Reacton fire systems could be the difference in a school bus emergency
Iain Hoey
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Government directive on bus fire protection
School buses in the United Arab Emirates are being retrofitted with Reacton Fire Suppression systems following a government directive.
The National has reported that the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology introduced new rules on 15 April requiring fire safety systems to be installed on older buses.
The ministry said about 2,500 buses out of a fleet of 17,000 have already been fitted with automatic extinguishers.
Newly manufactured school buses have been required to carry fire suppression devices since 2018, but the order now applies to vehicles already in service.
The directive requires all school buses with 22 seats or more to meet the updated fire safety regulations.
Technology adapted from racing vehicles
According to Reacton Fire Suppression Systems, the devices work by detecting abnormal engine temperatures through a tubular sensor.
The company explained that when a fire is detected, a pressurised cylinder releases a dry chemical to extinguish flames.
Reacton said the system is based on “burst-tube” technology that was originally developed for racing cars.
Drivers receive a dashboard alert at the same time the system activates, allowing them to evacuate passengers.
Sam Malins, chief executive of Reacton Fire Suppression Systems, said: “We have been manufacturing and stockpiling systems for nearly a year in anticipation of these regulations being implemented – we have warehouses full of systems ready to go.
“We also have a strong manufacturing production line to ensure we are well stocked.
“We know that our systems work highly effectively, as it has already saved a vehicle in Abu Dhabi from a potential major fire.”
Industry response to the regulation
Malins added: “School buses are the first phase of rolling out these systems and we will see further implementation to other buses and vehicles.
“Costs are only a few thousand dirhams, with the price depending on the size of the vehicle and specific requirements. This is very much in line with international standards.
“However, we have seen in international markets the deployment of cheap systems which have failed in the event of fires, so we must avoid cheap, inferior products.”
The Emirates Safety Laboratory confirmed that all fire suppression devices are tested and certified before vehicles are returned to service.
David Campbell, general manager of the Emirates Safety Laboratory, said: “These systems are needed because most bus fires originate underneath the bus in the engine compartments.
“A fire can take hold and engulf the entire bus in less time than it takes to evacuate the occupants, which is a significant life safety risk to the passengers.
“When compliant, fitted and maintained properly, these systems protect the bus from destruction and, more importantly, give all passengers safe passage to evacuate.
“It is relatively easy to retrofit the buses with a compliant system and there are plenty of quality products available in the UAE market. The buses will need to be reinspected and reapproved annually to ensure they maintain compliance.”
Safety policies under review
Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, said: “As we understand the situation, the final plan has not been agreed yet and governmental entities like RTA [Roads and Transport Authority] are still reviewing the final policy.
“Different emirates appear to be taking varied approaches. A meaningful regulatory solution for older buses, taking into account the investment costs for operators, should be developed.
“Leading bus fleet operators should be consulted to identify suitable solutions jointly with regulators, who should be invited to provide clarity and share their perspective.”
The Roads and Transport Authority has been contacted for comment regarding responsibility for checking compliance with the regulations.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is responsible for drafting standards and approving systems but does not have enforcement powers.
Schools and operators adapting to change
School operators have begun implementing the fire safety measures in partnership with transport providers.
Taaleem, which runs 34 schools across the UAE, has been working with STS Group on compliance.
Maha Laasri, health and safety manager at Taaleem, said: “As schools reopen, the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, including when travelling to and from school.
“We work closely with STS to ensure all buses meet or exceed current regulatory requirements. In line with the new regulations introduced in April, STS has confirmed this will be implemented across their fleet at the point of renewal, while existing buses continue to be equipped with fire extinguishers and supported by trained staff.
“As one of the UAE’s largest education providers, we welcome any measures that further strengthen student safety, and we are confident that the introduction of these new systems will build on the strong track record of safety that STS already upholds.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The installation of Reacton systems highlights the growing role of automatic fire suppression technologies in passenger transport safety.
The Emirates Safety Laboratory’s requirement for certification shows how compliance testing ensures systems perform under real conditions.
The regulatory framework also demonstrates how policy shifts can influence fleet safety decisions, creating demand for tested and certified systems.
These developments provide insight into how fire protection standards are being applied in transport settings beyond traditional building environments.
Reacton school bus fire suppression systems rolled out across UAE: Summary
The National has reported that fire suppression systems are being installed on school buses across the UAE.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology issued a directive on 15 April requiring the retrofitting of older buses.
About 2,500 of the 17,000 buses have already been fitted with Reacton automatic extinguishers.
New buses have been required to carry suppression systems since 2018.
The systems are based on burst-tube technology originally designed for racing cars.
They detect abnormal engine temperatures and release a dry chemical from a pressurised cylinder.
Reacton said its systems have already prevented a fire in Abu Dhabi.
The Emirates Safety Laboratory tests and certifies all fire suppression devices before vehicles return to service.
David Campbell of the Emirates Safety Laboratory said the systems address engine compartment fire risks.
Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE said final policies for older buses are still under review.
The Roads and Transport Authority has been contacted for clarification on enforcement responsibilities.
Taaleem schools are working with STS Group to ensure compliance with the regulations.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is responsible for system standards but does not enforce them.
Annual inspections and re-approvals will be required to maintain compliance.
Sharjah Civil Defence previously responded to a bus fire in 2022, with no injuries reported.