Rasbash Lecture
Learn more about the history of this prestigious event.
Founded in 1918, the IFE was created to advance fire engineering and professional competence for the public good. More than a century on, that founding purpose remains at the heart of our work. From our origins in Leicester, the IFE has grown into a global institution, supporting fire professionals worldwide and contributing to a safer built environment. Learn how generations of fire professionals have shaped our profession.
1918 – The IFE was established
On 31 October 1918 as the war was drawing to a close, ten Chief Officers met at Leicester Fire Brigade Headquarters to establish a professional association of fire engineers, forming themselves into a Board to create the Institution of Fire Engineers. They agreed that the inaugural subscription was one guinea.
1919 – The IFE welcome first international members
On 2 January 1919, the Institution of Fire Engineers met in London and announced 40 Chief Officers had joined as members, including three from overseas (Shanghai, Port Elizabeth, Rangoon). Chief Officer Neal was elected Chairman and Firemaster Pordage became Hon. Secretary/Treasurer. Later at a General Meeting on 29 June 1919, Chief Officer Neal became the first President.
1924 – The IFE hold their first Annual General Meeting and become Incorporated
The IFE was incorporated by the Board of Trade on 25 July 1924, with its registered office in Edinburgh. Its first AGM was held in London on 23 October 1924, electing 13 Members, 24 Associate Members, and two Associates.
1925 – The IFE holds its first Graduateship examination and technical papers were presented for the first time at the 2nd AGM
The first Graduateship examination was held with 30 candidates. 23 were successful, nine passing with distinction.
The 2nd Annual General Meeting was held in Edinburgh on the 9th July, 1925, where for the first time technical papers were presented, the subjects being: ‘Chemistry in relation to the fire service’, ‘Static electricity’, ‘Aids to quick get-aways’, ‘Petrol installations on ships’.
1926 – The first examinations for IFE Associate membership were held
10 candidates undertook the examinations for Associate membership
1930 – The IFE expands internationally with overseas branches
The first overseas branches—then called ‘Colonial Councils’—were approved in Victoria (Australia), New Zealand, South Africa, and Rhodesia. At the 7th Annual General Meeting in Leicester, the tradition of presenting Past Presidents with a Presidential Badge was introduced as a show of appreciation.
1931 – IFE draws the Home Secretary’s attention to lack of enforcement of fire inspections at public entertainment venues.
At the 8th Annual General Meeting, a resolution was sent to the Home Secretary highlighting the ongoing risk of fire, injury, and panic in licensed entertainment venues. The resolution noted that, although the Celluloid Act 1922 and Cinematograph Act 1923 gave Local Authorities enforcement powers, inspections were either not carried out or completed to a low standard.
1932 - Queensland and Western ‘Colonial Councils’ approved
Continued expansion took place in Australia with new Queensland branch and Western ‘Colonial Councils’ were approved to govern the branches.
1933 – The first publication of the IFE was produced
The Chemical Fires publication was authored by Firemaster A. Pordage, A. M. Cameron, and Dr. G. Burnet, it sold 1,250 copies in its first year. This became one of the IFE’s most successful publications, undergoing several editions before being withdrawn in the early 1970s.
1934 – The IFE moves to London
The main trading office of the IFE was moved to London, though the Registered Office remained in Edinburgh.
1935 – The IFE gives evidence to the Departmental Committee on Fire Brigade Services
The Institution submitted evidence to the Departmental Committee on Fire Brigade Services recommending the country be divided into fire brigade areas, each administered by a joint committee of local authorities, supported by government grants, and operated as an independent service. They further advised that all executive officers be experienced fire brigade professionals, in line with the principles of the Council of the Institution of Fire Engineers. IFE membership that year was recorded at 703.
1937 - New South Australia branch set up
The South Australia Branch was approved with the name ‘Colonial Councils’ now having been discontinued. Also that the 1st joint conference was held between the IFE, The Professional Fire Brigades Association and the National Fire Brigades Association.
1938 - Joint Council of the British Fire Service was set up
The IFE, Professional Fire Brigades Association, and National Fire Brigades Association formed the “Joint Council of the British Fire Service.” Its purpose was to promote uniformity, efficiency, cooperation, and representation across fire services, while advising the government, supporting scientific collaboration, and improving conditions for members.
1939 – The IFE look to the future with creation of its Student membership with overall membership surpassing 1000
The Articles and By-Laws were amended for the first time since the Institution’s founding, introducing a new “Student” membership. At the annual conference, Hon. Secretary/Treasurer A. Pordage highlighted past achievements and emphasised that the future of the IFE lay with younger members—responsible for advancing fire service status and the science of fire engineering.
