Fire Management Working Group


The Fire Management Working Group is a forum for exchanging experience and technology for the protection and control of forest fires; for cooperation among the three NAFC countries to develop strategies and actions to solve technical and management problems; and to actively participate with international agencies to conduct and promote activities that will foster world-wide cooperation and development.

  • Exchange experiences and technological advances regarding prevention, wildland fire management and fire use.
  • Provide mutual aid and technical exchanges between, Canada, Mexico and the United States in the development of strategy and appropriate actions to resolve technical problems of the North American region.
  • Actively support and participate in international fire management programs with fire management agencies throughout the world by developing and promoting activities that support international cooperation and development.
  • Promote and demonstrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in all fire management activities

Fire management in our forests and grasslands is a problem of international proportions. Ecosystems and fires do not recognize international boundaries. Fire that is a threat to one nation's forest resources is equally a threat to its neighbor.The world has long recognized the need to protect our homes, fields, forests, and watersheds because they provide our homes, food, jobs, and recreation.Forestry research is also teaching us the value of the forests and grasslands as ecosystems that are vital to the health and well being of everyone. The Fire Management Working Group was established in 1962. The current charter was ratified at the November 2012 meeting.  Meetings rotate annually between the three member countries.

Project Highlights

Research, guidelines, and tools that advance fire management.

Women's Fire Management Workshop

For the strengthening of women’s capacities in fire management through technical exchanges, training, and courses for women.

Updating Fuel Models, Mexico

Tools for resource mapping and standardization of improvement parameters, based on U.S. and Canada models

Learn more

International Support to Mexico

37 CALFIRE firefighters supported Mexico to manage a fire along its border with the United States.

International Mentorship Program

Kicked off June 18, 2024.

North America Virtual Study Tour

With Australia and New Zealand. October 2024. Forest fighters sharing knowledge

    Working Group Members

    Mike Norton
    Director General
    Natural Resources Canada
    mike.norton@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
    Kelsey Winter
    Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC)
    kelsey.winter@ciffc.ca
    Dan Thompson
    Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre
    daniel.thompson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
    César Alberto Robles Gutiérrez
    National Fire Program ManagerNationalForestry Commission (CONAFOR)
    cesar.robles@conafor.gob.mx
    Carlos Alberto Sifuentes Lugo
    Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)
    casifuentes@conanp.gob.mx
    Rossana Landa Perera
    Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (FMCN)
    rossana.landa@fmcn.org
    Diego Rafael Pérez Salicrup
    Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
    diego@iies.unam.mx
    Daniel José Vega Nieva
    Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED)
    danieljvn@gmail.com
    Sarah Fisher
    Director
    Fire and Aviation Management
    USDA Forest Service
    sarah.fisher@usda.gov
    Gordon Sachs
    Fire and Aviation Management
    USDA Forest Service
    gordon.sachs@usda.gov
    Isidoro Solis
    International Programs and Trade
    USDA Forest Service
    isidoro.solis@usda.gov
    Aaron Pina
    USDA Forest Service
    aaron.pina@usda.gov

    Fire Management Working Group Awards

    • The Distinguished Service Award: To recognize persons who have made an outstanding and/or long term contribution to international forest fire management that has resulted or should result in facilitating significant progress towards completion or major forest fire management initiatives of international significance.
    • Superior International Award or Exemplary Service Award: To recognize superior (or exemplary) fire management achievements by individuals or organizations in the area of training, research, policy, prevention, education, or equipment development.
    • Fire Management Working Group Merit Award: To recognize outstanding forest fire management initiatives which support the goals of the NAFC FMWG.