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2026 World Fire Congress: Uniting Global Fire Service Leaders

The 2026 World Fire Congress, a landmark event in promoting fire safety initiatives, has brought together leaders from across the globe to share knowledge and solutions to combat pressing fire safety challenges. Hosted by the UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute, this biennial gathering aims to enhance collaboration within the fire service sector, providing a structured platform for ongoing dialogue and effective practices.

Building on Previous Foundations

The inaugural World Fire Congress in 2024 established a vital foundation for the exchange of knowledge among fire leaders. As emphasized by Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the World Fire Congress founder, and chief fire safety strategist, this meeting has expanded its focus to include Communities of Practice (CoPs). These CoPs facilitate sustained cooperation and information sharing, aiming to align responses to emerging risks and implement research findings across borders in real-time.

The Role of Communities of Practice

The CoPs are designed to enable members of the fire service to collaborate on various vital topics. With monthly thematic sessions, these communities will cover critical areas such as lithium-ion battery safety, electric vehicle fire risks, climate adaptation strategies, and tactical decision-making grounded in evidence. Each CoP will be supported by an Anchor Organization bringing expertise and governance to streamline operations effectively.

Focus Areas of the CoPs

1. Climate Driven Large Scale Events: This community will address the challenges posed by fire, storms, and floods that outstrip current emergency response capabilities. Key efforts will center on building resilient mutual-aid structures and enhancing early warning systems.
2. Emerging Technology and AI: With the introduction of technologies like AI-powered detection and satellite monitoring, this group will explore evidence-based governance and oversight frameworks necessary for responsible integration into firefighting functions.
3. Data Frameworks: This initiative aims to improve the sharing and governance of fragmented fire data, ensuring that fire services worldwide leverage consistent information to inform decisions.
4. Fire in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these regions, this community will focus on fire risk reduction strategies and technological transfer to enhance community resilience.
5. Firefighting Tactics and Training: By comparing training doctrines across nations, this initiative will identify effective practices and develop transferable tactics to address the evolving landscape of fire service incidents.
6. Firefighter Health and Safety: With significant risks of occupational hazards facing firefighters, this community will share crucial knowledge on health risks and advocate for universal standards that protect firefighters globally.
7. Women in the Fire Service: Focusing on increasing the representation of women in firefighting, this group will work on creating pathways for recruitment, retention, and inclusive support networks.
8. Conflict and Hostile Environments: Addressing the operational challenges faced by fire services in conflict zones, this community will collaborate on establishing protections and readiness protocols appropriate for these unique conditions.

Looking Forward

The 2026 World Fire Congress, held in London on September 8-9, featured representatives from over 60 nations, showcasing a truly international commitment to improving fire safety. The next Congress will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in February 2028, continuing this tradition of collaborative international engagement.

For further information, visit WFCCOP.fsri.org.

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing fire safety knowledge through rigorous research and collaboration with fire safety professionals. Through these efforts, ULRI integrates academic insights with frontline needs to enhance safety outcomes.

Thus, the 2026 World Fire Congress not only fosters collaboration among the global fire services but also sets the stage for innovative solutions to emerge as communities navigate the complexities of fire safety in the future.