Photo: Ollie Rudkin Photography/National Fire Chiefs Council

Fire sector and Government leaders from more than 60 nations gathered in central London for three days of discussions on some of the most significant challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services: from climate-related disasters and emerging hazards through to major incident response and firefighter Health and Safety and well-being.

A recurring message throughout Congress was that no single country or Fire and Rescue Service has all the answers. As risks become increasingly shared across borders, learning from major incidents and emerging threats elsewhere can help services strengthen their own preparedness and response.

The importance of learning and acting before lives are lost was also brought into focus by powerful testimony from individuals that were affected by Aberfan, Hillsborough, the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and the Grenfell Tower fire. Contributors challenged Fire and Rescue sector leaders to recognise that the failures which contribute to major disasters can begin long before an emergency unfolds. They urged leaders to listen when concerns are raised, confront failings within their own organisations and act before tragedy forces change.

For UK Fire and Rescue Services, the World Fire Congress provided a rare opportunity to hear directly from countries responding to shared and emerging risks in different circumstances and at different scales, while contributing UK expertise and experience to the international discussion.

Challenging assumptions

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, said: “Across the past three days, we’ve shared knowledge, challenged assumptions and held honest conversations about some of the most significant issues facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world. The true success of Congress will not be measured by what was said in London. It will be measured by what we do next.”

On that note, Garrigan continued: “Our responsibility now is to turn learning into action, maintain the relationships forged here and continue working together across borders so that we’re better prepared for the challenges ahead and stronger in our support of the communities we serve.”

Addressing delegates, Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience) reflected on the increasingly extreme challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world and the importance of countries working together to confront shared threats and keep their communities safe.

Baroness Blake said: “I’m delighted that London hosted the second edition of the World Fire Congress. The event could not have come at a more pivotal time, following on as it did in the wake of the response of our brave firefighters to one of the most challenging wildfire seasons on record.”

Further, Baroness Blake commented: “Collaboration is critical. It was so valuable to hear from our international partners about the threats they’re facing, share the expertise of our Fire and Rescue Services and consider how we can best work together to tackle future challenges.”

In conclusion, Baroness Blake observed: “Following the devastating wildfires over the summer, we must work together to ensure that we have a Fire and Rescue Service which is able to tackle the growing risk of fires in view of the potential for hotter and drier summers in the future.”

Communities of Practice

The work of Congress will continue beyond London 2026 through the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice, providing a route for Fire and Rescue Services and the Emergency Services in general to share evidence, research and operational learning throughout the two years between Congress editions and maintain the international relationships already developed.

Congress concluded with the reaffirmation and signing of the World Fire Congress Statement of Founding Principles, setting out the shared purpose and principles that will continue to guide its work.

The United Arab Emirates formally accepted the handover as host of the next World Fire Congress scheduled for 2028, continuing the international collaboration established in Washington in 2024 and strengthened in London.

*Further information is available online at www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk

Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland is underpinned by an excellent conference programme accredited for Continuing Professional Development through the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). At present, the day’s schedule features eight focused presentations (more will be added in due course) and concludes with a special Women in Fire Safety-focused discussion on what can be done to encourage more females to join the sector.

Register online for Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026

The first session of the day begins at 9.30 am and features Lewis Ramsay (Group chief operating officer at BAFE Holdings). Since the publication of BS 8674:2025, there has been an increased interest in fire risk assessor competence requirements and how these may be specified and verified. As such, Ramsay examines the British Standard, the qualifications that have been mapped against it and, what’s more, how UKAS-accredited certification schemes will continue to realise the ‘gold standard’.

At 9.45 am, Brian Foster (UK sales manager at Headline Sponsor C-TEC) reviews the subject of ‘Modernising Existing Fire Alarm Systems’. From schools and care homes through to guest houses, retail premises and student accommodation, the management teams at many sites are now looking to upgrade ageing fire alarm systems in order to take advantage of modern technologies such as false alarm-resistant detection, lockdown alert integration and cloud-based monitoring.

That being so, this presentation is tasked with exploring some of the options available (including an appraisal of the practical considerations involved in upgrading existing fire alarm infrastructure).

Stuart Hope (relationship manager for the Glasgow area at Aico) joins conference at 10.20 am to look at fire and life safety systems and the need for meeting recognised industry standards across training, competency, siting and system installation.

