Fire Chiefs Adopt Guidance on Health and Emerging Technology
The Urban Fire Forum addressed firefighter fitness, PFAS research, drone use and the challenges of managing emergency services.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Oct 07, 2026
Participants at the National Fire Protection Association’s Urban Fire Forum adopted five position statements addressing firefighter health, emerging technology and fire service leadership.
The guidance covers wellness and fitness, translating PFAS research into practice, responsible drone use, fire chief health and long-term planning for the fire service. The statements were adopted through the forum and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.
Fire chiefs and other leaders from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Slovenia and the United States attended the September gathering. Discussions examined staffing, disaster response and the policies needed to evaluate new tools and operational practices.
Responder health was a focus of presentations on firefighter fitness, PFAS research and the pressures facing department leaders. Retired Plano Fire Rescue Chief Sam Greif and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Kennedy also discussed their experiences introducing a schedule of 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off.
Technology sessions explored artificial intelligence in emergency communications, incident awareness and operational decisions. Presenters addressed implementation challenges, oversight and the continued role of human judgment.
Other discussions examined how AI and data analysis could support the National Emergency Response Information System. Research presentations also covered immersive technologies for training and helping responders understand conditions during complex incidents.
Fire chiefs from Fairfax County, Los Angeles County and New York City shared disaster response lessons. Throughout the program, presenters emphasized evaluating technology alongside departmental policies, training and oversight.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.