The Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference 2026, hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is the premier gathering for fire service professionals dedicated to preventing emergencies before they happen. Taking place May 19–21, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona, this three-day conference brings together fire marshals, prevention officers, public educators, and chief officers from across the United States and beyond.
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the modern fire service — and for good reason. Departments that invest in prevention, data-driven risk assessment, and community engagement consistently see reductions in fire deaths, injuries, and emergency call volume. This conference is the hub for the practitioners leading that charge.
The 2026 program features sessions on CRR program design and evaluation, data analytics for fire prevention, juvenile fire-setter intervention, smoke alarm installation programs, partnerships with community organizations, and grant funding strategies. Attendees will hear from nationally recognized CRR leaders sharing real-world program results and implementation strategies.
Workshops offer hands-on learning environments where participants can work through case studies, develop program frameworks, and build action plans they can take home and implement immediately. Peer-to-peer learning is a cornerstone of the conference design — because some of the best ideas in the fire service come from the firefighters and officers doing the work every day.
Glendale, Arizona provides an excellent setting for a spring conference — warm weather, accessible lodging, and proximity to the Phoenix metro area. The IAFC Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference is a must-attend for any fire service professional committed to protecting their community proactively.
