IFE blog highlights FIRE Conference 2025 discussions
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has reported in a blog that FIRE Conference 2025 brought together sector leaders at the QEII Conference Centre and online to examine how to future-proof the built environment.
According to the IFE, the conference was sponsored by PartB and structured around plenary sessions, panel discussions and technical breakouts.
The organisation said the event opened with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chief Executive Officer Susannah Hancock welcoming delegates and introducing a programme focused on the future of fire safety.
In the blog, the IFE described FIRE Conference 2025 as a key date in its calendar, with more than 500 delegates attending.
Plenary sessions cover leadership, resilience and standards
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan OBE used the morning plenary to reflect on the previous eighteen months and the lessons drawn from that period.
He called for transformation across the sector, with a focus on efficiency and resilience in a changing operating environment.
Fire Sector Confederation Chair Steve McGuirk then examined leadership trends and the outlook for fire safety professionals.
IFE Chief Executive Officer Steve Hamm followed with a session on the need for greater standardisation in fire safety practice.
Hamm’s contribution focused on achieving more consistent approaches and on raising competency standards across the profession.
Global wildfire panel looks at rural–urban interfaces
The first panel session addressed rural and urban interfaces, wildfires and early detection.
Speakers included Rob Gazzard from the Forestry Commission, Chief Anthony Marrone from Los Angeles County Fire Department and former US Fire Administrator Dr Lori Moore-Merrell.
The panel shared international perspectives on wildfire management and the challenges of protecting communities where built environments meet high-risk vegetation, the discussion highlighted the role of technology in wildfire detection and monitoring.
Panel members also discussed the value of cross-border collaboration when preparing for large-scale wildfire activity.
Building safety and engineering workforce in focus
After a networking break, attention turned to building safety and regulatory experience.
Building Safety Regulator Chief Executive Officer Charlie Pugsley gave a review of 2025 activity and set out priorities for the coming year.
His session covered the regulator’s view of progress to date and areas where further work is still required.
A panel on attracting and retaining engineering talent, featuring contributions from Lynsey Seal and Michael Spearpoint.
Panellists highlighted the need for more diverse recruitment routes into fire engineering roles and for innovation in how employers support career development.
Technical breakouts and Moss Landing battery fire case study
The IFE blog noted that afternoon breakout sessions allowed delegates to choose between specialist topics.
Sessions examined construction product testing, competency in fire risk assessment, emergency standards and lithium-ion battery safety.
Speakers shared technical experience and practical approaches, and delegates were able to ask questions throughout.
A case study on the Moss Landing battery fire, presented by San Diego Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Robert Rezende and colleague Justin Marquez, was described as a standout element of the programme.
The case study illustrated the complexity of incidents involving energy storage systems and the level of preparedness needed to manage them.
Conference role in IFE programme and next steps
In its blog, the IFE characterised FIRE Conference 2025 as a core event in its annual schedule.
The organisation stated that more than 500 delegates attended and that networking continued into the evening with a drinks reception sponsored by Belimo.
The blog commented on the value of using the conference to maintain relationships across the sector and to sustain discussion on raising standards.
The IFE thanked sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for their role in shaping the event content.
IFE members will be able to read a full FIRE Conference event report in the November issue of the IFP journal.
Recordings from the day are due to be made available on the IFE CPD Hub in the new year.
Implications of FIRE Conference 2025 themes
Sessions on leadership, standardisation and competency are relevant to fire and rescue chiefs, building safety regulators and senior fire safety officers who are reviewing organisational strategies.
The focus on rural–urban interfaces and global wildfire experience provides practical context for emergency and disaster response managers, wildfire specialists and public sector risk planners who deal with cross-jurisdictional risks.
Discussion of engineering careers and recruitment has direct implications for fire engineering consultants, mechanical and electrical engineers and training officers responsible for building and retaining technical teams.
Breakout content on construction product testing, fire risk assessment and lithium-ion battery safety is of practical use to risk assessors, system installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors working on complex buildings and energy storage projects.
Forthcoming IFP journal coverage and CPD Hub recordings will give those groups structured material for in-house training, competency development and review of recent practice examples.