The FIRE Conference 2025 brought together leading voices from across the fire safety sector, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking. Sponsored by PartB, the conference was held at the QEII Conference Centre and online, opening with a warm welcome from Susannah Hancock, CEO of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), who set the tone for a day focused on shaping the future of fire safety.
The morning plenaries were packed with insight. Phil Garrigan OBE, National Fire Chief Council Chair, reflected on the last eighteen months and the insights it had given him. His call for transformation resonated strongly, emphasising efficiency and resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Steve McGuirk, Chair of the Fire Sector Confederation, explored leadership trends and what lies ahead for fire safety professionals. This was followed by IFE’s CEO, Steve Hamm, who addressed the need for greater standardisation in fire safety practices. He stated that the challenge now lies in achieving uniformity and raising competency standards across the profession.
The first panel discussion on rural and urban interfaces, wildfires, and early detection provided an engaging session for delegates. Experts including Rob Gazzard, Forestry Commission, Chief Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Former U.S. Fire Administrator, shared global perspectives on wildfire management, highlighting the importance of technology and cross-border collaboration.
After a networking break, attention turned to building safety. Charlie Pugsley, CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, provided a comprehensive review of 2025 and outlined priorities for the year ahead. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel on attracting and retaining engineering talent, featuring leaders such as Lynsey Seal and Michael Spearpoint, who stressed the need for diversity and innovation in recruitment strategies.
The afternoon breakout sessions offered delegates a choice of specialist topics, from construction product testing and competency in fire risk assessment to emergency standards and lithium-ion battery safety. These breakout discussions allowed for deep dives into technical challenges and practical solutions, with industry experts sharing best practices and lessons learned with questions answered throughout.
A standout moment came during the case study on the Moss Landing battery fire, presented by Robert Rezende, Battalion Chief of San Diego Fire and Rescue his colleague, Justin Marquez. This real-world example underscored the complexities of emerging technologies and the critical need for preparedness in tackling energy storage incidents.
Closing remarks from Tamara Hooper, Senior Policy Manager, National Fire Chiefs Council who chaired the afternoon, wrapped up a day that was as informative as it was inspiring. Networking continued into the evening with a drink's reception, sponsored by Belimo, where in-person delegates continued discussions from the day.
Now a key event on the fire safety calendar, FIRE Conference 2025 saw over 500 delegates in attendance. As we hold these events annually, it is crucial to remember that it is important to foster relationships and discussions with everyone involved in the sector. By continuing to strive for higher standards we protect both the public and ourselves against the devastation of fire.
Our sincere thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for supporting this event, and to our speakers who contributed to making this event insightful, engaging, and impactful through their expertise and thought leadership.
IFE members can read a full FIRE conference event report in the upcoming November issue of the IFP journal. Recordings from the day will also be released on the CPD Hub in the new year.