QUINCY, MA -- In a position paper, as the UN's Climate Ambition Summit convened in New York City, fire chiefs from some of the largest cities in the world added their voices about the dire consequences of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive solutions and collaboration to bolster the resilience of fire and rescue departments worldwide.

This is the first time chiefs representing the Urban Fire Forum have issued a position paper addressing the impacts of climate change on the fire service. The paper was developed with support of the U.S. Fire Administration.

The Urban Fire Forum, hosted by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) at its Quincy, MA headquarters, comprises fire chiefs from major metropolitan areas globally. The annual meeting allows the chiefs to provide policy guidance on emerging issues for fire departments worldwide. The forum also saw participation from influential figures in the fire service, including U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, and NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley.

Recent events have amplified the chiefs’ sense of urgency on the topic. In August, a tragic combination of drought-driven wildfires and hurricane-like winds ravaged the town of Lahaina in Maui, making it the deadliest wildfire in the US in over a century. Such extreme weather events are increasing globally. In 2022 alone, there were 42 weather-related disasters worldwide, each causing more than a billion dollars in damages.

"Throughout history, fire and rescue departments have dedicated countless hours preparing to respond to catastrophic events, making every effort to limit the impacts on the communities they protect. However, the relentless effects of climate change are causing our fire service leaders to rethink their customary risks and adjust to new and emerging threats of today's emergency response environment," the chiefs wrote in their paper. Fire departments are now grappling with climate-related impacts on their capital resources, personnel, and the need for specialized skills and equipment.

"This isn't just a call to action, it's a roadmap to ensure our firefighters and communities are best prepared for the undeniable impacts of climate volatility,” Pauley said. “This position paper is a great example of fire chiefs leading the way on a key plank of the NFPA Outthink Wildfire™ policy initiative, ensuring fire departments are prepared to respond safely and effectively to wildfire."

Reacting to the new paper, the US Fire Administrator, Dr. Moore-Merrell, said, "Across our nation and the globe, climate change driven wildfire, as well as more frequent powerful storms in locations unaccustomed to these events, is a threat to individuals, communities, and to first responders. Our fire departments are on the frontlines of these climate-induced events. The time to bolster their resilience and resources is now. We need to be proactive in our thinking and be adaptable to resilient solutions.”

The position paper highlights the mounting challenges of climate change and provides fire departments with resources to address them. Recent headlines are filled with examples of community impacts, from extreme heat waves and devastating wildfires to unexpected floods during the 2023 Burning Man Festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. These natural disasters lead to death, destruction, and significant economic and social ramifications, placing an unparalleled burden on fire and rescue departments.

The position paper outlined five key principles to ensure a climate-resilient fire service:
1. Proactive Risk Rethinking - Tailor community-specific solutions to anticipate and address climate threats. Utilize tools like NFPA 1300 to conduct community risk assessments and implement risk-based solutions.
2. Whole-System Approach - Emphasize collaboration with related departments like law enforcement, public health, and emergency management. Given the increased frequency and intensity of climate-related events, a cohesive response is crucial.
3. Mission Focus - Prioritize the well-being of frontline responders and communities. Tools like NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1582 offer guidance for crew size, deployment models, and responders' physical and mental well-being.
4. Collaboration and Inclusivity - Engage all community sectors to participate in preparedness, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
5. Durable Solutions - Adopt long-lasting resilience solutions that serve both present and future community needs.

"This year's forum had participants from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America," said Otto Drozd, executive secretary of the NFPA Metropolitan Chiefs Association, which organizes the Urban Fire Forum. "The reach of climate-related disasters affects small towns and large cities everywhere. This position paper – a first for forum participants – shows how serious and widespread the concerns of fire leaders are."

Download the Position Paper

Urban Fire Forum Position Statement on Climate Change

Download Multimedia

Video Soundbite Clips: Jim Pauley & Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell

Video B-roll of Urban Fire Forum session on climate change

Wildfire B-roll package