compromising safety or durability. These latest findings show that the material can deliver uncompromising performance where it matters most.

Alan Chandler, co-creator of Sugarcrete and associate within the SRI at UEL, explained: “This is a defining moment. To hold back fire at over 1,000 degrees Centigrade for four hours proves Sugarcrete is not only sustainable, but also safe and resilient enough for the most demanding environments.”

*Further information is available online at www.uel.ac.uk

Given that IWMA director Robert Mostad (representing RISE Norway) will be moving on to new pastures, his colleague Kristian Hox will take over his position on the IWMA’s Board of Directors.

Commenting on this news, Kristian Hox observed: “I have always believed that the IWMA and its conferences play a significant role in advancing water mist technology. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will aim to position the IWMA as a driving force for innovation in the domain of water mist technology and elevate the latter’s global recognition as a sustainable solution for fire protection.”

Kristian Hox must be confirmed in office during the next IWMA member meeting, which will take place in October 2026. Voting right are on hold until that point.

Robert Mostad was elected as a member of the Board in 2023. The IWMA’s Board of Directors would like to thank Robert for his valuable input and contributions and wish him all the best for the future.

The 25^th International Water Mist Conference takes place at the Grand Hotel International in Prague on 7-8 October 2026.

*Further information is available online at www.iwma.net

Through major events, strategic partnerships and expanded member engagement, the FIA has continued to reinforce its position as a leading voice in fire safety worldwide. From Gibraltar to Helsinki and Singapore, the Trade Association’s work this year highlights not just the depth of UK expertise, but also the power of collaboration and shared purpose across borders.

Strengthening regional ties: FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar

The year began with a milestone event: the first-ever FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar, held on 15 May aboard the Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel. Bringing together fire safety professionals, regulators and industry leaders from across the region, the FIA Summit offered a full day of meaningful discussion, technical insight and collective ambition.

FIA CEO Ian Moore OBE opened the event by emphasising the Trade Association’s mission to raise competency standards, while strengthening both regional and international ties.

The seminar programme featured respected speakers including Colin Ramirez (Chief Fire Officer of the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service), Sir Ken Knight (former Chief Fire Adviser to the Government in England) and a number of senior experts who examined topics ranging from operational challenges to lessons learned from major incidents such as Grenfell, alongside updates on evolving European fire standards and new technological developments.

The exhibition element of the FIA Summit created an additional layer of engagement, with Aico, AJ Sheriff Electrical, Britannia Fire, C-TEC, The Fire Door Inspectors and Hyfire showcasing products and services that are helping to shape the future of fire protection.

The strong turnout and high level of interaction throughout the day ensured that the FIA Summit not only strengthened relationships within Gibraltar, but also laid the foundation for future FIA activity in the region.

Expanding influence in Northern Europe: FinnSec

As autumn approached, the FIA travelled to Finland for FinnSec 2025, which ran from 8-9 October at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Widely recognised as Scandinavia’s leading trade fair for security and fire protection solutions, FinnSec offered an ideal platform for the FIA to engage with an exceptionally broad network of industry professionals across Northern Europe.

The FIA was joined by a strong group of member companies, among them C-TEC, Vimpex, Eurotech Fire Systems, Kidde Global Solutions, Patol, Protec Fire and Security Group, Coopers Fire and detectortesters, each showcasing of them showcasing high-quality fire safety products and technologies that position the UK as a global leader in the sector.

This was a ‘first’ for the FIA and its members, as the Trade Association committed to underwriting the cost of the stand space to allow multiple members to use the event as a platform to promote their products as a communal FIA Members stand.

Across two productive days, these companies helped to demonstrate the depth and diversity of the UK’s fire industry, attracting interest from manufacturers, innovators and decision-makers alike seeking cutting-edge fire protection solutions. The event’s wide-ranging exhibition (spanning fire protection, occupational safety, electronic security, data protection and risk management) reflected the rapid evolution of the safety and security landscape in the region.

For the FIA, FinnSec once again proved to be a valuable opportunity for strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge and highlighting the expertise that UK companies bring to international markets.

Showcasing UK innovation in Asia: The Fire Safety Event Asia

The FIA’s international programme concluded on a high note at The Fire Safety Event Asia 2025, held from 11-13 November at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore.

For the show’s inaugural edition, the FIA proudly partnered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to co-host a UK Pavilion. This joint effort brought together four leading UK manufacturers (namely Vimpex, Patol, Coopers Fire and Eurotech Fire Systems) who showcased the strength and innovation of the UK’s fire sector to delegates and buyers from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Chris Tilley (head of commercial at the FIA)  described the enthusiasm and quality of engagement at the event as “remarkable”, duly highlighting strong conversations with visitors from the APAC region and beyond, while also praising Nineteen Group for delivering an exceptional inaugural show.

