It might be surprising to learn that fire damage in greenhouses in Holland was estimated at ¤ 20 million in 2001, ¤ 10 million in 2002, climbing to ¤ 30 million in 2003. Modern production technology is using increasing areas of screens and electrical equipment ranging from motors to supplementary lighting. Electrical short-circuits, welding and lightening are some of the major causes of fire damage and this also has a major impact on the cost of insurance premiums. Some years ago Svensson AB Ludvig, introduced the fire retardent screen XLS 16 Revolux. This functions well in its fire-retardent capacity and is still sold to meet fire regulations, especially in public buildings but its properties are not ideal as a production screen. The screen XLS Firebreak, although already introduced to the market, won one of the three awards for technological innovation from INDEGA (German Association for Horticultural Products) at IPM 2004. The fire-retardent Firebreak screen, made out of polyester and Aluminium in a very precise design to release heat very quickly, is also ideal for production at the same time limiting the spread of a fire from panel to panel. Svensson are now incorporating a 40cm fire-resistant screen at both edges of all their screen fabrics as standard so the various shading and energy saving characteristics are maintained. In this way the firebreak area is doubled across two adjacent screens. When there is a fire the screening burns away slowly and stops when it meets the firebreak section. However it is still reccommended that fire-resistant seals are installed at the end of each bay to prevent the spread of fires. The Firebreak screens are used in flat, sliding systems partially containing fire-resistant support wires. The Company is working closely with greenhouse installers and growers. For further information: Philip Immerzeel. Fax 0031 181 392662 E-mail: philip.immerzeel@svensson.nl www.ludwigsvensson.com