The presentation reinforces the importance of compliance with British Standards Institution and manufacturer-led requirements, including product compatibility and correct component use, in addition to highlighting the necessity for approved and financially stable suppliers to maintain certification, warranties and long-term system compliance.

Single Building Assessments

The first coffee and networking break of the day is from 10.45 am-11.15 am, immediately after which Stuart Morgan (fire engineer at the Global HSE Group) reviews the topic of ‘Single Building Assessments: From Guidance to Reality’.

Drawing on recent Single Building Assessment Programmes for housing associations and local authorities, Morgan will explore the practical realities of delivering robust assessments across complex and occupied residential buildings, duly looking at the challenges encountered during the assessment process and how they can be overcome, before imparting the lessons that can help inform future Single Building Assessment Programmes across Scotland.

Martyn’s Law – formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – is changing how the management teams at publicly accessible premises think about safety, moving the focus beyond evacuation to also include invacuation, lockdown and emergency communication.

The session at conference that runs from 11.40 am until just after noon (speaker to be confirmed) explores how fire, security and building management must work together to ensure occupants receive clear and unambiguous instruction that’s delivered to the right people in an expedient manner during an incident.

Flame detection systems

At 12.05 pm, and taking delegates through to lunch at 12.30 pm, Tom Codd (product manager at FFE) will speak about ‘When Flame Detection Matters Most’. In high-risk industrial environments, fires can develop rapidly and the earliest warning signs are not always smoke. This session examines when flame detection should be considered across applications including distilleries, processing facilities, waste and recycling sites and ATEX areas.

‘Fire Risk Management at Tesco plc’ is the subject matter of choice for Rob Cook (in-house fire safety manager for the High Street retailer). Tesco’s retail fire risk management strategy focuses on proactively identifying fire hazards, reducing ignition risks and maintaining robust prevention controls across stores, warehouses and offices. That strategy combines regular fire risk assessments, colleague training, strict compliance with fire safety legislation and the maintenance of fire detection, fire alarm and fire suppression systems.

Following the mid-afternoon networking and refreshments break (which runs from 3.10 pm until 3.40 pm), Ali Perry (CEO at the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) joins conference. Fire harms more than children’s education. It also affects their well-being. An educational facility that’s used outside of normal school hours by local clubs and societies, but is closed due to a fire event, is no longer available. If we want schools that are built to last, they should be sprinklered. A new cost-benefit analysis to be outlined by Perry makes the compelling case for sprinklers in schools.

Accompanying exhibition

No fewer than 55 of the leading fire safety systems and solution providers are taking part in the accompanying exhibition. Delegates attending conference and the exhibition will leave the venue at circa 4.30 pm armed with a host of practical ideas, details of innovative approaches, news on the latest products and solutions and valuable industry connections all designed to help drive real improvements within their host organisations.

The Institute of Fire Safety Managers will be delivering a presentation in Fire Safety Theatre 2. Additional talks here focus on subjects including fire safety in healthcare premises, the regulation of fire safety in Scotland, fire strategies versus fire risk assessments and raising the standards, certification and qualifications relating to the latter.

Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026 is co-located with Health and Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026.

*Registration for Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026 is free of charge. Visit the event’s dedicated website for further information and register online now to join hundreds of your peers for a day of first-class education and networking

The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for its advanced burns treatment, specialist reconstructive surgery and expert therapy and rehabilitation services.

Importantly, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity – founded back in 1996 – and the NHS Foundation Trust actively support children and adults who’ve experienced damage or disfigurement as a result of burns, cancer, trauma, major surgery, disease or congenital conditions.

With the backing of those who kindly make donations, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity invests significant funds in:

*specialist and innovative equipment that helps to make care safer and more precise

*research and improvements that help teams to build on what works best

*practical, emotional and well-being support for patients and staff alike

*better care environments that are purpose-designed to feel calmer, more welcoming and more supportive

Case Study: Thomas

Within seconds, everything can change for an individual. Thomas (pictured, above) was not quite three years of age when he accidently pulled a hot cup of tea over himself, causing burn injuries down his chest.

The youngster was rushed to Brighton by ambulance where his burns were cleaned and dressed. He was then transferred to the Queen Victoria Hospital the following morning for ongoing treatment and care.

