Operators from across North America gathered in Eagan on February 10–11 for the 2026 Fire Boss Operators Conference, a two‑day event dedicated to advancing safety, performance, and innovation in aerial firefighting.
The program brought together operators and industry partners for seminars, technical sessions, OEM updates, and collaborative discussions. This year’s agenda focused on the major design and block changes announced in 2025, giving attendees a chance to examine the updates in depth and share practical insights on implementation.
Over the course of the event, attendees participated in the following presentations:
- 2025 block and design changes and their operational implications
- Maintenance best practices to improve reliability and reduce downtime
- Market update and strategies for operators navigating a rapidly evolving wildfire landscape
- OEM updates from Air Tractor and True Blue Power
- Operator-led discussion on operational best practices and lessons learned
The conference emphasized collaboration and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the Fire Boss community’s commitment to continuous improvement and mission readiness.
Featured speakers included:
- Ryan Reid, True Blue Power — presenting on the Gen 5 TB60 lithium-ion battery’s weight-saving and performance-improving capabilities for the AT802
- Brandon Griffel, Henry’s Air Service — sharing operator-level insights on fleet management
- Jim Hirsh, President, Air Tractor – Update on the 1002 development program and 802 production
- Phil Hardy, Collective Strategies – Insight on the newly created U.S. Wildland Fire Service
Strengthening the Fire Boss Community
The 2026 conference underscored the essential role Fire Boss operators play in North America’s wildfire response capabilities. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the continent, the event fostered stronger connections and a shared vision for the future of amphibious aerial firefighting.
For more information, go to: wipaire.com
