May 21, 2026
Key Points
- In a new article, two fire safety experts from UL Solutions discuss ways that the fire service can prioritize safety and mitigate risks when using AI.
- Human oversight is essential for validating AI-generated information that could influence real-world decisions.
- AI outputs could include outdated code information or incorrect guidance, creating critical safety gaps.
In a recent FireRescue1 article, two UL Solutions experts — Bruce Johnson, regulatory services manager, and Robert Marshall, senior regulatory engineer — examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to shape how information is created and used across the fire service. The article answers these key questions:
How is AI currently being used in the fire service?
AI is used informally across the fire service for tasks like studying for promotional exams, drafting training programs and policies, and summarizing code requirements. Inspectors and fire marshals can use it to generate checklists and organize research. Even without formal adoption, these outputs are influencing real work tied to training, planning and compliance.
What is the biggest risk with AI-generated information?
Many AI tools produce responses that sound clear and authoritative but are not fact-checked or current. They can reflect outdated codes, ignore recent changes or apply general guidance incorrectly. Because AI-generated information is presented with confidence, it can be difficult to recognize when it is incomplete or wrong.
Why does this matter in the fire service specifically?
Fire service decisions depend on accurate, up-to-date information. Codes and safety practices change as new risks are identified, and AI tools do not indicate when they are relying on older guidance. Outdated information that does not reflect current best practices can have negative impacts on inspections, training and emergency response.
How do emerging risks like battery energy storage systems highlight this challenge?
Real-world fire incidents have led to significant changes in safety guidance for battery energy storage systems. AI tools can potentially generate responses based on earlier or outdated assumptions about these systems, without reflecting updated codes or response strategies. Therefore, it is vitally important to fact-check all AI-generated responses. Information about emerging risks can impact how firefighters are trained or how incidents are approached.
How is AI being evaluated from a broader safety perspective?
As AI is used more widely across industries, there is increasing focus on how AI systems are evaluated for reliability and risk. Efforts like UL 3115, the Outline of Investigation for Safety of AI-Based Products, reflect a broader approach to assessing how AI systems are used, where human oversight is needed and how risks from incorrect or unintended outputs can be managed.
What is the key takeaway for fire service leaders?
AI is already influencing how information is created and trusted. To support safety and maintain public trust, its use needs to be guided by clear expectations, validated against current standards and grounded in professional judgment.
Where can I learn more?
Read the full article in FireRescue1: AI can support the fire service — but only if safety leads.
Information about UL Solutions’ services for independent evaluation of AI-enabled products to support safer deployment is available on the UL 3115 service page at UL.com.