The clinical team looking after Thomas established that his burns were deep and, in some places, severe. Over the course of the next three weeks, his mother took him for regular outpatient appointments at the Queen Victoria Hospital and regular dressing changes. Eventually, it was decided that Thomas needed to have a skin graft to help him heal.

Thankfully, Thomas has since gone on to heal very well, but his scars will always be a permanent reminder of the burns he suffered as a child.

Life changes suddenly

For some people like Thomas, life can indeed change suddenly: through a burn, a complex trauma episode, cancer surgery or facial palsy. From that point on, it’s the steady and ongoing support of essential local services that matters most.

Whatever someone’s journey, the team working so diligently in East Grinstead firmly believes that every patient attending the Queen Victoria Hospital deserves care that’s expert, compassionate and centred on the whole person.

“As a small charity, with only two team members, your support can make a vital difference to rebuilding lives in the community,” explained Camilla Lane (head of fundraising and voluntary services).

There are various ways in which to donate towards or otherwise support the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity. Contact the fundraising team via e-mail at [email protected], telephone 01342 414392 or send correspondence to Queen Victoria Hospital Charity, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3DZ.

We have also set up a special Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/wifsawards2026

*Further information is available online at www.supportqvh.org

Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026

The Women in Fire Safety Awards honour the outstanding achievements realised by the exceptional women working within the fire safety industry. Organised by the UK’s leading fire safety publication, Fire Safety Matters (published by Western Business Media), this awards scheme aims to further increase diversity across the industry.

The winners of the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026 (for which the Headline Sponsor is Apollo Fire Detectors) will be announced on 15 October during a black-tie ceremony held at the Mercure London Earl’s Court Hotel and are co-located with the Women in Safety and Health Awards.

*Further information and booking details can be accessed online at www.womeninfiresafety.com

PAS 9980:2026 provides guidance for competent building professionals carrying out fire risk appraisals of external walls. It’s purpose-designed to help them assess the likelihood of fire spread through external wall systems and determine whether risk reduction measures are required. The findings of such specialist risk assessments are intended to inform a given building’s wider fire risk assessment and support evidence-based decision-making.

PAS 9980 was first published back in 2022 and has now been updated at a time when many residential buildings across the UK require assessment of external wall systems in the wake of concerns that some of the latter were not designed or constructed to adequately resist the spread of fire.

The BSI’s document reinforces the principle that remediation decisions should be proportionate to the level of risk presented by a building rather than adopting a ‘blanket approach’ to the removal or replacement of cladding.

Unlike a simple compliance assessment, PAS 9980:2026 adopts an holistic, risk-based approach that considers the overall level of risk presented by a building in its current form. It combines both quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques, while recognizing that the available evidence, testing data and technical information can vary significantly between different buildings and construction systems. As a direct result, professional judgement remains a central component of every fire risk appraisal focused on external walls.

Recommendations outlined

The revised voluntary Code of Practice provides recommendations on:

*determining when a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems is required and when the risk of fire spread via external walls is sufficiently low that a specialist appraisal is unnecessary

*the competencies and expertise required to undertake a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems

*carrying out proportionate and evidence-based appraisals tailored to the individual characteristics of a building

*assessing whether any increased risk of fire spread remains tolerable

*identifying proportionate measures in order to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of fire spread where appropriate

Ultimately, PAS 9980:2026 aims to promote greater consistency in the way that fire risk appraisals of external wall systems are undertaken and reported by providing a structured methodology, common terminology and clearer documentation requirements.

The revised PAS supports communication between assessors, reviewers and those responsible for managing building safety. It also establishes recognised competency expectations, promotes consistent assessor training and provides a clearer framework for Professional Indemnity-focused insurance professionals.

Important milestone

Scott Steedman, director general at the BSI, commented: “The publication of the revised Code of Practice marks an important milestone in supporting a more consistent and proportionate approach towards assessing and managing fire risk in buildings. PAS 9980 provides a clear and evidence-based framework for assessing the fire risk of external walls, thereby helping to ensure that resources are focused where risk is greatest and supporting both safety and a more effective path to remediation.”

Steedman added: “Developed through a rigorous and consensus-based process involving experts from across the fire safety, housing, construction, insurance and Government sectors, PAS 9980 can help give residents greater reassurance, support better-informed decisions being taken by building owners and professionals and provide increased confidence for lenders, insurers and regulators.”

