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#515 Beyond National Best Practice: Why Firefighting Needs Global Thinking with Dr Lori Moore-Merrell & Phil Garrigan

October 12, 2026 · 28 min

Show notes

Recorded at the World Fire Congress 2026 in London, I sat down with Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former US Fire Administrator and founding Chair of the World Fire Congress, and Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), to explore some of the biggest challenges facing fire and rescue services around the world.

We discuss the growing threats of wildfire, extreme weather, operational pressures and funding challenges, alongside the importance of international collaboration and learning from major incidents. Lori shares why we must never waste the lessons of tragedy, while Phil reflects on the UK's changing risk profile and the need to influence meaningful change. We also explore the human impact of major disasters and the extraordinary challenges facing firefighters in conflict-affected nations.

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