Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Fire Chief John Butler, representing Metro President Trisha Wolford, had an unforgettable experience working alongside the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS)! Shoutout to the extraordinary women firefighters and leadership of Liberia - your leadership, strength, and dedication inspires firefighters around the world. Honoring women in fire service across borders proves that courage knows no boundaries. 👩‍🚒💪

Thank you LNFS and Africa Fire Mission for the collaboration! 🙌✨

10/08/2026

Last week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hosted leading fire service representatives for the Urban Fire Forum at its headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, coming a long way since the first event in 1989.

The Urban Fire Forum matters because it gives chiefs from some of the world's largest urban departments a place to work through fast-moving challenges, including AI, drones, responder wellness, PFAS exposure, and workforce sustainability, using research and peer experience rather than guesswork. Discussions turn into practical guidance departments can use to improve service delivery, firefighter safety, and organizational resilience.

Thank you to all who participated this year and continue their commitment to moving fire and emergency services forward.

10/07/2026

Proud to be represented by our Past President John Butler from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, partnering with the Africa Fire Mission in .

In case you missed it: the AFM team is in Liberia! Leaders from AFM and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association landed in Liberia over the weekend for discussions, observations, and engagements to explore future collaboration.

10/07/2026

Fire chiefs and fire service leaders from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Slovenia, and the U.S. gathered in September for the 2026 NFPA Urban Fire Forum, focused on "Leading through Disruption: Preparing Urban Fire Services for an Era of Accelerating Change."

Discussions covered AI, drone deployment, responder wellness, and workforce sustainability. The Forum also adopted five Urban Fire Forum-Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association position statements providing guidance on emerging operational, technological, and workforce challenges:
• Advancing Fire Fighter Wellness and Fitness
• Turning PFAS Research into Action: A Roadmap for the Fire Service
• Guidelines for Ethical and Effective Implementation of Drones in First Response
• Leading Under Pressure – Fire Chief Strong
• A Strategic Framework for the Future of the National Fire Service

Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/3WbXV9Q
View the position papers and presentations: https://metrofirechiefs.org/urban-fire-forum/

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Explore the Urban Fire Forum for fire service news, leadership insights, and collaboration among metropolitan fire chiefs and professionals.

09/23/2026

Proud to have been part of the conversation at . As Metro Chiefs, we know that no community faces these challenges alone. Collaboration and shared learning across borders make us all stronger.

World Fire Congress 2026 brought together fire and life safety leaders from 61 countries together to tackle shared challenges - from climate driven wildfires to lithium-ion battery risks and exploring how AI, digital tools and innovation can strengthen prevention and response. Read on to see the key...

09/21/2026

Pleased to share a special episode of the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Flames of Knowledge podcast commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and reflecting on its lasting impact on the fire and emergency services.

The episode features Dr. Denis Onieal, who served as Superintendent of the National Fire Academy on September 11 and later played a role in the federal response and support provided to the FDNY. Denis has also provided many years of dedicated service to the Metro, generously sharing his leadership, experience, and counsel with our organization and its members.

In this episode, he offers his firsthand perspective on that historic day, the lessons learned over the past 25 years, and the importance of carrying those lessons forward to future generations.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY)

Flames of Knowledge · Episode