Building Safety Minister Baroness Blake responded: “We’re committed to delivering an improved building safety system that keeps residents safe and restores confidence in the safety of their homes. I welcome the BSI’s publication of the updated PAS 9980, which supports a clear and consistent approach towards assessing fire safety risks and will help those responsible for carrying out this vitally important work across the built environment.”

Consensus-based development

PAS 9980:2026 was developed through the BSI’s consensus-based standards development process, bringing together regulators, technical experts, fire engineers, industry representatives, insurers, lenders and resident groups from across the UK.

The standard underwent public consultation, ensuring that stakeholder feedback was considered prior to publication. That collaborative approach ensures the guidance reflects a broad range of expertise, while supporting those responsible for assessing and managing building safety risks.

Stakeholders involved in the Steering Group process included representation from the Building Research Establishment, the Building Safety Regulator, the Construction Products Association, DCCH Experts LLP, Design Fire Consultants, End Our Cladding Scandal, the Expert Architect Studio, the Fire Industry Association, the Fire Protection Association, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Government, the Society of Façade Engineering, Tenos and the Welsh Government.

*Copies of the revised PAS 9980 are available to download from the BSI’s website

The publications follow on from the Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017, a national tragedy that took the lives of 72 people and exposed profound failings in building and fire safety.

Last year, the Government appointed Thouria Istephan as the interim Chief Construction Advisor, acting on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation to ensure that there would be an expert and independent voice informing the Government’s reforms.

As Istephan nears the end of her term, the Chief Construction Advisor has now published her final report, reflecting on progress made in the role over the last 12 months, as well as outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead when it comes to building safety reforms.

The report sets out some of the key policy milestones supported by the Chief Construction Advisor’s expertise, including the publication of the Construction Products White Paper, plans to introduce a Single Construction Regulator and the development of a building professions strategy.

Pivotal role

Building Safety Minister Baroness Blake stated: “We remain wholly committed to learning from and acting on the failings that contributed towards the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.”

The Baroness continued: “The interim Chief Construction Advisor has played a pivotal role in shaping our reforms over the last 12 months, helping to ensure safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

Further, the Baroness commented: “The Government is committed to making sure everyone has trust that their home is safe and built to a high standard. The upcoming Remediation Bill will ensure landlords deliver on their responsibility to fix unsafe buildings.”

Completed recommendations  

The Chief Construction Advisor’s final report comes as the Government confirms that nine further Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel recommendations have been completed since May, bringing the total number of completed recommendations to 30 in the period since February 2025.

The latest updates include the following:

*The Building Advisory Committee and the Fire Safety Working Group are now fully operational, bringing together leading expertise from academia and industry to drive improvements across the building safety sector

*£13 million is available for UK higher education institutions to help build the next generation of fire engineering professionals and develop the skilled workforce needed to keep people safe

*Fire and Rescue Services are improving how they learn from incidents and support firefighters on the ground, with the revised and peer-reviewed London Fire Brigade Operational Learning process now in place alongside updated national guidance on radio communications, decision-making and water supply systems

Sustained transparency and oversight  

The Government also recognises that lasting change requires sustained transparency and oversight and has delivered the Inquiry’s recommendation on transparency through new dashboards which publicly track progress to deliver accepted recommendations across inquiries, alongside regular progress reports on post-Grenfell implementation.

Parliament has an important role to play in overseeing how Government implements recommendations. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is expected to conclude its work in early 2027.

The Government continues to work closely with communities, industry and local authorities alike across all remaining recommendations in order to deliver safer homes and lasting change.

Launched on 1 April 2024, the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility is an industry initiative designed to improve capacity in the multi-occupancy buildings insurance market. By improving capacity, many leaseholders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (as well as flat owners in Scotland) who live in high-risk buildings with combustible cladding and fire safety issues can now access insurance coverage where they previously could not have done so or are able to do so at better terms.

Last year, the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility was expanded so that participating firms could cover losses up to £75 million rather than £50 million. In its first year, 89.5% of risks within the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility were covered within the £50 million limit, but the remaining 10.5% would have needed to secure additional insurance to be fully covered.

However, since the expansion, 94% of risks were able to secure 100% of coverage through the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility, thereby avoiding the need to secure more cover at an additional cost.

