In Episode 12 of What The Fire, we sit down with Vince Atkinson to unpack what fire suppression really means in high-risk environments, particularly the mining and heavy equipment space.

Vince shares a practical, outcomes-driven approach to fire risk: understanding where ignition is most likely to occur, prioritising preventative controls, and using suppression as a mitigating measure to reduce consequences when risk remains.

We also explore what’s changing globally in the fire suppression market , from procurement pressures and “box-ticking” approaches, to the industry-wide transition away from AFFF foams toward fluorine-free alternatives (F3). Vince explains why education and post-incident learning are essential for improving real-world performance, and why emerging technologies like battery electric equipment are forcing the sector to play catch-up with new fire risks.

Whether you work in mining, safety leadership, procurement, insurance, or investigation, this episode is a grounded look at what good fire protection should actually deliver.

• What fire suppression is and why suppression isn’t the same as extinguishment
• How fire risk assessments should drive system selection and design
• Common suppression agents used globally (and where they’re typically applied)
• The shift from AFFF to fluorine-free foams (F3) and why it matters
• How procurement decisions can compromise safety outcomes
• Why education, commissioning, and ongoing support are non-negotiable
• The value of post-incident analysis to improve future outcomes
• The growing challenge of electric and low-emission equipment fires
• “Education is key in fire suppression.”“Find something you love doing.”

fire suppression, fire safety, mining industry, fire risk assessment, fire protection systems, AFFF, F3 foams, procurement challenges, electric vehicles, industry trends

Vince Atkinson LinkedIn

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Vithyaa Thavapalan LinkedIn