Blackline Safety has won a 2026 Firehouse Innovation Award for its G8 safety wearable, marking the company’s second consecutive year of recognition following last year’s award for its EXO 8 area monitor.

The awards recognise technologies that improve firefighting and emergency response. G8 was selected for its ability to “improve situational awareness and support safer decision-making during complex incidents.”

The wearable and its supporting Blackline Live software combine gas detection, lone worker protection, real-time communication and live field data.

The technology enables command teams to monitor gas readings, receive alerts and track firefighters’ locations, supporting faster responses and improved crew safety.

Travis Rebello, Hazardous Materials Coordinator and Firefighter at the New Bedford Fire Department in Massachusetts, highlighted the benefits of remote monitoring.

"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. "And 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 as adoption of Blackline’s connected safety technology grows among fire and hazardous materials response organisations worldwide.

In April, the company reported 42 per cent growth in its fire-hazmat customer base.

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

For Rebello, the technology’s role in protecting firefighters has personal significance, as both his sons work in the fire service.

"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. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service