‘The development of smart cities will create opportunities for companies specialising in integrated fire safety systems.’

Looking forward to 2024, several challenges and opportunities are shaping the landscape within the fire sector. In this overview I express my views relating to the current state of the industry, pressing challenges, potential responses, emerging technologies and potential growth sectors in 2024.

Current challenges

Climate Change: The frequency and intensity of wildfires and extreme weather events due to climate change pose a significant challenge for the fire sector and built environment. Addressing these risks requires better preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies.

Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation leads to increased population density which in turn requires investment and development of the infrastructure, making fire safety in cities a major concern. It is important that buildings and associated infrastructure meets stringent fire safety standards.

Potential Responses

1. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure at all levels of government must be fully resourced. This includes the use of innovative building materials, advanced warning systems, and more efficient firefighting equipment and emergency response.

2. Regulatory Updates: Governments should regularly update and enforce fire safety regulations to ensure that new and existing buildings comply with the latest safety standards. Examples of this include the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

3. Public Awareness: Promoting fire safety awareness among the public is crucial. Education campaigns and drills can help individuals and communities better prepare for emergencies and should form part of the wider assessment of risk within a community.

Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven systems can assist with the prediction fire outbreaks and their potential location, manage firefighting resources more effectively, and improve evacuation plans.

IoT and Sensors: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors can monitor fire safety equipment and provide real-time data for early detection and response. This information can be provided through the design process and throughout a buildings life cycle with key information being captured on BIM.

Drones: Drones provide a vast range of applications that can assist in detecting and assessing the extent of fires using thermal cameras, search and rescue, monitoring hazardous situations and supporting command and control operations.

Growth sectors

Renewable and Smart Energy Systems: As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, the fire and safety industry will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of renewable and smart energy installations like solar farms, wind turbines, Battery Energy Storage Systems and other innovative power systems.

Emergency Management Services: Companies specialising in emergency response and disaster management are likely to see increased demand as climate-related disasters become more frequent.

Smart Cities: The development of smart cities will create opportunities for companies specialising in integrated fire safety systems and data-driven emergency response. The fire and safety sector faces numerous challenges in 2024, primarily driven by climate change, urbanisation, and aging infrastructure. Responding to these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. As the industry evolves, growth sectors in renewable energy, emergency management

About the IFSJ Influencer

Peter Stephenson is a Director in the Hydrock Fire Safety Division based in Dubai. With over 40 years of experience, he oversees international projects in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and UK. He has a strong record of delivering projects globally, focusing on collaborative design and international best practices.

This article was originally published in the December 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.