Bordeaux wildfires: What we know so far

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking NewsEvacuationIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

Bordeaux wildfires force thousands to evacuate as firefighters battle to contain flames

Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain wildfires across the Gironde region in south-west France as extreme weather conditions fuel one of the country’s most serious wildfire emergencies in recent years.

Driven by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and strong winds, the fires have spread rapidly through areas of dry vegetation and pine forest, forcing mass evacuations and placing communities across the region on alert.

Here’s what we know so far about the Bordeaux wildfires.

Where are the Bordeaux wildfires?

The largest fires are burning in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, where extensive areas of pine forest have provided significant fuel for the flames.

Authorities have reported that the main fire front has moved to within around 15 kilometres of the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Several nearby communities have been evacuated.

How many people have been evacuated?

More than 250,000 have been evacuated across the Gironde region as the fires have intensified.

How large is the fire?

Authorities estimate that approximately 42,000 hectares of land have been affected by the fires.

The combination of dry vegetation, resin-rich pine forests and strong winds is said to have allowed the flames to spread quickly.

Firefighting response

More than 2,500 firefighters have been deployed, supported by water-bombing aircraft, helicopters and military resources.

France has also received assistance from European partners as crews work to slow the spread of the fires, defend homes and critical infrastructure and prevent further expansion towards populated areas.

The scale of the response highlights the growing challenge posed by wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires, where fast-moving vegetation fires increasingly threaten communities, businesses and essential infrastructure.

What is causing the fires?

Authorities have linked the severity of the fires to a combination of prolonged drought, exceptionally high temperatures and strong winds, creating conditions where fires can ignite and spread rapidly.

While investigations into the causes of individual fires are ongoing, officials have warned that weather conditions remain the biggest challenge for firefighting operations.

Forecasters expect temperatures to remain high this week, with parts of south-west France approaching 40°C. Any increase in wind speed could further accelerate the spread of active fire fronts.

Travel disruption

The wildfires have caused widespread disruption across the Gironde region.

Several roads have been closed, with travellers advised to check the latest transport updates before setting out. Bordeaux Airport remains operational, although precautionary measures have been introduced in surrounding areas.

Government response

French President Emmanuel Macron has chaired crisis meetings as the government coordinates the national response to the wildfire emergency.

Emergency services remain on heightened alert, with additional resources deployed to protect communities and critical infrastructure as conditions continue to change.

A growing challenge for fire and rescue services

The Bordeaux wildfires are part of a wider wildfire crisis affecting several countries across southern Europe.

For fire and rescue services, the incident highlights the increasing operational challenges created by prolonged heatwaves, drought and more extreme fire behaviour. It also reinforces the need for robust wildfire preparedness, effective inter-agency coordination, aerial firefighting capability and stronger protection for communities located at the wildland-urban interface.

With hot and dry conditions expected to continue, firefighters face a challenging task in containing the fires and preventing further destruction in the days ahead.

Wildfire risk warnings issued as third heatwave approaches

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionHealth and SafetyIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

The National Fire Chiefs Council is urging the public to take extra care as prolonged hot, dry weather raises wildfire risks across the UK

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued UK wildfire risk warnings as the country enters its third heatwave since late May, with fire chiefs urging the public to take extra care outdoors to help prevent fast-spreading fires.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C across many parts of the UK this week, with some areas expected to reach around 34°C. Although the current heatwave is not expected to match the extreme temperatures seen in late June, it is forecast to last longer, increasing the likelihood of vegetation drying out and creating conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread more rapidly.

According to National Resilience data, fire and rescue services in England and Wales attended 342 wildfires between 1 January and 6 July 2026, compared with 639 during the same period last year.

While the total number of incidents remains below last year’s level, the NFCC warned that sustained warm, dry conditions are steadily increasing the threat. Grass, crops, heathland and woodland are becoming progressively drier as warm days and nights prevent vegetation from recovering moisture, raising the potential for larger and more challenging wildfire incidents in the coming weeks.

Fire and rescue services have already responded to several wildfires across southern and eastern England in recent weeks, where extended periods of dry weather have left landscapes particularly vulnerable.

The NFCC said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, with discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues and litter among the most common ignition sources. The organisation is urging people to dispose of smoking materials responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside and take litter home to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The current conditions are also increasing the fire risk during agricultural activities, with dried crops and the start of the harvest season creating additional hazards. Farmers and contractors are being encouraged to exercise extra caution when operating machinery and to follow seasonal fire safety guidance.

