ANNUAL REPORT
2025 2025
MESSAGE FROM IAWF PRESIDENT
ABOUT US, HISTORY
International Association of Wildland Fire
LEADERSHIP/COMMITTEES
Executive Committee | Board of Directors
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS & PARTNERS
AWARDS
Recipients | IAWF Scholarships
Message from IAWF President
You are welcome and have a place and a voice in the IAWF. Professionalism is how we operate, but it’s not exclusive.
While writing this introduction to the IAWF Annual Report for 2025, after my first year as President, my thoughts and feelings were very much about belonging, gratitude and servant leadership
The IAWF is well-established as a leading professional association in global wildland fire management and has been serving members and the wildland fire community with knowledge, communication and professional development activities for 35 years But what is a professional association? In our context, the only requirement for membership is an interest in wildland fire management Our members include Indigenous fire stewards, chief officers, agency practitioners, planners, fire ecologists, technologists, aviators, researchers, volunteer firefighters, communicators, foresters and others Whether you ’ re a faller, professor, dozer operator, director-general or pilot, you are welcome and have a place and a voice in the IAWF.Professionalism is how we operate, but it’s not exclusive.
At the start of 2025, I set four strategic priorities:
Global positioning and influence
Member value, attraction and retention
Good governance including ESG factors
Financial health and sustainability
2025 has seen the IAWF produce a special edition of Wildfire magazine with the Arctic Council to shine a spotlight on the issues in that region which are globally important yet little understood. I attended the UN Global Fire Management Hub Plenary in Rome, along with several past presidents, current and former directors, and members.The IAWF continues to collaborate with the UN Fire Hub about how we can work together for a better future and bring IAWF expertise across all aspects of integrated fire management to communities and policy makers on all continents. We’ve maintained our valuable partnerships with organisations in Canada, Spain, the USA and Australia. With our revamped online communications platform Wildfire Today, we are now able to share articles and information in numerous international and regional languages.
In 2025 we produced an organisational membership prospectus to be more proactive in including and recognizing a broader range of members Diverse non-government fire, community and natural resource management organisations, and corporate entities involved in aviation and equipment, are just as much a part of the wildland fire community as government agencies and research institutions. Our members constantly provide input and guidance.At every IAWF event, many members volunteer their time and energy to contribute to planning, reviewing program content and working behind the scenes, and give us feedback on how to improve.Attracting, involving and retaining members, hearing their voices, and improving representation, services and value, is our ongoing commitment.
In 2025 we invited additional membership on our committees – Communications, Membership, Mentoring, Scholarships, Safety and other Awards, Long-range conference planning, Diversity, equity and inclusivity – and the response was enthusiastic, with lots of new faces and fresh ideas Our committees are our power generators and navigators, each one playing a leading role in contributing to our four strategic priorities One of the many highlights from 2025 was the launch of our Position Paper on Health and Wellbeing at the Human Dimensions Conference and Safety Summit in Calgary
The IAWF financial position is sound Our Board, Executive and Stewardship committees, and Executive Director constantly consider risk and opportunity, drawing lessons from business continuity and the provision of member services during the Covid pandemic and other disruptions, to exploring new ways to expand membership, generate revenue and maintain strategic reserves Growing our membership will allow us the connections and capacity to provide more services, benefits and value to all, while remaining true to our values of diversity, equity and inclusivity as well as promoting best practice in fire and environmental management for the prosperity and sustainability of humans and other species.
Trevor Howard
IAWF President
About IAWF
The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) is a professional membership association for wildland fire professionals. We are uniquely positioned as an independent organization with a membership that includes experts in all aspects of wildland fire management. Our independence and breadth of global membership expertise allows us to offer a neutral forum for the consideration of important, and at times controversial, wildland fire issues. Our unique membership base and organization allow us to creatively apply a full range of wildland fire knowledge to perform our mission, as stated below
The IAWF is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) professional association representing members of the global wildland fire community.
Our Mission
The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) mission is to facilitate communication and provide leadership for the wildland fire community. The IAWF was formed to promote a better understanding of wildland fire, and built on the belief that an understanding of this dynamic natural force is vital for natural resource management, for firefighter safety, and for harmonious interaction between people and their environment The Association is dedicated to communicating with the entire wildland fire community and providing a global linkage for people with a shared interest in wildland fire and comprehensive fire management.
