Why NEMA and IAFC are joining forces on fire safety and energy storage
Iain Hoey
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New guidance on battery energy storage safety
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that it is working with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) on initiatives to support fire safety.
According to the IAFC, the collaboration focuses on advancing standards for battery energy storage systems and improving access to safety resources for fire chiefs.
NEMA has published a guide titled Plan Review and Inspections of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Installations, which outlines considerations for authorities having jurisdiction and fire officials.
The association has explained that the guide is intended to provide fire departments with practical information on planning, pre-incident reviews, and inspections for BESS installations.
It added that the document will be supported through further outreach activities in partnership with the IAFC.
Webinar planned for fire officials
The IAFC stated that NEMA is preparing a webinar to share the findings of its Energy Storage Section.
It noted that the webinar would allow NEMA to present guidance directly to fire and emergency service officials.
The IAFC added that this approach is designed to ensure that frontline decision makers are able to integrate the latest information into their operations.
NEMA indicated that involving technical experts in the session will help provide detail on installation requirements and risk reduction.
The association said this reflects its intention to extend technical information to a broader audience within the fire service.
Expanding access to fire safety resources
The IAFC reported that NEMA’s Fire and Life Safety Section is also focusing on promoting its existing library of free documents.
It explained that these resources cover areas such as building safety, fire prevention, and emergency response planning.
The IAFC stated that while these materials are already shared on social media, the new collaboration aims to expand their distribution.
It noted that increasing awareness of the library will give fire chiefs access to practical tools for policy development.
NEMA confirmed that it is seeking opportunities with the IAFC to reach more professionals through joint outreach.
Supporting fire chiefs with emerging risks
The IAFC explained that fire chiefs are expected to manage both operational safety and community protection in response to new risks.
It added that resources such as NEMA’s BESS guide are intended to support informed planning in these contexts.
According to the IAFC, the collaboration also encourages chiefs to adopt safe technologies by integrating them into departmental policy.
It said that data-driven guidance helps improve efficiency and risk management within fire services.
The IAFC stated that promoting access to technical resources is one way to strengthen leadership capacity in the fire sector.
Role of preplanning and inspections
The IAFC noted that preplanning is a key responsibility for departments managing complex risks such as BESS installations.
It explained that NEMA’s guide provides structured information to help departments develop inspection protocols.
It added that these protocols assist fire chiefs in ensuring compliance with standards during installation and review.
The IAFC reported that chiefs who adopt these measures are better positioned to address new forms of incident.
It stated that access to authoritative resources strengthens preparedness across fire and emergency service departments.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire safety professionals, the collaboration between NEMA and the IAFC highlights the operational importance of accessible guidance on emerging risks.
The partnership directs attention to the role of energy storage in fire service planning and the need for consistent inspections.
It provides chiefs and fire officers with resources that can support operational policy and technical training.
This reflects how cooperation between industry and fire service bodies can improve preparedness for future incidents.
NEMA and IAFC partnership advances fire safety standards: Summary
The International Association of Fire Chiefs has reported that it is collaborating with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association on fire safety.
The partnership focuses on advancing standards for battery energy storage systems.
NEMA has published Plan Review and Inspections of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Installations.
The guide provides information for authorities having jurisdiction and fire officials.
NEMA is preparing a webinar to present information to fire and emergency service professionals.
The association is also promoting its library of free fire and life safety resources.
The IAFC explained that collaboration will expand the reach of these materials.
Fire chiefs can use the information to inform policy and inspection practices.
The guidance supports data-driven decision making in fire services.
Preplanning is identified as a core responsibility when managing BESS-related risks.
The IAFC reported that access to these resources strengthens departmental preparedness.
The collaboration aims to improve firefighter and public safety.