UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute is supporting the next phase of the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice programme, bringing together international fire service organisations to address emerging operational and safety challenges.
Following the second World Fire Congress, held in London on 8 and 9 September 2026, the programme will provide structured collaboration through monthly meetings, research sharing and international partnerships.
Representatives from more than 60 nations attended the London event.
Eight global fire safety priorities identified
The programme will establish eight Communities of Practice covering climate driven emergencies, emerging technologies, fire service data, fire safety in lower income nations, firefighting tactics and training, firefighter health, women in the fire service and emergency response in conflict environments.
Each community will be supported by specialist organisations providing technical expertise and leadership.
Participating organisations include Dubai Civil Defence, the International Association of Fire Fighters, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.
Artificial intelligence and firefighter safety
Emerging technologies will be a central focus, including artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, autonomous equipment and smart personal protective equipment.
The programme will examine responsible technology adoption, human oversight and the use of research to inform operational decisions.
Other priorities include lithium ion battery incidents, wildfire response, occupational cancer, mental health and toxic exposure.
The initiative will also address firefighter recruitment, training accessibility and protective equipment designed for women.
Strengthening international fire service cooperation
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, World Fire Congress founder and Chief Fire Safety Strategist for the Fire Safety Research Institute, said: “The inaugural World Fire Congress and Communities of Practice in 2024 established the foundation for sustained and collaborative knowledge exchange, and ULRI is honored to build on that foundation.
“Drawing on more than a century of fire research and leadership, ULRI is bringing its scientific rigor into the global conversation, ensuring the dialogue is grounded in evidence over anecdote.”
Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, will serve as Communities of Practice Ambassador.
The programme aims to improve knowledge sharing and translate research findings into practical fire service guidance.
Dubai Civil Defence will host the next World Fire Congress in February 2028.
