The UK will become the centre of global fire and rescue collaboration this week as leaders and government representatives from more than 60 nations arrive in London for the World Fire Congress 2026.
Hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Congress will put UK fire and rescue services at the heart of international discussions on some of the biggest challenges facing the sector and the communities they serve.
The UK is hosting the second World Fire Congress, following the inaugural event in Washington DC in 2024. Over three days, leaders and experts will share experience, evidence and learning on climate-related disasters and extreme weather, building and heritage safety, emerging hazards including lithium-ion batteries, major incident preparedness and response, and firefighter health and wellbeing.
The Congress will also hear directly from people and families affected by major incidents through its Voice of Communities session, ensuring their experiences and perspectives inform discussions about how fire and rescue services prepare for, respond to and learn from emergencies.
Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said:
“It is a tremendous privilege for the NFCC and UK fire and rescue services to welcome colleagues from across the world to London for the World Fire Congress.
“The challenges facing fire and rescue services are growing in scale, complexity and pace. No single country has all the answers, which is why this Congress is so important. It provides a unique opportunity to share learning, exchange ideas, and strengthen the partnerships that will help us better protect our communities in the years ahead.
“By coming together, we can learn from one another’s experiences and build a safer, more resilient future for the people we serve.”
The opening programme on Monday 7 September will include a fireside discussion on artificial intelligence with Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, before the main Congress discussions begin on Tuesday.
UK fire and rescue leaders will play a central role throughout the Congress, contributing expertise and learning alongside international speakers. Delegates will hear first-hand experience from fire and emergency leaders across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia, sharing learning from different risks, incidents and approaches to emergency response.
The London Congress marks the next stage in the development of the World Fire Congress following its inaugural meeting in Washington DC. The World Fire Congress’ administration, preservation of institutional knowledge, host-nation coordination and ongoing international engagement is facilitated through the Secretariat, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). The Secretariat provides continuity between Congresses and supports sustained collaboration across the global fire and emergency services.
Ross Ashley, president and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), said:
“NFPA is proud to support the World Fire Congress as a global platform that gives every nation a voice in shaping the future of fire and life safety. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, the Congress can help develop practical solutions to shared challenges and strengthen community resilience worldwide. That work is needed now more than ever.”
UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute (ULRI) is supporting the Congress’ research, learning and insight work, including the development of the Communities of Practice to continue collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Congresses.
Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Fire Strategist and Chair of the inaugural World Fire Congress in 2024, acknowledged:
“It’s gratifying to see the momentum from 2024 continue here in London, and I’m confident this collaboration will carry us into 2028. This is exactly why we’re inviting our colleagues to participate in the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice. Our year-round forum is designed to sustain progress and strengthen global readiness between Congress meetings.”
The Congress will conclude on Wednesday with the reaffirmation and signing of its Statement of Founding Principles and the formal handover to the United Arab Emirates, which will host the next World Fire Congress in 2028.
ENDS
Notes for editors
- The World Fire Congress is a biennial global forum bringing together fire and emergency service leaders, government representatives, researchers and partners to strengthen international cooperation, share knowledge and support evidence-informed discussion on fire and life safety challenges facing communities worldwide.
- The inaugural World Fire Congress was held in Washington DC in 2024. The National Fire Chiefs Council is hosting the second World Fire Congress at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London, on 8–9 September 2026, following an opening programme on 7 September.
- Representatives from more than 60 nations are expected to attend the London Congress.
- The World Fire Congress is led by an international steering committee and supported by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) as its Secretariat. Metro Chiefs is a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
- UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) supports the Congress’ learning, research and insight work, including the development of global Communities of Practice designed to continue international collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Congresses.
- The next World Fire Congress will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in 2028.