FIA’s Fire Future Today 2025 asks tough questions on accountability and AI
Iain Hoey
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FIA unveils new Fire Future Today collection of essays
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released the 2025 edition of Fire Future Today, its annual anthology of essays from leading voices across the UK fire sector.
According to the FIA, the publication includes contributions on artificial intelligence, robotics, accountability, regulation, workforce development and community safety.
The association explained that the anthology is intended as a platform for reflection and debate, bringing together campaigners, professionals and senior leaders to share perspectives on the sector’s direction.
The FIA noted that the 2025 edition continues a tradition of publishing views from across fire safety, with each contributor offering an individual perspective on future challenges.
Ian Moore OBE, CEO of the FIA, introduced the collection by writing: “We must be open to new viewpoints, and you’ll certainly get those from the expert essays across this year’s anthology.
“Each is a sector leader’s outlook on what a safer tomorrow can look like, and the most relevant issues we should expect to face on the journey to this better future.”
Ian Moore foreword on leadership and innovation
In the foreword, Ian Moore reflected on AI’s potential and the UK’s global reputation. He stated: “It’s AI alongside people, not instead of.”
He added that British exports of fire equipment and services have risen by over 50% in the past decade.
He explained that the anthology provides new viewpoints, stressing that readers should consider each essay as part of an open debate about the future.
Councillor Wendy Maples on the changing face of fire safety
Councillor Wendy Maples, Chair of the LGA Fire Services Management Committee, highlighted the role of local government in fire safety.
She noted the importance of the Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, stating: “We look forward to the funding that government announced in the Plan to enable local authorities to double enforcement activity.”
She explained that staffing challenges remain, saying: “Crucially the fire service in particular faces challenges around the recruitment of qualified staff to undertake inspection.”
Maples was critical of the Building Safety Act, writing: “It is unrealistic to expect regulators to agree between themselves who the lead regulator will be for every residential building over 18 metres.”
She concluded by stressing the importance of resources, powers and clarity for local government to meet the demands placed upon it.
Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE – Lessons from the past show us the way to a brighter future
Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch reflects on a quarter century of lessons learned in the fire sector, arguing that the shadow of Grenfell must be understood alongside earlier disasters. He recalls reviewing “the catalogue of near misses and catastrophes that prefaced Grenfell, firing warning shots from multiple contributors on the dangers of lessons going unlearned for generations.”
He cites the Summerland fire on the Isle of Man in 1973, the Shirley Towers fire in 2010 and the Lakanal House fire in 2009 as examples of ignored warnings that foreshadowed Grenfell. He stresses that inadequate regulation, combustible materials and poor oversight have repeatedly created conditions for tragedy.
Ledgerton-Lynch warns that oversight must be strengthened: “The committee draws a conclusion of which independent scrutineers are all too aware: there are inquiry recommendations and there is no oversight to ensure those recommendations are enforced. Subsequent scrutiny goes up in a puff of smoke!”
He closes by urging a forward-looking response, stating: “The future of fire has been comprehensively mapped out, the key now is embedding lessons learned, enabling enforcement and oversight and embracing technology to ensure the fire safety ecosystem continues to evolve to meet the needs of a complex, ever-changing society.”
Andy Frankum on balancing AI and humanity
Andy Frankum, Chair of the National Social Housing Fire Strategy Group, described AI as both opportunity and risk.
He wrote: “AI has already proven to be able to extinguish fires moments after they start, but what excites me most is the growing ability to identify risk before they become issues.”
He warned against treating fire deaths as statistics, saying: “When anyone loses their life in a fire it should never be reduced as a statistic. It should always hit us hard, and drive us to make the world safer for everyone.”
Frankum concluded that AI must work alongside human decision-making, with humanity remaining central to fire safety strategy.
Steve McGuirk on ethical dilemmas of AI
Steve McGuirk CBE, Executive Officer of the Fire Sector Confederation, framed his essay with a reference to Jurassic Park.
He quoted the line: “Your scientists spent so much time wondering if they could, they never stopped to think if they should.”
He explained that AI raises urgent ethical questions, warning: “Unless properly governed, the continued trend of AI will mean it has the potential to create even bigger problems down the road.”
McGuirk stated that the Fire Sector Confederation is committed to convening leaders to shape guidelines on AI, writing: “We’ll be hosting events, meetings, and any other occasions that allow us to get together for open dialogue.”
He concluded that while AI is inevitable, its risks can be managed if the sector begins its conversations now.
Sherine Wheeler on online harms and mental health
Sherine Wheeler, CEO of the Fire Fighters Charity, raised concerns about online harassment and its impact on fire services staff.
She explained: “Receiving threats, abuse and harassment is not just distressing, it can be deeply isolating and destructive, creating long-lasting and pervasive impacts on the individual and their family.”
She added that leaders in particular are affected, noting: “We know that some are turning up to work masking anxiety while experiencing persistent sleeplessness and feelings that they need to censor their views and opinions out of fear of retaliation.”
