California Fires and the IAWF
Amid the global wildfire challenges and changing fire regimes across the world, the current fires in California stand out as a tragedy of epic proportions.
The terrible loss of lives, homes and businesses, the broader and ongoing social, economic and environmental impacts, and the effects on firefighters and other responders are being deeply felt around the world.
Over time, there will be many findings, recommendations, improvements and changes generated through insight and hindsight. There will also be lessons to be learned regionally and globally that will require foresight to be adaptable, effective and sustainable.
Many members of the International Association of Wildland Fire, in California and beyond, will be affected by these fires, and many will contribute to learning and change. It’s also a time to reflect on the purpose of the IAWF.
The IAWF is a non-profit corporation built on the belief that an understanding of fire is vital for natural and cultural resource management, for firefighter safety and community preparedness and protection, and for harmonious interaction between people and their environment.
The IAWF has been formed to:
- create networks across sectors, fields and disciplines to connect the global wildland fire community and to facilitate sharing of latest knowledge and lessons learnt;
- create a sense of belonging and inclusiveness among our diverse and geographically dispersed wildland fire community through membership and multiple platforms;
- provide regional and international leadership and impact through partnerships that leverage the considerable expertise throughout IAWF’s networks and membership.
While this is a time for compassion and community, a different future will require courage and change and the IAWF membership is uniquely positioned to contribute.
Trevor Howard
IAWF President
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