The United Aerial Firefighting Association (UAFA) hosted its Annual Conference from November 12-14, in downtown Boise, Idaho, bringing together key stakeholders in the wildland fire industry for comprehensive discussions on industry developments and challenges. With 170 attendees, the conference saw a impressive 70% jump in participation compared to last year, highlighting the growing importance of this industry gathering.
The two-day conference featured an extensive agenda focused on strengthening collaboration among federal, state, and private sector partners in wildland firefighting operations. The first day centered on a crucial After Action Review (AAR) with federal and state agencies, including leadership from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Department of Interior's Office of Aircraft Services. State forestry representatives from Nevada and Idaho also participated in these discussions.
New UAFA Board Members, Bridger Blaine (Billings Flying Service) and Nic Lynn (Neptune Aviation Services), were elected to two-year terms, replacing Jennifer Draughon (term expired) and Tim Sheehy (resigned).
A key event at the conference was the member meeting on day two with keynote speaker, Montana Senator-elect Tim Sheehy. He emphasized the significance of the aerial and ground industry and the need for contracts which help to sustain the industry, promising to work on the issue when he joined the Senate. Idaho State Director of Lands, Dustin Miller, spoke on the need for states to be collabrative yet self-sustaining in their wildfire response. A recap of the UAFA committee activities was presented, highlighting the work towards development of a wildland fire standards of cover, a key recommendation of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.
Particularly significant were two workshops focusing on critical operational aspects: a response to accidents and incidents workshop, and a contracting workshop addressing recent changes and future expectations. These sessions aimed to enhance safety protocols and provide insight of federal government priorities the industry should plan for.
New this year was the presence of the ground industry, with the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) and Grayback Forestry providing sponsorship. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment by the UAFA and the NWSA Boards to collaborate on improvement of the entire industry.
The event also benefited from the support of sponsors 10 Tanker, AeroLeds, Billings Flying Service, Bridger Aerospace, Cirro by Airsuite, Dauntless Aviation, Firehawk Helicopters, Neptune Aviation Services, Overwatch Aero, Perimeter Solutions, PJ Helicopters, Titan Aiviation Fuels, Tracplus, Trident Sensing, Trotter Controls, and United Rotorcraft.
For more information about future UAFA events or membership, contact membership@uafa.org or visit uafa.org/contact
