Outpost Al Barari, a luxurious desert retreat nestled in the remote expanse of Qatar, presented a unique challenge for fire safety. The resort’s vast, ever-changing layout, coupled with the harsh desert environment, rendered traditional wired fire alarm systems impractical. To safeguard guests and staff in this extraordinary location, Fire Cloud Qatar implemented a groundbreaking solution: the Hochiki Europe’s Ekho hybrid wireless fire detection system. Here we explore how this innovative technology overcame significant hurdles to deliver unparalleled fire protection in this challenging environment.
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.
Whilst guests are enshrined in luxury, the surrounding harsh desert climate can cause significant shifts in sand dunes, potentially affecting the layout of the resort. 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 leading fire safety solutions provider in the region.
A fire alarm system was urgently 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 the 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 just four simple steps:
- Site Survey and Assessment: Fire Cloud Qatar conducted a thorough site survey utilising Ekho’s Survey Kit, to determine 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.
- Installation: The Ekho wireless devices were swiftly installed by Fire Cloud Qatar’s skilled technicians and the absence of cabling significantly simplified and accelerated the process.
- System Configuration and Testing: Fire Cloud Qatar meticulously configured the system to ensure optimal performance and communication within the wireless mesh network. Rigorous testing validated the system’s reliability and responsiveness.
- Training and Handover: Fire Cloud Qatar provided comprehensive training of 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 Fire Cloud Qatar.
Guests can now 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 to be 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.
Learn more about the Ekho products used in this project.
About the Author
Dave Staddon - Publisher
Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.
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