Fire safety manufacturer FireAngel has supported an international community fire safety initiative in Nepal, working in partnership with UK-based charity FIRE AID and The Gurkha Welfare Trust Nepal (GWT(N)) to improve early warning detection and preparedness in high-risk communities.
Building on more than a decade of operational experience in the region, FIRE AID deployed a team of volunteers to deliver a targeted programme combining the provision of detection equipment with fire safety education and training.
As part of the initiative, FireAngel supplied smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, enabling installations across four GWT(N) Area Welfare Centres, with further roll-out planned across the Trust’s wider network of 21 centres. These hubs provide vital support to Gurkha veterans and their families, while also acting as focal points for wider community engagement.
Alongside the installations, fire safety awareness sessions were delivered through the centres, supported by practical demonstrations on alarm testing and maintenance, as well as guidance on safe evacuation and reducing fire risks in the home. Fire safety materials and audit templates were also distributed to reinforce learning and support ongoing engagement.
Communities in Nepal face a combination of elevated fire risk and limited access to early warning systems. Fires are commonly caused by electrical faults, LPG gas leaks and open flames, while densely built housing and remote locations can allow incidents to escalate rapidly and delay emergency response. As a result, early detection and prevention measures are critical.
By introducing detection technology within both homes and community infrastructure, the initiative is helping to provide earlier warning of fire, giving occupants more time to respond, while also embedding a longer-term culture of awareness and preparedness.
John Monaghan, Project Manager at FIRE AID, said: “By working with trusted partners and installing smoke alarms in community hubs as well as homes, we are helping ensure that people have the earliest possible warning of fire – giving them the time they need to act.”
FIRE AID has worked in Nepal for over 10 years, delivering support across both fire safety and search and rescue through a peer-to-peer model that connects UK firefighters with international partners. The organisation works closely with in-country stakeholders to identify specific needs and develop tailored interventions, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Daniel Tweddle, FireAngel Account Manager, said: “We’re proud to support initiatives that extend fire safety awareness and protection into communities where access to early warning systems can be limited. Working alongside organisations such as FIRE AID, which combine local knowledge with hands-on training and education, helps ensure that fire safety solutions are not only provided, but properly understood and used.”
