By Stephan Wevers, President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU)

Looking toward the future of fire safety, it’s clear that we must actively shape the path ahead.

Sitting back isn’t an option; we have the opportunity to make meaningful changes that will benefit our communities and the professionals who serve them.

Thinking several years ahead, we need to identify the challenges that await us and determine how we can address them as a federation.

We’ve outlined three key areas of focus: leadership development, knowledge exchange, and serving as the professional voice in our field.

These are actionable programs designed to equip us for what’s coming. Collaboration is essential here.

We can’t achieve our goals in isolation, so we’re seeking partnerships on a global scale.

By working together, we can tackle significant shared challenges more effectively.

International cooperation and knowledge sharing have never been more important.

Working alone limits our potential, whereas joint efforts lead to better understanding and improved results for everyone involved.

For too long, fire services have operated in silos, missing out on the benefits of shared experiences.

While we have many similarities across borders, small adjustments learned from others can lead to significant improvements in efficiency.

By openly sharing both our successes and our mistakes, we help each other avoid repeating errors and advance more rapidly.

Innovation is another area where collaboration is making a difference.

We’ve been encouraging the industry to develop tools that meet our future needs, rather than just offering what’s already available.

Some companies are now asking what firefighters genuinely require, leading to equipment that’s truly fit for purpose.

It’s crucial that all our personnel have gear that suits them, not just standard items in different sizes.

Health and safety remain top priorities. We must find ways to keep firefighters healthy throughout their careers, considering the risks of diseases, cancers, and toxic exposures.

This means focusing on better protective gear and safer practices, especially when dealing with new technologies like lithium-ion batteries.

Protecting our teams from inhaling harmful substances is key to their longevity in the profession.

The World Fire Congress has been a significant step toward global collaboration in research.

By uniting fire services, universities, and research bodies, we’re establishing a unified agenda that prevents redundant efforts and fosters a cohesive approach to critical challenges.

Only a few countries lead in fire service research, so working together is essential.

We’re setting the topics for the next decade, from addressing climate change impacts to exploring digital advancements, ensuring that our research aligns with the actual needs of fire services.

By embracing these initiatives, we can make lasting improvements for the fire service.

Our collective efforts today will shape a safer and more effective future for everyone involved.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Stephan Wevers is the President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU), reappointed for a second three-year term in November 2023.

Leading FEU through global challenges such as COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and rising wildfires, Wevers has expanded the organisation’s focus on knowledge exchange, leadership development, and advocacy.

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This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.