UNITING THE GLOBAL WILDLAND FIRE COMMUNITY
Our Vision
To be an acknowledged resource for local to global scale scientific and technical knowledge, education, networking and professional development that is depended on by members and partners in the international wildland fire community.
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1990 as a non-profit professional association with founding goals:
To represent the global wildfire community
To support wildland fire professionals and practitioners worldwide with knowledge on natural resource management
To create a network of professionals and practitioners who work in planning, managing, executing, studying, educating, and administering wildland fires
GLOBAL NETWORK
Current Board Direc Canada, USA, Irelan Portugal, Australia, Africa
A membe research educator private in
KNOWLEDGE AND LEADERSHIP
Annual Awards in fire management, early career, science, operations and safety
Annual Scholarships for students in masters
MEMBERSHIPIN41COUNTRIES
Regular conferences with concurrent global venues, programs, and audiences, with 300+ delegates in each venue plus online
Industry support through sponsorship, trade booths, and networking opportunities at every conference
Marketing and promotional opportunities in Wildfire Magazine, Wildfire Today and Fire Aviation, and Dispatch
837 members 01
45% - Manager/Practitioner
13% - Academic
- Other
- Research/Scientist
- Student
- Retired
41 countries
LUXEMBOURG
MALAYSIA
MEXICO
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
POLAND
PORTUGAL
PUERTO RICO
SLOVAKIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SWITZERLAND
TAIWAN
THAILAND
UKRAINE
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
ZIMBABWE
Board of Directors
The IAWF Board of Directors is comprised of 16 members representing six different countries around the world.
Amy Cardinal Christianson
Senior Fire Analyst Indigenous Leadership Initiative, Canada
Trevor Howard - President
National Manager, Prescribed Burning Strategy, Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC)
Kerryn Little
Research Fellow and Head of School
Research Support at the University of Birmingham
Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Idaho Power Company
Claire Lötter
Meg Dolman
Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Wildfire Services NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
Ciaran Nugent - Vice President
Center for Forest Health and Disturbance, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Athens GA
Regional Inspector, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
Manager Research and Development at Country Fire Authority Victoria, Australia
Scott Goodrick
Sarah Harris - Secretary
Joaquin Ramirez
Founder and CTO, Technosylva Inc.
Amber Lynn Scott
Assistant Professor of Organizational Communication, University of Kentucky, United States
David Shew
Retired CAL FIRE Staff Chief, Division of Planning and Risk Analysis in the California Office of the State Fire Marshal
d of Directors
Alistair Smith
Professor of wildland fire science in the College of Science at the University of Idaho
Vivien Thomson
Thomson Consulting, Cariny, Australia
Acting Executive Director Park Operations, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
N i S hens
Tamara Wall - Treasurer
Executive Director
Research professor (DRI) and Colead of the Climate Center Group at DRI
Mikel Robinson
Commitees
During 2025, standing committees included:
Stewardship Committee
Executive Committee
Communications Committee
Long Range Conference Planning Committee
Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee
Membership Committee
International Journal of Wildland Fire Advisory Committee
Mentoring Program Committee
Commitees
Communications Committee
During 2025, the IAWF Communications Committee advanced a coordinated set of initiatives to strengthen the organization’s communications infrastructure, content strategy, and global reach. The committee began the year discussing how the committee could support ongoing development of Wildfire Today as a primary digital platform for timely wildfire science, research dissemination, and practitioner-focused content, while encouraging increased engagement from researchers, IAWF members, practitioners and the private sector Parallel efforts included conducting a skills survey of the IAWF Communications Committee to inform future communications priorities, aligning committee planning with the forthcoming IAWF Strategic Plan, and contributing guidance on organizational partnerships and sponsorship criteria to ensure alignment with IAWF values. The survey showed that committee members are located around the globe and offer an impressive skill set from a range of different occupations across academia, government, not-for-profit and the private sector.
