Story Highlight
- UL Research Institutes initiates Communities of Practice for fire safety.
- Communities aim to share knowledge on global fire safety issues.
- Inaugural World Fire Congress held in Washington D.C. in 2024.
- Next World Fire Congress to be hosted in Dubai in 2028.
- Focus areas include technology, data, and firefighter health and safety.
Full Story
UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute has launched ongoing Communities of Practice (CoPs) following the recent World Fire Congress held in London on September 8-9, 2026. The CoPs aim to tackle urgent global fire safety issues and enhance collaborative knowledge exchange with a series of structured monthly sessions. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, founder of the World Fire Congress and chief fire safety strategist at the Fire Safety Research Institute, remarked, “ULRI is honored to build on that foundation,” emphasising the importance of evidence-based dialogue over anecdotal information.
The World Fire Congress CoPs facilitate knowledge sharing, aligning on emerging risks, and practical research applications. Membership provides access to an international network, best practices, and leading research on critical topics such as lithium-ion battery safety and climate adaptation. Each CoP will collaborate internationally under the guidance of designated Anchor Organizations that bring established expertise.
The 2026-2028 CoPs include various key areas. The Climate Driven Large Scale Events CoP addresses challenges in resilience and mutual-aid structures, partnering with the Global Fire Management Hub at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence CoP aims to develop responsible governance frameworks for new technologies, with Dubai Civil Defence as its Anchor Organization. The Data CoP plans to focus on enhancing fire data governance and standards with support from UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute and Earth Fire Alliance.
Further, the Fire in Low- and Middle-Income Nations CoP highlights the disproportionate risks in these regions, advocating for community-based solutions. This group collaborates with Kindling Safety, Africa Fire Mission, and the World Bank. The Firefighting Tactics and Training CoP seeks to streamline training practices amidst diverse risks, supported by UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute.
The Firefighter Health and Safety CoP prioritises addressing cancer and toxic exposure risks, partnering with Science Alliance and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). In addition, the Women in the Fire Service CoP aims to enhance recruitment and retention of women in firefighting roles, working with Women in Fire and Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA). Lastly, the Fire and Civil Defense in Conflict and Hostile Environments CoP focuses on responder safety and legal protections, collaborating with the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF).
Leadership for the CoPs includes Mark Hardingham as CoPs Ambassador, while Diane Haithcock serves as CoPs Administrator. The World Fire Congress is a pivotal forum aimed at advancing international cooperation and evidence-informed discussions regarding fire safety challenges and will be hosted next by Dubai Civil Defence in February 2028. For additional details, visit WFCCOP.fsri.org.
Source: read the original report.
