Experts share vital lessons of Grenfell and LA fires

Fire Rescue Victoria is co-hosting a panel of international fire rescue experts in Melbourne to share valuable firsthand learnings from emergencies including Grenfell Tower and the LA fires.

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia (IFE) Roadshow was a great opportunity for Victorian fire service professionals and volunteers to gain insights from experts with in-depth knowledge of these high-profile emergencies.

“This event will delve into the latest trends, techniques and vital lessons that our fellow emergency services can share from across Australia and the world,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to learn directly from a panel of influential high-profile speakers about the management of fire emergencies, including some that have made headlines around the world.

“In emergency management, preparedness is key. The more that we learn from the professional experience of other fire service leaders, the better prepared we are to respond to the range of emergency scenarios we may face in our own communities here in Victoria.”

“We are very pleased to co-host with the IFE this impressive line-up of speakers in Melbourne from across Australia, Canada, the US and the UK, who will share their expertise on firefighting, wildfire response, international collaboration, mental health and more,” said Commissioner Freeman.

The IFE International Fire Service Leaders Roadshow, being held on Monday 1 September in East Melbourne, is organised by IFE.

Presenters at the roadshow event include:

Fire Chief Anthony Marrone – LA County Fire Department: Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone has been a member of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department for 39 years and a chief officer for the past 27 years. Chief Marrone leads one of the largest metropolitan emergency services agencies in the United States, providing fire and life safety services to more than 4.1 million residents and commercial business customers in 60 cities served by the Department. He led the response to the LA Fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton earlier this year.

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell – Former US Fire Administrator: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell is a Doctor of Public Health and data scientist who was appointed by President Biden to serve as the U.S. Fire Administrator from 2021 to 2025. Prior to her appointment, Lori was the President and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI), which she founded after retiring from a 26-year career as a senior executive at the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Fire Chief Brian Fennessy – Orange County Fire Department: (Virtual attendance due commitments in the US) As the Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Brian Fennessy leads more than 2,000 firefighters and non-sworn personnel who collectively serve 2 million residents across 23 cities and unincorporated county. Fennessy currently serves as the President of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and delivers the Quick Reaction Force aerial firefighting capability for his district.

Patrick Morisson – Senior Executive for Health and Safety (IAFF: Patrick Morrison recently retired from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) after 22 years of service. Mr. Morrison served as Assistant to the General President for Health, Safety and Medicine Division. Mr. Morrison’s expertise is in the design and implementation of behavioural health, safety and wellness programs to improve fire fighters’ overall physical and mental health, address their medical needs, and increase protections from the hazardous elements of firefighting.

Fire Chief Ken McMullen – Red Deer Fire Department (Canada): Chief Ken McMullen joined the Fire Service in 1997 as a Volunteer Fire Fighter and progressed through Training, Fire Prevention and Fire Safety roles. In 2009, Ken became the Assistant Deputy Chief with the Calgary Fire Department, and in 2018 the Chief of Emergency Services with The City of Red Deer. Ken is the current President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Richard Mills – Former Deputy Commissioner - London Fire Brigade: Richard Mills is a distinguished fire service executive with over 30 years in the London Fire Brigade (LFB), culminating in his role as Deputy Commissioner. A transformative leader, he spearheaded critical advancements in high-rise firefighting tactics, emergency response innovation, and firefighter safety post the Grenfell Tower fire.

Dr Karen O’Connor – Earth Fire Alliance: Dr. Karen O’Connor is a scientist, strategist, and executive leader with 25 years’ experience driving change at scale through engagement with government, private sector and philanthropic sector. She is a Founding Principal of the Earth Fire Alliance and currently leads international engagement and strategic development for the organisation.

Max Cottingham – RUOK: Max is a Firefighter, Paramedic and mental health advocate. He has worked for Fire and Rescue NSW since 2012 in regional and metropolitan commands. In addition to firefighting Max works as a Paramedic attaining his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Charles Sturt University and is a Member of Australasian College of Paramedicine. Max volunteers as ambassador for RUOK? Australia and has a passion for mental health and wellbeing. His training includes crisis and suicide intervention skills training.

The event is free for IFE Australia members and Fire Service staff and volunteers and runs from 9am to 4pm on Monday 1 September.