Alongside the wildfire warning, the NFCC is reminding people of the dangers posed by inland water during hot weather. As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays, fire chiefs are urging families to avoid swimming in unsupervised rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and quarries, warning that cold water shock, hidden currents and submerged hazards can prove fatal despite high air temperatures.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire Deputy Lead and Lead Tactical Advisor, said: “Hot, dry weather can significantly increase wildfire risk, but most wildfires start because something provides the spark. Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

The NFCC is advising the public to avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorland, dispose of cigarettes and matches responsibly, follow local fire risk guidance and report any fires immediately by calling 999. The organisation is also encouraging people to choose supervised swimming locations, avoid entering open water after consuming alcohol and remember the “Phone, Float, Throw” and “Float to Live” water safety advice if an emergency occurs.

Hellenic Fire System captures first image less than a month after launch

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionThermal ImagingWildland Fire

OroraTech has announced that its Hellenic Fire System has captured its first thermal image over Greece less than one month after satellite launch, marking a major milestone toward the country’s future national wildfire monitoring capability.

The first image is said to demonstrate the rapid deployment and operational readiness of OroraTech’s thermal sensing technology. The image, preceded by two weeks of imaging calibration, reveals the thermal signature of the Athens metropolitan area, as well as the islands of Andros, Tinos, Skyros, Chios, Kea, and Kythnos, and visible thermal patterns created by swirling currents across the Aegean Sea.

The sensors are designed to provide highly accurate land surface temperature measurements and wildfire detection capabilities while operating from low Earth orbit with low latency and frequent revisit rates.

Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech, said: ” This milestone shows our ability to rapidly bring sophisticated space assets into service while providing the high-quality thermal data needed for wildfire detection, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.”

The Hellenic Fire System is being developed as part of Greece’s national investment in space-based wildfire resilience. Once fully operational, the constellation will scan the entirety of Greece twice per day, providing continuous thermal monitoring to support wildfire detection, emergency response, and climate research activities. The system will also generate land surface temperature data for scientists and researchers studying environmental change across the Mediterranean region.

The first-light image confirms that the sensors can observe both terrestrial and maritime thermal phenomena, demonstrating the versatility of the system for a wide range of operational and scientific applications.

The project is being carried out under an ESA Contract in the framework of the Greek National Satellite Space Project. The Project: Small-Satellites (Measure ID 16855) is implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the European Space Agency (ESA) Assistance in the Management and Implementation. The project is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, which is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), core programme of the European Union-NextGenerationEU.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand: If you light a fire, you are responsible for it

by Breaking NewsCommunicationsWildland Fire

Landowners whose unattended burn piles caused a string of vegetation fires across the district of Canterbury in New Zealand last Saturday are being visited by Fire and Emergency New Zealand to ensure they understand their responsibilities for land management fires.

District Commander Dave Stackhouse said that 11 fires escaped and spread quickly in the severe nor-westerly winds. As a result, almost all the district’s firefighters were stretched to levels normally only seen in mid-summer.

“I am very disappointed at the number of fires that had been left unattended,” Stackhouse said. “If it hadn’t rained later on Saturday, we would have been calling on brigades from other districts to assist.”

While Canterbury is currently in an open fire season, meaning permits are not required for outdoor fires, landowners are always responsible for the fires that they light on their properties. The same applies to forestry managers.

Under Section 60 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act, it is an offence to cause or allow a fire to get out of control and to spread to vegetation or property. The penalties for individuals include a fine of up to $300,000 and up to two years imprisonment.

The message was very simple, Commander Stackhouse said: if you light a fire, you are responsible for it.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says that fires must not be left unattended and must be completely extinguished, not left to smoulder. When strong winds are forecast, anyone who has lit a fire should be checking for hotspots that could be reignited.

There is extensive advice at www.checkitsalright.nz.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand adds that vegetation across Canterbury is already unusually dry for this time of year, and the outlook suggests a very high risk of wildfire in spring and summer because of the predicted El Nino weather pattern.

Wildfire safety warning issued as fire chiefs urge caution amid warm weather

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

Fire chiefs have issued a wildfire safety warning ahead of expected warmer, drier conditions

Fire chiefs are urging the public to take extra care during the upcoming bank holiday, with forecasts indicating warm and dry weather that can increase the risk of wildfires and accidents around open water.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its appeal for vigilance as wildfire activity continues to rise. NFCC National Resilience data shows more than 270 wildfires have already been recorded in England and Wales. By November, fire and rescue services had responded to just over 1,000 wildfires in 2025, exceeding the 994 incidents recorded in 2022, previously the worst year on record.

Officials said many wildfires are preventable and are often caused by everyday behaviours such as disposable barbecues or carelessly discarded smoking materials.

Fire data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) shows fire and rescue services in England responded to around 40,000 more incidents in the year ending December 2025 compared with the previous year, driven largely by a 29% rise in fires linked to outdoor incidents.

