Leading Fire Safety
Inspiring excellence through knowledge, professional standards and collaboration.
What is fire engineering?
Fire Engineering
Fire engineering can be demonstrated through the use of scientific and engineering principles, standards, and professional judgment to protect people, property, and the environment from the adverse effects of fire.
Fire engineers are those who are qualified, competent, and skilled in the practice of
fire engineering, across the very broad spectrum of activity in the field.
Fire safety is the desired outcome we all work toward in reducing, mitigating, and eliminating fire risk.
IFE membership grades reflect the level of knowledge, skills, and experience applied by our fire engineers, ranging from those who apply established fire engineering principles to those who are most qualified and push boundaries to design new and innovative fire engineering solutions.
Strategic context
The IFE recognises the increasingly critical role of fire professionals and is committed to giving them a strong voice in shaping global fire safety. This strategy empowers our members to influence how fire safety is understood and managed, ensuring they play a key role in driving focus, funding, and resources. As the leading professional body, we will expand our influence with decision-makers. We have a strong history of supporting fire professionals through high-standard education and qualifications. This strategy aims to elevate those standards further, advancing professional excellence and expanding our impact across the industry.
Addressing challenges
Collaboration is key. We will work with members and stakeholders to create a shared vision for fire safety, identifying necessary actions and leading the strategy. We recognise significant challenges:
- The global development of the built environment poses new, often misunderstood, risks.
- Increasingly fragmented fire safety responsibilities hinder a
cohesive view of impacts. - Evidence of non-compliance and complacency exists in some areas.
- New materials and products entering
the global market can pose fire risks. - Understanding of fire’s impact varies across regions, affecting local mitigation strategies.
- Diversity and inclusion remain challenges in creating fire safety for all.
- Climate change impacts weather patterns, increasing wildfire and
extreme weather risks.
Our members’ expertise is vital. We are committed to supporting them through communication, evolving qualifications, CPD, professional standards, and resources to overcome these challenges.