Global Fire Congress launches new framework to strengthen international cooperation

NFPA, IAFC and UL Research Institutes to support long-term collaboration, research and knowledge sharing across fire services worldwide

The World Fire Congress (WFC) has announced the establishment of a new Secretariat to strengthen global cooperation among fire and emergency services, with the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) appointed to lead the coordination role.

Metro Chiefs, a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), will oversee the Secretariat function to ensure continuity between Congress events, preserve institutional knowledge, coordinate with host countries and support ongoing international engagement on emerging fire and life safety challenges.

The new structure aims to create a permanent foundation for collaboration among fire service leaders around the world, extending beyond the biennial Congress meetings.

“It is an honour for the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association to serve as the Secretariat for the World Fire Congress,” said Otto Drozd III, Executive Secretary of Metro Chiefs.

He said the partnership represents more than event coordination, describing it as long-term infrastructure to support global engagement, knowledge sharing and cooperation within the international fire and emergency services community.

The World Fire Congress is a global forum held every two years, bringing together fire service leaders, experts and organisations to discuss challenges including firefighter safety, climate-related disasters, wildfires, structural fires, emerging technologies, prevention, response and community resilience.

London to host 2026 World Fire Congress

The 2026 World Fire Congress will be held on September 8-9 at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster, London, hosted by the United Kingdom and organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said the event will provide an opportunity for fire and rescue leaders from around the world to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and develop solutions to growing global challenges.

He highlighted that rising wildfire risks, flooding, natural disasters and increasingly complex emergency situations are placing greater demands on fire services worldwide.

More than 60 countries have already registered to participate in the upcoming Congress.

UL Research Institutes to support global research network

Alongside the Secretariat announcement, the World Fire Congress confirmed that UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute (ULRI) will support research, learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives through the development of global Communities of Practice.

These networks will continue collaboration between Congress events and focus on areas such as climate disasters, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, firefighter health, fire response systems and improving diversity within the fire service.

Dr Steve Kerber, Vice President of Fire Safety at ULRI, said international cooperation and shared research are essential to improving fire safety outcomes.

He noted that while fire challenges differ across regions, scientific knowledge and research can help communities worldwide improve prevention, response and resilience.

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator and Chief Fire Safety Strategist at ULRI, said no single country can address the challenges facing the fire service alone.

She said continued international cooperation and knowledge exchange are necessary to strengthen global fire safety efforts.

Dubai to host 2028 Congress

Following the 2026 event in London, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is scheduled to host the World Fire Congress in 2028.

Proposals are currently being accepted from potential host countries for the 2030 edition of the global fire service gathering.