The NFCC is also warning of increased drowning risks during warmer weather, as more people spend time in and around water. Data from the Water Incident Database Water Incident Database, published by the National Water Safety Forum National Water Safety Forum, recorded 193 accidental drowning fatalities in the UK in 2024, with May seeing the highest monthly total at 28 deaths.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said, “With the risk of wildfires increasing as we go into the warmer months, we’re asking everyone to take a few simple precautions to help keep themselves, their communities and the environment safe this summer.

“Wildfires can start quickly and spread fast, but small actions make a big difference. Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside, take care not to drop cigarettes or leave glass behind, and follow local fire safety advice. If you see signs of fire, call 999 immediately.

“Fire and rescue services are already dealing with a high number of incidents, and by working together we can help reduce the risk and ease that pressure. Taking care outdoors helps protect homes, wildlife and open spaces for everyone.

“We’re also encouraging people to stay safe around water. Cold water can be a shock, even on warm days. If you see someone in trouble, call 999, encourage them to float, and throw something that floats to help.”

Officials also highlighted prevention advice, including avoiding disposable barbecues in open countryside, not discarding cigarettes or glass, and following local restrictions. The public is also urged to report fire risks immediately and contact police or Crimestoppers if arson is suspected.

Water safety guidance includes the “Phone, Float, Throw” approach promoted by the Crimestoppers Crimestoppers supported safety messaging and the National Water Safety Forum. It advises calling 999, encouraging floating, and throwing flotation aids to anyone in difficulty.

The NFCC also reinforced “Float to Live” guidance, encouraging people who find themselves in trouble in water to tilt their head back, relax, control breathing, and float until help arrives.

Greece launches world’s first national wildfire satellite system

by Breaking NewsEMSFeatured NewsFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentInspectionResearchThermal ImagingWildland FireWildland Fire

OroraTech has launched and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System, the world’s first national wildfire satellite system in Greece. The system is a four-satellite constellation dedicated to wildfire monitoring and represents the first national satellite network designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The system was developed in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It provides continuous, real-time wildfire intelligence covering 100% of Greek territory, enabling rapid detection and tracking of wildfire activity nationwide.

“Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires,” said Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance & Artificial Intelligence. “By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property, and the environment.”

“The deployment of this system demonstrates how European collaboration can deliver tangible impact for citizens,” said Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency. “By combining advanced space technologies with operational services on the ground, we are enabling faster, more informed responses to natural disasters and strengthening Europe’s leadership in Earth observation.”

“This is a defining moment not just for Greece, but also for how the world approaches wildfire management,” said Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech. “For the first time, an entire country is protected by a dedicated satellite constellation built to detect and track wildfires in real time. This is the blueprint for how nations can use space technology to safeguard their people, ecosystems, and economies.”

Wildfire satellite system equipped with thermal infrared sensors

The Hellenic Fire System includes four satellites equipped with thermal infrared sensors, a ground station in Greece, and OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform integrated into national emergency response systems. Data is delivered through the Ministry of Digital Governance, enabling near real-time wildfire detection with latency measured in minutes and hotspot identification as small as 4 by 4 meters.

In 2025, Europe experienced its most severe wildfire activity in over 20 years, with significant impact in Greece and across the Mediterranean region due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. The new system is designed to address gaps in traditional monitoring by providing continuous coverage and rapid detection during peak fire conditions.

The project is being implemented under an ESA Contract within the framework of the Greek National Satellite Space Project. The Project: Small-Satellites (Measure ID 16855) is implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the European Space Agency (ESA) Assistance in the Management and Implementation. It is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a core programme of the European Union-NextGenerationEU.

Detection over distance: How one UK start-up is disrupting a decades-old safety standard

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Matthias Jäger, Co-Founder and CTO at Optect, explains how optical design can extend flame detection range without weakening false alarm rejection

Fire detection systems are expected to respond quickly and reliably, yet performance can fall short in large or open environments where coverage distances stretch and installation demands increase.

Conventional infrared flame detectors remain widely used, but their limited range can require dense layouts that raise cost and complexity, particularly across infrastructure corridors, warehouses and remote sites.

Optect, a UK manufacturer based in Bath, has developed an optically enhanced IR3 flame detector designed to extend detection range while maintaining discrimination against false alarms.

The system combines long-range sensing with local coverage in a single device and is progressing through certification for broader deployment.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Matthias Jäger, Co-Founder and CTO at Optect, to discuss the technology and its potential role in future fire detection strategies.

What distinguishes an IR3 flame detector and why was a new approach needed?

IR3 flame detectors identify fires by sensing the characteristic infrared radiation emitted by flames across three distinct spectral bands.

