2025 Georgia Fire Safety Symposium
June 23 – 27, 2025
GPSTC Forsyth Main Campus
Pre-register today!
Inspections Track
Monday, June 23
Current State of Lithium-Ion Batteries
This presentation will discuss multiple aspects of what batteries are, how they are made, different battery technologies, Electric Vehicles, Battery Energy Storage Systems, E-micro mobility batteries, ICC, NFPA, & FM codes and standards related to batteries and battery systems and an in-depth dive into how we protect batteries.
Fire Inspector’s Introduction to In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems
Upon completion of this training, the Fire Inspector shall have a basic understanding of ERCES IFC and NFPA requirements. Understand the site survey report and identify the pros and cons of various site surveys. Have a basic understanding of when a system is required or may not be required. Be able to understand basic concepts of Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems and be able to identify major components of a deployed system. Provide a basic understanding of the review, acceptance, and commissioning requirements and process. In the end, be able to conduct a basic inspection of an installed system.
Tuesday, June 24
Advances in Computational Egress Modeling – Critical Life Safety Update
The presentation will cover the background and history of calibrated data versus default data for computational egress models, outline the hand collection methodology of data, and the new advanced technology that can rapidly decrease time consumption and increase accuracy for the collection of that data.
Advancing Fire Inspections and Instant Reports to Your RMS
Through advances in use of AI, Flash Inspector will raise awareness of new patent pending technology that eliminates report generation and allows swift review of reports, movement of reports straight to your existing RMS systems, and mine data for Community Risk Assessments. This presentation will cover the technology development process, the key parameters available, and how the technology aims to eliminate report writing and align with your existing RMS. Through speeding up the administrative portion – the goal of the technology is to allow inspectors to inspect more and reduce risk.
Fire & Smoke Rated Fabrics/Curtains
This seminar is structured to acquaint the design team with basic building code requirements that drive the use of flexible fabric fire and smoke rated wide span opening protectives.
Wednesday, June 25
Fire Door Inspections – Roles and Responsibilities
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of those who are involved and how they affect life safety.
Fire Pump Acceptance Testing and Installation Standards
Broad overview of NFPA 20 and NEC 695; Installation requirements for fire pumps and controllers; Difference in fire pump controllers; Backup power requirements; and Fire Pump acceptance testing. Hands on demo of a fire pump start up inspection.
NFPA 241 Program and NFPA Update
NFPA update, as well as a discussion on Construction Fires and NFPA 241, The Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration and Demolition Operations. Attendees will be provided with an overall understanding of NFPA 241, recent tragedies, recent wins, and how the enforcement of 241 can help mitigate construction fires.
Thursday, June 26
NFPA 13, 72, and 101 Code Update: 2018 to 2024 for Fire Inspectors
This course provides fire inspectors with an in-depth overview of the significant updates to NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, from the 2018 edition through to the 2024 edition. The training is structured in a two-step process: first, covering the changes from the 2018 edition to the 2021 edition, followed by an exploration of the updates from the 2021 edition to the 2024 edition. Participants will learn about key revisions, new requirements, and clarifications within each version, focusing on how these changes impact inspection protocols and compliance. This course will equip fire inspectors with the latest information to effectively apply and enforce the updated NFPA 101 standards in the field, ensuring life safety in various occupancies. We will also cover the changes to NFPA 13 and 72 to the respective 2021 editions.
Fire Inspector Training: NFPA 17A & NFPA 96
This course provides fire inspectors with essential knowledge and practical guidance for evaluating and enforcing fire safety standards related to commercial cooking operations. Focused on NFPA 17A (Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems) and NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations), this training covers the requirements for the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of wet chemical fire suppression systems and cooking ventilation systems. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of fire hazards in commercial kitchens and the inspector’s role in ensuring compliance with these critical fire safety standards. Upon completion, inspectors will be equipped to conduct thorough inspections and enforce codes to protect life and property from fire risks in commercial cooking environments.
Friday, June 27
NFPA 1030 Update: Understanding the Major Changes
This course provides an in-depth review of the significant changes introduced in the NFPA 1030 standard, including the discontinuance of Fire Inspector II and the creation of the First Responder Inspector role. Participants will explore how these updates impact fire inspection, code enforcement, and emergency response responsibilities. The course will cover the restructuring of fire prevention competencies, new qualification requirements, and the integration of first responders into fire inspection duties.
Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and practical applications, students will gain a clear understanding of how these changes affect their roles and responsibilities. This course is essential for fire inspectors, code enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and fire service leaders who need to stay compliant with the latest NFPA standards.
Investigations Track
Monday, June 23
Human Bone Identification
Human bone identification is a key part of fire investigation. In this course, you will learn the basics of human vs animal bone identification, recognition of thermal damage to bone, and recovery methods for a variety of fire scenes. This course is 4 hours and will have a combination of lecture and hands-on activities.
Hot Surface Ignitions
The course is designed to equip the investigator with the proper skills and knowledge required to properly determine the cause of an fire or explosion incident. The course discusses the proper use of the scientific methodology used to test fire cause hypotheses and ignition sequences. The course discusses actual test data to assist the investigator in determining – does the heat source being hypothesized produce sufficient heat to ignite the identified first fuel?
Tuesday, June 24
Fire Investigations Overview
During this presentation we will discuss the following topics:
- Fire Terminology
- Fire Chemistry
- Scientific Method
- Systematic Approach
- Data Collection
- Scene Examination / Documentation
Wednesday, June 25
Case Study (Interaction on Actual Case Files)
This presentation is designed to interact on actual case files. This will include Forensic and Scientific Testing (FAST).
Forensic and Scientific Testing (FAST)
During this presentation we will discuss the following topics:
- What is evidence and how can the lab work for you in your investigation.
