Advancing Data and Technology in the Fire Service
Technology is transforming how fire and emergency services prepare for incidents, coordinate response, protect personnel, and make critical decisions. From emergency communications and geographic information systems (GIS) to cybersecurity, data analytics, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and firefighter safety.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) supports fire service leaders in evaluating, adopting, and managing technologies that strengthen emergency response, improve situational awareness, and support data-driven decision-making.
Explore IAFC programs, technical resources, industry guidance, and educational opportunities designed to help fire departments navigate evolving technologies and build more resilient operations.
Ready to get involved?
Our Technology Council is a forum for information and knowledge exchange among fire chiefs, public safety organizations, and vendors. Our Communications Committee focuses on wireless communications issues that affect the U.S. fire service and public safety.
Data & Technology Department Resources
Start with these guides and programs on cyber readiness, data analysis, and drones.
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AskRail® App
Immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazmat a railcar is carrying so responders can make informed decisions.
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LANDFIRE Data Distribution Site (DDS)
LANDFIRE provides landscape scale geo-spatial products to support cross-boundary planning, management, and operations.
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National Association of State Foresters
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) serves as an authority on forest management in the United States.
Data and Technology Events
Meet fire service leaders, public safety organizations, and vendors at IAFC technology events.
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Fire-Rescue International 2027
Fire-Rescue International (FRI) is the IAFC’s annual conference bringing together fire and emergency service leaders for professional development, industry innovation, and peer networking.
Common questions about fire service data and technology
Quick answers for fire chiefs and department leaders, with links to the full resources.
The Digital Capabilities Resilience Guide & Toolkit helps leaders keep fire and EMS operations running during technology disruptions. IAFC also offers a free guide, Protecting Against Cyberattacks; A Guide for Public Safety Leaders, created with American Military University and FireRescue1.
IAFC offers a UAS Toolkit covering tactics, policy, technology, and regulations. In October 2025, IAFC also sent comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone rule. Read IAFC’s position on using unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency response.
Start with the IAFC event calendar. Technology Summit International runs December 7 to 9, 2026, in Denver, CO. Fire-Rescue International follows August 18 to 20, 2027, in Anaheim, CA. IAFC Academy and the National Fire Academy (NFA) offer online courses, and members can ask peers in KnowledgeNet.
IAFC’s Communications Committee focuses on wireless communications issues that affect the U.S. fire service and public safety. IAFC also offers Frequency Coordination Services and has positions on FirstNet, repeal of the T-Band requirement, and plain language in radio communications.