Fire Services in Canada are changing rapidly: from new technologies to changing demographics, building codes, increasing medical and climate call volumes, and importantly to the presence of a much larger cohort of women in the fire sector. Fire chiefs and fire departments are deeply enmeshed in these changes, which impacts the directions of the national association. In fact, 2025 marks a transition year for the national association between strategic plan 2021-2025 , which included its aspirations for women in the fire service to strategic planning for 2026 -2030 which is prefaced by new data about women in the fire service from the Great Canadian Fire Census 2025. Looking back at the past five years the CAFC will reflect on what worked and what hasn’t (yet); where we are today; and what we are learning about the changing nature of the fire services and its implications for women in fire. Preliminary Results from the Great Canadian Fire Census will be discussed as will new statements developed collaboratively with FSW’s across Canada about bullying in the fire service. Audience participation will also be encouraged.