By analysing the relationship between these bands, the detector can distinguish real flames from common sources of interference such as sunlight, hot machinery or reflections.

Compared to smoke or heat detectors, IR3 systems can respond very rapidly and are particularly well suited to open, ventilated or outdoor environments where smoke may disperse and heat build-up can be delayed.

Most conventional IR3 detectors are designed around relatively short detection ranges and wide fields of view.

This works well in small enclosed industrial spaces, but becomes inefficient when protecting large areas, long perimeters or remote outdoor sites.

In those cases, achieving full coverage often requires a high number of detectors, which increases installation complexity, cost and maintenance.

The need for a new approach came from applications where early detection over distance matters, such as wildfire prevention, infrastructure protection and large buildings such as warehouses, but where existing solutions were impractical or uneconomic at scale.

How does Optect’s optically enhanced design work and what makes it different?

The core idea is a deliberate trade-off between field of view and range.

By narrowing the field of view using optical elements, we can concentrate infrared energy from distant flames onto the sensing elements, significantly extending detection range compared to conventional wide-angle IR3 detectors.

This approach allowed the system to pass formal flame detection tests at distances of 500 metres, with the limit set by the available test site rather than the sensitivity of the detector itself.

To ensure this does not create blind spots at close range, the system combines this long-range optical channel with a second detection element designed to cover nearby areas.

In effect, the detector provides focused long-range monitoring and local coverage within a single device, without requiring separate sensors or complex installation layouts.

Coverage geometry is defined optically rather than through placement density or software interpretation.

Installers can clearly understand what areas are being protected at short and long distances, while end users benefit from extended reach without losing near-field detection.

What were the main challenges in developing and certifying the detector?

We faced two significant challenges during development.

The first was operating as a startup in a highly regulated industry.

In many technology sectors, it is common to launch with a minimal viable product and refine it through rapid iteration in the field.

That approach is not viable in fire detection.

Certification is expensive and time-consuming, and once you enter formal testing, the product needs to be as reliable and as close to final as possible.

The second challenge stemmed directly from the extended detection range.

Sensitivity scales with the square of distance, so operating at around five times the range of conventional flame detectors means dealing with roughly twenty-five times the sensitivity.

At the same time, the detector still has to meet very stringent false-alarm immunity requirements in order to be certifiable.

Much of our innovation effort therefore went into ensuring that increased sensitivity did not translate into increased susceptibility to non-fire sources.

This challenge was compounded by the fact that existing certification standards were never written with detectors operating at hundreds of metres in mind.

For example, the European EN 54-10 standard currently defines three sensitivity classes with certified ranges of 12, 17 and 25 metres.

Although a draft revision introduces a new Class X with range defined by the manufacturer, today’s formal test framework is still anchored to short-range detectors.

What features support installers and end users?

From the outset, we tried to look beyond the detector itself and consider the whole system.

In many real installations, the detector hardware is only a small part of the overall cost.

The largest share is often the work required to install cabling, mount devices, commission the system and service it over its lifetime.

Improving coverage and reducing the number of detectors needed can therefore make a significant difference, but only if the installation process is also made as simple and predictable as possible.

That thinking drove many of the design decisions.

Extended and well-defined coverage means fewer mounting points, fewer cable runs and less time spent testing and validating installations.

We also use pluggable PCB terminal connectors rather than fixed terminals, which allows installers to terminate and check the wiring into the removable plug before mating it with the device.

There are also smaller details that come directly from spending time with installers.

One example is the cap on the configuration port, which is secured with a lanyard so it cannot be dropped while working on a cherry picker or lift.

Where will the detector be most valuable near term?

We currently see value emerging in two broad areas: new applications in wildfire detection, and more traditional industrial flame detection scenarios where long lines of sight are common.

On the wildfire side, the ability to detect small flames from flying embers quickly and incoming fires with high reliability opens up use cases that are difficult to address with conventional systems.

Examples include monitoring power line corridors, railway bridges or protecting private properties and estates in high-risk areas.

In these settings, early detection over distance can be critical, and reducing the number of detectors needed makes deployment more practical in terms of cost, infrastructure and maintenance.

In more traditional industrial contexts, the detector is particularly well suited to applications with clear, extended lines of sight.

This includes external building monitoring, large warehouses, car parks, process plants, conveyor routes or elongated outdoor installations where coverage is often dictated by geometry rather than floor area.

What is the status of Optect’s certifications?

From the outset, Optect’s detector was engineered to meet the requirements of widely recognised standards, EN 54-10 for Europe and FM 3260 for the US, Canada, Brasil, India and a number of other countries.

These standards are often a prerequisite for specification, installation and acceptance.

