2024 was a huge year for CheckFire – not only for our family business, but also for the fire trade. Marked by significant sustainability advancements, state-of-the-art product developments, and unparalleled customer service, we’d like to thank our customers and partners for making our favourite moments so memorable. 

From revolutionising lithium-ion battery fire safety to preparing for a PFAS-free future, join us as we recap the highlights and look at what’s to come in 2025. 

The Green Range: driving sustainable fire safety

This year, we made a significant leap in promoting sustainability within the fire trade supply chain by launching The Green Range. With access to environmentally-conscious fire extinguishers and services, our trade customers can confidently contribute to a greener future without compromising on the quality and performance of their fire safety solutions. It’s our way of meeting our environmental objectives, while passing the same benefits to our trade customers – who can, in turn, do the same for their own customers.

Highlights of this initiative include:

• CommanderEDGE enviroFoam fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers. Offering a truly environmentally-conscious firefighting solution by avoiding harmful PFAS chemicals, this fluorine-free foam fire extinguisher range includes 3ltr, 6ltr, and 9ltr capacities. Each model effectively handles Class A and Class B fires, and is recognised internationally with the BSI Kitemark for performance and reliability.
• CommanderEDGE enviroWater PFAS-free fire extinguishers. Ideal for settings that require protection against a greater Class A fire risk, our enviroWater range is fluorine-free, with a high-performance additive that boasts fire ratings up to a whopping 43A (for the 9ltr model). In addition to its BS EN3 Kitemark, the range is also MER-approved, making it ideal for a variety of settings. 
• PFAS-free wet chemical fire extinguishers. To support a variety of Class F fire risk applications, our wet chemical range features a 3ltr and 6ltr model from both Commander and CommanderEDGE brands. Boasting Kitemark certification, a new bell-bottom hose, and high-performing PFAS-free contents, the range is designed with durability, effectiveness, and sustainability in mind.

Of course, The Green Range isn’t a static offering, but a constantly evolving feat. Throughout the year, we’ve been proactively transitioning to an entirely PFAS-free fire extinguisher portfolio ahead of upcoming EU regulations. In line with these changes, we’ve been developing fire extinguishers that fully comply, leading the market in making our entire fire extinguisher range from Commander and CommanderEDGE PFAS-free. Our interactive map makes it easy to see which legacy items we’re phasing out, along with their fluorine-free replacements – easily identified by the green crosshair on the cylinder.

LFX fire extinguisher: tackling lithium-ion battery fires

With UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022, we were dedicated to providing an effective solution for our customers to tackle these unique fires. After extensive testing and development, it was exciting to finally reveal our groundbreaking CommanderEDGE LFX lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher range at The Fire Safety Event at the NEC Birmingham back in April. This innovative product – which is also part of The Green Range – provides a significant step in addressing the growing risks associated with this emerging fire hazard.

Available in 3ltr, 6ltr, and 9ltr capacities, these specialist fire extinguishers are equipped with advanced endothermic technology that effectively absorbs heat, interrupts the chain reaction of thermal runaway, and tackles secondary ‘peripheral’ fires. The 6ltr and 9ltr LFX fire extinguishers are also distinguished by their NTA 8133 certification, with the 6ltr model being the first of its size in Europe to be certified.

The first viable and standardised technical guideline of its kind, NTA 8133 tests the suitability of portable fire extinguishers for lithium-ion battery fires with medium capacities up to 600 Wh – a testament to the LFX range’s effectiveness in tackling lithium-ion battery fires.

Additionally, the LFX lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher is fluorine-free, aligning with our commitment to delivering environmentally responsible fire safety solutions. Despite the common misconception that fluorine-free products might be less effective, the LFX range demonstrates exceptional efficiency with impressive Class A ratings – 13A for the 3ltr, 27A for the 6ltr, and 34A for the 9ltr model. 

Commander wireless site alarms enhance fire safety 

Later in the year, we launched our improved Commander Wireless Site Alarm, an enhanced model boasting advanced connectivity and flexibility. Easy to set up and capable of interlinking up to 20 units within a 100-metre range* (so all alarms sound if one is operated), it features a 105dB siren, super-bright LED strobe, and durable, water-resistant ABS construction. 

Our state-of-the-art alarms can be heard through ear protection, and over the noise of hammers and drills, making them ideal for construction sites and outdoor events – whatever the weather. To further support large-scale fire safety deployments, we also offer cost-effective bundle options, including our Flat-pack Fire Point Stand with Wireless Site Alarm Bundle to transport and store fire safety equipment compliantly from different locations.

Looking ahead to 2025

Next year, CheckFire turns 50! With half a century in the fire trade, we’ve evolved from our humble beginnings as a small family business to a growing market leader. Yet, our dedication to exceptional customer service remains at the heart of everything we do. Since 1975, we’ve remained passionate about not only providing the most trusted fire safety equipment to our trade customers, but also staying ahead of evolving regulations, and being at the very forefront of industry innovation.

As we approach 2025, it’s clear that future advancements in fire safety and legislation will continue to integrate advanced technology with environmentally responsible practices. Looking ahead, we have a number of developments in the pipeline that we’re excited to share in due course. 

But for now, we thank you for your continued trust and partnership this year, as we work together to keep fire safety at its very best. As always, this year has made us proud of the forward-thinking innovation and eco-consciousness within our industry. Here’s to 2025.