Hundreds of firefighting leaders and experts from across the nation gathered at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg on Tuesday for the second annual U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control.
Thousands more tuned in virtually to discuss and listen to important topics in their field.
For example, the summit addressed how climate change is driving an increase in wildfires and how lithium batteries can be a fire risk. The batteries catch fire quickly, giving people little time to react. Because of that, fire deaths are increasing, as well.
This year’s summit had double the attendance from last year’s, Evrim Bunn, a spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said.
Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe said in an interview after the event that the summit was motivating and enlightening.