In terms of adoption, certification enables deployment in regulated industrial environments and integration into certified fire alarm systems.

It can also matter in fields without a formal requirement.

For example, in wildfire detection applications, insurance companies are increasingly looking for certified detection products.

How do you see flame detection technology evolving?

Over the past decades, flame detection has seen a great deal of iterative improvement, but relatively little fundamental disruption.

That is now beginning to change.

We are seeing movement at the standards level, for example with the draft revision of EN 54-10 introducing Class X, and with new standards emerging for AI-driven and camera-based fire detection systems.

We believe there is real value in adopting new and emerging technologies, particularly where they can extend coverage, improve situational awareness or enable new applications, while preserving the reliability, robustness and predictability that existing systems are trusted for.

Optect’s role in this is to contribute long-range optical sensing and certification-led engineering into that evolving landscape.

With a team that spans photonics, electronics and systems engineering, we are well positioned to help shape new classes of detection systems that are grounded in the practical and regulatory realities of real-world deployment.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Pilots, mechanics and teams: Why expanding fire seasons are creating urgent new aviation career paths

by Aerial FirefightingAmericas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Expanding wildfire seasons are increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals across, writes Stacy Collette, Employee Relations Coordinator, Neptune Aviation

At the height of wildfire season, the day at an airtanker base doesn’t begin when smoke is visible on the horizon.

It begins long before that, in the quiet discipline of preparation.

Crews are up early performing maintenance inspections, reviewing aircraft status and preparing for immediate launch.

Operational briefings with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) align teams on fire behaviour, weather systems, airspace coordination and mission objectives.

Mechanics complete detailed pre-flight inspections.

Structural and avionics specialists work through discrepancies, troubleshoot systems and ensure every aircraft meets airworthiness standards before it ever leaves the ground.

Behind the scenes, maintenance control, parts specialists, logistics coordinators and planners are continuously tracking aircraft status, anticipating needs and preparing for next-launch readiness.

It is all part of a highly synchronised effort, and without these skilled professionals, the mission could be grounded.

As wildfire seasons expand in both length and intensity, the demand for mechanics, technicians, pilots and specialists who power this effort continues to grow, opening new career pathways in aviation.

Escalating risk, escalating demand

Wildfire seasons are no longer confined to a few summer months.

Data from Climate Central shows that wildfire season has lengthened by more than 100 days since the 1970s.1 What were once regionally concentrated events now stretch across multiple states and longer operational windows.

Meanwhile, many wildfires in the past were left to burn when they took place within wooded, unoccupied areas, since fire is a natural occurrence that helps to revitalise forests.

That has changed over the last three decades.

Between 1990 and 2020, the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which is the area where human development intermingles with wildland vegetation, added 179,000 square miles.2 The number of homes built within the WUI also grew by 47% during the same period.

3 Fires that burned in remote areas now threaten homes, infrastructure and entire communities, requiring faster and more sustained suppression efforts.

With the current state of wildland firefighting, the USFS and other fire management agencies are now leaning more heavily on aerial assets for initial attack and sustained suppression, meaning demand for skilled professionals isn’t confined to pilots, it expands to the entire aviation ecosystem in order to keep aircraft mission ready.

The talent gap is broader than we think

The aviation industry as a whole is currently navigating a well-documented pilot shortfall, with projections indicating that demand in 2026 could exceed available pilots by 24,000.4

The workforce challenge extends well beyond the cockpit; aerial firefighting operations also depend on licensed aircraft mechanics, structural specialists, certified non-destructive testing (NDT) professionals, machinists and design engineers, avionics technicians and maintenance control personnel.

Wildland firefighting requires professionals who can make quick decisions in a fast-moving environment.

Aircraft routinely operate at low altitudes, in high temperatures and under repeated structural stress.

Maintaining airworthiness under these conditions requires deep technical knowledge and years of hands-on experience, and we are finding that while there are talented new graduates entering the aviation trades, the level of expertise required for specialised aerial firefighting operations takes years to develop, and we need more of them now, than ever before in aviation history.

For mechanics, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licence is foundational.

Beyond that, they should pursue specialised training in:

  • NDT: There are several different types of certifications available to secure.
  • Mechanics should maintain their logbooks to track X-rays or penetrant testing they have completed, and if they have leveraged any chemical processing tests.
  • Structural repair and composite work and
  • Avionics troubleshooting

Electrical experience is a plus.

Building a breadboard, understanding electrical current, understanding how to chase a wire and how to ensure that something will function effectively with the other electronics is key.

Pursuing Inspection Authorisation (IA) certification through the FAA, which authorises mechanics to sign off on advanced repairs, is also helpful.

