2025 Kenneth M. Molson Lecture

Dr Chelene Hanes is a prominent figure in wildland fire management, currently serving as a key expert at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS). With extensive experience in fire behaviour research, fire weather, and drought impacts on wildfire activity, Chelene has made significant contributions to the understanding of how environmental factors influence fire regimes in Canada. Her work at the intersection of science and operational fire management has positioned her as a thought leader in promoting evidence-based practices for wildfire prevention and mitigation.

Chelene’s role at CFS includes advancing wildfire danger reduction strategies, collaborating with national and international partners, and contributing to major initiatives that address the increasing complexity of wildfire management in the context of climate change. Known for her strategic thinking and dedication to capacity building, she is deeply involved in efforts to develop tools and models within the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, the primary decision-making tool used by wildfire management

Chelene lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with her husband and two daughters. Her other hats include: hockey Mom, firefighter wife and avid gardener.

Nitin Sareen is Head of Marketing with North America Airbus Helicopters. Nitin joined Airbus Helicopters Canada in 2008 and has served various roles across the organization in Canada, US and France. He has over 20 years experience in Sales, Marketing and Business Development across Aviation, Automotive and Capital Equipment sectors. In his current role he leads North American Marketing for both Civil and Military lines of business. He is a B.Sc. Graduate with a Masters in International Business and is dedicated to the Airbus Goal of pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.

Paul Spring is CEO & Operations Manager with Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc.

Paul began his decades long experience with wildfires as a helicopter AME at the Keane Creek, Alberta fire in 1980. After five seasons of AME work in fire camps throughout western Canada, Paul transitioned to flying as the pilot of a B206 JetRanger. After a season of flying the B206 in the support roles of reconnaissance, mapping, IR scanning, and logistics transport Paul advanced to the AS350B AStar. Flying the more capable AStar allowed Paul to experience the demanding roles of Initial Attack, Bucket Support, SAR, Medevac, and Long Lining deliveries of fire equipment and supplies.

After years of working for Associated Helicopters in Fort McMurray Paul used his vast experience in wildfire work to start Phoenix Heli-Flight in 1991. Not long after starting Phoenix, Paul was introduced to the science and art of aerial ignition. Under the mentorship of aerial ignition pioneer Bill Bereska, Paul gained a reputation as the go-to pilot for aerial ignition operations in Alberta. The fire behaviour skillset required to be a good ignition pilot led Paul to work for decades on the most aggressive wildfire outbreaks in Alberta.

Since 1991 Phoenix grew its all-Airbus fleet to include operation of the AS350B, AS350BA, EC120B, AS350B2, AS350B3DH, EC130B4, AS355N, AS355NP, H130T2 and EC135T2+.

Licensed as both a F/W and R/W Pilot and AME with over 15,000 hours in the air, 7 successful auto-rotations, and 49 years in aviation, Paul is still actively flying and ready for his next wildfire challenge.

Jowett Wong is the Chief Pilot for Stinson Aerial Services. Jowett has been flying for 7 years and has spent his past 5 summers flying drones to help respond to wildfires. He leads training for all Stinson pilots to operate drones beyond normal operating limits under Special Flight Operations Certificates from Transport Canada.

Jowett learned to fly during his time as an Emergency Program Specialist for the City of Victoria responsible for emergency management. Jowett is also an international humanitarian aid worker working with Toronto based NGO GlobalMedic and has responded to humanitarian crises worldwide. He is also an urban search and rescue specialist and trains with a search K9 with the BC based Search and Recovery Dog Association Victoria.