5. Outlook and Harmonization

The future of fire statistics hinges on two key factors: the consolidation of existing databases and their integration into a harmonized system at the European and international levels. Several priority areas are emerging to achieve this goal.

The first challenge concerns terminological and methodological alignment, which is essential for ensuring data comparability. The adoption of ISO standards, particularly the ISO 17755 series, provides a structural framework that must be progressively implemented by Member States. This convergence requires the establishment of a common set of variables, as defined by EU FireStat, and the definition of shared protocols for counting delayed deaths, classifying injuries, and handling missing data. The expected publication in a few years of ISO/TS 17755-3 on data collection methods represents a decisive step, pending the development...