NFCC brings global fire leadership to UK for World Fire Congress 2026

Hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) on 8-9 September, the World Fire Congress will put UK Fire and Rescue Services at the heart of international discussions on some of the biggest challenges facing the sector and the communities it diligently serves on a daily basis.

This is the second World Fire Congress following the inaugural event in Washington DC back in 2024. Over three days (with the welcoming event held on 7 September), leaders and experts will share experience, evidence and learning on climate-related disasters and extreme weather, building and heritage safety, emerging hazards (including lithium-ion batteries), major incident preparedness and response and firefighter health and well-being.

The World Fire Congress will also hear directly from individuals and families affected by major incidents through its Voice of Communities session, ensuring that their experiences and perspectives inform discussions about how Fire and Rescue Services prepare for, respond to and learn from emergencies.

Tremendous privilege

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, commented: “It’s a tremendous privilege for the NFCC and UK Fire and Rescue Services to welcome colleagues from across the world to London for the World Fire Congress.”

Garrigan continued: “The challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services are growing in scale, complexity and pace. No single country has all the answers, which is why this World Fire Congress is so important. It provides a unique opportunity to share learning, exchange ideas and strengthen the partnerships that will help us better protect our communities in the years ahead.”

Further, Garrigan observed: “By joining forces, we can learn from one another’s experiences and build a safer and more resilient future for the people we serve.”

The opening programme on 7 September included a fireside discussion on Artificial Intelligence featuring Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt ahead of the main World Fire Congress discussions beginning on the following day.

Central role

UK Fire and Rescue Service leaders will play a central role throughout the World Fire Congress, contributing expertise and learning alongside international speakers. Delegates will hear first-hand experience from fire and emergency-focused leaders across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia, sharing learning from different risks, incidents and approaches adopted towards emergency response.

The World Fire Congress’ administration, preservation of institutional knowledge, host nation co-ordination and ongoing international engagement is facilitated through the Secretariat, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a section of the National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The Secretariat provides continuity between editions of the World Fire Congress and supports sustained collaboration across the global fire and Emergency Services domains.

Ross Ashley, president and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association, stated: “We’re proud to support the World Fire Congress as a global platform that gives every nation a voice in shaping the future of fire and life safety. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, the World Fire Congress can help to develop practical solutions to shared challenges and strengthen community resilience worldwide. That work is needed now more than ever.”

UL Research Institute’s Fire Safety Research Institute is supporting the World Fire Congress’ research, learning and insight work, including the development of the Communities of Practice to continue collaboration and knowledge-sharing between events.

Continuing momentum

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, chief fire strategist and chair of the inaugural World Fire Congress in 2024, acknowledged: “It’s gratifying to see the momentum from 2024 continue here in London. I’m confident this collaboration will carry us into 2028. This is exactly why we’re inviting our colleagues to participate in the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice. Our year-round forum is purpose-designed to sustain progress and strengthen global readiness between World Fire Congress meetings.”

The World Fire Congress 2026 concludes with the reaffirmation and signing of the Statement of Founding Principles and the formal handover to the United Arab Emirates, which will host the next World Fire Congress in 2028.