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 last September highlight the impact of fires even to those who might not live directly near areas with major fires. After devastating fire seasons in 2018 and 2020, the 2021 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 are set to spend just under $2 billion in 2021.

The Wildfire Management Online Summit, taking place digitally this December 14-15, 2021 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. Our Summit will use the innovative online conference platform OnAir, which provides capabilities for social media like networking and live Q+A with our esteemed speakers. Join us and participate in the premier forum for interfacing with key government, industry, and research personnel across the wildfire space.