CTIF Recognized as Key Voice in Global Wildfire Strategy at AFFG 2026 in Rome
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ROME, March 26: CTIF (International Association of Fire and Rescue Services) reaffirmed its role as a leading voice in international wildfire coordination and policy during the Aerial Fire Fighting Global (AFFG) Conference held March 25–26 in Italy.
The event, hosted by Tangent Link under the patronage of the Italian National Fire Brigade, brought together global experts to address escalating wildfire threats and the future of aerial response.
CTIF President Milan Dubravac and vice president / secretary of the Forest Fire Commission Zisoula Ntasiou, also representing CTIF’s Commission for Women in Fire and Rescue Services, were featured panelists in the high-profile session titled “Connecting & Optimising Aerial & Ground Fire Operations.” Their contributions highlighted CTIF’s recent success in fostering cross-border collaboration and sharing best practices, particularly following its strategic meeting in Bavaria.
Vice President Ntasiou addressed the role of women in fire and rescue services, but focused primarily on the growing challenges of wildfires and the evolving field of aerial firefighting. The panel discussed emerging technologies such as drones and how these tools can be integrated into a coordinated system that links aerial assets with ground resources.
The discussion also highlighted CTIF’s mission of knowledge exchange and international cooperation, drawing on experiences from the 15 countries represented in the CTIF Forest Fire Commission, as well as the Youth Erasmus Firefighters initiative. Another key theme was the increasing complexity of decision‑making for incident commanders and the potential for artificial intelligence to support faster, more informed operational choices.
Key Themes from CTIF’s Panel:
- Cross-border aerial deployment challenges: Milan Dubravac emphasized the need for harmonized training and operational standards to overcome inconsistencies in aerial firefighting across regions.
- Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) risks: Zisoula Ntasiou addressed the growing complexity of WUI fires and the importance of inclusive, community-based preparedness strategies.
- Interagency coordination: Both panelists stressed CTIF’s role in bridging gaps between civil protection agencies, fire services, and international partners.
Their insights were part of a broader dialogue on enhancing interoperability, data integration, and sensor-based drop efficiency—critical areas as Europe faces longer, more intense fire seasons.
CTIF’s Expanding Influence:
CTIF’s recognition at AFFG 2026 underscores its evolution from a technical standards body to a strategic convener of global fire resilience efforts. The organization’s emphasis on inclusive leadership, integrated fire management, and real-time data coordination aligns with emerging EU and UN frameworks for wildfire response.
As wildfire risks intensify across Europe and beyond, CTIF’s presence at AFFG signals its growing influence in shaping aerial firefighting doctrine and policy. The conference also reinforced CTIF’s commitment to supporting member nations through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and advocacy for interoperable systems.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons License
U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard drop water on the Rim Fire near Yosemite, California, August 26, 2013
By SSgt Ed Drew - http://www.defenseimagery.mil/imageRetrieve.action?guid=67f31be54037ba64367ee22…, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27956095
