The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has joined global leaders to formally sign the World Fire Congress (WFC) Founding Principles, a shared commitment to strengthening international cooperation, advancing fire safety, and building resilient communities through collective action.

The landmark signing, which took place during the closing ceremony of the first WFC, establishes a robust framework for global firefighting agencies to tackle borderless environmental threats and share vital operational intelligence.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the FFS, Paul Abraham, the agreement unites diverse firefighting agencies under the common goal of protecting global communities and the shared environment.

Quoting the newly adopted founding document, the FFS noted that “Fire is a risk that impacts the security, health and prosperity of citizens and communities in every town, city, state, province and nation.

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It also represents a borderless threat to our environment.”

The international partners acknowledged that communities worldwide face evolving and common challenges, including firefighter health and safety, fire risks associated with emerging technologies, structural incidents, and climate-change-driven wildfires.

To combat these challenges, member nations have assumed shared responsibilities to gather and analyse critical data across all types of firefighting activities. This includes technical information related to building construction, material fire properties, administrative structures, and the best methods for controlling forest fires.

The statement adds that “In a spirit of friendship, and for the common benefit of each community represented within the WFC, its delegates intend to share their collected knowledge with other WFC partner communities.”

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The delegates plan to hold regular meetings to build open and transparent relationships, identify emerging problem areas, set priorities, and collaboratively monitor the progress of cooperative efforts aimed at reducing fire losses globally.

On its part, the FFS emphasised that information sharing would be executed voluntarily and based on dignity, respect and equality.

The partners agreed that there would be no restrictions on participation or data sharing based on gender, race, colour, nationality, language, disability, or sexual orientation.

Following the confirmation of the agreement, the signatory nations will officially become recognised Delegates of the World Fire Congress.