- Collection methods.
- Containers / Bags for evidence.
- How to interrupt your lab results.
- Canine Units and Fire Investigation.
Thursday, June 26
IED Awareness and Intro to Post Blast Investigations
This is an intro to a basic post blast investigations course. The focus of this course is to provide an awareness level instruction on explosives identification and applications, explosives effects, IED component recognition and evidence collection. Case studies of post blast investigations will be covered.
Friday, June 27
Art of Forensic Identification
Kelly Lawson of the GBI details through case examples the value of composite and reconstruction drawings in modern investigations. She provides detailed explanations of the services offered at the Georgia Bureau of Investigations’ Forensic Artist Unit and shows through example cases how they have been used to identify suspects and unnamed decedents.
Education Track
Monday, June 23
Bridging the Gap Between CRR and Emergency Response Efforts
This presentation is a dynamic interactive program that is aimed at discussing strategies and tactics that will help bridge the gaps between CRR and emergency response efforts. The presenter will challenge the group to engage in focused real-world conversation about the struggles of CRR and why there are still limited support for these programs. The focus will then shift to how a transformational leadership approach may assist with CRR program development and community outreach. Finally, we will have an open discussion on earning fire department leadership support, with a few bonus tips on what the presenter believes are trust winning strategies to get the Fire Chief to buy in to supporting a robust community risk reduction program for the community.
4-H Youth Emergency Team: A Collaboration for Community Resilience
The Youth Emergency Team (YET) is a collaboration for teaching community resilience to teens, ages 11-18. Nassau County 4-H leads the program with collaboration with many subject matter experts and community partners. This program is customizable to fit the needs and resources of any community. Do you have a hard time reaching the teens in your community? Look no further than setting up your own YET group!
Props and Reels With Scout & Goose
This fun and hands on class will get you thinking outside of the box and provide you with the knowledge to create fire and life safety props to use while educating on a small budget. You will learn how we create, film, and edit our Scout & Goose social media reels. While in class, you will have the opportunity to create and edit your own social media reel. This is a fun and interactive class.
Tuesday, June 24
Creating Successful School Partnerships
Charlotte is the largest cities in North Carolina using distinct approaches to effectively reach schools through partnerships and intentional communication materials. Through developed, meaningful, and maintained relationships, not only are schools able to reach their curriculum goals, but the fire department can meet theirs as well.
Is It Time to LAW-Yer Up?
Traditional senior resource fairs can be overwhelming and often lack meaningful engagement. Living & Aging Wisely (L.A.W. School) transforms these fairs into interactive learning experiences designed to equip older adults with the knowledge and resources they need to live independently and safely. This presentation will explore how L.A.W. School fosters community partnerships, provides expert-led sessions, and addresses high-risk topics such as fall and fire prevention, financial security, mental wellness, and safe driving. Learn how this innovative, adaptable program can be implemented in your community to better serve and empower older adults.
Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention Programs and Resources
This training course will explore the current youth firesetting prevention and intervention practices developed by the National Fire Academy and utilized by the Charlotte Fire Department, with a focus on equipping fire service personnel, community organizations, and other stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to address youth firesetting behavior effectively.
Safe Kids, Strong Communities: Effective and Innovative Strategies for Injury Prevention
Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children and teens. The good news is that through community outreach, education, resource distribution, and advocacy these injuries can be prevented. This session will explore the top causes of fatal injuries in children and teens along with strategies and resources to prevent them.
Wednesday, June 25
Fire Prevention Week Is on the Way
Lets take a look at resources, ways to educate the public and also the many cool aspects of this new topic.
Know About CO and NFPA Updates
Learn about resources to help fight against the invisible killer. This session will feature trainings for first responders and resources to share with the public. lets learn about the resources to help you keep your community safe and see the emerging fire safety issues we need to make sure we are addressing.
Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention: Educational Intervention
In this presentation, attendees will examine the contents of an educational intervention for a youth firesetter intervention program.
Thursday, June 26
Challenges of Responding to Fires Involving Animals
Fires in animal facilities, homes, and barns affect animals as well as people – where animals are commonly encountered by fire departments. Understanding why fires in these occupancies are so difficult to respond to, why it is important to assist animals exposed to fire and smoke, and what potential dangers to personnel are involved. Programs for basic education of pet and horse owners exist but are not commonly provided by the fire service – in this presentation we will explore avenues of outreach and education for educators.
From Boomers to Gen Alpha: Tailoring Prevention Education for Every Generation
In today’s multi-generational society, effective prevention education requires an understanding of the unique characteristics and preferences of different age groups. This course is designed to equip public safety educators with the knowledge and skills needed to engage and educate individuals across generations. Participants will explore the defining traits the varying generations and learn how these traits influence learning styles and engagement.
Fall Prevention for Community Risk Reduction
This presentation is designed to provide an example of a current Community Risk Reduction program that is currently operating in the City of Valdosta. The collaborative CRR program includes the local hospital nurses, occupational therapists and others to provide a full service approach to preventing falls in our jurisdiction.
UL Residential Alarm Changes and Updates
This session will cover updates on the UL 8th and 9th edition alarms. This session will also update on the upcoming UL carbon monoxide alarm change for 2026.
Friday, June 27
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Overview
This class is designed to give participants an overall view of the behavioral threat assessment process and an overview of the full length BTAM course, as well as next steps for team support and creation.
Overview of the New Caregiver Program Updates
The new Caregiver Program has been meticulously updated to cater to the varying needs of different facilities, ensuring that caregivers receive the most relevant and comprehensive education. This program not only covers fundamental caregiving skills but also integrates essential knowledge about safety and compliance tailored to each type of facility.