Preventing fires before they start

Did you leave the television on when you were out? Did you leave the iron plugged into the socket? Did you remember to clear the dust from behind the freezer? In Finnish home, accidents occur more often than in other European countries. In future, things might be different. Concern for fire safety has inspired Lahti-based company, Fidepro Oy, to develop an innovative intelligent smoke alarm.

– According to statistics, in Finland 5-6 fires caused by electrical equipment start every day. The number of deaths from fires is alarmingly high in comparison with other European statistics. With an intelligent smoke alarm, it is possible to prevent more than 1,000 electrical fires per year, and to save a considerable number of lives, says Antti Kaarnamo, Managing Director of Fidepro Oy.

Intelligent life-saving from kitchen to bathroom

This innovation of Fidepro Oy, which was established in 2006, has been developed to completely eliminate electrical fires. When the intelligent smoke alarm reacts to smoke or to the smell of burning, it cuts the power supply from all relevant electrical appliances. In that way, the fire can be inhibited, before escalating to the flaming stage. This simple system protects all rooms in the home from electrical fires.

– According to research, fires most commonly start from cookers, electrical devices, light fittings, washing machines, dishwashers, television sets and electric sauna stoves. All these items can now be made safe with one intelligent smoke alarm, says Mr Kaarnamo.

Safety for industry too

In practice, Fidepro smoke alarms can be installed in all buildings, which use electricity. In industry, such alarms are especially suited to main electrical distribution rooms, for example. Added value is also supplied by the positive attitude of insurance companies to the product:

– This can already be seen in the fact that some companies are granting 5-15% discount on premiums, says Mr Kaarnamo.

Kindling a global interest

Fidepro Oy, which is based at the business incubator at Lahti Science and Business Park, is developing, marketing and selling its intelligent smoke alarms based on patented technology all over Finland. But fires are not just a Finnish concern. Fidepro Oy plans to enter the international market in 2008. In particular, it will target Spain, Russia, Sweden and the USA. Market prospects look very promising.

– In relative terms, Sweden, for example, invests 10 times more resources than Finland does in safety matters. And a similar product to this does not yet exist on this planet.

Further information:

• Managing Director Antti Kaarnamo, Fidepro Ltd, tel. +358 44 574 7247
• www.fidepro.fi
• www.lahtisbp.fi

Text: Annaleena Kuronen

Photos: © Fidepro Ltd

Updated February 6th, 2008