As we enter the new year and look ahead to what promises to be a defining period for the global fire and life safety sector, this issue of International Fire Buyer brings together insight, analysis and practical intelligence from across the market.
A central focus of this edition is Intersec 2026 in Dubai, a show that continues to cement its position as a strategic meeting point for fire, safety and security professionals worldwide. With the event’s scale, international reach and increasing influence on procurement and policy, Intersec remains a bellwether for where the industry is heading. To explore this in depth, we speak directly with Intersec Show Director Dishan Isaac, who outlines how the event is evolving, what buyers and manufacturers can expect in 2026, and why the Middle East is playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping global fire safety standards and innovation.
This issue also includes a dedicated section covering the results of the Fire Buyer Awards. These awards recognise excellence across products, projects and people, highlighting organisations that are not only meeting today’s requirements but actively raising the bar. The winners reflect a sector that is investing in performance, reliability and real-world application, and the awards section provides a valuable snapshot of best practice across the market.
Innovation is further explored through our in-depth interview with Graeme Leonard of Victaulic, who discusses his company’s latest developments in fire suppression systems, a practical and grounded perspective from a company with a long-standing footprint in the sector.
Beyond these highlights, this issue delivers a broad range of technical and market-focused features, including detailed coverage of data centre fire systems and the essential need to avoid downtime, the future of fire detection, the evolving industrial hazards reshaping fire suppression, how modern foam chemistry is transforming firefighting performance in hi-risk environments, and the latest developments in PPE materials for frontline protection. These articles examine current challenges, regulatory considerations and emerging solutions, providing readers with information that supports informed decision-making.
