World Fire Congress

10/14/2026

For Chief Steven Locke, representing the United States and IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs at the 2026, one of the greatest values of the Congress is the opportunity to connect with peers from around the world and recognize just how many challenges fire services share.

With almost 70 countries registered to participate, Chief Locke reflected on how fire services may approach challenges differently, but often face many of the same underlying issues. The opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss solutions and learn from different approaches can help create a valuable framework for countries to adapt to their own local needs.

But for Chief Locke, conversation is only the starting point. The real challenge is turning shared knowledge into action, with practical outcomes that fire services can take home and implement in ways that work for their communities.

10/13/2026

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs, serves as the Secretariat of the World Fire Congress.

It is through these relationships the Metro builds with intention that we hope to grow and expand the collaboration and access to leading industry knowledge through the .

Be part of the movement - join the 2026 Communities of Practice, powered by UL Fire Safety Research Institute, featuring : wfccop.fsri.org/join-us

10/07/2026

Andrea Rojas Van Dyck, Executive Director of the Organizacion de Bomberos Americanos - OBA, attended the representing a network of firefighters across 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a member of the Congress Steering Committee, Andrea highlighted the importance of bringing together fire service leaders from more than 60 countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and address shared challenges facing the sector.

One of Andrea's most powerful takeaways from the Congress was the importance of listening to and understanding the experiences of those affected by fire and disasters. For firefighters, effective emergency responses extend beyond the incident itself. How information is communicated and how communities are supported can have a lasting impact on recovery for individuals and families.

Andrea also emphasised the growing importance of international collaboration as fire services adapt to climate-related challenges, from extreme flooding to emerging emergency risks. Sharing best practices, training and policies across borders will be critical in preparing firefighters for the changing environment.

10/01/2026

At the , Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, highlighted that disasters around the world, from hurricanes in Jamaica to floods in South Sudan, share a common reality: many of their impacts can be anticipated and mitigated by sharing knowledge and being prepared.

For Commissioner Beckford, the value of the World Fire Congress lies in recognizing that while the facts and circumstances may differ between countries, the challenges facing fire services and the impact on firefighters and communities across borders remain the same.

He called for stronger collaboration between nations, particularly to support small islands and developing states by sharing knowledge and learnings, to tackle effects of climate change.

09/29/2026

Peter Arnevall, Director of Fire and Rescue Services and Civil Protection at Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency, shares his perspective that the value of the World Fire Congress lies in bringing countries together to learn from one another, while recognizing that every nation faces its own unique challenges.

Reflecting on first day of the , Peter highlighted the changing role of fire and rescue services as the security environment becomes increasingly uncertain.

His key message: stay ahead of the curve, adapt to a changing world and strengthen collaboration across borders.

09/23/2026

World Fire Congress 2026 brought together fire and life safety leaders from 61 countries together to tackle shared challenges - from climate driven wildfires to lithium-ion battery risks and exploring how AI, digital tools and innovation can strengthen prevention and response. Read on to see the key takeaways and what's next for global collaboration in fire safety. 🌍🔥

World Fire Congress 2026 brought together fire and life safety leaders from 61 countries together to tackle shared challenges - from climate driven wildfires to lithium-ion battery risks and exploring how AI, digital tools and innovation can strengthen prevention and response. Read on to see the key...

09/17/2026

The impactful video shared at this year's arranged by the National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC, written and performed by Spoken Word Artist Joseph Roberts.

09/10/2026

The in London has been an incredible experience. Having the ability to bring professionals together from such diverse cultures and backgrounds to support one another who face the same risks and challenges is immensely rewarding, and we hope this becomes a tradition for years to come.

Thank you to our Executive Steering Committee for their leadership in carrying this effort forward. Special thanks to Chief Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC and the NFCC team for planning this phenomenal chapter of the World Fire Congress. We look forward to 2028 United Arab Emirates hosted by Dubai Civil Defence.

ASOCIACION MEXICANA DE JEFES DE BOMBEROS, AFAC News, FEU - Federation of European Fire Officers, CTIF Fire & Rescue News, Organizacion de Bomberos Americanos - OBA, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Safety Research Institute

09/09/2026

Bittersweet for the end of the . Although many have travelled long distances, the collaboration and camaraderie that is found when the fire service comes together is unmatched. Safe travels home to all and we look forward to when we are together again.

The closes in London tonight, with the gavel and Founding Principles passed from the UK to the United Arab Emirates, host of the 2028 Congress. Two days of discussion, from wildfire response to firefighter health and community resilience, close with a commitment to keep workin...