Time-limited intervention

The Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility is intended to be a time-limited intervention to provide insurance cover for buildings that need remediation. As progress is made on the Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, and across comparable programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, buildings should be considered safer and pose less of a fire-risk.

The intention is that, once remediation work is complete, the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility will no longer be needed as buildings can find appropriate insurance through the wider insurance market and at terms that reflect their risk.

That said, the industry and fire safety experts have consistently stressed the only long-term solution to support leaseholders facing higher insurance premiums is remediation to a standard that protects both life and property.

Data collection changes

Over the past year, the ABI has changed how it collects data, accounting for differences in reporting approaches by firms as well as adjustments to policies within their terms (for example, property revaluations). In doing so, the figures stated in July last year have been updated. They show that 703 risks were supported through the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility in its first year, with a total sum insured of £17.5 billion.

Chris Bose, the ABI’s director of general insurance policy, stated: “It’s encouraging to see that the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility continues to work as intended by improving access to insurance for buildings with fire safety risks.”

Bose continued: “We recognise the significant uncertainty, stress and financial pressures many leaseholders have been living with. The uptake we’ve seen over the past year shows that insurers have been able to offer cover where capacity would otherwise be limited.”

In conclusion, Bose noted: “No insurance initiative can fix the underlying problem. The Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility is a temporary measure. Remediation to a standard that protects both life and property remains the only long-term solution for leaseholders.”

*Further information is available online at www.abi.org.uk

In essence, the Private Members’ Bill seeks to:

*extend protections for qualifying leaseholders from the costs of historical building safety failures

*place enforceable duties on freeholders and building owners to initiate and complete remediation works within prescribed timeframes

*provide leaseholders with rights to seek mandatory remediation orders where responsible parties fail to act

Commenting ahead of what is Second Reading of the Bill, Baroness Pinnock said: “This is a question of justice. Innocent leaseholders must not be paying the price for serious building defects where they live. Some of these defects were the result of deliberate actions by those responsible during construction, as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel concluded.”

Baroness Pinnock added: “If accepted by the Government, this Bill will take a giant step in fully protecting leaseholders and requiring those who created the building safety issues to be responsible for the cost of remediation.”

The Leaseholder Remediation (Building Safety) Bill can be read online.

A House of Lords Library research briefing on the Bill is also available to read online.

The Second Reading debate will take place in the Chamber of the House of Lords. The House will sit at 10.00 am. This Bill is the second item on the agenda. The debate will be streamed live and on demand on Parliament TV.

The new qualifications will consist of the following: 

*Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment

The qualifications are being introduced in stages and will provide opportunities for those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge as well as for experienced professionals already working at the appropriate level.

For practitioners developing their careers, the qualifications provide progression from Foundation through to Advanced level. However, experienced fire risk assessors will not necessarily need to start at Level 3 and work through each qualification. Subject to the relevant entry requirements, they will be able to enter at the level deemed appropriate in relation to their existing knowledge, skills and competence.

The first qualification to be made available is the FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment. This is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by FireQual. It has been developed with specific reference to BS 8674:2025 Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors and provides experienced professionals with a recognised way in which to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence.

Assessment-only route

The Level 4 qualification is currently available through an assessment-only route for experienced fire risk assessors who already harbour the underpinning knowledge and practical experience required to undertake Intermediate-level fire risk assessments.

There’s no classroom or taught FIA training included as part of the current route. Instead, candidates demonstrate their existing competence through a structured programme of online assessment. This means that experienced practitioners don’t need to wait for the complete suite of FIA training programmes to be made available before they’re able to gain a regulated qualification at the appropriate level.

The qualification is aimed at experienced professionals already undertaking fire risk assessments on buildings presenting a moderate level of fire risk. Candidates should already hold the relevant practical experience, be actively undertaking fire risk assessments, have access to suitable workplace evidence and be able to produce fire risk assessment reports on an independent basis.

Candidates will need to meet the relevant FireQual entry requirements before commencing the qualification.

Level 4 assessment in practice

In practice, candidates complete a series of online assessment activities and then submit evidence demonstrating the practical application of their existing fire safety knowledge and professional judgement.

Assessment activities include scenario-based Case Studies, written assessment activities, fire risk assessment reports, workplace evidence, explanations and then a reflection on professional decisions.

