London – September 12, 2026 -- Delegates from more than 60 nations opened the second edition of the World Fire Congress (WFC) in London on Sept. 8, 2026, convening fire and emergency service leaders, government officials, industry representatives, and academics for a two-day program aimed at coordinating global fire and life safety strategy.
UK's National Fire Chiefs Council hosts second global fire safety summit
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) serves as official host of the London Congress, with the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) -- a section of the National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs -- acting as the WFC Secretariat. Phil Garrigan, Chair of the NFCC, said the scale, complexity and pace of challenges facing fire and rescue services worldwide is growing, making cross-border collaboration essential.
Opening day agenda targets historic site protection and disaster preparedness
On the first day, delegates addressed global approaches to fire prevention, protection of historic and culturally significant buildings, and strengthening disaster preparedness against climate-driven disasters and large-scale emergencies. Sessions also covered emerging infrastructure risks and community resilience strategies applicable across differing national contexts.
Two-day program to cover firefighter wellbeing and emerging technologies
Over the full program, participants are examining prevention and protection frameworks, disaster readiness protocols, firefighter health and wellbeing initiatives, emerging technologies for emergency response, and lessons drawn from major incidents globally. Otto Drozd III, Executive Secretary of Metro Chiefs, said the Secretariat's role is to convert Congress discussions into practical initiatives adapted for local needs, sustaining momentum beyond the event through ongoing relationships and collaboration.