Stronger Collaboration and Smarter Emergency Response, Key Insights from AFAC 2025.

Image: View of AFAC Exhibition floor 

Key Insights from AFAC25 

The 2025 AFAC Exhibition and Conference has now concluded, this year saw leaders, practitioners, and innovators across fire and emergency services share knowledge, spark collaboration, and shape the future of community safety. AFAC 2025 delivered a powerful program of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and research showcases underlining the urgent need for smarter technologies, stronger partnerships, and inclusive approaches to emergency management. From the mental health of frontline responders to the role of cultural fire management, and from global wildfire learnings to local innovations in data and AI, AFAC 2025 highlighted how the sector is evolving to meet increasingly complex challenges. Below, we share some of the standout themes and insights from this year’s event.

Frontline Response, Safety and Innovation

AFAC 2025 placed strong emphasis on the people and tools at the heart of emergency response. Sessions explored advancements in respiratory protection, strategies to safeguard firefighter mental health, and the importance of leadership in supporting both career and volunteer responders.

Bushfire response was also a central focus, with international fire chiefs sharing lessons from destructive U.S. wildfires and Australian experts showcasing the world-class capabilities of aerial firefighting. Research into prescribed burning effectiveness and the role of AI in bushfire risk reduction offered a glimpse into the future of smarter fire management.

Complementing these discussions, the dedicated Resources Rescue Theatre highlighted challenges unique to the resource sector, covering remote medical care, safety standards, volunteer rescue teams, cutting-edge technology, and emerging hazards. These sessions showcased how tailored approaches and innovation can strengthen safety and resilience across frontline industries.

Image: Resources Rescue Theatre Session 1: Remote and Low-Remote Environment Medical Response

Stronger Communities through Inclusion and Collaboration

The critical role of communication, culture, and community in building resilience was showcased across all days. Presentations from DFES and sector leaders demonstrated how partnerships are breaking down barriers to ensure emergency information is timely, accurate, and accessible to all. Panels also explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing extreme heat and other climate-driven hazards.

Equally important were discussions on cultural fire management. Sessions highlighted the value of traditional knowledge and collaborative burning programs with Indigenous organisations which provides an opportunity for better understanding of cultural practices, in addition to strengthening fire resilience across landscapes.

Community engagement emerged as another vital thread, with speakers emphasising the need to involve young people in disaster resilience, embed fire engineering into community planning, and develop culturally responsive strategies to ensure no community is left behind.

Technology, Data and Innovation

Rounding out the program, AFAC 2025 looked ahead to the tools shaping the future of emergency management. From artificial intelligence in bushfire planning and risk reduction to the development of better national data for informed decision-making, these innovations underscored the power of technology in creating safer, more resilient communities.

AI and Drone Technology receives Top Award

Image: Innovation Stream Overall Pitchfest Winner, Pitchfest Winner "Detect, Deploy, and Drones"

Fire Foresight, a Tasmanian-based leader in bushfire detection, was awarded both the Detect, Deploy and Drones session prize and the Overall Innovation Stream Winner at the AFAC25 Pitch Fest. Their solution, which combines AI-powered camera vision with drone technology for fire detection, investigation, and future suppression capabilities, impressed judges and sector peers alike. The recognition highlights the critical role of cutting-edge technology in strengthening early detection, supporting response, and ultimately reducing the impact of bushfires on communities.

Next year's event, AFAC26, is set to be hosted in Melbourne from the 18th to 21st of August 2026. Until next year, stay safe!