Presenter

Delivered by a BC Wildfire Service subject-matter expert with extensive experience in prescribed fire operations and inter-agency collaboration.

Audience

Open to all fire service, emergency management, First Nations and local government personnel involved in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) preparedness, mitigation, or operations.

No formal prerequisites – just an interest in understanding how prescribed fire can be safely and effectively integrated into modern fire service practice.

Overview

This half-day Summit Lab examines the role of prescribed fire and cultural fire practices in today’s landscape and how these approaches can inform training, planning, and operational readiness within the fire service.

Drawing from BCWS field experience, the session explores how planned fire – when applied safely and strategically – supports ecosystem health, community protection, and wildfire resilience. While not presented from an Indigenous lens, the session acknowledges and supports the foundational role of Indigenous fire stewardship, and the lessons discussed are broadly applicable across all fire management contexts.

Learning Focus

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of how prescribed fire contributes to community and landscape resilience.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate prescribed fire awareness and training into local fire department and agency programs.
• Explore examples of successful coordination between BCWS, local governments, and Indigenous partners.
• Discuss operational readiness, safety, and leadership considerations when supporting planned fire initiatives in WUI settings.

Format

A half-day, interactive workshop combining expert presentation, group discussion, and scenario-based reflection. Participants will leave with practical insight into integrating prescribed fire principles into local planning, training, and operational frameworks.

Presenter

Delivered by a BC Wildfire Service aviation and operations specialist with extensive experience in airtanker coordination, retardant application, and air–ground integration during WUI incidents.

Audience

Open to all fire service, emergency management, First Nations, and local government personnel in fireline or supporting leadership roles, as well as those with an interest in understanding how airtanker operations contribute to effective WUI response.

No formal prerequisites are required – the session is designed to both introduce and reinforce key concepts for a wide range of operational leaders and partners.

Overview

This half-day Summit Lab provides a clear, operational look at how airtankers can be used to greatest effect in Wildland Urban Interface incidents. The session explores how fixed-wing resources support ground strategies, enhance firefighter safety, and contribute to coordinated suppression and structure defense efforts.

Participants will examine how airtankers fit within overall tactical planning, communication flow, and resource management, and how understanding their capabilities helps optimize operational outcomes in rapidly changing conditions.

Learning Focus

Participants will:

• Gain a practical understanding of airtanker roles, capabilities, and limitations in WUI operations.
• Explore how to integrate airtanker support into ground strategies for structure defense and perimeter control.
• Strengthen communication and coordination between ground and aerial resources.
• Review case studies demonstrating effective airtanker use in complex WUI environments.
• Reinforce key leadership and decision-making principles for operating safely and effectively alongside air operations.

Format

A half-day, interactive workshop combining expert presentation, facilitated discussion, and scenario-based learning. Participants will leave with enhanced understanding and confidence in incorporating airtanker operations into WUI tactical and strategic planning.