‘We are dedicated to advancing research and developing resources to ensure the health and safety of our front-line defenders against fire hazards.’

As President of the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF), I am privileged to extend my insight into the pressing challenges and forthcoming advancements within the fire and safety sector as we forge ahead into 2023.

 Established in 1900, CTIF has long been at the vanguard of fostering international collaboration amongst firefighting professionals. In response to the escalating climate crisis, we have urged for a unified global effort, emphasising the necessity for greater funding, cooperation, and comprehensive education to better equip those confronting the increasing risks posed by nature’s forces.

The coming year poses significant challenges that reflect the intersections of climate change and technological evolution. CTIF has recognised four main areas of concern.

1. Forest Fires: The frequency and intensity of forest fires are escalating, spurred by climate change. It is crucial to advance our strategies and methods to mitigate this growing threat.

2. Electrical Vehicles/Devices: The proliferation of electric vehicles and devices presents new challenges for fire and safety protocols. Firefighters must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle potential hazards associated with these technologies.

3. Firefighter Health: The wellbeing of firefighters is paramount. We are dedicated to advancing research and developing resources to ensure the health and safety of our front-line defenders against fire hazards.

4. Recruitment: The sustainability of firefighting forces rests on our ability to attract and train new recruits, adapting to the changing landscape of volunteerism and professional engagement.

Our commitment to these concerns is not isolated to theoretical analysis. In 2022, one of our most significant achievements was the collaboration with EURO NCAP on enhancing vehicle safety standards. This partnership exemplifies our proactive engagement with industry stakeholders to influence the design and implementation of safety measures.

Innovation is at the core of our mission. Through the CTIF’s Commissions and working groups, we have made significant strides in various domains, including advocating for the use of non-fluorinated foams and pioneering new techniques in combating wildfires. Our New Technologies Commission remains a pivotal entity, spearheading initiatives that not only follow but also set industry trends for the health and safety of operational staff.

With over 40 member countries, CTIF is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and collective effort. We convene annually to reflect on our achievements, strategise for future endeavors, and elect leadership that champions our founding principle of knowledge exchange. Our diverse activities are channeled through 17 commissions and working groups, with all findings disseminated through our website and annual global fire statistics report.

Looking ahead, CTIF’s synergy with over 70 associate members, primarily from the fire industry, is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We recognise that the challenges faced by the fire and safety industry are intrinsically linked to those encountered by fire services worldwide. As such, it is mutually beneficial to persist in our collaborative pursuits.

The evolution of the fire and safety domain is rapid and boundless. In unison with industry partners and fire services globally, CTIF is dedicated to pioneering the innovations and responses required to safeguard society against the ever-changing tapestry of risks it faces. It is in this spirit of cooperation and forward-thinking that we step into 2023, ready to address the challenges ahead with resolve and readiness.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Milan Dubravac, President of Comité Technique International de prevention et d’extinction de Feu (CTIF) and senior fire officer from Slovenia, boasts 36 years in fire service leadership. Joining CTIF’s HazMat Commission in 2001 and ascending to President by 2020, he’s an IAEA lecturer and co-authored their top manual, with expertise in EU civil protection and forest fires.

This article was originally published in the December 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.