In the face of a changing climate and the increased frequency and power of wildfires, the need to effectively mitigate and manage their start and spread has grown more and more evident. There is a persistent need for emergency managers and firefighters across the United States and the world to be prepared and equipped to respond effectively to the latest disasters to prevent casualties and damage to property, infrastructure and ecosystems.

Images of cities in the Western US blanketed in smoky orange fog in 2020 highlight the impact of fires even to those who might not live directly near areas with major fires. After devastating fire seasons in 2018, 2020 and 2021, the 2022 Fire Season is shaping up to be a challenge as well. Fires in the United States have already burned over 3.4 million acres and killed two firefighters. Wildfires across Southern Europe in Turkey, Greece and Italy have killed 8 people so far.

With wildfires causing 33 deaths and over $12 billion in wildfire related damage in 2020 in the US, leaders are taking note and acting accordingly. Numerous US states and the federal government are increasing budgets to respond to the growing risk of wildfires. The US federal government spends over $5 billion annually on wildfire management through various agencies including the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, while states like California were set to spend just under over $2 billion in 2021.

The Wildfire Management Summit, taking place in-person this April 25-27 2022, aims to promote collaboration, coordination and communication across the varied agencies involved in wildfire management throughout the US and the world. Our speakers, events and programs will address the use of innovative strategies and emerging technologies for more efficient wildfire prediction, prevention, detection and suppression. Join us and participate at the in-person summit for interfacing with key government, industry and research personnel across the wildfire space.