The 7th annual Canadian Wildfire Conference is set for October 28-29, 2026, at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, B.C., designed to bring together all stakeholders of wildfire suppression, including ground and air operations, suppliers, and communities through government agencies. This unique platform connects leaders from different sectors, allowing pilots and air operators to network with firefighters and fire chiefs.

On Day 1, Kim Fiddler, Aviation Specialist with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), will provide insight into the new Pan-Canadian Aerial Assets program, which is designed to strengthen national wildfire response operations, support ground crews and protect communities.

The Government of Canada in February 2026 committed $316.7 million over the next five years to bolster provincial and territorial aerial firefighting capacity, which is being directed by CIFFC. In the spring of this year, CIFFC outlined its lease of 10 aircraft and two unspecified support assets for 150 days starting in May. Fiddler will describe the current program and future plans.

The two-day Canadian Wildfire Conference features a full educational program with presentations from sector leaders, panel discussions about integration and strategies, and a trade show with dozens of top technologies and services suppliers, as well as a static display of land vehicles and aircraft on the KF Centre ramp. The Canadian Wildfire Conference is organized under the cooperation of three Annex Business Media brands, including Fire Fighting in Canada, Helicopters and Wings.