25th International Water Mist Conference: A Crucial Event for Fire Safety Professionals
The 25th International Water Mist Conference in Prague offers UK fire safety professionals insights into cutting-edge water mist technologies and networking opportunities.
The 25th International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) is set to take place on the 7th and 8th of October 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. Organised by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), this event will gather industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest advancements in water mist technology and its applications across various sectors, as reported by the International Fire & Safety Journal.
Why Attend the IWMC?
Max Lakkonen, President of the IWMA, emphasised the importance of the conference, noting that water mist technology is evolving rapidly, supported by new research and an expanding framework of standards and approvals. The technology is increasingly being considered for use in buildings, industry, transport, and energy applications, where performance and sustainability are crucial.
For UK fire safety professionals, attending the IWMC presents an opportunity to gain insights into these developments and network with international experts. The conference programme includes an industry review by Lakkonen and a keynote by František Kregl, President of PCFP in the Czech Republic.
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The conference will cover a range of topics, including the European standards EN 14972 and EN 17450, which provide comprehensive guidelines for the design and installation of water mist systems. Luciano Nigro, IWMA Director and Technical Manager at Jensen Hughes, highlighted the significance of these standards in simplifying and clarifying the regulatory landscape for operators in the sector.
Kristian Hox from RISE Norway will discuss the SafeBESS research project, which focuses on the interaction between detection, suppression, ventilation, and explosion protection systems in building-integrated battery energy storage systems (BESS). This research aims to address knowledge gaps through large-scale experiments.
Patricio Valdes of MAPA Fire Engineering will present a study on the feasibility of using automatic water mist systems for fire protection in parking garages adapted for electric vehicles (EVs). His research evaluates the system's performance in controlling fires and preventing the spread to adjacent vehicles.
Francesco Fritz from EmiControls will share insights from full-scale fire trials using turbine-based water mist systems in industrial applications. As industries move away from fluorinated foams, turbine-based water mist is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative.
Sami Autero from Marioff Corporation will discuss the importance of lifecycle maintenance for water mist systems, highlighting best practices for ensuring long-term reliability and operational readiness through preventative maintenance programmes.
Additionally, Jaap Wijnia and Alicia Knijnenburg from Peutz B.V. will present research on expanding the application of water mist installations outside DIOM through laboratory and onsite tests.
Practical Takeaways for UK Professionals
Understand the latest advancements in water mist technology and its applications across various sectors.
Gain insights into European standards EN 14972 and EN 17450 and their implications for the UK market.
Explore innovative applications of water mist systems in EV parking garages and industrial settings.
Network with international experts and industry leaders to enhance professional knowledge and opportunities.
The IWMC in Prague is a pivotal event for UK fire safety professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of water mist technology and its applications. With a comprehensive programme and opportunities for networking, the conference promises valuable insights and practical knowledge.
