Each year, the fire safety sector is guided by a series of recognised awareness days, long-running campaigns, and major industry events. These milestones play an important role in driving standards, sharing best practice, and supporting continuous professional development. Here are the key dates and initiatives to be aware of in 2026.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work – 28 April. This day focuses on workplace safety and health, with fire risk management a key part of the conversation. It’s a useful prompt to review fire safety alongside wider workplace risks.
World Fire Safety Day – 8 October. This initiative brings fire safety advocates, communities and organisations together to promote fire prevention, stronger safety practices and public awareness.
Firefighters Memorial Trust Annual Service of Remembrance. Held on 7 September 2026, this annual service honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty and reflects on the importance of service, sacrifice, and safety.
International Firefighters’ Day – 4 May. This day honours firefighters worldwide - both those currently serving and those who have fallen in the line of duty. Many fire services and communities mark the day with tributes and public engagement around fire safety.
National Firefighters’ Remembrance Day Australia – 10 October. This day is dedicated to remembering the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
There are several ongoing campaigns and weeks that may vary in timing but are important for raising awareness and reinforcing fire safety behaviours:
🚪Fire Door Safety Week (UK)
This annual campaign highlights the critical role of fire doors in containing fire and smoke and protecting escape routes. It typically runs over a week in September and emphasises correct installation, maintenance and reporting of defects.
⚡Electrical Fire Safety Week (UK) This campaign highlights hazards associated with electrical fires, such as those caused by common household appliances. In 2025 it ran in early February, and similar awareness activities are expected around the same period each year.
🧯National Fire Safety Week (Ireland/UK context)
In Ireland (and Northern Ireland) a campaign known as National Fire Safety Week focuses on community fire safety and checking on vulnerable neighbours. It runs in October and underlines the importance of proactive prevention at home.
đź“ťFire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations. These regulations come into force on 6 April 2026, introducing new legal requirements for residential evacuation planning and reinforcing responsibilities for building owners and managers.
đź©ąNational Burn Awareness Day, 15 October. National Burn Awareness Day is observed on 15 October, focusing on burn prevention, fire-related injury awareness, and support for burn survivors. (June in Australia.)
🦺National Safe Work Month. October is National Safe Work Month – a time employers and workers across Australia commit to creating safe and healthy workplaces.
đźš«Fire Prevention Week (US & Australia)
In the United States and Canada, Fire Prevention Week is observed in October and focuses on broad fire risk education. In Australia, Fire Prevention Week is usually held around late April to early May - a relevant period with seasonal shift and community fire awareness initiatives.
In addition to awareness days and campaigns, there are key cross-sector industry gatherings that professionals should note:
đź”—Register here for The Fire Safety Event | The NEC Birmingham | 28-30 April 2026: The Fire Safety Event
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