Excitement for Progress: The IAFC Technology Summit International and the Future of CRR
This week, the International Association of Fire Chiefs Technology Summit International (TSI) just concluded, and I couldn’t be more excited about the transformative possibilities it holds for the fire service. As a passionate advocate for prevention and Community Risk Reduction (CRR), I see this summit as a pivotal moment for the industry to embrace technology in ways that bridge historical gaps in staffing, funding, and attention for prevention and CRR efforts.
For decades, the fire service has placed the majority of its resources on the operations side of the house. Having made a 28-year career on that side of the house, I deeply understand the challenges of managing resources effectively during high-pressure situations and the expectations of maintaining operational excellence. These experiences have shaped my appreciation for the critical role of a well-trained and well-equipped response team. I recognize the critical importance of having a well-trained and well-equipped staff to meet those demands. Responding to emergencies has naturally been a top priority, but this focus has often come at the expense of prevention and CRR. These areas, crucial to reducing risks before they turn into emergencies, have not received the same level of staffing, funding, or attention. Technology, however, offers a way to balance this equation and ensure prevention and CRR receive the investment they deserve. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’
Bridging the Gap with Technology
Sure, TSI had its share of Operational Technology, such as drone deployment systems and real-time incident command platforms; however, the highlight for me was the number of technologies dedicated to pre- and post-incident response. Some examples include mapping and modeling of potential wildfire areas and how mitigation efforts can change those models. Prescribed burn innovations were very impressive as well. Technology related to inspection efforts and organization were well represented as were ways to teach and prepare our communities. I would say the technologies available and represented for Operations and CRR/Prevention were the closest to 50/50 I’ve ever seen at a conference.
Technology is poised to revolutionize how the fire service approaches prevention and CRR. Data analytics, predictive modeling, and advanced tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are enabling fire departments to pinpoint high-risk areas and allocate resources more effectively. Vision 2020, a national initiative to advance CRR, highlights the importance of using data to drive prevention efforts. Vendors have listened, providing tools to assist in achieving these goals. According to their website, “CRR is not just a program; it’s a process that uses data to identify risks and deploy resources efficiently to reduce those risks.” (Vision 2020)
Tools like GIS mapping, supported by platforms like ESRI and their many partners, allow fire departments to identify neighborhoods most at risk for fires and other emergencies. By layering historical incident data with demographic information, departments can target educational campaigns and inspections where they will have the greatest impact.
Prevention Through Virtual CRR
I was proud to represent Virtual CRR at TSI, demonstrating how technology can enhance CRR efforts. Virtual CRR allows fire departments to provide their communities with essential safety information through virtual means. It also offers fire departments data-driven insights to better understand where their human resources are needed most. By leveraging technology, Virtual CRR enables fire departments to educate their communities effectively through Home Safety Assessments, WUI preparedness, and many other topics, while optimizing limited human resources to be used where they are needed most. As I’ve often said, “Prevention and Risk Reduction isn’t just a task; it’s an opportunity to empower communities to take charge of their safety, with the assistance and guidance of their fire departments.”
NFPA’s Vision for Prevention
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has long been a proponent of integrating technology into fire prevention strategies. They were well represented and taught multiple sessions at TSI. Their research underscores the importance of CRR as a proactive measure to reduce the number and severity of incidents. The NFPA’s Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem highlights how prevention and risk reduction are integral to the overall safety of our communities. According to NFPA, ‘Using technology to identify and address risks proactively is not just efficient; it saves lives.’ (NFPA)
IAFC’s Role in Driving Technological Adoption
The IAFC Technology Summit International is an ideal platform to showcase how the fire service can leverage technology to enhance prevention efforts. The IAFC’s addition of TSI to their conference schedule highlights their commitment to integrating technology in the fire service. As stated, ‘Technology Summit International aims to bring the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities and improve their ability to respond to emergencies.’ (IAFC Technology Summit International) By emphasizing prevention and CRR, the IAFC is setting a course for a future where fire departments are better equipped to address risks before they escalate into emergencies. (IAFC)
The Road Ahead
With these new advancements and opportunities in technology, the fire service has the ability to place greater importance on prevention and CRR without taking resources away from Operations. Technology is the bridge that can connect these two sides of the house, ensuring that resources are allocated in a way that maximizes impact. The IAFC Technology Summit International is not just an event; it’s a call to action for the fire service to embrace innovation and redefine how we protect our communities.
As we look to the future, I’m optimistic that technology will continue to advance prevention and CRR in ways we’ve only begun to imagine. With support from these organizations and vendors, the fire service has the tools and the momentum to make this vision a reality. Let’s seize this opportunity to prioritize prevention, harness the power of technology, and create safer communities for all.
Brent Faulkner MAM, FO is the CEO and Founder of Virtual CRR Inc. He has 28 years in the fire service and is a Retired Anaheim Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief. During this time, he responded to numerous emergency situations including structure fires, wildland fires, hazardous materials responses, emergency medical situations, and numerous types of rescues. In addition, he has served on a Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team for 17 years.
Brent had a defining moment in his career which lead him to create the Virtual CRR program and his passion for Community Risk Reduction. He led a team in Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) at a recognized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Terrorism Fusion Center. This team was responsible for increasing the safety of critical infrastructure as it relates to terrorism, general security, and natural disasters. He has a Master’s Degree in Management (MAM), a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies (BA), an Associate’s Degree (AS) in Hazardous Materials Response, and another in Fire Science.