When Will AI Replace Ingénieurs en prévention et protection incendie ?

The impact of AI on Fire Prevention and Protection Engineers will unfold in distinct phases. Early effects are projected from early 2026, with mid-level roles experiencing significant shifts by mid-2028. By late 2030, the integration of AI will be widespread, fundamentally altering the profession.

The initial wave, beginning in early 2026, will heavily affect junior engineers (0-3 years). Tasks like routine calculations and basic design, previously taking hours, can now be completed by AI tools in minutes, leading to a substantial reduction in manual effort.

By mid-2028, mid-level engineers (4-7 years) who lack specialized expertise in complex systems or performance-based design will face job market compression. AI's growing capabilities in analysis and verification will reshape demand for these roles.

Junior engineers focusing on routine calculations and basic design work are most at risk, with AI tools capable of performing these tasks rapidly. Mid-level engineers without specialized skills in complex systems, performance-based design, or forensic analysis will also see increased pressure.

Senior engineers with deep expertise in high-risk facility design, forensic fire investigation, expert witness testimony, and regulatory strategy are in a stronger position. Their complex problem-solving skills and nuanced judgment remain critical and are less susceptible to immediate automation.

To navigate these changes, focus on developing specialized expertise. Deepen your knowledge in areas like high-risk facility design (chemical plants, high-rise buildings, data centers) and forensic fire investigation.

Embrace AI tools as collaborators. Familiarize yourself with platforms like PyroSim AI, NFPA compliance automation, and AI-enhanced CAD systems to augment your capabilities and offer higher-value services, such as expert witness testimony and complex regulatory strategy.