Every year the Fire Industry Association (FIA) compiles a collection of relevant essays about the sector in the UK. Their goal is to encourage debate and showcase different opinions on what the future of the industry will look like. This includes examining potential challenges and opportunities. The 2025 edition of Fire Future Today is available now. We want to have a look at some of the main ideas here. Then, if you need to organise fire risk assessments in Stockton and other parts of the region, you can rely on us.
Leading the way
The anthology begins with a foreword by FIA CEO Ian Moore. He celebrates the fact that the UK continues to be one of the global leaders in fire safety. Impressively, he claims stats show there has been a 50% increase in our exportation of fire services and equipment in the past ten years.
Explaining the value of the collection of essays, he said it provides new viewpoints to examine. This is important in such a key industry because it can allow better planning for the future. The anthology is the perfect way to get people to debate and share ideas.
Fire services
One topic explored in the essays is the future of the fire services in the UK and the role of local government. Crucially, it touches on plans to increase funding for local councils to boost enforcement of cladding remediation. Plus, it looks at the fact that there is a continuing challenge when it comes to recruitment, especially fire inspectors.
Awaab’s Law
A key change in the future is the introduction of new legislation for social landlords in England and Wales next month. Following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak because of exposure to damp and mould, by law the landlord will now have to investigate issues and fix them promptly (within 24 hours). The law will expand in 2026 and 2027 to cover further hazards, including fire, falls, and electrical issues. As a top provides of fire risk assessments in Stockton, we love to see new legislation to increase safety.
AI
A number of the essays explore the impact of AI on the fire safety industry. There are many supporters, praising the opportunities to improve decision making, strategies, and fire responses. In fact, Andy Frankum of the NSHFSG said artificial intelligence has been able to extinguish fires quickly after they start. Plus, it can play a key role in identifying risks before a fire even starts.
Steve McGuirk of the FSC said it is important to consider the ethical side and risks with AI. Most importantly, he warns without proper governance there is the potential for bigger problems in the future. Starting the discussions before then will be vital for reducing the risk.
The University of Bristol’s Prof Sabine Hauert wrote an insightful essay about the opportunities with swarm engineering. In tests, using AI and flying robots can monitor for signs of fire and then extinguish one automatically. It could transform fire safety. However, she said it is essential to look at the “ethical frameworks and regulatory systems”.
Ask us for clear, concise fire risk assessments in Stockton
ABC Fire Safety and Security works hard to help clients understand and then manage hazards in their properties. Crucially, we want to ensure the buildings are as safe as possible in the future, saving lives and assets in the process.
The most important step here is to do a full risk assessment. It can give a clear idea of risks, including things like problems with escape routes and fire doors. It’s vital that a competent person does the assessments, ensuring they know what to look for and how to report their findings.
So, contact us if you want to arrange fire risk assessments in Stockton and other parts of the region. We’re a knowledgeable, professional team and work to the very highest standards.