A significant focus of the committee’s work at the end of this year centered on advising and supporting the multi-year transition of Wildfire Magazine from print to a sustainable, digital-first model This included discussions on content distribution, advertiser metrics, archiving and indexing, platform selection, and phased implementation through 2026. In addition, the committee supported communications planning for major IAWF conferences, explored expanded use of multimedia content, livestreaming opportunities, and watch-party models to increase conference access, and advanced the formation of a DEI-aligned social media working group to strengthen inclusive outreach and engagement across IAWF communication channels
Long Range Conference Planning Committee
The primary aim of the LRCP committee in 2025 was to establish a 10-year conference schedule and strategically consider the timing and location of key conferences through a risk lens Beyond this, the rich skill base and experience of the IAWF members of this committee led us to discuss how the LRCP committee and the knowledge of its members can be best utilised to serve the IAWF strategically beyond the conference schedule, particularly considering future partnerships and creative opportunities for IAWF beyond our major conferences. Shaping the LRCP’s future role in alignment with the IAWF’s strategic plan will be a major focus for the beginning of 2026.
Membership Committee
In 2025, the Membership Committee continued its focus on both recruitment and retention. We launched a new member forum designed to encourage idea sharing and networking, and we anticipate continued growth of this platform in 2026 The committee also introduced the “Why I Am an IAWF Member” campaign, encouraging members to submit short videos for use on social media to help highlight the value of belonging to the IAWF
In addition, the committee developed a comprehensive plan set to be implemented in 2026 to enhance the onboarding experience and strengthen engagement with new members We also created and distributed a survey to both current and prospective members to gather insights on how we can better serve our community and attract new participants The results of this survey will guide much of our work in 2026
Mentoring Committee
In 2025, the Mentoring Committee successfully facilitated two six month mentoring cycles, running from January to June and July to December A total of forty two participants took part in the program Feedback from both mentors and mentees was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the program ’ s continued value. Participation and engagement continue to grow each year, reinforcing the committee’s commitment to supporting professional development across the organization.
Collaborative Programs and Partners
IAWF strongly believes in collaboration to build strength, influence important issues, and advance solutions We continue to seek collaborative opportunities, sustain and build collaborative efforts, and work with others to accomplish important goals Partnering with other organizations enables us to better accomplish common objectives, synergizes shared efforts, capitalizes on different expertise, and creates strategic alliances
Forest Fire Management Group Australia and New Zealand
MBER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WILDLAND FIRE CIENCE
Stephen Pyne
eritus Professor, Arizona State University
INTERNATIONAL WILDLAND FIRE SAFETY AWARD
Steve Lemon
British Columbia Wildfire Service
FIRE BREAK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FIRE MANAGEMENT
Julianne Baumann
Brandherde, Germany
EARLY CAREER AWARD IN FIRE OPERATIONS
Nico Semsch
SKV Nordost, Germany
EARLY CAREER AWARD IN FIRE SCIENCE
Xinyan Huang
Associate Professor, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Scholarships 2025
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Javier Freire Herrera
PhD Candidate | Environmental Health Science School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Shyloh van Delft
MSc Student, Wildlife Ecology & Management, University of Alberta, in Partnership with Yukon University
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
EMBRACING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Our Policy Being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization enables the International Association of Wildland Fire to learn from others, grow our understanding, and find new ways to address, understand and implement solutions to complex problems.
The IAWF desires to maintain a positive, empowering, inclusive and innovative culture that enables all members of the fire community to feel safe and valued when contributing to the IAWF. We want to operate in a flexible and open manner to meet our membership’s needs and to help members achieve their fullest potential.
STATEMENT OF VALUES AND INTENTION
The IAWF fosters global communication and leadership on wildland fire issues through a neutral, inclusive platform. Dedicated to advancing understanding, research, safety, professional development and ethical practices, the IAWF emphasizes the importance of wildland fire for resource management and harmonious human-environment interactions
IAWF expects members and participants to uphold values such as leadership, diversity, inclusion, respect, and honesty while refraining from discrimination, harassment, or violence. Professional, considerate behavior is required at all times, and violations of these principles are not tolerated.
Our Principles
We live our diversity, equity and inclusion values when our people: leverage the experience and ideas of others embrace different viewpoints feel they belong and know their unique contribution is valued have equal opportunity to participate
connect synergistically with our diverse membership and broader fire community to understand their needs.
IAWF Conferences
Protecting People, Empowering Communities.
18th International Wildland Fire Safety Summit and 7th Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire Conference
The IAWF’s Wildfire Summit took place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from October 20-23, 2025. The event brought together wildland fire management agencies, Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, trainers, and collaborators from around the world to discuss wildland fire safety, management, and the human factors involved
The conference focused on sharing cutting-edge research, best practices, and innovative approaches to wildland fire challenges, particularly amid increasing impacts on people, biodiversity, landscapes, and infrastructure.
