In September 2024, fire chiefs from across the globe assembled at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts.
They met with a unified purpose: to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the modern fire service.
Their discussions culminated in the endorsement of four comprehensive position statements, each tackling critical issues with significant implications for firefighter safety, operational effectiveness and ethical decision-making.
These documents, now official positions of the Urban Fire Forum (UFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs (Metro Chiefs), covered topics ranging from the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhanced decontamination methods following lithium-ion battery fires, research into non-PFAS-based personal protective equipment (PPE) and the impacts of climate change on firefighting operations.
This article delves into each statement, exploring their content, context and potential influence on the fire service.
Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved, offering tools that could transform various aspects of the fire service.
However, the adoption of AI carries both opportunities and risks.
The position statement titled “Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence” acknowledged this dual nature.
It emphasized the need for a robust framework to govern the development and implementation of AI within fire departments, ensuring that technology enhances public safety without compromising ethical standards.
The document outlined five guiding principles.
1.
Safety and security: AI systems must undergo rigorous testing to prevent harm, including malfunctions and vulnerabilities to cyber threats.
Ongoing evaluations are necessary to ensure reliability and resilience against misuse.
The fire service recognized that deploying AI without thorough vetting could introduce new hazards, undermining trust and safety.
2.
Privacy and data protection: Given that AI often relies on extensive personal data, strict adherence to data privacy laws and policies is essential.
Data collection and processing should occur with explicit consent and robust measures must protect against unauthorized access.
Fire departments were urged to develop comprehensive data governance policies to manage how data is collected, stored and used.
3.
Fairness and non-discrimination: To avoid perpetuating societal biases, AI systems should be developed and monitored to ensure equitable outcomes.
This involves using diverse datasets and inclusive teams that reflect the populations served.
The statement highlighted the risk of algorithms producing discriminatory results if not carefully managed.
4.
Transparency and accountability: Clear documentation of how AI systems operate allows users and stakeholders to understand decision-making processes.
Developers and organizations must remain accountable for AI-driven actions, especially when critical decisions affect communities.
Transparency builds trust and enables oversight.
5.
Autonomy and human-centered design: AI should support human decision-making rather than replace it.
Systems must be designed to enhance, not undermine, the judgment and expertise of fire service professionals.
The fire service emphasized that technology should be a tool, not a substitute for human experience.
By adhering to these principles, the fire service aimed to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.
The position statement underscored that the commitment to safe and ethical AI use is an ongoing effort, requiring continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Fire departments were encouraged to invest in training personnel to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, ensuring informed decisions about its deployment.
The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and energy storage systems has led to an increase in LIB-related fires.
These incidents present unique challenges due to the specific contaminants produced during thermal decomposition.
The position statement “Considering Enhanced Decontamination Methodologies of PPE Following Exposure to Lithium-Ion Battery Fires” addressed these concerns directly.
LIB fires generate hazardous substances, including hydrogen fluoride, heavy metals such as cobalt, manganese and nickel and various organic compounds.
Traditional methods of decontaminating PPE may not effectively remove these persistent contaminants, posing ongoing risks to firefighters through prolonged exposure.
The statement highlighted that while self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) protect against inhalation, turnout gear might retain contaminants that could be absorbed through the skin.
The document proposed a structured approach.
First, fire departments should evaluate whether advanced cleaning suffices or if specialized decontamination is necessary.
Factors to consider include the amount of LIB material involved, the environment of the fire (open or closed spaces) and the extent of firefighters’ exposure.
For example, a fire involving an electric vehicle in a closed garage presents a higher risk than one in an open area.
Second, the selection of appropriate cleaning methods: If specialized cleaning is warranted, departments should choose methods proven to effectively remove LIB contaminants.
Techniques such as enhanced liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) cleaning have shown promise in addressing both organic and inorganic substances.
The statement compared various cleaning methods, noting that traditional advanced cleaning might remove only about 50% of contaminants, whereas enhanced CO₂ cleaning could achieve higher effectiveness without degrading the gear.
Finally, to verify the effectiveness of cleaning procedures, testing should occur before and after decontamination.
This may involve destructive sampling of PPE to accurately assess contaminant levels.
The statement advised that wipe sampling is insufficient for porous materials and that thorough laboratory analysis is necessary.
The position statement acknowledged that advanced cleaning technologies might be limited in availability due to cost or accessibility.
It suggested exploring solutions like regional cleaning facilities or securing grants for necessary equipment, such as through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant program.