Hands-on experience is what truly differentiates candidates.

Exposure to complex aircraft modifications, heavy maintenance checks and real-world troubleshooting under compressed operational timelines builds long-term capability.

For pilots, turbine time, low-level flight experience and strong Crew Resource Management (CRM) discipline are essential.

It is an entirely different world for pilots when they are stationed at an airbase to battle wildfire than at an airport for a commercial flight.

It is important for us to recognise the shift in responsibility, and to leverage capacity differently for aerial firefighting pilots.

Attracting the right professionals to aerial firefighting also requires addressing common misconceptions.

One is that the work is seasonal or short-term.

While wildfire activity and the flying season peak during the summer months, the preparation, maintenance, training and planning are year-round endeavours.

Aircraft return throughout the wildfire season for routine maintenance, structural evaluation and inspections, while annual maintenance for aircraft is handled during the winter months to prepare for the year ahead.

Another misconception is that the job is all adrenaline and flying.

In reality, pilots and crews can be stationed at an airbase for extended periods awaiting deployment.

Success depends less on continuous flight operations, and more on meticulous preparation, engineering and mechanical precision, regulatory compliance and disciplined teamwork behind the scenes.

If mechanics cannot move a plane forward through their FAA checks, it doesn’t fly, and many entering the field are surprised by how technically advanced and methodical the work is, especially on the maintenance, fabrication and systems side.

Aerial firefighting captures public attention during dramatic fire events, but that is the culmination of weeks or months of preparation.

Career pathways to aerial firefighting

While recruiting can be challenging, there are well-established pathways professionals pursue leading up to careers in aerial firefighting.

Understanding those pipelines helps operators target the right talent and build sustainable workforces.

The common pathways for mechanics and technical personnel include:

  • FAA-certified A&P programmes located all across the U.S., which produce highly qualified aviation maintenance graduates every year
  • Technical trade schools for machining and avionics
  • Military aviation maintenance backgrounds are a great common pathway
  • Entry-level shop apprenticeships
  • Internships with aviation operators like us or MRO facilities are spot on

Aviation maintenance and flight operations transfer very well into aerial firefighting due to their adherence to methodical execution.

Many members of the Neptune team transitioned directly from the military, and they adapted seamlessly, complying precisely with quality assurance requirements.

Implementing internship and/or apprentice programmes are particularly effective recruitment tools.

Organisations that invest in these programmes can tailor their curriculum to develop the skills mechanics need to attain their licences and A&P certification.

They can also be trained and certified on the specific aircraft the organisation operates.

At Neptune, they are certifying on the BAE 146 or the Commander 690, and in our general aviation shop they’re certifying on King Airs and Pilatuses.

Training on the exact aircraft operated shortens the learning curve and strengthens retention.

For pilots, many of them begin in commercial aviation, agricultural aviation, military service or rotor-wing operations.

Many are drawn to aerial firefighting seeking a career where they can have an impact.

We have found that those who successfully transition have had significant fixed-wing time (commercially based).

Fire experience is always a plus, as well as experience with low-level flying.

Many pilots gain that experience working for a survey company at one point, or other positions that require low-level flying.

That is critical, because during wildfire operations, aircraft fly 150 feet above the tree line, and that is something that you must know how to do in order to complete successful retardant drops.

Retention through culture

Technical skills open the door, while culture determines organisational success and retention.

Leading employee relations, much of my time is focused on ensuring team members feel valued, supported and that they are positioned for professional growth.

Some accomplish that through continued progression in their current role, while others take the option to transition into new, more challenging positions at the company.

Employees make a significant commitment when they join an organisation.

In the case of Neptune, once they become a member of our team, we want them to understand that the commitment is mutual, and when leadership shows that same investment in their success, it builds trust and mutuality in the mission.

At Neptune, we have built our culture around the values of “Embracing Family, Resilient Spirit and a Firm Handshake.” Leadership’s commitment to our employees reflects all three.

Supporting families through long seasons speaks to Embracing Family.

Standing alongside our team through operational challenges reflects a Resilient Spirit, and demonstrating trust and mutual accountability every day is our Firm Handshake in action.

Investing in the next generation

Aerial firefighting is a long-term investment in infrastructure, safety and talent.

Aircraft do not stay mission-ready by accident.

It requires experienced professionals who take pride in their work and operate with accountability.

As wildfire risk continues to grow, so does the need for skilled aviation professionals who are committed to excellence.

The industry must educate prospective employees about the viability of aerial firefighting as a long-term career.

The effort needs to begin early.

By introducing young adults, even high school and middle school students, to opportunities in aviation and the skilled trades, we can get them engaged.

