Hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the three-day Congress brought together fire and rescue leaders from across Europe, Australia, North America, Asia and Africa to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing the sector.
From climate-related disasters and extreme weather to building safety, lithium-ion batteries, major incident preparedness and firefighter health and wellbeing, the programme focused on shared challenges that are affecting fire services around the world.
The Congress provided a platform for fire and rescue leaders to share experiences, approaches and practical ideas from their own countries and communities.
Australia was among the countries represented, alongside a wide range of international voices, reflecting the increasingly global nature of fire safety and emergency response.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan highlighted the value of bringing these perspectives together, recognising that no single country has all the answers to the challenges facing the sector.
A number of the discussions focused on risks that continue to evolve, including extreme weather, climate-related disasters and lithium-ion battery incidents.
The programme also explored how fire services can prepare for major incidents and strengthen the resilience of the communities they serve.
Technology and innovation were another focus, with the Congress opening with an AI fireside discussion featuring Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt before the main programme began.
The Voice of Communities session brought another important perspective to the Congress, giving people and families affected by major incidents an opportunity to share their experiences.
The focus on community voices reinforced the importance of understanding the impact of fire and other emergencies beyond the immediate operational response.
World Fire Congress 2026 also marked the continuation of an international collaboration that began at the first Congress in Washington DC in 2024.
Through the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, NFPA and IAFC, alongside support from UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute, the Congress aims to maintain collaboration and knowledge-sharing between events through Communities of Practice.
The 2026 Congress concluded with a Statement of Founding Principles, before the UAE was announced as host of the next Congress in 2028.
With fire and rescue services across the world facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, the Congress provided an opportunity for leaders from countries including Australia to share experience, strengthen relationships and continue the international conversation around fire safety and community resilience.
Register your Interest for the Fire Safety Event 2027 | NEC Birmingham | 27-29 April 2027: The Fire Safety Event.
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