Transforming fire safety in the desert

SMART Fire & Safety 2024 Fire & Safety

Outpost Al Barari is a luxurious resort nestled in the heart of Qatar's breathtaking desert landscape. Surrounded by towering sand dunes and the vast expanse of the inland sea nature reserve, it offers a unique escape from the bustling world. A haven for those seeking a truly authentic desert adventure combined with world-class hospitality, The Outpost describes itself as a place where guests can disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature.

While guests are enshrined in luxury, the surrounding harsh desert climate can cause significant shifts in sand dunes, potentially affecting the resort's layout. It is for this reason the resort uses temporary structures to minimise its own impact on the surrounding natural environment. This, however, presented a formidable challenge for traditional fire alarm systems; to address this, the management sought the expertise of Fire Cloud Qatar, a fire safety solutions provider in the region.

A fire alarm system was needed that could be rapidly deployed without extensive cabling, withstand the harsh desert environment, and adapt to the outpost’s changing layout. Traditional wired systems were deemed unsuitable, emphasising the need for a wireless solution.

Fire Cloud Qatar recommended Hochiki’s Ekho hybrid wireless fire alarm system as the ideal solution. The system’s advanced wireless technology offered the necessary flexibility, reliability, and ease of installation.

Key features of Ekho include a self-configuring mesh network, which enables seamless communication between the fire control panel and all of the wireless field devices, without any physical cabling. This allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration to match the outpost’s complex and changing layout. The wireless nature of the devices expedited installation, minimising disruption to hotel operations.

The full system was up and running in four steps:

1. Site survey and assessment: Fire Cloud Qatar conducted a thorough site survey utilising Ekho’s Survey Kit to determine the optimal placement of the wireless fire detection devices and control units in regard to radio signal strength. Hochiki’s Ekho system’s flexibility allowed for strategic deployment to ensure comprehensive coverage.

2. Installation: The Ekho wireless devices were swiftly installed by Fire Cloud Qatar’s technicians, and the absence of cabling significantly simplified and accelerated the process.

3. System configuration and testing: Fire Cloud Qatar configured the system to ensure optimal performance and communication within the wireless mesh network. Rigorous testing validated the system’s reliability and responsiveness.

4. Training and handover: Fire Cloud Qatar provided comprehensive training on the Hochiki system to outpost personnel, covering system operation, emergency procedures, and maintenance. The system was then handed over to the outpost management with ongoing support from the company.

Guests can relax knowing that Hochiki’s Ekho system has significantly improved fire safety at Outpost Al Barari, providing reliable detection and alarm coverage across the site. Staff can go about their day offering a five-star service, knowing that however this luxury resort evolves, the fire detection system can adapt to its ever-changing layout, ensuring continuous protection.

The successful installation of the Hochiki Ekho wireless fire alarm system by Fire Cloud Qatar at Outpost Al Barari underscores the effectiveness of wireless technology in overcoming challenges posed by traditional wired systems. The system’s adaptability, reliability, and ease of installation proved the ideal solution for this unique and demanding environment. This customer story highlights the power of innovative fire safety solutions in addressing the specific needs of challenging sites like Outpost Al Barari.

For more information, contact Paul Adams, Hochiki Europe (UK), +44 1634 266 568, [email protected], www.hochikieurope.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Fire Ops SA Partners with Matrix
News & Events Fire & Safety Residential Estate (Industry)
Fire Ops SA, a South African private fire and rescue service, has announced its partnership with Matrix Vehicle Tracking to launch FireStop, providing Matrix and Beame clients with direct access to a dedicated professional private fire service.

Read more...
Solar growth sparks fire safety concerns
Fire & Safety
With solar power now firmly established as a mainstream energy choice for South Africans, ASP Fire cautioned that poorly designed or badly installed systems are increasingly giving rise to dangerous fire incidents.

Read more...
Passive fire protection for lithium-ion batteries
Fire & Safety Residential Estate (Industry)
In response to the increasing threat of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires, a passive fire protection solution called PyroBubbles is now available in South Africa and is distributed locally through PyroBrand.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety Associations
Nick Collins discussed SANS 246 – Fire Protection for Electronic Equipment Installations – Code of Practice, as it pertains to electronic equipment installations, including construction, furniture and fittings, air conditioning, raised flooring and more.

Read more...
Why Securex matters more than ever
Securex South Africa News & Events Fire & Safety Facilities & Building Management
Visitors will observe the application of integrated security solutions, including AI-enhanced surveillance, cloud-based access control, cybersecurity tools, and perimeter protection within residential, commercial, logistics, and industrial environments

Read more...
Electrical fire safety in lithium-ion battery rooms
Fire & Safety Residential Estate (Industry) Products & Solutions
Pratliperl is a non-combustible, ultra-lightweight aggregate that can be mixed with cement and applied as a plaster or screed to walls, floors, and ceilings. When applied at just 30 mm thickness, it delivers a two-hour fire rating.

Read more...
From prevention to protection
Securex South Africa News & Events Fire & Safety
The Western Cape’s varied landscapes and rapid urban development present a range of fire safety challenges, from densely populated city centres to remote industrial sites, and from heritage buildings to new high-rise developments.

Read more...
SafeQuip issues certification update notice
SafeQuip Fire & Safety News & Events
SafeQuip has confirmed that the Lith-Ex range of fire extinguishers is the only certified lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher range in South Africa.

Read more...
Carrier rebranded Kidde Global Solutions
News & Events Fire & Safety
From July 2025, the former Carrier Fire & Security South Africa will operate under its new name, Kidde Fire & Security South Africa, as part of the global realignment of the commercial and residential fire and security business.

Read more...
Hotel enhances guest safety and aesthetics
Fire & Safety
Hotel Montresor Tower, a stylish four-star destination just outside Verona, Italy, has successfully upgraded its fire detection infrastructure with Hochiki's advanced Latitude life safety platform.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.