Last month, we had the opportunity to attend the Fireforum Congress 2024, and it turned out to be an inspiring day. It’s not every day you get to hear experts, policymakers, and industry professionals come together to share insights on the future of fire safety. The event covered a range of topics, from innovative technologies to new regulations, and we came back with plenty of ideas — and a clearer picture of where our industry is headed. As a proud member of Fireforum, Addvals values the opportunity to contribute to and learn from events like this.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights and takeaways we think are worth discussing from all three tracks that took place at Fireforum Congress 2024.

Track one

1. Noodverlichting: de nieuwe norm en de RGV | Adriaan Van Nuffel & Eric Nelis – WG Noodverlichting

Van Nuffel and Nelis discussed the significance of emergency lighting in ensuring safe evacuation during power outages. The presentation covered standards like NBN EN 1838 and 50172 for lighting requirements and maintenance and it emphasized legal compliance, challenges with outdated installations. New revisions are expected by 2025.

2. Branddetectie: controles goede staat en werking – een goed idee? | Yvan Demunter & Mathieu Vandenbussche – SA/E072

Demunter and Vandenbussche examined the balance between functional tests and compliance inspections for fire detection systems. They addresses challenges with outdated technologies and high-cost compliance and highlighted legal and ethical implications of substandard fire safety practices.

3. NBN S 21-100-1 Branddetectie – altijd een conforme oplossing op maat | Sven Govers – SA/E072

Govers’s presentation focused on the NBN S 21-100-1 standard, which adapts to specific project needs. He covered risk analysis, monitoring levels, and case-by-case exceptions for effective fire detection and emphasized a goal-oriented approach for implementing fire safety measures.

4. Branddetectie- en brandalarmsystemen – de belangrijke evolutie van de normen | Walter Geerts – SA/E072

Geerts’s presentation reviewed the updates in standards for fire detection and alarm systems (e.g., prNBN S 21-100-1, S 21-112 series). He discussed the integration of detection, alarm systems, and structured risk assessments and stressed synergy between standards for effective fire safety management.

5. Compartiment of gecompartimenteerd: hetzelfde of toch niet? | Krista Dekoning & Bea De Moerloose – SA/E127

Dekoning and De Moerloose’s presentation exploreed compartmentalization strategies to limit fire spread and ensure safety in buildings. They differentiated between compartments, sub-compartments, and fire-resistant enclosures and provided examples and guidance for applying fire safety standards in schools and other facilities.

6. Sprinklerclassificatie’ – Een fase die vaak wordt verwaarloosd of zelfs genegeerd, hoewel het een “must have” is voor elk sprinklersysteem | Michel Delruelle, Technical Officer Normalization – ANPI

Delruelle offered details about the classification, design, and installation of sprinkler systems, based on EN 12845. He explained risk classifications (e.g., Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard, High Hazard) and hydraulic design criteria and highlighted the importance of accurate documentation and specific equipment standards.

Here are five main insights from track one at Fireforum Congress 2024:

1. Fire safety standards are crucial for risk mitigation and legal compliance.

• Standards like NBN EN 1838, 50172, and S 21-100-1 provide essential frameworks for emergency lighting, fire detection, and sprinkler systems​.
• Compliance ensures safety, but challenges exist with outdated installations and evolving regulations.
• New revisions (e.g., emergency lighting standards in 2025) aim to modernize fire safety practices.

2. Compartmentalization plays a critical role in fire containment.

• Proper design and implementation of fire compartments limit fire spread, safeguard evacuation paths, and protect critical spaces​.
• Misclassification or inadequate compartmentalization can lead to higher fire risks​.

3. Economic considerations must be integrated into fire safety.

• Fire safety investments are often overlooked due to cost, but integrating microeconomic principles can help balance safety and budget concerns​.
• Tools and frameworks for fire safety economics can assist decision-makers in evaluating the long-term value of fire safety measures​.

4. Innovative technologies are enhancing fire safety.

• Advances like video fire detection (VFD), multi-sensor systems, and automated testing improve detection and response​.
• Standards are adapting to include these technologies, offering flexibility for complex or unique architectural needs​.

5. Fire safety education and collaboration drive best practices.

• Educational initiatives foster technical and ethical competencies among professionals​.
• Stakeholder involvement, including building managers, engineers, and authorities, is vital for effective implementation and maintenance​.