Wheeler called for collective recognition of the risks, stating: “We are calling for the mental health risks posed by online threats, abuse and harassment to be formally and collectively spoken about and responded to across the fire services community.”
She concluded that psychological harm should be treated as seriously as physical injury.
Joe Delaney on Grenfell accountability
Joe Delaney, campaigner with Justice4Grenfell, argued that justice for Grenfell requires personal accountability.
He wrote: “Both incidents saw significant law changes designed to prevent similar tragedies happening in future, but a profound question links the two – what can possibly be considered justice for the victims who had everything taken from them?”
He explained that enforcement must be improved and punishments made harsher.
He concluded: “Without legislation that finds individuals guilty of mismanagement, we will never come close to providing the justice deserved by those souls taken from us, who cannot demand it themselves.”
Professor Sabine Hauert on swarm robotics
Professor Sabine Hauert of the University of Bristol described swarm engineering as a new approach to fire detection and suppression.
She wrote: “In summary, swarm engineering now has the potential to coordinate large numbers of flying robots to monitor and mitigate wildfire before they grow out of control.”
She outlined trials with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, explaining: “Our real-world tests have shown the smaller numbers of robots operating as a swarm, automatically detecting a controlled fire using AI and onboard cameras, and extinguishing it using a payload of water balloons dropped from a self-flying cargo aircraft.”
She emphasised the importance of ethical frameworks and regulatory systems to support this technology.
Phil Garrigan on the future of fire services
Phil Garrigan OBE, Chair of the NFCC, compared the fire service’s situation to Everton FC’s move to a new stadium.
He wrote: “We can continue our existing path, arguably one determined by disinvestment, or we can collectively choose a better, different future.”
He stressed the need for reform, consistency and investment, saying: “Having different approaches to the same things makes no sense whatsoever – neither in most cases is it efficient or effective.”
He warned that reputation must be safeguarded, writing: “There is a reason that the UK is admired around the world for its quality of fire safety, and we should be proud of this. But that reputation is hard-won and easily lost.”
He concluded by affirming his belief that only the best is good enough for the UK fire sector.
Dr Sam Collier on Awaab’s Law
Dr Sam Collier, Policy and Research Manager at Aico, examined the introduction of Awaab’s Law in 2025.
He described the background: “Awaab’s family had repeatedly reported the damp and mould since 2017, but little action was taken.”
He explained the law: “From October 2025, Awaab’s Law will legally require social landlords in England and Wales to investigate and complete any emergency repairs, including those involving damp and mould, within 24 hours of notification.”
Collier added that the law is expected to expand to cover additional hazards by 2027.
He concluded that technological solutions such as sensors and predictive monitoring will be essential to prevent future tragedies.
Alex Norris afterword on reform
In the afterword, Alex Norris MP, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth, placed the anthology within a broader shift in government policy.
He explained: “It represents a fresh opportunity to rethink how fire safety is delivered across the built environment.”
He stated that reform cannot come from government alone, writing: “The next phase of reform will not come from government alone, but from all of us.”
He concluded by urging the sector to embrace fresh ideas and commit collectively to protecting lives.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The FIA stated that Fire Future Today 2025 provides insights into the current and emerging issues likely to shape fire safety practice and policy.
The essays address accountability, regulation, AI, robotics, workforce health and community safety, all of which have direct implications for the profession.
For professionals, the anthology highlights both technical innovations and broader societal debates that will influence future responsibilities.
It provides a resource for reflection, debate and knowledge sharing across the sector.
FIA publishes Fire Future Today 2025 anthology: Summary
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released the 2025 edition of Fire Future Today.
The anthology includes contributions from campaigners, professionals and senior leaders across the UK fire sector.
Contributors include Ian Moore OBE, Wendy Maples, Andy Frankum, Steve McGuirk CBE, Sherine Wheeler, Joe Delaney, Professor Sabine Hauert, Phil Garrigan OBE, Dr Sam Collier and Alex Norris MP.
According to the FIA, the essays address artificial intelligence, robotics, accountability, regulation, workforce development and community safety.
Ian Moore OBE provided the foreword, stressing the role of AI alongside human expertise.
Wendy Maples addressed local government and remediation policy.
Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE stressed the importance of embedding lessons, oversight and enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
Andy Frankum highlighted the need to balance AI and humanity.
Steve McGuirk warned of ethical dilemmas with AI.
Sherine Wheeler raised concerns about online harms to fire service staff.
Joe Delaney called for individual accountability in the aftermath of Grenfell.
Professor Sabine Hauert explained the potential of swarm robotics.
Phil Garrigan OBE described strategic reform for fire and rescue services.
Dr Sam Collier highlighted the role of Awaab’s Law.
Alex Norris MP concluded with an afterword on government reform.
The FIA said the anthology aims to encourage open debate and knowledge sharing.
The association confirmed the publication continues to grow as a platform for sector-wide dialogue.