The FDNY and the FDNY Foundation welcomed fire service and fire & life safety professionals from across the world to the 2026 FDNY High-Rise Symposium Oct. 23-25, 2026, in New York City.
The symposium brought together more than 500 members of the international fire service, representing 33 states and 11 countries, for an immersive three-day training experience focused on high-rise firefighting operations. Attendees explored the latest advancements and strategies in high-rise fire operations and building safety. Over three days, attendees participated in lectures, tours and hands-on demonstrations led by industry leaders, FDNY’s subject matter experts and partner organizations.
“One of the things that makes the FDNY High-Rise Symposium truly unique is the caliber of its presenters. Many of these individuals are not regulars on the national or international teaching circuit. They are consummate professionals who bring an extraordinary depth of technical and institutional knowledge, developed through decades of experience operating in one of the most challenging vertical urban firefighting environments in the world. For many attendees, this symposium represents a rare opportunity to learn directly from these individuals, whose expertise and experience simply aren’t available on the traditional conference circuit,” said FDNY Captain Chris Collier, one of the symposium organizers.
“The real value of this symposium is bringing that experience into the classroom, onto the fireground, and ultimately back to fire departments around the world. We know the world is watching the FDNY. With the support of the FDNY Foundation, we were able to show them why,” explained Captain Collier.
Participants were given guided tours of Hudson Yards and Jacob Javits Center, as well as tactical demonstrations at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island.
The 2026 FDNY High-Rise Symposium continues the Department’s and the FDNY Foundation’s longstanding commitment to sharing knowledge, improving safety, and advancing operational excellence in the fire service.
To learn more about our high-rise symposium sponsors and exhibitors, click HERE.
To see more photos from the symposium, click HERE and HERE.
To see a recap video, click HERE.