Since the IFE's inception in 1918, we have led the way in progressing the fire sector to create a safer environment for the public and a more competent workforce. Learn more about who we are and how we have redefined the sector below.
1918 – The IFE was established
On 31 October 1918, 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.
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).
1924 – The IFE hold their first Annual General Meeting and become Incorporated
The IFE was incorporated on 12 February 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 goes international with overseas branches
In the previous year, 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 miniature replica of the 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.
1933 – The first publication of the IFE was produced
Published in Chemical Fires and authored by Firemaster A. Pordage, A. M. Cameron, and Dr. G. Burnet, which sold 1,250 copies in its first year. This became one of the IFE’s most successful publications, it underwent several editions and revisions 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.
1938 - Joint Council of the British Fire Service was set up
In that year, 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
The Articles and By-Laws were amended for the first time since the Institution’s founding, introducing a new “Student” membership grade. 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.
1942 – The IFE establishes regional UK branches
12 Regional Branches had been established in the United Kingdom, focussed on Civil Defence Regions: Northern, North Eastern, North Midlands, Eastern, London, Southern, South Western, Wales, Midlands, North Western, Scotland, and South Eastern.
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, four branches were set up in the sub-continent: Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western. The Northern and Western India branches still exist, but the other two fell by the wayside during subsequent years.
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.
1961 – IFE finally gain recognition for their 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 and this arrangement would take effect from the examinations to be held in 1962.
1963 – Greater eligibility for IFE examinations
Examination eligibility was broadened to include architects, surveyors, and other fire professionals. The IFE became a Founder Member of the Federation of British Fire Organisations and began developing a Preliminary Certificate Examination for industrial firemen.
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.
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
1973 – IFE changes membership grades to bring the IFE in line with other professional bodies
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) —of which two must be taken—reflecting the broader skills required of fire engineers.
1980 – The IFE is awarded charitable status
Following consultation and meeting the legal requirements for public benefit, the IFE was granted Charitable Status by the Charity Commission.
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.
1990 – IFE continue work to improve European Fire Standards
The IFE remained active in developing European standards, providing financial support to IFE representatives. Following extensive discussion on national and international fire conferences, Fire (FOBFO) Limited—now the Fire Sector Confederation—was established with representatives from the IFE, Fire Protection Association, and Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association.
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.
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 Director David Williams launched a 75th Anniversary fund to assist fire engineers through bursaries and financial support.
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.
1998 – IFE becomes a licensed body of the Engineering Council
The IFE became a licensed body of the Engineering Council and the regulatory body for the engineering profession in the UK and which sets the standards and ethics required. Through the IFE, professionals can apply for professional registration grades of Chartered Engineers (CEng), Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech).
2001 – The IFE Engineering Council Division Board contributes to British Standards legislation
The ECD held a “weekend” conference and the IFE was a major contributor to the development of BS 7974: 2001.
2003 – IFE contribute to the UK Government’s reviews and reforms as well as the hold the inaugural Rasbash Lecture and Medal presentation
The IFE contributed to the UK Fire and Rescue Service review, leading to major modernisation and new opportunities for the IFE. In June 2003, the government published 'Our Fire and Rescue Service' proposing radical reforms with the IFE’s task force finding UK fire research subpar. 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.
2004 – The IFE says goodbye to its Leicester HQ and introduces a new Technical Group
The IFE relocated from Leicester to Moreton in Marsh. A new Technical Group was also established, to develop and support the IFE’s technical influence and support.
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 and achieves Awarding Body status
The IFE gained Ofqual-approved Awarding Body status for fire sector qualifications at levels 1–4, allowing recognition in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with plans to extend this to Scotland and beyond.
2011 – The IFE Head Office moves to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the International Fire Professional is created
The IFE relocated its Head Office from Moreton-in-Marsh to Stratford-Upon-Avon. The IFE purchased the building in 2016 and it was officially opened in 2016 by the Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon at the time, Juliet Short.
Replacing the Fire Risk Management Journal, the IFE established the International Fire Professional (IFP) Journal to provide members with sector news and technical perspective insights.
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 began its centenary celebrations by going back to its Leicester birthplace. It was also the start of a torch relay campaign which went to a number of different branches around the world to showcase the IFE’s global reach.
2019 – The IFE announces the launch of their online membership applications
To streamline the process of applying for IFE membership, applicants were now able to fill in an online form instead of having to write it out by hand.
2021 – 22 – The IFE undergoes an extensive rebrand and inaugurates the CASA branch
The IFE rebranded to engage a new generation of fire engineers and highlight its support for career development. 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 offered an exam online for the first time, reflecting its efforts to modernise procedures and engage a younger audience.
2025 – First hybrid IFE Annual General Meeting
For the first time, the IFE held its AGM in a hybrid format, allowing members to attend in person or virtually and showcasing the IFE’s forward-focused direction.
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