1941 - First copies of Quarterly Journal published
To improve fire professionals learning and develop key understanding on different topics within fire, the IFE set up a Quarterly Journal for research to be published to encourage more in depth discussions to be had around fire safety.
1942 – The IFE establishes regional UK branches
12 regional branches had been established in the United Kingdom, based on Civil Defence Regions: Northern, North Eastern, North Midlands, Eastern, London, Southern, South Western, Wales, Midlands, North Western, Scotland, and South Eastern. The Examinations Board committee was established and supported by the first Education Advisor, Mr Wallace B. Whitehouse of the University of Wales.
1943 - IFE celebrates silver jubilee year and surpasses 2000 in membership
The IFE proudly marked its 25th anniversary of operation since its formation in 1918, a milestone that underscores their leadership, professional excellence and enduring impact on the fire sector. This celebration highlighted the Institution’s sustained commitment to advancing fire safety, supporting its members, and shaping industry standards over generations.
1946 – IFE membership and examinations grow in popularity
Membership grew rapidly to 3,204, including 2 Hon. Life Members, 14 Hon. Members, 141 Members, 300 Associate Members, 789 Graduates, 81 Licentiates, and 1,877 Students. Examinations also gained in popularity, with 195 Graduate entries (75 passes) and 57 Associate Member entries (25 passes).
1950 – IFE India branches established
Following a visit to India by Mr. A. P. L. Sullivan, the IFE established four regional branches across the subcontinent: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western. This expansion was a landmark moment, extending the Institution’s reach internationally, fostering local professional communities, and strengthening the global network of fire engineers under the IFE’s guidance and standards.
1952 - IFE form a new Council structure
A proposal by the Council to amend the composition of the Council by adding 12 members to be elected by branches in the United Kingdom was approved.
The new Council consisted of a President, Immediate Past President, three Vice Presidents, six elected Members (now Fellows), three elected Associate Members (now Members) and 12 Regional branch Representatives.
1955 – Frustration grows for lack of recognition of IFE diplomas
In his retiring address, IFE President Mr. A. S. Pratten urged for formal recognition of the IFE’s diplomas, noting that fire service qualifications are undervalued compared to other engineering fields. He stressed that professional standing builds competence, motivates officers and called on authorities to support the IFE and its younger members.
1956 - Lack of qualification recognition causes membership decline
A controversial resolution was passed by the Institution's Council that allowed admittance to membership through qualifications not obtained by IFE. Membership had been slowly declining over the past decade from 3,272 to now 2,518 in 1956, which is later blamed on the lack of recognition of IFE qualifications.
1960 - Hong Kong branch established
A new overseas branch in Hong Kong was inaugurated bringing the total of such branches to 17. The Council introduced towards the end of 1959 a form of amnesty whereby Members, Associate Members and Graduates who had allowed their membership to lapse before 1st April 1956 could re-join without the necessity of paying the usual arrears. As a result, 68 home members and 9 overseas members re-joined which brought membership to 3,744.
1961 – IFE enters into a reciprocal agreement with the UK Statutory Station Officers examinations
The negotiations with the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council were concluded. The resulting agreement provided there would be a reciprocal recognition between the Statutory Station Officers’ examination and the Graduateship examination of the IFE.
1962 - New South Wales branch created and the term 'fire engineer' is debated
A new overseas branch in New South Wales was inaugurated. The Council had been considering the interpretation of the term “fire engineer”. Up to this date only those serving in fire brigades had been allowed to sit the examinations. The view was taken that the term “fire engineer” ought to embrace a wider number of professionals who were engaged in fire engineering, e.g. architects, surveyors, fire loss adjustors etc.
Membership surpassed 4,0000 and the Institution received the Letters Patent for the Grant of Arms from Lord Lyon, King of Arms in Edinburgh. The Letters Patent was framed and is handed over to each successive International President at the Annual General Meeting.
1963 – Northern Ireland branch established
Through the establishment of the Northern Ireland branch, this brought total number of branches in the UK to 19.
1965 – The IFE moves to Leicester
The Head Office moved on 1st September 1965 to 148 New Walk, Leicester—a return to the city where the IFE was founded.
1966 - Trinidad and Nova Scotia branches created
New branches in Trinidad and Nova Scotia were set up to improve the IFE's reach in these locations enabling greater learning and knowledge development around fire safety.