Kids are excited about how and why things work, and if we continue to encourage and inspire that through our recruitment efforts, we can build an aerial firefighting workforce that is ready when wildfire strikes, and when our communities need us the most.

Image: T41 Peter Incident Acton July 3 2023-3 Andrew Lewis – T41

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Megafire management: California’s bold new plan to use technology and “Good Fire” to stop the burn

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

The launch of California’s Joint Megafire Prevention Package and how prevention has moved to the centre of wildfire policy debate

California lawmakers gathered in Sacramento in March to launch what they described as the most comprehensive wildfire prevention package yet proposed in the state legislature. The Joint Megafire Prevention Package combined more than a dozen Senate and Assembly bills covering home hardening, beneficial fire, county coordination and new technology for fire agencies. The announcement came months after the fires that struck Los Angeles in 2025, events that continue to shape debate about rebuilding, insurance pressure and how governments prepare for future fire seasons.

The launch event brought together senators, assemblymembers, wildfire organisations and tribal representatives who outlined why they believed California required a stronger focus on prevention. Speakers returned frequently to the disruption caused when flames reach neighbourhoods, the rising cost of rebuilding and pressure on insurance markets.

Eric Horne, California Director of MegaFire Action, told the audience the package was intended to honour “the victims and survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires and countless other conflagrations” by strengthening work carried out before disaster strikes. He said this meant: “Expanding beneficial fire to restore resilience to our landscapes; providing homeowners with new resources and clear guidance to implement proven protections on their properties, like defensible space and home hardening; and accelerating the adoption of new technologies that reduce risk and give firefighters better tools to protect lives and property.”

The legislation was framed through the condition of landscapes, the vulnerability of homes and the systems used by public agencies to organise mitigation work. Matt Weiner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of MegaFire Action, described the organisation’s mission when he addressed attendees: “We are a policy shop focused on one thing, which is enacting policy solutions to the catastrophic megafire crisis that is ravaging California and the nation.”

Housing after wildfire

Attention at the launch centred on houses and neighbourhoods exposed to wildfire. Several bills address home hardening, financing for retrofit work and certification of resilient buildings. Speakers linked wildfire mitigation to residents deciding whether they can remain in fire-prone communities.

Senator Ben Allen, who represents Pacific Palisades and Malibu, spoke about families in his district who remained displaced after the fires that hit Los Angeles in 2025. Many residents were moving between temporary accommodation while negotiating insurance claims and rebuilding plans; others remained unsure whether insurance cover would be available once homes were reconstructed.

Allen used that experience to explain SB 894, which proposes a California wildfire resilience loan programme modelled on the state’s energy financing schemes. He told the audience: “We know that there’s work that can be done to harden homes that can reduce a structure’s fire risk by over 35%, which is why home hardening and defensible space is the goal behind my SB 894.”

The proposal would allow homeowners to finance upgrades such as ember-resistant vents, improved windows or stronger roofs. Allen said residents often understand which improvements would reduce risk, though cost prevents many households from carrying them out.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett addressed ember exposure during fast-moving fires. Embers carried by wind can ignite structures even when flames remain some distance away; houses built or upgraded with resistant materials can interrupt that chain of ignition.

Bennett told the audience: “It’s fully hardened homes,” adding that “the most important bill that I will be pushing is a home hardened certification program.” His bill, AB 1934, would create a certification system designed to verify whether a property meets recognised hardening standards.

County coordination

Wildfire mitigation depends heavily on local organisation, an issue addressed by legislation introduced by Senator Josh Becker.

Becker told the audience that SB 973 would establish “a clear statewide framework for both prevention and for preparedness” while expanding the Wildfire County Coordinator Program. The bill would direct Cal Fire to develop guidance for risk assessment and support coordination between state agencies and county governments.

Jessica Martinez, Interim Executive Director of the California Fire Safe Council, said county coordinators had helped secure more than $104 million for mitigation projects and had reached close to one million residents through wildfire resilience education.

Alessandra Zambrano, Wildfire County Coordinator at the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, described the role from local experience. “In Nevada County, this program has acted as a catalyst,” she said. “It’s allowed us to transform our rural community into a leader in wildfire mitigation and preparedness.”

Her description illustrated how local capacity shapes mitigation work on the ground.

Beneficial fire and tribal knowledge

Another set of proposals focused on beneficial fire and cultural burning.

Assemblymember Damon Connolly introduced AB 1891, while Assemblymember Chris Rogers introduced AB 1699; together the bills aim to increase the pace of prescribed burning across California. Connolly told the audience beneficial fire has been used by tribes “for over a millennium”.

Kenneth Brink, Vice Chairman of the Karuk Tribe, spoke about that history with urgency. “Indigenous people have been burning since time immemorial,” he said. “We know how to manage our landscapes and live in harmony and balance with fire.”

