The World Fire Congress, a first-of-its-kind event, is currently taking place in Washington, D.C., with over 50 countries represented. Fire experts from 55 countries have congregated to discuss ways to mitigate wildfires, retain firefighters, and address emerging threats. The next World Fire Congress is set to take place in the United Kingdom in 2026.
The congress aims to tackle a wide range of challenges faced by firefighters globally beyond just responding to fires. Topics of discussion include new fire risks and emerging technologies and how to implement them safely within communities. Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator, emphasized the importance of recognizing the increasing magnitude of wildfires worldwide, highlighting incidents in Germany, Greece, and Canada that have affected nations unaccustomed to such threats. District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly emphasized the interconnected nature of these challenges, pointing out how Canadian wildfires have affected U.S. communities through smoke exposure.
The World Fire Congress serves as an opportunity for first responders to engage in dialogue and collaborate on addressing these complex problems collectively. It’s an essential platform for bringing together global experts to exchange knowledge, strategies, and best practices in fire mitigation and emergency response. Participants are focused on leveraging their expertise to enhance international cooperation and resilience in the face of evolving fire threats.