This collaboration with the BSIA also reflects a broader strategic partnership that continues to benefit FIA members. In addition to the joint Pavilion in Singapore, the BSIA has successfully managed UK Pavilions at major events including Intersec Dubai and Intersec Saudi Arabia.

Supporting UK export growth

Alongside these international exhibitions, the FIA continued to strengthen its support for UK companies through the work of the Export Council, which plays a central role in helping FIA members to access overseas markets, develop strategic export capabilities and collaborate on shared trade objectives.

The Export Council’s work ties-in with the growing interest among members in international expansion. On that note, we would encourage any organisation looking to broaden its global reach to join the Export Council and take an active role in shaping the FIA’s international strategy.

Across all of this year’s international engagements, a consistent theme has emerged: the FIA’s commitment to raising standards, supporting competence and building meaningful partnerships across the world. Whether fostering dialogue in Gibraltar, engaging with innovators in Helsinki or opening new opportunities in Singapore, the Trade Association has worked tirelessly to ensure UK leadership in the fire domain remains visible and influential in what’s now a rapidly changing global industry.

As we look ahead to 2026, the FIA is poised to build on this momentum, expanding its international collaborations, supporting member exports and strengthening the global conversation around fire safety excellence.

This year has marked a clear step forward in the Trade Association’s global journey. We look forward to continuing that progress together with our members, partners and international colleagues in 2026.

Helen Whittington is Head of Marketing at the Fire Industry Association (www.fia.uk.com)

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship and tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an apprentice has gained during their period of training.

Since 2019, SFJ Awards has assessed thousands of apprentices in the Emergency Services and protective services arena, with the organisation completing its 3,000^th Operational Firefighter End-Point Assessment earlier this year.

The not-for-profit Awarding Organisation scooped the award having been praised highly by an expert panel of Judges for its customer-first approach and the support offered to those working in the Emergency Services sector by offering a 24/7 assessment service, in turn making the crucial last stage of an apprentice’s journey a positive one.

Skills and competencies

Commenting on the award win, Kit Salt (director of partnerships and innovation at SFJ Awards) informed Fire Safety Matters: “We’re delighted to receive this prestigious award. Our small, but hugely dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that apprentice firefighters, Police Community Support Officers, Emergency Services contact handlers and more are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to keep members of the public safe.”

Salt continued: “As an assessment organisation, we’ve helped to launch the careers of thousands of protective service workers. This is something about which we are incredibly proud. It’s great to see our hard work recognised publicly by our peers.”

Industry-leading excellence

Rob Nitsch, CEO at the Federation of Awarding Bodies, observed: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners. Their achievements exemplify industry-leading excellence. It has been inspiring to hear how the qualifications and assessment community continues to drive positive change and a privilege to celebrate its ongoing impact.”

*Further information is available online at www.sfjawards.com

Running from 1 December for 12 days, the campaign is sharing daily themed messages across digital platforms and community networks, highlighting common fire hazards and offering simple and actionable safety tips. From decorative lights and candles to cooking safety tips and night-time routines, each day focuses on a specific topic to help individuals and their families stay safe during the holiday season.

Why fire safety matters in the holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it also brings increased fire risk with many new hazards. With more candles, tree lights and electrical gadgets in the home, the likelihood of domestic fires rises significantly.

Many of these incidents are preventable. The campaign aims to make fire safety easy, accessible and affordable. Fire crews everywhere are under more strain than ever during the holiday season. If there is anything that can be done to assist those crews, every opportunity should be taken to do so.

What to expect

Over the 12 days, the IFE is sharing helpful graphics and downloadable guidance that can be used at home or in the community. Each day’s theme provides practical steps to reduce risks, such as checking decorations, testing smoke alarms, planning escape routes and cooking safely.

All content is available on the IFE’s social media channels and website. It’s designed to be easy to follow and share. Industry professionals are invited to share the IFE’s LinkedIn posts with friends, family and colleagues.

Shared goal

The objective is clear: to educate the public, reduce fire incidents and ensure a safer holiday season for all. Whether you are a fire safety professional, an educator or a member of the public, participation can make a real difference.

Join the conversation by sharing your own safety tips or holiday set-ups using the hashtag #12DaysOfFireSafety. The IFE will release a free downloadable Fire-Safe Holidays Guide, bringing together all the tips in one handy resource.

*Further information is available online at www.ife.org.uk