Connected safety wearable wins 2026 Firehouse Innovation Award for advancing firefighter safety

Blackline Safety Corp. has announced that its G8 safety wearable has won a 2026 Firehouse Innovation Award, marking the company's second consecutive win following last year's recognition of its EXO 8 area monitor.

The Firehouse Innovation Awards recognise breakthrough technologies that advance firefighting and emergency response capabilities. G8 was selected for its ability to 'improve situational awareness and support safer decision-making during complex incidents'. 

G8 and its supporting software, Blackline Live, combine advanced gas detection, lone worker protection, real-time communication and live field data. Unlike traditional gas detectors that only sound an alarm locally, G8 gives command teams live gas readings, alerts, and precise firefighter location so they can coordinate a faster response and keep their crews and communities safe.

That connected visibility is already making a difference for fire departments using Blackline technology. 

"It's G8’s remote capability - I now have alerts set to my phone, so when my guys go into an LEL environment or any type of high alarm, I immediately get notified," said Travis Rebello, Hazardous Materials Coordinator and Firefighter, New Bedford Fire Department, Massachusetts. "I'm on the phone with my dispatcher. What are they into? Do they need assistance? For situational awareness and firefighter safety, this has greatly increased our capability."

The award comes amid growing adoption of Blackline's connected safety technology by fire and hazmat organisations worldwide. In April, the company reported 42% growth in its fire-hazmat customer base.

G8 and Blackline Live have also earned two 2026 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Industrial Hygiene Awards in the IoT Connected Devices and Software categories, respectively.

For Rebello, whose two sons are also firefighters, the value of connected safety is deeply personal.

"Both of my sons work fire. One works on the fire department with me, and one works in the next town over, so it's not just my guys, my kids are here. I trust him with Blackline," he said.