A field trip to Banff National Park was a highlight.
Videos of the presentations and photographs are online for wider viewing.
Communications
WILDFIRE MAGAZINE
Wildfire is published quarterly for IAWF members and for the greater global wildland fire community.
The magazine (online and print) serves as a storytelling and network building platform, exemplifying the IAWF role as a supporter and unifier of wildland fire professionals across the world
For more than 30 years, Wildfire stands as the only publication capturing wildland fire professional experience, expertise and insights
By sharing stories, challenges, research, setbacks, solutions, perspectives, and progress, we can connect, learn, and be inspired.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WILDLAND FIRE (IJWF)
The International Journal of Wildland Fire is published on behalf of the IAWF by CSIRO Publishing. The Journal is open access and publishes articles on a continuous publication model. Articles advance basic and applied research concerning wildland fire.
In2025,thecommitteewelcomedtwonewmembers:AmberLynnScottandAlistair Smith.TheTermsofReferencewerealsoupdatedtoreflectevolvingprioritiesand responsibilities StefanDoerrandMartinGirardincontinuedtoserveasCo-Editorsin-Chief,providingexceptionalleadershipforthejournal.Martinmarkedhisfirstyear intheroleandsharedhisreflectionsinapublishedcommentary,Oneyearin: reflectionsfromtheIJWFCo-Editor-in-Chief(Readhere)
CSIROPublishingmaintaineditsroleasthejournal’spublisher,deliveringoutstanding managementandsupport.Asignificantmilestonewasthesuccessfultransitiontothe ConnectScionlineplatform,whichhasbeenwellreceivedbyauthorsandreaders alike.Notably,2025wasthejournal’sstrongestyearforsubmissions,with contributionsprimarilyfromtheUnitedStates,Australia,China,Canada,andthe UnitedKingdom
Effortstobroadenthejournal’sreachintensifiedthisyear IJWF,throughCSIRO Publishing,launchedaBlueSkyaccounttopromotecontentandengagewiththe community.Additionally,theInternationalAssociationofWildlandFire(IAWF)began summarizingIJWFarticlesfordistributionviaWildfireTodayNews,significantly expandingreadershipandimpact
2025wasayearofgrowthandsuccessforIJWFoverseenbytheIAWFIJWFEditorial AdvisoryCommittee,markedbystrengthenedleadership,enhancedvisibility,and record-breakingsubmissions.Thecommitteelooksforwardtobuildingonthese achievementsinthecomingyear.
WILDFIRE TODAY
Wildfire Today/Fire Aviation is our online news site dedicated to wildland fire and aerial firefighting around the world.
The site was founded in 2008 by Bill Gabbert, a long-serving and dedicated United States fire manager, who handed them to the IAWF before his death in 2023.
News topics include insights into major wildland fires, firefighter health and safety, community safety, prescribed fire, new science and technology advancements, Indigenous and cultural burning and land management, and the funding, resourcing and maintaining of wildland fire operations across the globe. And more.
In 2025, the IAWF rebuilt, refreshed and relaunched Wildfire Today drawing from the breadth of knowledge and resources of the global IAWF membership and the expertise gained from publishing Wildfire magazine and the International Journal of Wildland Fire.
The site sources quality, diverse and fact-based content providing a range of views from experts in operations and practices, and in the academic and research community. Plus, comments from readers
The site is accessible in five language and is supported by advertising from relevant industries including aerial firefighting companies, clothing and equipment suppliers.
Social Media
The IAWF actively communicates with its membership and to wildland fire communities around the globe through social mediaFacebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn.
The most popular posts include articles on research and wildland fire operations from our magazine and journal Popular topics include fire behaviour, smoke, climate and leadership.
IAWF conferences, awards and appointments are also wellsupported
NUMBER OF FOLLOWERS: IAWF, IJWF AND WILDFIRE TODAY
36,000 33,000
590
7,500 300
Finances
Our goal is to increase membership to cover more of the association’s expenses and reduce dependence on conference revenue.
Revenue from conferences could then be directed at new initiatives that benefit our membership.
Revenue
Revenue for the IAWF comes from membership dues, royalties from IJWF, Wildfire magazine advertising, conferences, grants and cooperative agreements. IAWF is reliant on revenue from conferences to balance the budget.
IAWFRevenue2025