As reported by ANRACI, the Latin American Association for Fire Protection (Latam PCI) has formally submitted a proposal to the United Nations to establish “International Fire Prevention Day.”
The initiative aims to raise global awareness about the dangers of fires and promote a worldwide culture of fire prevention.
The proposal is intended to educate authorities and the general public on the importance of preventing both urban and wildland fires.
Fires continue to be a global concern, causing loss of life, property destruction, and economic damage.
According to data, fires claim approximately 230,000 lives annually and cause severe burns to over 11 million people, especially impacting children and the elderly.
Latam PCI’s initiative aims to mitigate these effects by promoting stricter fire prevention measures.
In addition to the human toll, fires create extensive environmental and economic problems.
The release of large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere from wildfires contributes to climate change.
In 2023 alone, Canada saw 18 million hectares of land destroyed by forest fires, highlighting the scale of the issue.
These fires not only destroy natural habitats but also endanger biodiversity.
The economic costs of fire-related damage globally exceed $250 billion annually.
These costs include property destruction, firefighting expenses, and insurance impacts.
In Latin America, the lack of fire protection regulation and effective systems worsens the situation, as only a small percentage of automatic sprinkler systems are in place in the region.
The official “Kick-Off” event for the International Fire Prevention Day initiative was held on October 8, 2024, at the RICS headquarters in London, with both in-person and virtual participation.
The event marks the beginning of activities leading up to the official celebration on October 8, 2025, at the United Nations offices in Geneva, Switzerland.
The event included virtual attendance from leading fire prevention experts worldwide, from countries such as Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
Speakers at the event included Gary Strong, Chair of the International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS), Chris Jelenewicz, CEO of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), Alan Brinston, Executive Director of the European Fire Sprinkler Network, and Carlos Morett, President of Latam PCI.
Latam PCI has brought together various fire protection organizations from across Latin America, including associations, fire departments, and relevant authorities.
The goal is to address fire-related issues in the region by promoting fire prevention strategies and sharing successful experiences among member organizations.
Latam PCI’s message, “United in Prevention – Strong in Protection,” emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between authorities, businesses, and citizens to reduce fire incidents and prevent future tragedies.
The Latin American Association for Fire Protection (Latam PCI) has submitted a proposal to the United Nations to declare October 8 as International Fire Prevention Day.
This initiative aims to increase global awareness of fire risks and promote fire prevention strategies.
Fires cause significant loss of life, injuries, and environmental damage, with economic costs exceeding $250 billion annually.
A “Kick-Off” event for the initiative was held in London on October 8, 2024, with participation from international fire safety experts.
The formal celebration of International Fire Prevention Day is set for October 8, 2025, at the United Nations offices in Geneva, Switzerland.
