Relevance of Fire Protection Industry
Despite not receiving as much media attention as earthquakes or hurricanes, urban fires in Mexico have a significant human and economic impact. Over the past decade, urban fires have increased by 10% annually and now account for 31% of all disasters in the country, causing 27% of mortality associated with smoke and toxic gases.
Industry Leaders’ Demand
The fire protection industry, led by the Mexican Association of Automatic Sprinklers Against Fire (AMRACI) and the National Council for Fire Protection (CONAPCI), has called for greater visibility, investment, and an urgent update to the regulatory framework.
“We represent nearly 70% of the fire protection industry in Mexico, impacting all economic activities. However, we are still viewed as a cost rather than a crucial factor for business continuity and human safety,” stated Víctor Espinosa Llaguno, general director of both organizations.
Industry’s Significance
The sector generates approximately 40,000 jobs and represents an estimated value of $100 million annually. With a modern, comprehensive regulatory framework, the industry has the potential to grow by 10% annually.
However, Espinosa emphasized that “the lack of updated regulations results in annual losses of up to 34 billion pesos, not including social, environmental, and public health costs associated with fires.”
Outdated Regulatory Framework
Currently, Mexico only has one Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) related to workplace fire safety, issued by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social in 2010 and never updated.
The Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil emerged following the 1985 earthquakes, but the Atlas of Risks does not address fire-related issues as it does for hurricanes.
Expo Fire & Safety
After eight years in Mexico City, Expo Fire & Safety 2025 will take place at Expo Guadalajara from October 27-29.
The event will gather over 5,000 attendees from 16 countries, featuring 240 stands across 8,000 square meters. It is the third most important fire safety exhibition globally, following editions in the United States and Germany.
“This gathering not only brings together the global industry but also opens a space for discussion to build a national agenda for comprehensive safety. It will serve as a platform to promote clear, modern, and sufficient regulations, with Jalisco state leading the way,” Espinosa explained.
During the event, strategic topics such as secure material storage, electromobility and lithium-ion battery risks, high-rise and mixed-use buildings, and urban infrastructure challenges due to vertical growth will be addressed.
The exhibition will unite key players from the entire value chain: manufacturers, consultants, insurers, local and federal authorities, fire departments, universities, and the industry at large.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of fire safety regulations in Mexico? There is only one outdated Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) related to workplace fire safety, issued in 2010 and never updated.
- What impact do urban fires have on Mexico? Urban fires account for 31% of all disasters in Mexico and cause 27% of mortality associated with smoke and toxic gases.
- What is the fire protection industry’s significance in Mexico? The industry generates approximately 40,000 jobs and represents an estimated value of $100 million annually. It has the potential to grow by 10% with a modern, comprehensive regulatory framework.
- What will be discussed at Expo Fire & Safety 2025? Strategic topics include secure material storage, electromobility and lithium-ion battery risks, high-rise and mixed-use buildings, and urban infrastructure challenges due to vertical growth.
