Can the 2025 USFA summit reshape how first responders face today’s risks?
Iain Hoey
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Fire service summit highlights prevention and responder safety
The U.S. Fire Administration annual summit on fire prevention and control will take place on 7 October 2025.
The organisation said the event will be held at the Building E Auditorium and will bring together senior fire service leaders, federal officials, and representatives from across emergency services.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the summit will combine in-person sessions with a virtual audience of up to 2,500 professionals.
The agency noted that the agenda includes discussions on emergency operations, training, community risk reduction, health and wellness, and fire service competency.
It explained that the event will also provide opportunities to share lessons from real-world incidents.
Opening programme and speakers
The U.S. Fire Administration stated that the day will open with remarks from Rob Feeney, survivor of the Station Nightclub Fire and Assistant Fire Prevention Officer at Onset Fire Department.
It confirmed that the welcome address will be followed by comments from the Acting United States Fire Administrator and introductions of federal dignitaries.
Roundtable testimonies are scheduled to include contributions from Chief John Donnelly of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Services Department and Chief Deputy Anale Burlew of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The programme will also feature Chief Trisha Wolford of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Ryan Cole of Buncombe County Emergency Management, and Sean DeCrane of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Further contributions will come from Chief Kevin Quinn of the National Volunteer Fire Council and James Pauley of the National Fire Protection Association.
Workgroup sessions and interactive discussion
The U.S. Fire Administration reported that Chief Adam Thiel of Philadelphia and Chief Frank Leeb of the First Responder Center for Excellence will facilitate interactive sessions.
It said these will provide updates from the USFA summit workgroups, which focus on operational readiness, responder safety, training, and community risk reduction.
The agenda lists contributions from Chief Mary Cameli of Mesa Fire and Medical Department, researcher Sara Jahnke of NDRI-USA, and Chief Ken Willette of North American Fire Training Directors.
Additional perspectives will be offered by Seth Statler of the National Fire Protection Association.
The administration explained that these sessions are intended to translate collaborative findings into practical guidance for the wider fire service.
Afternoon focus on national priorities
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the afternoon will open with a review of the state of fire and emergency services led by Bill Webb of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
The administration said that Chief Donna Black, Acting United States Fire Administrator, and Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, will provide remarks.
It reported that presentations will cover national data systems, fire science, and occupational health.
Dr Steve Kerber of UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute and Dr John Howard of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are scheduled to speak on research and support systems.
The programme also includes sessions on community risk reduction, moderated by Monica Owens Doyle of the American Red Cross.
Topic sessions and panels
The U.S. Fire Administration said that breakout sessions will address themes of health, safety, and survival, with moderation by Dr Sara Jahnke of NDRI-USA.
It confirmed that presentations will examine cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, mental health, protective equipment, and after-action review processes.
Further panels will examine training and competency, moderated by Eriks Gabliks, Acting Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator.
According to the schedule, subjects include instructor development, training gaps in firefighting, recruitment, and challenges in rural volunteer training.
Emergency operations will also be discussed under the moderation of Chief Mary Cameli, covering violence against responders, EMS services, lithium-ion battery hazards, wildfire lessons, and community resilience.
Closing and conclusion
The U.S. Fire Administration stated that closing remarks will be delivered by the United States Fire Administrator.
It said the summit will conclude in the late afternoon after a series of technical and policy-focused sessions.
The administration noted that the event is designed to consolidate shared knowledge and identify national priorities.
It advised that all times listed in the schedule are in Eastern Time.
The organisation confirmed that registration closes on 5 October 2025.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The U.S. Fire Administration summit is directly relevant for professionals engaged in prevention, operational safety, and emergency planning.
The agenda brings together leaders, researchers, and practitioners, providing a broad overview of current challenges and evidence-based solutions.
Sessions on lithium-ion batteries, wildfire lessons, and responder health highlight emerging risks and strategies of direct interest to those working in the fire sector.
By focusing on both technical knowledge and cultural aspects of fire service practice, the summit offers a consolidated view of current national priorities.
Fire service summit to address responder safety and prevention: Summary
The U.S. Fire Administration has reported that its 2025 summit will take place on 7 October 2025.
The event will be held at the Building E Auditorium in the United States.
The organisation confirmed that up to 2,500 professionals will be able to attend virtually.
It stated that the summit will include discussions on prevention, training, responder safety, and operational readiness.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Rob Feeney, a survivor of the Station Nightclub Fire.
The Acting United States Fire Administrator will also provide welcome comments.
Speakers include Chief John Donnelly, Chief Deputy Anale Burlew, and Chief Trisha Wolford.
Other contributors are Ryan Cole, Sean DeCrane, Chief Kevin Quinn, and James Pauley.
Interactive workgroup discussions will be facilitated by Chief Adam Thiel and Chief Frank Leeb.
The afternoon programme will be introduced by Bill Webb of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
Chief Donna Black and Victor Stagnaro will also give remarks.
Topics include fire science, occupational health, community risk reduction, and emergency operations.
The summit will conclude with closing remarks from the United States Fire Administrator.
Registration closes on 5 October 2025.