Contents SPRING 2024 * Vol. 118 | No. 1 Features Dispatches page / page / 22 . Emerging Technology The AI Revolution Tools built on artificial intelligence offer a mind-boggling array of possibilities for improving public safety, from reviewing building plans to helping fire departments find efficiencies. But as advocates tout the promise of AI, others urge caution in the development of AI tools and their applications. By Jesse Roman 36 | Research Data 2.0 As soon as this year, fire departments and researchers in the U.S. may have access to a powerful new system to collect and analyze incident data in ways that haven't been possible before. Will it live up to the hype? By Jesse Roman 54 | Emerging Hazards Choppy Waters The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries and the products they power are creating serious new hazards for the global marine transport industry. Researchers are seeking answers to help stakeholders navigate the risks. By Victoria Hutchison and Matthew Barker 12 Vanishing Act Two critical fire service grant programs could disappear this year if Congress doesn't act. By Seth Statler Oddities The Bruce Willis of (the city of) Reading, a mile-high toilet mishap, and a loyal canine comes to the rescue. Ecosystem Watch A look at the latest incidents through the lens of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ Wide Shot The strongest earthquake to strike Japan in more than a decade produced widespread damage and a host of challenges for responders. Perspectives page / 30 The Roots of Risk Evidence suggests that traumatic experiences during childhood can lead people toward riskier and more dangerous behaviors later in life. Could this knowledge help public safety agencies build more effective riskreduction programs? 06 | First Word By Jim Pauley 08 | Editor's Note By Scott Sutherland 4 | NFPA JOURNAL * SPRING 2024 COVER, CHRIS GASH. THIS PAGE, ERIK JEPSON/UC SAN DIEGO