As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a year of progress, collaboration, and innovation for the Fire Industry Association (FIA). From technical advancements and dynamic training courses to impactful events and the launch of innovative products, the FIA has been at the forefront of shaping and elevating the fire safety landscape.

This year, the FIA championed new standards, empowered professionals with cutting-edge qualifications, and brought the industry together at pivotal events. These efforts were further bolstered by exciting new offerings, reaffirming the FIA’s commitment to supporting the sector in safeguarding lives and property.

The year began with the release of the Fire Future Today anthology, a collection of essays by industry leaders, government officials, and safety advocates. This publication encouraged reflection and dialogue, offering fresh perspectives on the future of fire safety and setting the tone for a year focused on collaboration and learning.

Building on this momentum, March saw the FIM Expo which was held as the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, an event that brought together over 160 delegates and 25 exhibitors to share knowledge and explore innovative solutions. Attendees also benefitted from CPD-certified discussions on topics such as lithium-ion battery safety, which addressed critical challenges facing the fire safety field.

The FIA reached a new milestone in June with the Fire Safety Summit, Dublin, its first event in the Republic of Ireland. The summit provided a valuable platform for professionals from Ireland and the UK to connect, exchange ideas, and build partnerships. Positive feedback reinforced the importance of fostering relationships across borders to support global fire safety efforts.

In August, the FIA announced a partnership with Nineteen Group, a collaboration that introduced the Guidance Theatre, set to debut at The Fire Safety Event in 2025. This platform will feature interactive workshops and expert-led sessions aimed at addressing real-world challenges in fire safety, further expanding opportunities for professional development within the industry.

The FIA continued its focus on innovation with the release of the Fire Safety Logbook and FIA Compliance Portal, tools designed to simplify fire safety management and streamline compliance. These resources offer practical support to professionals navigating complex standards and certification requirements.

In October, the FIA hosted "Meet the Experts: Battery Safety Day" in partnership with Fairfield Ltd, underscoring the growing importance of lithium-ion battery safety. The FIA also launched the Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Awareness Day course, which equips first responders and non-first responders with essential knowledge to manage incidents involving battery hazards.

As the year continued, the FIA’s contributions extended to public awareness with ITN Business’s programme Fire Safety: Prioritising Prevention and Protection. This broadcast highlighted the critical role of education and preparedness in safeguarding communities, featuring case studies and expert insights to bring fire safety issues to the forefront of public discussion.

A key highlight of the year was the launch of the practical training facility at FIA Northwich, a significant step in expanding the FIA’s educational offerings. Designed to complement digital courses, this hands-on training environment provides fire safety professionals with practical experience using equipment such as dry risers, hose reels, and fire detection systems. This initiative reflects the FIA’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality training that meets the industry’s evolving needs.

The year concluded with the AGM and Annual Lunch, which brought together over 560 industry professionals to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence. The event featured updates on the FIA’s progress and awards honouring notable contributions, including Young Technician of the Year Rio Brown and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Nick Coombe. This celebratory gathering was a fitting close to a busy and impactful year.

2024: A Year of Steady Progress

The FIA’s contributions in 2024 extended beyond events and training, with 21 technical documents published, including Guidance Notes, Fact Files, and Technical Bulletins, providing valuable resources for the fire safety community.

Training remained a foundation of the FIA’s efforts, with 6,500 delegates attending 511 courses spanning 955 days of training. FD&A Qualifications accounted for 75% of the training delivered, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in this area.

The FIA's Membership also saw significant growth, with 145 new members joining the FIA in 2024. This increase highlights the shared commitment across the sector to advancing fire safety standards and fostering collaboration.

These achievements were made possible by the dedication of FIA members, partners, and the wider fire safety community. As the FIA moves into 2025, its focus remains on listening, learning, and working together to build a safer future for all.

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