Firexpo 2026 highlights growing fire risk across South Africa’s built environment

Fire risk in South Africa’s built environment is becoming more complex, driven by densification, changing building use, energy resilience projects and the growing presence of lithium-ion batteries. Fire protection is no longer limited to detection and suppression alone; it now requires integrated planning, compliant installation, ongoing monitoring, and informed operational response.

These issues will be in sharp focus at Firexpo 2026, which returns to Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 2 to 4 June 2026. Firexpo is co-located with Securex South Africa, A-OSH EXPO and Facilities Management Expo, creating a shared platform that reflects how fire safety, security, occupational safety and facilities management intersect in real-world environments.

Firexpo has established itself as a key meeting point for fire engineers, consultants, facilities managers, installers, insurers and emergency response professionals. The exhibition showcases fire detection, suppression, alarm systems, passive fire protection, emergency lighting, evacuation solutions and specialist services designed to meet growing regulatory and operational requirements.

“The nature of fire risk is changing,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa. “Energy storage systems, solar installations, warehousing growth, and high-density developments all introduce new fire scenarios. Firexpo provides a practical environment where professionals can assess solutions, compare technologies and engage with suppliers who understand compliance and operational realities.”

One of the most pressing challenges facing the sector is lithium-ion battery fire risk. As battery energy storage systems become more common in commercial, industrial, and residential settings, fire professionals are grappling with issues around thermal runaway, ventilation, gas detection, and suppression strategies. Firexpo exhibitors include suppliers addressing these risks through multi-sensor detection, specialist suppression systems, fire-rated enclosures and monitoring technologies aligned with current SANS and international standards.

Beyond battery-related risks, Firexpo 2026 will address broader concerns such as fire compartmentation, smoke control, evacuation planning, maintenance regimes, and system integration. As buildings become smarter and more automated, fire systems must interface effectively with access control, building management systems, and emergency response protocols to ensure coordinated action during incidents.

A central feature of the event is the free-to-attend Firexpo Seminar Theatre. The programme provides practical, operational insight, covering topics such as regulatory developments, inspection and maintenance obligations, fire risk assessment, emerging technologies, and lessons learned from recent incidents. These sessions are structured to support professionals responsible for compliance, design and emergency preparedness.

The co-located format enhances the value of Firexpo by allowing visitors to engage with adjacent disciplines. Fire safety decisions increasingly sit alongside security planning, occupational health considerations and facilities operations. Access to all four exhibitions supports a more integrated approach to risk management and resilience planning.

“Firexpo plays an important role in supporting informed decision-making,” says Anderson. “By bringing together technology providers, practitioners and decision-makers, the event contributes to safer buildings, improved compliance and more effective emergency readiness across sectors. We invite you to visit the show’s website — www.firexpo.co.za — for more information.”

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Firexpo 2026 can contact the Firexpo team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.