FireRescue1 Leadership Institute’s 2026 Spotlight on AI in the fire service examines how artificial intelligence is shaping decision-making across training, operations, incident response and administrative work. Coverage focuses on practical, real-world use — including predictive analytics, dispatch improvements, generative AI applications and the ethical considerations leaders must weigh. Grounded in examples from the field and informed expert insight, this series is designed to support informed, responsible adoption of AI within today’s fire service.
SPOTLIGHT ON AI
Exploring the many ways AI to enhance our organizations
Artificial intelligence will require the fire service to make even more changes than the lithium-ion battery fire response crisis
How the future of firefighting will be impacted by artificial intelligence, electrification and 5G communications on fire and EMS
Fire service leaders converged at the IAFC Technology Summit International to address improved analytics, the future of NERIS and the potential impact of AI
From social posts, to ingredient-based recipes and training content, learn how this in-demand chatbot can be incorporated into day-to-day public safety tasks
From augmented reality to wearables and data visualization, technology is making the future of firefighting safer
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Progressive departments cannot grievance their way into greatness
In an era of intense scrutiny and evolving expectations, ethical leadership is the standard that defines effective chief officers
Teaching firefighters in a classroom has never been an easy proposition, but there are ways to create an engaging learning experience
The fire service has no shortage of strong leaders. What it lacks is permission for those leaders to be human.
No one will remember what you did, but they will remember how you treated them
Undefined expectations and team overload are quietly undermining your workforce
When personnel can raise concerns without fear of exclusion or reprisal, the organization becomes safer, stronger, and better equipped to serve the public
A real-world look at how one Colorado fire district is growing leaders through intentional mentorship, administrative rotations and professional development
NFA instructors reflect on their time on campus
About the Sponsor: First Due
Fire and EMS software is broken. As times change, keeping pace with the demands of modern firefighting and emergency response is more important than ever. From preincident planning to response and incident reporting, fire and EMS agencies nationwide struggle to manage day-to-day operations within a single platform. First Due is changing how fire and EMS software works, delivering an end-to-end, cloud-based solution designed to support an entire operation in one place. Learn more about First Due.
Take an in-depth look at the top items fire and EMS officials should look for when evaluating a new RMS solution for their agency
