Ryan Fogelman, J.D., MBA, Fire Protection Consultant at Fire Rover, has been recognized by the International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) as a Top Fire Influencer of 2025, solidifying his position as a leader in industrial and environmental fire safety. Fogelman’s recognition comes as his work highlights the escalating “vape effect” and the urgent need for systemic change to protect critical infrastructure from lithium-ion battery hazards.
Fogelman, known for publishing the seminal annual Reported 91²Ö¿â & Recycling Facility Fires reports since 2016, leveraged his decade of data to detail the severity of the crisis. His analysis shows that the average number of publicly reported fire incidents per year surged by 26 percent in the period 2022-2025 compared to the preceding six years (2016-2021). This increase is largely attributed to improperly discarded disposable vaping devices, contributing to an estimated $1.2 billion in annual damages borne unfairly by the waste and recycling industry and its insurers.
In November 2025, Fogelman took a decisive step by issuing an Open Letter to the American Tobacco Industry, urging collaboration in key areas where the waste sector cannot act alone. The letter called for product design changes, specifically urging manufacturers to create vaping devices with easily removable batteries to facilitate safe recycling, and to invest in widespread, accessible collection programs.
Fogelman’s expertise is underpinned by the proven effectiveness of the Fire Rover solution, which he helped bring to market and which has earned him one of two distinguished Edison Innovation Awards.