Track two

1. Rookbeheersingssystemen: het creëren van een rookvrije omgeving in open architectuur | Robby de Roeck en Filip Van Meerhaeghe – WG Rookbeheersing

De Roeck and Van Meerhaeghe discussed smoke management systems to ensure smoke-free environments in open architecture settings, particularly for care institutions. Their presentation outlined design guidelines, safety levels, and compliance with fire safety regulations. Topics included active/passive fire safety measures, evacuation strategies, and technical specifications for systems like smoke control vents and fire-resistant barriers. Their case studies illustrated practical applications in residential care facilities.

2. Dit is geen oefening – wat te verwachten in geval van een noodsituatie? | Bert Hertenweg – Nationaal Crisiscentrum

Hertenweg provided a framework for emergency planning and crisis management, guided by Belgian regulations. His presentation outlined risk identification, multidisciplinary collaboration, and types of emergency plans (e.g., general, site-specific). Hertenweg also highlighted operational coordination during crises, emphasizing preparedness, communication strategies, and the importance of internal crisis cells for organizations.

3. Afvalbranden als maatschappelijk probleem. Op weg naar een brandveiligere afval- en recyclagesector: samenwerking voor een duurzame afvalketen | David Vos + Johan Bonnier – Interafval

Vos and Bonnier addressed the growing issue of waste fires in the recycling industry, driven by improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. The presentation examined the societal and sectoral impacts, including safety risks, infrastructure damage, and increasing insurance premiums. A task force proposes solutions like best practices, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration across the waste chain to mitigate risks.

4. Lessen uit fatale brand tijdens werkzaamheden in het voormalige Sheraton hotel (Brussel) | Christian Gryspeert – HVZ Midwest + Bart Merci – Universiteit Gent

A detailed case study of a significant fire incident in 2022 at a Sheraton hotel. The report employs CFD simulations, thermo-mechanical analysis, and interviews to reconstruct the event. Key findings include the chimney effect caused by specific escalator configurations, fire suppression challenges, and the impact of ongoing renovations. The study stresses the importance of clear procedures and robust aftercare for affected teams.

5. Branddeuren, the good, the bad and the ugly. Hoe branddeuren terug overal functioneel krijgen? | Bart Vanraes – Fix The Firedoor

Vanraes emphasized the importance of fire doors in saving lives, focusing on public awareness, operational maintenance, and the consequences of negligence. He discussed common issues like lack of recognition and misuse of fire doors, proposing solutions such as user education, routine inspections, and reliable follow-up systems to ensure functionality.

Here are five main insights drawn from track two at Fireforum Congress 2024:

1. The importance of preparedness and compliance in fire safety

Across sectors —care facilities, hotels, waste management, and emergency planning — preparedness is emphasized as a critical factor. All presentations highlight the need for compliance with safety regulations, proper system design, and maintenance (e.g., smoke-free evacuation pathways, functional fire doors, operational fire suppression systems).

2. Role of human behavior and awareness in crisis situations

Awareness and training are recurring themes. Whether it is firefighters using courtesy lights or the public’s recognition of fire doors, human behavior significantly influences outcomes. Educating users on proper actions during emergencies can improve safety and reduce operational errors.

3. Technology as a tool for safety and efficiency

Technology, such as smoke management systems, courtesy lights, and advanced simulations (CFD), plays a key role in improving fire safety and intervention effectiveness. These innovations enhance visibility, provide time savings, and help optimize resource allocation during emergencies.

4. Collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches are crucial

Effective emergency management and fire prevention require collaboration among multiple stakeholders: government bodies, private organizations, first responders, and the public. Task forces, shared best practices, and multidisciplinary coordination, as seen in the Sheraton fire and waste fires, ensure comprehensive solutions.

5. Environmental and societal challenges in modern fire safety

Emerging risks, such as waste fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, highlight the evolving complexity of fire safety. These challenges require innovative, systemic approaches, including public education on proper disposal and cross-sector partnerships for sustainable waste management. Additionally, managing crises in large, complex environments (e.g., Sheraton fire) underscores the need for adaptability and resilience in planning.

Track three

1. Courtesy lights for Belgian firefighter volunteers? An evaluation of a legislative proposal by means of a pilot-project | Shirley Delannoy – VIAS Institute

Delannoy presented a pilot study on the use of courtesy lights by volunteer firefighters in Belgium. Her presentation explored the impact of these lights on travel time, road user behavior, and firefighter safety perception. Key findings include marginal  time savings (6.46 seconds on average) and improved visibility, which enhances safety and reduces stress. Recommendations address legal frameworks, training, and control measures to prevent misuse.

