Climate-driven fires, residential fire protection and the risks associated with new building technologies will be among the key topics at European Fire Safety Week 2026, taking place from 16-20 November.

Organised by the European Fire Safety Alliance (EFSA), the eighth annual event will bring together policymakers, researchers, firefighters and industry professionals to discuss some of the biggest fire safety challenges facing Europe.

The scale of this year's wildfire season highlights why these discussions matter. By 7 October, 692,419 hectares had burned across the EU, according to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre.

In France, a major wildfire in the Gironde region burned 42,000 hectares and prompting the evacuation of around 224,000 people. In Spain, approximately 120,000 hectares had burned by late July, with fires threatening areas around Madrid and prompting the country's first national wildfire emergency declaration.

Fire safety concerns have also extended beyond wildfires. A fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day claimed 41 lives and injured 115 people, highlighting the importance of safe evacuation plans and fire prevention in public venues.

From homes destroyed by wildfires to the loss of life in a crowded bar, this year's fires have exposed very different challenges for those responsible for protecting people and buildings.

Fire risks are changing across Europe

Climate change is increasing the threat of wildfires, while changes to building design, materials and technology are creating new fire safety challenges.

As Europe moves towards more energy-efficient buildings, fire protection needs to keep pace with new electrical systems, renewable energy technologies and construction methods. The growing use of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure also raises questions about fire prevention and safety in enclosed spaces such as covered car parks.

Other areas of focus include:

• Climate change and fire safety

• Fire safety and sustainability

• Fire and electrical safety under the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

• The role of flame retardants in modern society

• Fire risks associated with electric vehicles and charging infrastructure

• Technologies and strategies for safer homes

Safer homes and smoke alarms

Alongside emerging risks, improving existing fire safety measures remains essential, particularly in homes.

Building on last year's theme, 'Let's make every European home fire safe', the Alliance will continue to highlight the importance of residential fire protection and raising awareness.

European Smoke Alarm Day will take place during the week, supported by the #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives campaign. The campaign will focus on increasing smoke alarm use across Europe, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable people.

Fire safety policy will also be a key part of the discussion. A high-level meeting at the European Parliament will bring together policymakers and industry stakeholders to consider how fire protection can be better incorporated into European housing and energy plans.

As Europe works towards more affordable and energy-efficient housing, fire safety must remain part of decisions around building design, construction and renovation.

The challenges ahead 

From wildfire prevention and safer homes to electric vehicle charging and building regulations, the challenges facing the fire safety industry are changing.

European Fire Safety Week 2026 will bring attention to the importance of keeping fire prevention and protection at the centre of these developments, ensuring that new buildings, technologies and policies take account of the risks.

European Fire Safety Week takes place from 16-20 November. Find out more through the European Fire Safety Alliance.

Register your Interest for the Fire Safety Event Europe 2027 | NEC Birmingham | 27-29 April 2027: The Fire Safety Event Europe.

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