1969 – IFE celebrate 50 years and set up ‘Future of the Institution’
The Golden Jubilee was celebrated with a lunch at Mansion House, London, on 12 March, attended by the Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor Sir Charles Trinder. IFE President Mr. A. H. Warren also undertook an extensive overseas tour to Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and South and East Africa. Marking 50 years, the Council established a 'Future of the Institution' sub-committee to assess its current state and plan for the years ahead.
1971 – Margaret Law becomes the first female member of the IFE
Margaret Law became the first official female member of the IFE helping to pave the way for greater representation in the fire engineering profession.
1972 - Republic of Ireland branch is established.
This year marked the establishment of the IFE Republic of Ireland branch, a significant milestone in the Institution’s continued international growth. The formation of the branch strengthened the IFE’s presence across Ireland, providing dedicated local support, professional development opportunities and a stronger collective voice for fire professionals within the region.
1973 – IFE modernises it’s membership grades
Following the 'Future of the Institution' Committee report, the 1973 AGM approved resolutions to revise membership grades, introducing Fellow, Member, Affiliate, Graduate, and Student categories, with others added later.
1975 – Examinations revamped with a new format and syllabus
The Syllabus Revision Sub-Committee revamped the Membership Examination, introducing two compulsory subjects (Fire Engineering Science and Fire Safety) and four optional ones (Fixed installations, building construction, management and administration and fire service operations) reflecting the broader skills required of fire engineers. The year also saw a new overseas branch inaugurated in Singapore.
1978 - IFE celebrates its Diamond Jubilee
The IFE celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of advancing fire safety and professional excellence. Over this period, the Institution has established international branches, launched influential publications, introduced recognised qualifications, and expanded global membership — cementing its role as a leading authority in the fire sector.
1980 – The IFE is awarded charitable status
Following consultation and in compliance with the legal requirements for public benefit, the IFE was granted charitable status by the Scottish Charity Regulator. IFE membership now surpassed 8,500.
1982 - IFE Headquarters implements new technology and first meeting of regional branch representatives
The first of the meetings of Regional Representatives took place to ensure that ‘grass roots’ views were considered in relation to new policies. IFE Headquarters met the new age of technology with the introduction of micro processors.
1984 - IFE branches continue to grow
It was reported that there were now seven Branches in Australia, two in Canada, two in India and one each in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Eire, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Singapore, Zambia, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Examination Centres in Saudi Arabia, The Gulf States, Kenya, Nigeria and Papua New Guinea.
1988 - Sri Lanka branch established
This year saw the inauguration of the Sri Lanka branch again expanding our reach in new territories.
1989 - Handbook for Fire Engineers was published
After over five years of work by its editors and IFE members, the 'Handbook for Fire Engineers' was published, filling a key gap in the IFE’s booklist and serving as an essential guide for fire professionals.
1991 – IFE become the Lead Body in drafting a Core Curriculum on Fire Safety
In response to the Bickerdike Allen Report, the IFE led the drafting of a Core Curriculum on Fire Safety to address changes in building and fire safety regulations. This year also saw the Iceland branch is inaugurated and overall membership surpassed 10,000.
1992 - Swedish branch inaugurated and IFE becomes Incorporated
The IFE expanded further by opening a branch in Sweden and then became incorporated as a wholly owned trading subsidiary, then called IFE (Publications) Limited.
1993 – The IFE celebrates 75th anniversary and continues emphasis on being at the forefront of Fire Engineering
The IFE celebrated its 75th anniversary with a plaque unveiling in Edinburgh, recognising the support of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. IFE launched a 75th Anniversary fund to assist fire engineers through bursaries and financial support. The year also saw the opening of the IFE Ontario branch.
1995 – IFE launches new CPD policy
The IFE introduced its CPD policy, providing guidance, accreditation processes, and funding for UK branch CPD events.
1996 – First IFE Special Interest Group was established
The Fire Control Special Interest Group, the first SIG to be established, held its first meeting led by Lynda Lloyd. Also the USA branch was also inaugurated during this year.
1997 - The inauguration of 4 new branches
1997 sae the opening of four new IFE global branches in the form of Malaysia, Germany, Belgium, South West India.
1998 – IFE becomes a licensed body of the Engineering Council and launches first website
The IFE became a Nominated Body by the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the engineering profession in the UK. Through this licence, IFE could now register Chartered Engineers (CEng), Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech).
The IFE explored furthering their global reach through the creation of a new website and also saw membership increase to above 11,000.
2002 – IFE Quarterly Journal changes format
The Fire Engineering Journal became the monthly Fire Engineering and Fire Prevention Journal, developed with the UK Fire Protection Association.
