King’s Awards for Enterprise recipient Delta Fire Ltd is demonstrating how British manufacturing and innovation can help fire and rescue services respond to both established and emerging operational challenges.
Based in Norwich, Delta Fire designs and manufactures specialist firefighting equipment used by fire and rescue services across the UK and internationally. In 2025, the company received two King’s Awards for Enterprise, recognising its achievements in Innovation and Sustainable Development.
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) has adopted a number of Delta Fire products into operational use, including for tackling wildfire and vegetation fire incidents. These include a specially configured Delta Attack 100 branch with ultra-low flow capability and the innovative Hydro-Wall hose system, providing crews with additional tactical options.
Their experience provides a valuable example of how British-designed and manufactured firefighting technology can deliver practical benefits on the frontline and support modern firefighting tactics.
A versatile branch for modern firefighting
NFRS has introduced a modified version of Delta Fire’s Attack 100 hand-controlled branch across the Service.
The branch has been configured with ultra-low flow capability, giving firefighters selectable outputs from 20 to 150 litres per minute. This enables crews to select a flow proportionate to the incident, helping them use water efficiently while retaining the capability required for more demanding firefighting operations.
The lower flow settings are particularly valuable during wildfire and vegetation fire incidents, where controlled water application and conservation of available water supplies can be critical.
The branch has also been integrated with NFRS appliances using 22mm hose reel tubing, providing crews with a lightweight and versatile firefighting package.
Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“Having introduced the Delta Attack 100 across Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, we have been extremely impressed with its performance, versatility and firefighter-focused design. The branch is lightweight, ergonomically designed and robustly constructed, making it comfortable to handle during prolonged incidents while providing the durability required for demanding operational environments.”
The branch provides variable yet consistent spray patterns and jet settings across a range of tactical scenarios. Its incorporated vane and turbine technology is designed to optimise droplet size and spray performance, supporting effective heat absorption and recognised firefighting techniques.
Scott Norman added:
“One of the standout features is the excellent flow range, with selectable outputs from 20 to 150 litres per minute. This flexibility allows crews to apply water efficiently and proportionately to the incident, supporting both effective firefighting and water conservation. The lower flow settings have proven particularly beneficial during wildfire and vegetation fire incidents, where controlled water application is essential.”
Protecting assets and responding to wildfire risk
NFRS has also adopted Delta Fire’s Hydro-Wall Nozzle, an innovative hose-based system designed to rapidly create a substantial curtain of water.
Lightweight, portable and quick to deploy, Hydro-Wall provides incident commanders with an additional tactical option across a range of incidents.
During wildfire and vegetation fires, the system can be deployed to create a protective barrier that helps slow fire spread and support containment operations. It can also establish a cooling water curtain to help protect properties, infrastructure and other assets threatened by radiant heat and advancing fire fronts.
Once established, Hydro-Wall can remain safely in situ and continue providing protection while firefighters focus on other critical tasks. This can provide significant operational benefits during prolonged incidents where personnel and resources must be deployed efficiently.
Speaking about the system, Scott Norman said:
“The Hydro-Wall hose system has proven to be an innovative and highly practical addition to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service’s operational toolkit, providing a simple yet effective solution to a wide range of incident types.”
He continued:
“What makes the Hydro-Wall particularly impressive is its ability to create a substantial wall of water in spray form, providing a versatile tactical option for incident commanders. During wildfire and vegetation fire incidents, it can be deployed to create a protective barrier that helps slow fire spread and supports containment operations. Equally, it can be used to establish a cooling water curtain to protect properties, infrastructure and other assets threatened by radiant heat and advancing fire fronts.”
Hydro-Wall Nozzle hose in action preventing a wildfire advancing.
Innovation in response to a changing climate
The operational adoption of these products comes as fire and rescue services face changing risks associated with climate change, including the challenge presented by larger and more frequent wildfire and vegetation fire incidents.
The Attack 100’s ultra-low flow capability and the Hydro-Wall system demonstrate different aspects of Delta Fire’s approach to innovation: developing practical firefighting equipment that enhances operational capability while supporting more efficient use of resources such as water.
Highlighting the importance of innovation in responding to these emerging risks, Scott Norman said:
“As fire and rescue services continue to adapt to the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather incidents, including larger and more frequent wildfire events, the Hydro-Wall represents the type of innovative thinking that is required across the sector. It delivers a practical, cost-effective solution that enhances firefighter capability while helping to protect communities and the environment from escalating risks.”
From Norwich to the frontline
For Delta Fire, the adoption of its technology by its local fire and rescue service provides valuable real-world validation of products designed and manufactured in Norwich.
Operational feedback from services such as NFRS also helps Delta Fire understand the evolving requirements of frontline firefighters and identify opportunities for continuous product improvement.
The relationship demonstrates the value of close engagement between UK manufacturers and public services, bringing together industry innovation and frontline operational experience to help ensure firefighting technology responds to the challenges faced by modern fire and rescue services.
Reflecting on the relationship, Scott Norman said:
“By working closely together, manufacturers and fire services can combine operational experience with product innovation to create solutions that directly address emerging challenges. This partnership approach has produced benefits not only for the people of Norfolk but also for the wider fire and rescue sector, providing an example of how collaborative working can drive meaningful improvements in public safety and operational effectiveness.”
Delta Fire’s two King’s Awards for Enterprise recognise the company’s achievements in Innovation and Sustainable Development, and its commitment to showing how British manufacturing can deliver practical solutions to real-world challenges. From its manufacturing base in Norwich, Delta Fire is combining innovation and sustainable thinking to strengthen firefighting capability, protect communities and respond to emerging environmental risks in the UK and internationally.
Find out more about Delta Fire: Products - Delta Fire
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