Fire and Rescue Services must learn from major incidents and emerging risks around the world to strengthen preparedness at home, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has said following the conclusion of the World Fire Congress 2026.

Fire sector and Government leaders from more than 60 countries gathered in central London for three days of discussion on some of the most significant challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services, including climate-related disasters, emerging hazards, major incident response, and firefighter Health, Safety and well-being.

A central theme throughout the Congress was the importance of international collaboration and shared learning. As risks increasingly cross national boundaries, evidence and experience from incidents elsewhere can provide valuable insight for services seeking to improve resilience, preparedness and response.

The need to learn lessons before further lives are lost was reinforced by testimony from people affected by Aberfan, Hillsborough, the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and the Grenfell Tower fire.

Contributors highlighted that the circumstances which contribute to major disasters can develop long before an emergency occurs. Fire and Rescue sector leaders were urged to listen when concerns are raised, identify and address organisational failings, and ensure lessons are acted upon before further tragedy occurs.

For UK Fire and Rescue Services, the World Fire Congress provided an opportunity to hear directly from international counterparts responding to shared and emerging risks in different circumstances and at different scales, while also contributing UK expertise and experience to the wider discussion.

Challenging assumptions

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, said: “Across the past three days, we’ve shared knowledge, challenged assumptions and held honest conversations about some of the most significant issues facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world. The true success of Congress will not be measured by what was said in London. It will be measured by what we do next.”

On that note, Garrigan continued: “Our responsibility now is to turn learning into action, maintain the relationships forged here and continue working together across borders so that we’re better prepared for the challenges ahead and stronger in our support of the communities we serve.”

Addressing delegates, Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience) reflected on the increasingly extreme challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world and the importance of countries working together to confront shared threats and keep their communities safe.

Baroness Blake said: “I’m delighted that London hosted the second edition of the World Fire Congress. The event could not have come at a more pivotal time, following on as it did in the wake of the response of our brave firefighters to one of the most challenging wildfire seasons on record.”

Further, Baroness Blake commented: “Collaboration is critical. It was so valuable to hear from our international partners about the threats they’re facing, share the expertise of our Fire and Rescue Services and consider how we can best work together to tackle future challenges.”

In conclusion, Baroness Blake observed: “Following the devastating wildfires over the summer, we must work together to ensure that we have a Fire and Rescue Service which is able to tackle the growing risk of fires in view of the potential for hotter and drier summers in the future.”

Communities of Practice

The work of the Congress will continue through the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice, which provide a framework for Fire and Rescue Services and the wider Emergency Services community to share evidence, research and operational learning between Congress events.

The initiative will also help maintain and develop the international relationships established through the Congress, supporting continued collaboration ahead of the next gathering.

The Congress concluded with the reaffirmation and signing of the World Fire Congress Statement of Founding Principles, setting out the shared purpose and principles that will continue to guide its work.

The United Arab Emirates formally accepted the handover as host of the next World Fire Congress, scheduled for 2028. The event will continue the international collaboration established at the inaugural Congress in Washington in 2024 and further developed in London in 2026.

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