NFPA Urban Fire Forum focuses on AI, workforce challenges facing fire service

QUINCY, Mass.—Fire chiefs and fire service leaders from five countries gathered in September for the 2026 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Urban Fire Forum, where discussions centered on artificial intelligence (AI), workforce sustainability, responder wellness and other issues shaping the future of emergency services.

Held under the theme, “Leading through Disruption: Preparing Urban Fire Services for an Era of Accelerating Change,” the forum brought together fire service leaders from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Slovenia and the United States.

According to NFPA, participants examined topics including AI adoption, drone deployment, disaster response, emergency communications, responder health and wellness, and leadership development.

“Urban fire chiefs are making decisions today about technologies, workforce models, and community risks that will shape service delivery for years to come,” said Otto Drozd III, executive secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and forum facilitator. “The Urban Fire Forum brings chiefs and researchers together to examine opportunities and share their experiences while keeping the health and safety of responders and the communities they serve at the center of the discussion.”

A key outcome of the event was the adoption of five joint Urban Fire Forum-Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association position statements addressing firefighter wellness and fitness, PFAS research, drone implementation, fire chief health and leadership, and long-term national fire service strategy.

Several presentations focused on the opportunities and challenges surrounding artificial intelligence.

“Chiefs are making decisions about AI, drones, work schedules, and responder health while managing the daily demands of their departments,” Drozd said. “The Urban Fire Forum continues to distinguish itself by bringing together chief officers, researchers, and industry experts to examine emerging challenges through evidence-based discussion.”

The forum is hosted annually by NFPA and brings together leaders from major metropolitan fire departments to discuss emerging risks, operational challenges and public safety priorities. 

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