Thousands of firefighters gather downtown for training, FDIC

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Fire Department Instructors Conference also known as the FDIC, is happening downtown. It’s back for another year at the Indiana Convention Center.

More than 33,000 firefighters from around the world are in downtown Indianapolis this week for the event.  It’s known as the world’s largest firefighter conference. This is the 22nd year for the convention.

Expect to see firefighters everywhere as many of the drills and workshops are set up across the city.
Nearly 800 vendors are set up inside the convention center and at Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase the latest technology and services available to fire departments.

There’s also hands-on training courses and workshops for firefighters to learn how to improve in an emergency. Some of the events are open to the public. 

One of the main concerns firefighters face today is a higher risk of cancer compared to the general U.S. population as they are up to twice as likely to die from certain types. Companies like Lion are designing clothing to help fight those cancers.

If you’d like to get involved, one of the more popular events of the FDIC is the 9/11 stair climb at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is set for 1:30 p.m.. Friday.    

For a full schedule of FDIC events, click here.