2. Green and cost-effective fire testing of structural elements | Ruben Van Coile – Ghent University

Van Coile’s presentation focused on the High-Intensity Fast-Response Electric Radiant Panel (HIFREP) for fire testing of structural elements and its key features included fully electric operation, rapid intensity control, horizontal/vertical setup, and precise thermal feedback. The applications demonstrated its effectiveness in simulating fire conditions and comparing results with numerical analyses. Calibration and heat flux mapping ensure repeatability, while a Python-based PID controller regulates thermal radiation.

3. Evaluating the structural fire behaviour of tunnels with spalling concrete: insights from recent projects | Thomas Thienpont – Ghent University

Thienpont examined fire responses in concrete tunnels, emphasizing spalling effects during natural fires. He compared traditional fire design with advanced structural fire engineering, highlighting spalling’s critical impact on tunnel stability. Case studies and finite element analyses revealed that spalling significantly reduces fire resistance, affecting both cooling phases and long-term structural performance.

4. When Environmental Impact Reduction becomes Mandatory : Fire Safe Building Envelopes with Low-Impact Materials | Louis De Vos – Jensen Hughes Belgium

De Vos’s presentation focused on integrating low-impact building materials (e.g., wood fiber, hemp) into fire-safe designs to meet lifecycle GHG limits. He reviews European regulations and innovations in sustainable construction materials and discussed fire safety challenges and solutions, including large-scale testing and evolving legislation in France and the Netherlands.

5. Aircraft Hangar Fire Protection Systems – Performance-Based Design Approach | Martial Delplanche – Jensen Hughes Belgium

Delplanche presented a performance-based approach to aircraft hangar fire protection, moving away from foam systems due to environmental concerns. He introduced water mist systems as effective alternatives, emphasizing hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. The presentation included residual risk analysis and recommendations for enhanced fire detection and maintenance.

6. Learning from Existing Tools: Enhancing Fire Risk Assessment in the Built Environment | Louis Cleef – Delft University of Technology

Cleef’s presentation reviewed fire risk assessment tools for enhancing fire safety in buildings. 54 approaches were surveyed, analyzing gaps in attributes like sustainability and resilience. Cleef suggested developing tools that incorporate overlooked factors, such as environmental impact and long-term resilience.

7. Fluorvrije blusmiddelen – Europese uitfasering PFAS neemt versnelling | Philip Scheyltjens + Henri Dermul – Eurofeu

Scheyltjens and Dermul discussed the environmental and health hazards of PFAS in firefighting foams. They analyzed existing regulations and transition proposals to restrict PFAS use, promoting alternatives like F3 foams.They also highlighted complexities in transitioning, including waste management and the need for technical adjustments.

Here are five key insights from track three at Fireforum Congress 2024:

1. Balancing fire safety with environmental impact

Several presentations emphasized the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in fire safety. For example, moving away from PFAS-based firefighting foams and foam systems in hangars highlights the need for safer alternatives like F3 foams and water mist systems. Adoption of low-impact building materials like timber and hemp fiber requires innovative solutions to address their fire safety risks.

2. Advancing fire risk assessment tools and methodologies

Improved fire risk assessment tools are essential to identify overlooked factors such as resilience, environmental impact, and sustainability. Advanced modeling approaches, like those used in concrete tunnel analyses, demonstrate the necessity of precise risk evaluation for tailored fire protection strategies.

3. Innovation in fire testing and mitigation techniques

The HIFREP system showcases how innovative testing methods can provide controlled and repeatable conditions for fire performance assessment. Modern extinguishing technologies, such as low-pressure water mist systems in hangars highlight how risk-specific approaches can mitigate potential fire hazards effectively.

4. Legislation driving change in fire safety practices

Regulatory changes are a consistent driver for innovation. Restrictions on PFAS and updates in NFPA 409 standards for hangars reflect the growing regulatory pressure to reduce environmental and health hazards. The EU’s 2050 net-zero targets push for lifecycle GHG compliance in construction, influencing the adoption of sustainable materials with fire-safe designs.

5. Human-centric and operational enhancements in fire safety

Projects like the Courtesy Lights for Belgian firefighters show that improving operational efficiency and safety perceptions can have a significant impact on first-responder activities. The integration of fire detection and suppression systems tailored to human behavior and operational dynamics underscores the importance of aligning fire safety measures with real-world use cases.

Next steps

The Fireforum Congress 2024 gave us plenty to think about and take back to our daily work. It’s always valuable to hear real-world examples and updates from across the field.

If any of the topics stood out to you, or if you’d like to explore how we can apply some of these ideas, let’s have a chat — we’d be happy to dive into it with you.