Four of our 2025 annual IAWF Award winners are in Calgary this week (October 20-23, 2025) at #wildfiresummit25 to be recognised for their fine achievements in safety, training, support, learning and knowledge.

IAWF President Trevor Howard and IAWF Director Amy Christiansen presented the awards. (pictured left to right)

Nico Semsch is the recipient of the 2025 Early Career Award in Fire Operations – for an early career professional with outstanding abilities. Nico is an inspirational wildfire instructor in Germany.

Dr Stephen Pyne is the recipient of the 2025 Ember Award for Excellence in Wildland Fire Science. Stephen, the author of 31 books on wildfire is perhaps the most prominent chronicler of wildfire histories on many continents.

Juliane Baumann is the recipient of the 2025 Firebreak Award for Excellence in Fire Management. Juliane is working to reduce the wildfire risk in Germany with local communities.

Steve Lemon is the recipient of the 2025 Wildland Fire Safety Award. Steve has fostered safety programs in the British Columbia Fire Service that not only prevent injury but foster a broader culture of well-being.

The 18th International Wildland Fire Safety Summit and the 7th Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire Conference is in Calgary, Canada.