The 2024 Canadian Wildfire Conference has brought experts from across North America to Kelowna's KF Centre for Excellence today, Oct. 17. 

The day opened with a light breakfast and keynote speaker West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund with a review of the McDougall Creek Wildfire that swept through the Central Okanagan in the summer of 2023. 

A 10 a.m. panel invited BC Wildfire Service Provincial Airtanker Coordination Officer Greg Adams and West Kelowna Fire Rescue Deputy Chiefs Chad Gartrell and Brent Watson to answer questions about ground and air support strategies and collaborations. 

After lunch, guests will have a chance to hear from Carson Sutton with Helicopter Transport Services Canada, President and CEO of Coldstream Group Robert Gallagher, and Vernon Fire Chief David Lind on advances in technology and pilot projects. 

Several emergency vehicles, planes, and helicopters are on site for people to view outside the centre. Inside, attendees can wander through the dozens of wildfire-related trade show tables and connect with others businesses in the industry.