Brink connected the discussion to his own community in northern California. He described the aftermath of the 2020 Slater Fire, which destroyed homes in Happy Camp including the house of his mother. Land affected by that fire remains vulnerable, he said, because treatment has not yet taken place.

Assemblymember Rogers addressed barriers affecting prescribed burns. His bill, the Good Fire Act, deals with liability rules connected to cultural burns and certification requirements governing burn bosses. Speaking at the launch, Rogers said the legislation “will address liability and operational challenges with cultural and prescribed burns”.

Technology proposals

Technology also featured within the legislative package through a proposal introduced by Senator Henry Stern. SB 1079, known as the Fire Innovation Unit Act, would establish a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire responsible for identifying operational needs and evaluating new technologies.

Christopher Anthony, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FireWERX, told the audience that fire services often possess access to new tools while facing difficulty moving them into routine use. He said: “If we continue to fight today’s wildfires with yesterday’s tools, we should expect to have the same outcomes.”

Anthony said an innovation unit could provide a route for testing equipment in operational settings and deploying successful technology across the state.

Allen raised a similar question during the event when he asked: “What good is all this technology if we can’t sufficiently use it?”

Accountability after Los Angeles

Questions from reporters during the final part of the event turned attention back to the fires that struck Los Angeles in 2025. Allen told the audience he had written to Cal OES requesting further review. “The people in Los Angeles who suffered through this calamity deserve to get a really good reckoning of exactly what happened,” he said.

Bennett spoke about transparency during emergency response. Communities benefit, he argued, when agencies provide clear information about decisions taken during major incidents.

As the event concluded, Horne returned to the economic argument that had appeared throughout the discussion. He said the legislation sought to secure “the highest ROI possible for taxpayer dollars” through investment in mitigation measures that reduce the scale of future disasters.

The legislative fate of the package remains uncertain, though the launch event offered a clear view of how wildfire prevention is being framed within California’s policy debate. Lawmakers discussed houses exposed to ember storms, forests requiring treatment and local governments responsible for organising mitigation. Taken together, those themes suggest a growing effort to address wildfire risk before flames reach communities rather than after they have already burned.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Albania partners with EU to combat forest fire damage

by Featured NewsProjectsWildland Fire

EU4Forests launches to address forest fire prevention

The European Union and the Government of Albania have launched EU4Forests to strengthen sustainable forest management and climate resilience.

This €16 million programme involves a partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Forests cover approximately 36 per cent of Albania but have seen a 32 per cent decline in volume over the past two decades.

The initiative aims to help Albania meet environmental and climate standards required for EU accession under Chapter 27.

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said: “Albania’s forests must be protected to secure a sustainable future and EU4Forests is a concrete step in that direction.

“Albania’s forestry sector needs a decisive push to align with EU environmental and climate standards and to reverse the effects of deforestation, fires, and climate change.

“The EU is here to help Albania reach these standards and preserve the country’s green lungs.”

Funding and technical implementation for forestry management

The EU provides €12.7 million for the project while Italy contributes €3 million and the UNDP provides €0,26k.

These funds support reforestation and improved fire prevention alongside the strengthening of national and local institutions.

AICS Acting Director Letizia Fischioni confirmed the commitment of Italy to supporting the forestry sector.

Fischioni said: “Italy’s commitment to supporting Albania in the forestry sector, with particular attention to wildfire prevention and civil protection, as key pillars for environmental resilience and risk management.

“The expertise of CREA and CIMA Foundation will provide added value to the intervention and help deliver tangible results on the ground.”

The programme will support the development of 10 municipal forest management plans and a national afforestation plan.

Innovation and local governance in forest protection

Technical support includes the improvement of the Albania Forest Information System and the use of GIS-based monitoring tools.

The project also introduces AI-supported wildfire risk assessment to enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities.

Sofjan Jaupaj, the Minister of Environment, stated that Albania has undertaken reforms to align its legal framework with the European Union acquis.

Jaupaj said: “Albania has undertaken reforms to align the legal framework with the European Union acquis, including the new law on forests and the strengthening of relevant institutions.

“We are currently working on the establishment of the State Forestry Enterprise, as a key instrument for professional and sustainable management.

“One of the main priorities of the Albanian government is the creation and functioning of state plant nurseries, which will guarantee the production of quality and certified planting material.”

A grant scheme will assist municipalities in implementing local actions and encouraging behavioural changes to protect woodland areas.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Randi Davis, explained that EU4Forests invests in nature and people to build long-term resilience.

Implementation involves the National Forestry Agency and various public institutions over a five-year period.