Fire Tech Brief: 5 Fire Service Technology Trends for 2026

For anyone who’s been watching fire service technology evolve, 2025 marked a major leap forward in the development of truly disruptive technologies for first responders. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing some of these proofs of concept or protypes advance in 2026. There is no crystal ball to predict which of these technologies will gain the most traction this year, but here are the top five technology trends to watch in 2026, from my perspective.

Artificial intelligence

While this was my number one pick for 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) remains at the top of the list because it is rapidly integrating with all facets of our personal and professional lives. Nearly every company that provides software or services to first responders is leveraging AI technology to maximize the capabilities of their products. Beyond the realm of generative AI, there are several companies that are looking to leverage AI to augment or, in some cases, replace human reaction with easily identifiable parameters. Whether automating a fire department shift schedule, providing code enforcement image analysis, or automating drone response platforms for remote wildfires, AI will be taking fire departments to the next level in many responsibilites.

Sound versus water

It is interesting to think that our primary resource to protect people, structures and property from fire has undergone relatively few advancements over the history of the fire service. Sure, there are chemical extinguishers, inert gases, and foam additives but water is still the primary extinguishing agent. If you have been under a rock, you may have missed the latest advancements to use sound to extinguish and potentially even prevent fires.

Sonic Fire Tech has been proven to extinguish fires with both hand-held and building-mounted devices. Specifically targeting wildfires, this emerging technology could be adapted to many use cases and, in my opinion, would end the argument of a false extinguishing system discharge causing damage. I can easily picture systems like this being installed in several use cases to replace current extinguishing systems. 

Taking to the skies

Distance and time to arrive an an emergency scene have always been a factor in the effectiveness of the fire service. Fires grow and patient outcomes degrade with every second it takes for first responders or resources to get to those in need.

In 2025, companies unveiled prototype lightweight aerial vehicles and drones as a responder technology that are crossing from fictional dreams to actual reality. While there are still several challenges to overcome to make this a wide-spread option, the evolution of these technologies can be the answer to challenges like traffic, increasing population density, distance to the emergency, and even limited staffing resources. Whether delivering life-saving equipment like an AED or flotation device, or moving responders effortlessly to the scene, there are many options that will elevate a department’s response capability.

Wearable technology becomes mainstream

Last year, I picked wearable technologies such as Qwake Technologies, Ascent Integrated Tech, and Ease Alert as trends to watch. Two of these companies went live with field testing and started taking orders in 2025. The testing results are coming in and the benefits to the fire service are huge. 

Passive monitoring and alerts of dangerous firefighter vitals signs, 3D tracking, augmented views in emergency conditions, and easing the strain on firefighters are all prime options for widespread adoption of fire service wearables in 2026. There are other contenders entering the market as well which will drive competitive pricing and encourage further adoption.

Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries

The use of AI helps to fast-track science and technology developments. While several of the options I am discussing are years away from widespread commercial adoption, there are a lot of companies searching for the next holy grail of battery technology. If you remember the impact of lithium-ion batteries on the fire service, both good and bad, it is imperative that we watch these emerging trends.

Some of the most promising directions include solid state, multivalent-ion, lithium-sulfur, cobalt free lithium-ion, and sodium-ion batteries. Each has pros and cons but, in the end, as these hit consumer products, they will become a new hazard we need to manage and additions to the technology we are using.

Looking toward the new year

Technology is a fascinating aspect of an industry that remains rooted in traditions. While slower to adopt, when we do, it quickly becomes a part of the culture. Looking into the future, these top five technology trends are all transformative and potentially disruptive technologies that will have a profound impact on how we operate. Even if you are not one to buy-in to the trends, it is always a great idea to at least keep an awareness of what is out there and what could improve the services you provide to the community.