Taking Stock of the Changing Face of Fire Safety
Fire Industry Association
Fire Industry Association | Leading Excellence in Fire Safety since 1916
By Chris Philp MP
As part of our Fire Future Today anthology of ideas, the Fire Minister expands on how sector-wide collaboration is key to harness our shared aims of a safer UK.
Our Fire and Rescue Services do an exceptional job, and their work – be that racing into danger to protect us in our times of need, or spreading vital information about prevention - helps to keep our communities safe from harm.
As we step into 2024, it is the right time to take stock of the changing face of the job as new challenges and opportunities rear their heads. These include the growth of AI, increases in battery fires as the markets for electric vehicles of all sizes grow, climate changes and the expanding scope of fire service work with other agencies.?
Core to the potential we see in advancing tech is its use to analyse emerging trends, predict risks and avoid hazards before they ever come to pass. The launch of a new National Fire Data Collection System this year will bolster our use of data and enable us to collect new information about emerging threats caused by climate change and sources of ignition such as electric vehicles and e-cigarettes. We hope it will also aid our understanding of the most at risk demographics. AI will revolutionise the fire and rescue service through the next generation 999 system, which will no doubt bring new functionality to fire control rooms. While there is still work to be done here, I am confident that it will go a long way in improving efficiency.
As technology and transport integrate, with the popularity of electric vehicles rising, the risks associated with fires caused by lithium-ion batteries rise too. I am working closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Department for Transport, and the Department for Business and Trade, to assess what is required to ensure the highest standards of safety are upheld. Going back to basics, we are working on ways to raise awareness of safe use, storage and charging of electric vehicles in buildings. In partnership with the NFCC, our Fire Kills campaign and local services, educational resources have been developed to support those within the service to spread best practice, alongside existing advice published on the Fire England UK website.?
Seeking greater efficiency across our emergency services to collaborate and harness shared aims is also vital – chiefly to keep our communities safe and secure so they can live without fear. It’s great to see Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service lead on ambulance collaboration for the six services in the region, responding to incidents from trips and falls, to cardiac arrests. This means that we can relieve pressures on the NHS and upskill colleagues to be equipped for the medical emergencies they can encounter.
While we embrace these exciting developments, it is imperative that the difficult lessons learned from recent years are actioned to ensure the public can continue to have confidence in our ability to deliver for them.?
The concerning reports of bullying, harassment and discrimination cannot be ignored. While we understand the improvements required are part of a long process, the government has made a strong start by publishing the response to the Fire Reform White Paper. This will push important changes to services and introduce a professional College of Fire and Rescue to strengthen leadership, raise standards through improved training and introduce a statutory code of ethics. We have also commissioned the HM Inspectorate for the Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to investigate the handling of misconduct, holding a series of focus groups with staff and reviewing policies and procedures.?
The Grenfell Tower disaster lives on in our memories, and we remain wholly committed to putting in place the measures to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again. As we wait for the findings from Phase 2 of the inquiry to be published, we continue to work closely with the London Fire Brigade and the National Fire Chiefs Council on action plans from the recommendations, holding each of us accountable to implement the changes required.
While we work towards these improvements, it is important to remember the successes of the present. Last year in England we saw a record low in the number of accidental fires reported in the home. Fire prevention remains at the core of every service, so we must redouble our efforts to communicate lifesaving guidance to the public.
Though there is a lot of work to do to address fire safety, standards and efficiency challenges, and I have no doubts about our collective appetite to deliver. The bravery of the people who work to keep us safe from fire, in the most difficult and demanding environments, is an example to us all. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to their continued commitment and drive to work towards a stronger more sustainable sector.
To read more insightful future-thinking, check out the Fire Future Today anthology here.
领英推荐
About us
In short, we are the UK’s leading authority on the most effective solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s fire safety challenges.
We are a not-for-profit organisation and a major provider of?fire safety training.
Our objective is to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services, and apparatus.?
We achieve this through the representation of our members, providing technical support, guidance, and opportunities for professional advancement through education and appropriate regulation.
We promote and shape legislation and the professional standards of the fire industry through close liaison with government and official bodies, as well as other key stakeholders.?
For complimentary advice about the future of fire today here are all the ways you can get in contact with us.?
Contact Us
For inquiries and support, the FIA offers a range of dedicated email channels to ensure your questions and requests are directed to the appropriate departments:
Stay connected with the FIA through our social media platforms:
To keep up to date with the latest news, insights, and updates from the fire industry, subscribe to our newsletter by scanning the below QR code. The FIA is committed to providing comprehensive support and information to our members and the wider fire safety community. Whether you're seeking knowledge, networking, or need specific guidance, we're here to assist.