Each candidate is allocated an FIA assessor who will review their submissions, provide assessment feedback and support them throughout the assessment process. For experienced practitioners, this provides an opportunity to gain formal recognition of their existing knowledge and experience through a regulated qualification without repeating training in those areas where they’re already competent.

The flexible online format also allows candidates to work towards the qualification in parallel with attending to their existing professional commitments in the workplace.

Detail underpinning the assessment

The Level 4 qualification assesses a range of areas involved in undertaking Intermediate-level fire risk assessments. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to identify and evaluate fire hazards and apply relevant legislation, standards and guidance.

Assessment also covers areas including means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, structural fire protection and compartmentation, fire safety management arrangements, external wall construction, identifying when specialist advice is required and producing suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment reports with proportionate recommendations.

Importantly, the qualification isn’t simply a test of theoretical knowledge. Candidates need to demonstrate the application of their knowledge, skills, experience and professional judgement when undertaking fire risk assessments.

What’s coming next?

The Level 4 assessment route is the first part of the FIA’s new fire risk assessment qualification suite. The Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment offers a route for suitably experienced fire risk assessors working at Advanced level. This will follow in due course.

The Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment is expected to be introduced in early 2027. This will combine FIA training with assessment and is aimed at those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge, skills and experience. Further FIA training and assessment options at both the Intermediate and Advanced levels are also planned as the qualification range develops in time.

If you’re an experienced fire risk assessor already working at the Intermediate level, you don’t need to wait for the rest of the qualification suite to become available. The FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment is available now through the FIA’s online assessment route.

*Further information about the qualification, entry requirements, assessment activities and how to apply is available on the FIA’s website at www.fia.uk.com

The ONR led the UK’s contribution to TPR2, combining regulatory and licensee self-assessment to produce a National Assessment Report for European peer review and a UK National Action Plan in response to the findings.  

The review covered a representative sample of installations across the nuclear lifecycle, including EDF’s operating and de-fuelling reactors, the Hinkley Point C nuclear construction site in Somerset, Sellafield’s waste and decommissioning facilities, the Urenco nuclear fuel enrichment plant in Capenhurst, the Springfields nuclear fuel production installation in Lancashire and Dounreay’s Prototype Fast Reactor complex in Scotland.

Overall, UK installations were found to meet the required fire safety standards with no fundamental sector-wide shortfalls identified.  

The peer review did pinpoint three national areas for improvement, with recommendations for Springfields, Dounreay and Sellafield to better formalise, link and prioritise their nuclear fire safety arrangements.

These items were identified by licensees during the self-assessment phase. 

Improvements are already being made at Dounreay, while a new Fire Safety Strategy Programme is in place at Sellafield.

Recurring theme

One recurring theme in the National Assessment Report is the need for licensees to strengthen how they identify, assess and record combined and consequential hazards involving fire, which the ONR will continue to monitor using existing tools including regulatory issues, inspections and Safety Case reviews.  

The ONR also considered international good practices identified through TPR2, including learning from non-nuclear fire events, fire testing or substantiation of credited fire safety elements, dynamic control of transient fire loads and the use or consideration of thermographic techniques.

TPR2 has provided a valuable body of international knowledge in these areas, and the ONR will now share relevant learning with UK licensees.  

Following its exit from the European Union, the UK became an ‘observer’ of ENSREG and, while it;s no longer legally bound to do so, the Government has decided to participate in the TPR.

The ONR was requested to co-ordinate the UK’s involvement on behalf of the (then) Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Adequate arrangements

Jacob Plummer, the ONR’s principal inspector for nuclear safety and project lead for TPR2, commented: “This peer review, undertaken with significant support from UK licensees, confirms that nuclear fire safety across the UK’s nuclear sector remains robust, with adequate arrangements in place across the lifecycle from new-build to decommissioning.”

Plummer continued: “Where we’ve identified areas for improvement, particularly so around how licensees record and assess combined hazards involving fire, we’re already seeing meaningful progress.”  

In conclusion, Plummer stated: “We will continue to hold the industry to the highest standards, tracking these actions through our established regulatory tools to ensure the UK’s nuclear sites remain safe both now and into the future.”

*Further information is available online at www.onr.org.uk

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.