Blogs

The push for a greener planet has transformed the construction industry. Innovative materials like mass timber, recycled plastic bricks, green "living" walls, and energy-efficient claddings are being used to build the spaces we live and work in today. But as we embrace sustainability, a critical question emerges: Are these new materials fire-safe? This was one of the questions posed in the GCI Resilience & Sustainability Working Group’s 2023 white paper . As such, the SFPE Foundation decided to fund research that might answer it. The outcome of this research funding is a new report titled Fire Testing of Resilient and Sustainable Building Materials ...

On behalf of the SFPE Foundation, we are thrilled to reflect on the incredible energy, collaboration, and innovation that defined the 2025 AI in Fire Engineering Summit. Held from May 28-30, 2025, in Berkeley, California, the event brought together a diverse and passionate group of over 160 attendees from more than 19 countries and 20 U.S. states. This landmark event, a key part of our Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI), marked a pivotal moment for the future of fire engineering. The summit's core mission was to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in our field. As our world faces new technologies, systemic challenges, and the impacts ...

The 4th International Symposium on Lithium Battery Fire Safety (ISLBFS 2025) will take place in late 2025 in Hong Kong. It is being hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a GCI Partner. SFPE Foundation is a hosting partner, as well! Registration is open and the program committee is currently accepting abstract submissions . "Please join us in exploring the forefront of lithium battery fire safety science and technology. Our collective expertise is vital for fostering innovation that advances combustion science and contributes to a sustainable future. Let’s take this opportunity to build enduring relationships and initiate projects that will have ...

Save the Date! 2025 AI in Fire Engineering Summit May 28-30, 2025 University of California, Berkeley Registration opens January 2025 https://www.sfpe.org/2025aisummit/home We are excited to announce the 2025 AI in Fire Engineering Summit! Join SFPE Foundation, NFPA Research Foundation, University of California Berkeley Engineering, and the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center on May 28-30, 2025 to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and fire engineering. Identified as a top priority for research, education, and outreach in the Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI) Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ...

The GCI is starting its third year and continuing to grow in number of participants, programs, and member activities. We at the SFPE Foundation thought it would be helpful for the GCI to have its own website . This website has all of the same content from when the GCI was a single section on the Foundation website. We have also added: A news and updates section where you can see the latest GCI happenings, as well as an ongoing timeline of all activities. A GCI Partner exclusive section to facilitate communication and collaboration with our Partners. A layout that is easier to navigate and share information. As the GCI expands, we anticipate this ...