2003 – New Fire Risk Register established and holds the inaugural Rasbash Lecture
The IFE established their Fire Risk Register to ensure greater transparency over professionals skillset. The Rasbash Medal, honouring fire safety pioneer Professor David Rasbash, was introduced and first awarded to Margaret Law, recognising global excellence in fire safety engineering. Learn more about the Rasbash Lecture. The year also saw the first IGA meeting on 17 July 2003 following resolutions to IFE governance structure, which now stands at 34 branches and elected two members to the IFE board.
2004 – The IFE says goodbye to its Leicester HQ and introduces a new Technical Group
The IFE relocated from Leicester to Moreton in Marsh at the Fire Service College. To develop and support the IFE’s technical influence and support, a new Technical Group was also established enabling the IFE to better support members and contribute to key legislation.
2007 – The IFE launches a monthly newsletter to members
A monthly email newsletter was launched to keep members informed of the latest developments in the IFE and sector.
2008 – The IFE celebrates 90th anniversary, achieves Awarding Body status and renamed Quarterly Journal
The IFE secured Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation status for fire sector qualifications at Levels 1–4, a significant milestone that formally positioned the Institution as a trusted authority in regulated fire education and professional standards. This approval enables nationally recognised qualifications across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with strategic plans in place to extend this recognition to Scotland and internationally. The Quarterly Journal also was renamed from the Fire Engineering and Fire Prevention Journal to the Fire Engineering Journal.
2011 – The IFE Headquarters moves to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Quarterly Journal is renamed to the International Fire Professional
The IFE relocated its Headquarters from Moreton-in-Marsh to Stratford-Upon-Avon. The new HQ was officially opened in 2016 by the Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon at the time, Juliet Short.
Replacing the long-standing Fire Risk Management Journal, the IFE launched the International Fire Professional (IFP) Journal, a flagship publication designed to elevate professional discourse across the global fire sector. The IFP provides authoritative sector news, technical insight and thought leadership, reinforcing the Institution’s role as a leading voice shaping fire engineering and fire safety practice worldwide.
2016 – The UAE branch is established
The UAE overseas branch was inaugurated taking the total to 22 as well as the 19 UK branches operating.
2017 – IFE introduce MyIFE area
The introduction of the MyIFE area provided members with a self-service portal enabling personal details to be updated easily, providing the facility to view and pay fees online as well as manage communication and directory preferences.
2018 – The IFE celebrates its centennial year
The IFE formally commenced its centenary celebrations with a return to its birthplace in Leicester, marking a significant moment in the Institution’s history. This event also signalled the start of a global torch relay, visiting branches around the world and reflecting both a century of professional leadership and the breadth of the IFE’s international presence.
2019 – The IFE announces the launch of their online membership applications
To improve accessibility and enhance the applicant experience, the IFE introduced an online membership application process, replacing handwritten submissions. This development made applying more convenient, inclusive and efficient, enabling prospective members to engage with the Institution more easily, regardless of location, and supporting broader access to professional recognition within the fire sector.
2021 – 22 – The IFE undergoes an extensive rebrand and inaugurates the CASA branch
The IFE undertook a strategic rebrand to modernise its identity, strengthen its global presence and ensure it remained relevant to a new generation of fire engineers and fire safety professionals. The refreshed brand reflects a forward-looking Institution, one that champions innovation, professional standards and lifelong career development, while honouring its heritage and reinforcing its position as a leading authority in the fire sector. The Caribbean and South America branch was inaugurated, expanding the IFE’s global reach and promoting fire safety in the region.
2023 – The IFE elects its first female International President
Hayley Burgess CFIOSH EngTech MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc was voted in as the first female International President in the IFE’s history.
2024 – The launches its first online IFE examination
In March 2024, the IFE delivered its first online examination, significantly enhancing accessibility for candidates. This development enabled greater flexibility, reduced geographical barriers and opened up opportunities for a broader, more diverse range of professionals to demonstrate their competence. By expanding access in this way, the IFE strengthened its commitment to inclusivity and widening participation across the global fire community.
2025 – First hybrid IFE Annual General Meeting
For the first time, the IFE hosted its AGM in a hybrid format, enabling members to participate either in person or virtually. This approach significantly enhanced accessibility, removing barriers to attend and ensuring members across the UK and internationally could engage in the Institution’s governance. By broadening participation in this way, the IFE reinforced its commitment to inclusivity, transparency and global member engagement.
Learn more about the history and previous recipients of our prestigious Rasbash Lecture and Award which honours fire professionals who have contributed immensely to the furthering of fire engineering.