Kansas City to host 2nd International Fire Department Exchange at IAFC WUI Conference

The 2nd International Fire Department Exchange has been announced to take place in Kansas City, Missouri, in tandem with the IAFC Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference on March 27 – 29, 2025, by the International Fire Chief Association (IAFC).

Features of the conference

This event will bring together fire service leaders and wildfire experts from across the globe, including representatives from Great Britain, South Africa, New South Wales, Portugal and Canada.

Over the course of the pre-conference and conference (March 22-29), IFDX participants will explore wildfire challenges and solutions in their respective countries, employing the Integrated Fire Management Process, also known as the 5R’s: Review and Analysis, Risk Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery.

Through collaborative discussions, they will exchange insights on critical topics such as new technology, resource mobilization, fire-resistant construction, community hardening, WUI codes, specialized training, mitigation strategies, and equipment advancements.

Key highlights of the event

• Facilitated Information Exchange: Expert-led sessions on wildfire management innovations, shared challenges, and proven best practices.
• Interactive Equipment Showcase: A hands-on opportunity for service members, members of the media, and private sector stakeholders to experience cutting-edge firefighting tools and resources in action.
• Education & Networking: Workshops, field tours, and presentations will bring IFDX participants together in new ways, inspiring the future of wildfire mitigation and community preparedness.

This learning exchange is designed to empower fire management leaders from across the globe to engage and share ideas that have not been explored before. The goal is to develop more global strategies for wildfire adaptation, taking firsthand knowledge from around the world and sharing it in a direct, peer-to-peer setting.

The IAFC has announced that the event will be sponsored by Skeeter Brush Trucks and Mystery Ranch, both leaders in supporting first responders and wildfire management efforts. The International Code Council (ICC) is also thanked for their recent contribution.

Outcomes and best practices from this exchange will be shared nationally through the IAFC and disseminated to the participating countries, fostering global collaboration and universal progress in wildfire prevention and response.

2nd International Fire Department Exchange at IAFC WUI Conference to be held in Kansas City: Summary

The 2nd International Fire Department Exchange will take place in Kansas City, alongside the IAFC Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference on March 27 – 29, 2025.

The event will bring together fire service leaders and wildfire experts from across the globe.