The Canadian Wildfire Conference is three weeks away. If you are part of Canada’s wildfire suppression efforts, now is a good time to gather, reflect and learn from seasons past, peers and leaders. Join us
October 1-2 in
Kelowna, B.C., for a two-day event where you can network, hear ideas for now and the future, and explore the latest in wildfire fighting equipment and apparatus.
Want a sneak peek? Check out a preview below!
Day 1
Keynote: The New World Order of Weather
The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire was a preview of what’s to come, shares best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist John Vaillant. Fire has been both an ally in our evolution and a volatile threat. Hear lessons from the front lines and how climate is shaping the new world order of weather and wildfire suppression.
Speaker: John Vaillant, Author, Fire Weather, The Making of a Beast
Indigenous Stewardship, First Nations Needs
How can municipalities and agencies better engage with and learn from Indigenous forest management, and also better understand the unique risks Indigenous communities face?
Speaker: Blaine Wiggins, Chief Operating Officer, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
Panel: Innovations in Structure Protection
Exploring structure protection and operational support during interface wildfires, how air operators and municipal fire departments can work closer together, and what strategies and tactics are leading the way on the front lines.
Speakers:
- Larry Watkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, Kelowna
- Robert Gallagher, CEO, Coldstream Helicopters
- Sean Rickards, Director of Operations, Yellowhead Helicopters
Mental Health and Fatigue Management
Wildfires are a uniquely long battle for firefighters and carry unique risks. The toll can be tremendous. How can fire departments, agencies, and the aviation sector best support their personnel’s mental health and wellbeing?
Speaker: Steve Farina, Firefighter, Mental Health Advocate, former Executive Vice President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) and represented BCPFFA on the BC First Responder Mental Health Committee
Day 2
BC Wildfire’s 2025 Round-Up
BC Wildfire Service will share its reflections and lessons from 2025’s wildfire season.
What is a Burn Boss?
What is a Burn Boss? Assistant Chief Dennis Craig and Wildland Fire Ecologist Colleen Ross will share how the City of Kelowna has developed their burn program and is using prescribed fire and other operational assets to meet land management objectives.
Speakers:
- Dennis Craig, Assistant Fire Chief – Mitigation & Prevention, City of Kelowna
- Colleen Ross, Wildland Fire Ecologist
Panel: The Future of Wildfire Suppression, Detection
Deep dive into the technological and strategic innovations in key areas like initial attack, structure protection, training, command and control.
Speakers:
- Mike Larsson, Fire Chief, Penticton
- Travis Mizera, General Manager, Airborne Energy Solutions
- Shane Palmer, Director of Operations, VIH Helicopters
- J.J. Lum, Aviation Specialist, BC Wildfire Service
Register today and join us for this two-day conference uniting ground and air.
