As communities around the world face increasing fire risks, the importance of proactive fire prevention and public safety education has never been greater. Recognising excellence in this field, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Jared C. Nisch, Fire Marshal for the City of Lansing, Michigan, as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 NFPA Fire Marshal of the Year Award.
Nisch will be honoured during the Stars at Night awards gala on 21 June at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, one of the world’s leading gatherings for fire, electrical, and life safety professionals.
The award recognises fire code enforcement professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting fire safety through education, community partnerships, and innovative risk-reduction initiatives. Nisch was selected for his forward-thinking approach that has transformed the role of the fire marshal’s office from a traditional enforcement function into a community-centred resource focused on preventing fires before they occur.
Among his key achievements is the launch of Lansing Fire Department’s first comprehensive smoke alarm programme, aimed at improving household fire protection and reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities. He has also developed targeted fire and life safety education programmes for older adults, one of the city’s most vulnerable populations, helping to address specific risks faced by senior citizens.
Nisch has further strengthened community engagement through public outreach events and interactive fire safety education initiatives, including the introduction of an inflatable fire safety house that provides practical fire prevention lessons for children and families. These efforts have helped increase public awareness while building stronger relationships between the fire department and the communities it serves.
While the award recognises achievements in the United States, its significance extends far beyond North America. Across Africa, where rapid urbanisation, informal settlements, electrical fire incidents, and limited public awareness continue to contribute to fire-related losses, there is growing recognition that prevention and education are as important as emergency response.
Many African fire services are increasingly investing in community outreach, fire safety campaigns, smoke detection awareness, and risk-based inspection programmes to reduce the devastating social and economic impacts of fires. The work being recognised by the NFPA highlights how proactive fire prevention strategies can save lives, protect property, and reduce pressure on emergency response resources.
As African cities continue to expand and infrastructure development accelerates, lessons from successful fire prevention programmes such as those implemented in Lansing may offer valuable insights for fire authorities, municipalities, and safety professionals working to build more resilient communities.
The NFPA Fire Marshal of the Year Award is presented annually following nominations from members of the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA), recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing fire and life safety through leadership, collaboration, and community engagement.
