What We Heard Report: Research to Fire Management – How Fire Management Agencies Adopt New Research and Tools

Bridging the gap between research and fire operations remains a persistent challenge for fire management agencies across Canada. Although the potential benefits of new research findings and tools are widely recognized, translating these innovations into practice and making their adoption a shared priority continues to face significant hurdles. During the winter of 2024–25, the Canadian Forest Service undertook a national engagement initiative with provincial and territorial fire management agencies. In collaboration with Hill and Knowlton, a series of virtual regional sessions and an in-person national workshop were conducted. These sessions offered a deep dive with agency staff to better understand the barriers, challenges, and opportunities related to research uptake in a fire management agency context. This report presents a comprehensive overview of the key challenges identified and captures both short- and long-term practical recommendations shared by participants to enhance the adoption of research and tools within Canadian fire management operations.