Ryan Fogelman, Vice President of Fire Protection Services at Fire Rover, discusses the company’s recent FM Approvals certification

Why is FM Approvals certification important for Fire Rover and this system? 

We’ve always used FM-listed components in our solution, but certification of the full system was key to establishing it as a primary, listed solution. That means our system is now officially recognised for use as a complete fire protection setup, not just a collection of compliant parts. This designation helps insurers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and risk managers validate our offering more quickly and confidently. It’s a mark of performance, reliability and quality control that directly supports faster project approvals and broader adoption. 

It also sends a strong message about the consistency and durability of our technology.

Ryan Fogelman

Our approach combines early detection, remote monitoring and now a certified continuous water flow capability. FM Approvals certification helps clients understand that our system is ready for real-world deployment and meets globally respected benchmarks. 

Can you explain what the six FM standards cover and why they matter? 

The six standards touch every part of the system. FM 1421 relates to fire monitors, FM 5511 covers nozzles and FM 3010 and 3011 focus on fire alarm signalling systems and central station services. These standards also include performance expectations for communications and remote control. 

Meeting all six confirms that our technology works seamlessly from end to end. It shows that our system operates effectively as a single integrated platform under stress conditions. That level of certification is rare and required us to undergo a multi-year evaluation process. It gives our clients confidence that the entire chain—from detection to suppression—is tested, validated and dependable. 

How does FM certification set Fire Rover apart from other fire suppression systems? 

What really differentiates us is our remote, human-operated functionality. Our agents monitor each site 24/7 and can intervene with precise control when a threat is identified. While continuous water flow is part of the certification, our innovation lies in how we integrate detection, video analytics and remote suppression. That’s what enables us to respond faster and use 88% less water than traditional systems. 

We’re already operational at more than 750 locations globally, with a strong presence in waste and recycling sectors – areas that are especially high-risk.

Ryan Fogelman

In 2024, we responded to 266 fires and we’re on track to exceed 400 in 2025. The FM stamp reinforces what we’re already doing every day. 

What does this mean for wider market adoption? 

It removes one of the biggest roadblocks: the “listed for the purpose” requirement. Previously, we had to work through variances or submit supplemental documentation to prove compliance. Now, we can offer a certified system that meets insurer and regulatory requirements from the start. That accelerates rollout, especially in sensitive sectors like chemical processing, aviation and manufacturing. 

What were the main challenges in earning the certification? 

Time, resources and coordination. Because our system model was new to FM, we had to collaborate on building out new testing procedures. We had to prove every component individually, then together, while maintaining performance standards throughout. That took a unified effort from our engineering, quality and response teams. It was complex—but ultimately worth it. 

This article was originally published in the May 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.