Challenges Facing Firefighters Discussed at U.S. Fire Administrator's Annual Summit

EMMITSBURG, MD – The third annual U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control opened Tuesday with a moment of silence for four firefighters killed while responding to Hurricane Helene-related incidents.

U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell lauded fire and rescue personnel who remain involved in operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

In addition, some of those same crews are ready to be repositioned to assist after Hurricane Milton strikes.

She urged people watching the conference virtually to listen to local information and take appropriate action including evacuating.

Moore-Merrell provided updates on Milton’s track to more than 250 people attending the conference at the National Fire Academy.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he thought it was important to attend and “listen to the testimonials” from fire officials about the challenges faced by responders.

Mentioning the crash involving the San Diego firefighters as they were responding to assist with operations after Hurricane Helene, Mayorkas said: “Nothing is routine in emergency response…”

The secretary was briefed by officers and officials from fire service organizations on building codes, firefighter health and safety, EMS challenges, building codes and recruitment and retention.

Moore-Merrell noted that over 4,000 people—including those from 17 countries—attended the conference virtually.

Climate change was another topic discussed. 

“About one third of the U.S. population—99 million—live in the wildland urban interface (WUI), and it is estimated that 45 to 46 million structures, nearly half of the U.S. building stock…” according to a work group of subject matter experts.

 “The fire service is facing new and increasing challenges driven by these climate events and hazards—from extreme heat to extreme cold to drought to severe storms, rising sea levels, wind, floods and of course, fire.”

After hearing from scientists and researchers about various ongoing projects, fire service officials are identifying the issues that need further examination.

During their meeting today, they will also select the subject matter experts who will be involved in compiling the next report.

“The fire service is making great strikes tackling the challenges before us by speaking with #FireServiceOneVoice,” Moore-Merrell wrote in a recent report.