SFPE Announces Chicago Fire Protection Symposium

May 21, 2025

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced plans to host the SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium focused on addressing fire protection challenges in storage environments.

The event is scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 August 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Over the course of three days, the symposium will examine fire safety concerns associated with a range of storage settings, including cold storage facilities, distribution centres, and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). According to SFPE, the programme will feature a combination of technical presentations, panel discussions, and a live fire demonstration aimed at advancing professional knowledge and engineering practice.

The initial two days of the event will focus on automated storage technologies and lithium-ion battery hazards, both of which present evolving risks in modern logistics and warehousing.

Topics will include engineering methods for automated retrieval system fire protection, sprinkler configuration strategies for high-challenge commodities and water supply analysis for complex storage layouts

SFPE also noted that several sessions will explore cold storage design and performance-based solutions, alongside recent research into commodity classification and loss prevention measures related to lithium-ion battery storage.

On 14 August, attendees will visit the UL Solutions built environment test facility in Northbrook, Illinois to witness a full-scale live fire experiment. SFPE stated that this demonstration aims to bridge the gap between theoretical fire protection strategies and practical implementation, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with fire testing procedures and professionals in the field.

Registration for the symposium is currently available via the SFPE website, with early bird discounts offered for a limited time.