What happens when the people who design buildings and the firefighters who respond to emergencies inside them stop talking to each other?

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy.

Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia.

In this episode, Fiona Perrin - Principal Risk Engineer for Zurich Insurance - shares her perspective on the critical relationship between fire engineers and the fire service.

Drawing on experience in both the United Kingdom and Australia, she explains how the Institution of Fire Engineers brings together professionals across the fire ecosystem to strengthen collaboration and professional learning.

The conversation explores how building design decisions affect emergency response, from complex facilities like airports to emerging risks such as EV charging infrastructure. Fiona also speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, visibility, and workplace support for women in fire engineering.

Her message is simple but powerful. Do not doubt yourself. Step up to the next challenge and keep moving forward.

So take a listen to hear what she has to share.