The 11th Asia Fire Protection Inspection Council (AFIC) Meet commenced on November 21, 2024, in New Delhi, organized by the Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The AFIC serves as a collaborative platform for fire protection organizations from 11 Asian nations, facilitating technical exchanges and the development of fire protection technologies and standards across the region.
The three-day event features 21 international delegates from six countries, highlighting its significance in fostering international cooperation on fire safety issues. An international seminar titled “Latest Trends in Fire Safety and Future Perspectives,” hosted by CFEES, attracted over 100 delegates, including representatives from various state fire services, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), and paramilitary forces. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, delivered the inaugural address, underscoring the importance of the event for knowledge sharing and collaboration on advanced fire safety solutions. He expressed that the meet is crucial in advancing DRDO’s vision of a self-reliant India in fire safety technologies.
Simultaneously, the Asian Fire Safety Expo (AFSE) 2024 is taking place as part of the India Industry Expo 2024, with the Republic of Korea as the Country Partner. The expo aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies and products pertinent to fire safety, promoting collaboration among industry professionals, researchers, and decision-makers in India’s fire safety sector.
These concurrent events organized by CFEES emphasize innovation, self-reliance, and collaboration in fire safety technology. By uniting researchers, academicians, professionals, and industries, the initiatives aim to enhance domestic manufacturing, facilitate technology transfer, and bolster national security. This aligns with broader national objectives to develop advanced fire safety capabilities while encouraging industry partnerships and indigenous technology solutions tailored for various stakeholders.
Overall, the AFIC Meet and associated events present a pivotal step toward advancing fire safety standards and technologies in Asia, aiming to create synergies that benefit domestic and international fire protection efforts.
