The fire service is committed to staying ahead of technological advancements to ensure the safety of our communities. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a critical initiative to educate firefighters on how to safely manage incidents involving new technologies like lithium-ion batteries, which are found in everything from electric vehicles to battery energy storage systems.
While beneficial for sustainability, these technologies present unique safety challenges. As I stated in a recent address to the IAFC, "Our mission is to ensure the safety of our communities by staying informed and prepared. As technology evolves, so must we."
This initiative is a collaborative effort between industry experts, technology developers, and the fire service. By working together, we can develop the comprehensive training and tools needed to enhance the capability and safety of our emergency response teams and ensure they are prepared for the new and emerging challenges we face.