Ongoing research was encouraged to further understand LIB fire contaminants and improve decontamination practices.
The statement also recommended that standards, such as NFPA 1851, be updated to reflect new findings and best practices.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in firefighting gear for their water-resistant properties.
However, PFAS are persistent in the environment and have been linked to health risks, including increased cancer risk among firefighters.
The position statement “Support of Further Research on Non-PFAS-Based PPE and In-Service Training Considerations” highlighted the need to explore safer alternatives.
The position statement said that transitioning to non-PFAS-based PPE requires careful consideration.
New PPE must undergo rigorous testing to ensure it provides adequate protection under high-risk conditions.
This includes assessments of thermal protection, moisture management and durability.
The statement noted that current research on non-PFAS materials is limited and more studies are needed to evaluate potential trade-offs in protection.
Fire departments should re-evaluate hazards in light of new PPE capabilities, identifying any protective gaps and developing strategies to mitigate associated risks.
This might involve adjusting work practices, limiting exposure times, or introducing additional protective measures.
Comprehensive training is essential to ensure firefighters understand any changes in protective qualities and can adapt their behaviors accordingly.
The statement recommended enhanced in-service training to familiarize personnel with new gear and any necessary adjustments in procedures.
Finally, adjustments may be necessary in work-rest cycles, rotations and rehabilitation procedures to account for differences in heat stress and recovery needs with new PPE.
For example, if non-PFAS gear affects thermal regulation, departments might need to implement shorter work cycles or provide additional cooling measures.
The position statement called for continued investment in research on non-PFAS alternatives and stressed the importance of involving firefighters in the evaluation process.
Feedback from personnel can help refine new gear to meet operational requirements without compromising safety.
The statement also mentioned ongoing research funded by FEMA and conducted by institutions like North Carolina State University to address these concerns.
Climate change poses significant challenges to the fire service, intensifying extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods and severe storms.
The position statement “Climate Change Position Statement” addressed the multifaceted impacts of climate change on fire departments and the communities they serve.
Data indicated a rise in costly weather-related disasters.
From 1980 to September 2024, the United States experienced 396 weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each.
These events included droughts, floods, severe storms, tropical cyclones, wildfires and winter storms, resulting in substantial economic losses and thousands of deaths.
Fire and rescue services face increased demands on resources and personnel.
The health, safety and well-being of first responders are of paramount concern.
Extended wildfire seasons, prolonged disasters and extreme temperatures place additional strain on firefighters.
The statement outlined principles for enhancing resilience within the fire service:
Proactive risk assessment: Conduct or update community risk assessments to anticipate and address climate threats before events occur.
Utilizing standards like NFPA 1300 can guide departments in developing comprehensive risk reduction plans.
Whole-system approach: Collaborate across sectors, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and social systems.
Fire departments might need to work closely with law enforcement, public health agencies, emergency management and community organizations.
Mission-focused planning: Prioritize the well-being of responders and the community, incorporating standards that guide deployment models (such as NFPA 1710) and occupational health (such as NFPA 1582).
Collaboration and inclusivity: Engage community members, particularly in underserved areas, to build resilience and ensure equitable preparedness efforts.
Education and outreach can help communities harden their homes and reduce risks.
Implementing durable solutions: Advocate for the adoption and enforcement of building codes and standards that mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.
The statement emphasized the importance of preventing degradation of science-based national standards.
The position statement also emphasized the importance of leveraging available resources, such as federal climate data and technological innovations, to inform planning and response efforts.
It referenced tools like the forthcoming National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), which aims to provide real-time information on emergency incidents.
Programs like NFPA’s Firewise USA® offer frameworks for community involvement in wildfire risk reduction.
The four position statements endorsed at the 2024 Urban Fire Forum reflect a concerted effort by the international fire service community to address pressing challenges with thoughtful, evidence-based strategies.
By focusing on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, enhanced decontamination methods, research into safer PPE alternatives and proactive climate change adaptation, these documents provide a roadmap for improving firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.
The issues outlined are complex and interconnected.
The adoption of AI technologies must be approached carefully to prevent unintended consequences, while advancements in PPE decontamination and materials directly impact firefighter health.
Climate change exacerbates existing risks and introduces new ones, requiring a holistic approach that encompasses technology, training and community engagement.
Moving forward, the fire service will need to continue collaborating across borders and disciplines, sharing knowledge and best practices.
The challenges are considerable, but through collective action and a commitment to continuous improvement, the fire service can adapt to the evolving landscape and continue to protect communities effectively.
