“We must reassess our strategies”: Stephen Mackenzie discusses arson as sabotage and the evolving threats to global infrastructure
Iain Hoey
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By Stephen Mackenzie, Independent Fire, Security & Resilience Consultant
Recent developments have brought pressing issues in fire safety to the forefront, and I believe it’s time we address them directly.
As professionals in this field, we must reassess our strategies to effectively confront these emerging threats.
By re-evaluating our current practices, we can better prepare for the complexities that lie ahead.
In today’s unstable geopolitical climate, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the rise of arson as a tool for sabotage and terror.
Actors who lack access to advanced weaponry are turning to fire to disrupt infrastructure and spread fear.
Recent incidents in Norway, France and the UK suggest that these acts may be linked to international players or their proxies.
This shift in tactics enables substantial damage with minimal resources, making prevention and response more challenging.
These incidents highlight a need for updated security measures that account for unconventional methods of attack.
If we focus solely on traditional threats, we risk overlooking these evolving dangers.
It’s important that we incorporate these risks into our assessments to safeguard key sites and infrastructure.
The Grenfell Tower fire stands as the epicentre of a global building safety crisis, revealing deep-rooted failures that extend far beyond cladding issues.
This tragedy was not an isolated incident; it was a symptom of widespread problems in safety regulations and oversight.
The unclear division of responsibilities has led to outdated standards and inadequate fire safety measures worldwide.
Without clear accountability, these systemic issues will continue to put lives at risk.
Over the past seven years, inquiries have yet to produce meaningful change, highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation and accountability.
We’ve lost sight of one simple question: is it safe? This question must guide all our considerations in building safety.
Adopting a comprehensive approach to the built environment is necessary to prevent further tragedies and keep safety as the primary focus in construction and renovation.
Finally, new technologies and insufficient infrastructure support are creating hazards that endanger public safety.
I’m particularly concerned about the widespread installation of lithium-ion batteries in high-rises, homes and public transport without adequate safeguards.
One of the worst scenarios could involve an electric scooter or bike igniting on a tube, tram, or bus, leading to disastrous consequences.
For first responders, these situations pose unique challenges that require specialized training and equipment.
Additionally, modern construction materials that prioritize cost over fire resistance increase vulnerability in densely populated urban areas.
Social and economic issues, such as substance abuse and rising homelessness, contribute to a higher incidence of fire-related incidents, both accidental and intentional.
We are introducing new hazards under the banner of green technology and our sector must adapt through rigorous planning and preparedness.
We need to stay alert and take practical steps to address these issues.
By asking ourselves “Is it safe?” and focusing on real solutions, we can better protect our communities and fulfil our responsibilities.
Only through collective effort and a renewed commitment to safety can we hope to mitigate these risks.
About the IFSJ Influencer
Stephen Mackenzie is an independent consultant with over 38 years of experience in fire risk assessment, safety management and complex property portfolios.
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