Empowering Communities Against Wildfires: British Columbia Automobile Association announced as Region III global winner of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2025

• The FIA has announced British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) as the Region III Global Winner of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2025 at its General Assemblies week in Tashkent.
• BCAA received the award for launching Defending Against Wildfires (DAW), a project supporting communities in tackling the increasing threat of wildfires.
• The FIA Innovation Challenge celebrates innovative projects from across the four FIA Mobility Regions in the Member Clubs’ network.

Burnaby, BC, December 12, 2025 – The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA, member of CAA) as the Global Winner of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2025 for Region III (North America) at the FIA General Assemblies week in Tashkent.

BCAA received the award following the launch of Defending Against Wildfires (DAW) in 2024 in response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons in British Columbia.

The program combines year-round strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and innovation to build wildfire resilience before, during, and after wildfires - raising awareness and delivering measurable impact for both Members and the public.

BCAA joins Automòbil Club d'Andorra (ACA Club, Andorra), the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ, member of AAA, Australia), and the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA, Argentina) who have won the FIA Innovation Challenge 2025 in their respective regions.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “Congratulations to BCAA on being named FIA Region III Innovation Challenge winner.

BCAA’s initiative is bringing new partners together to defend against wildfires and its commitment to improving sustainability and safety through innovation is inspiring.”

Shawn Pettipas, Director of Corporate Purpose at BCAA said, “Wildfires are a growing threat to BC, one that over 90% of people in BC see as one of the most significant challenges facing our province. As a purpose-led organization, it’s important that we step up to tackle the issues that matter most.”

“BCAA Defending Against Wildfires partnerships and programs empower individuals and communities to grow stronger and more resilient to wildfires throughout the year. We are proud to drive meaningful change by raising awareness and encouraging practical prevention actions, supporting safety, protection and mental wellness through wildfire season, and bringing people together through the BCAA Fireweed Pin campaign to support immediate and longer-term recovery efforts.”

Now in its second year, the FIA Innovation Challenge is an annual challenge promoting and celebrating innovative and scalable business and services projects from across the FIA Member Clubs’ network in the four FIA Mobility Regions (Asia Pacific / Europe, Middle East and Africa / North America / South and Central America).

With 43 entries, Clubs from across the world have continued to show leadership and innovation in supporting individuals and businesses with solutions for safer, more sustainable and more affordable mobility for everyone.

By giving its Members a platform to showcase their best projects, the FIA aims to promote the transformative power of its community worldwide while fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among its network.

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For further information or to set up an interview, please contact:

• George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com
• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Champion ships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, Evolve E-Bike & E-Scooter Share, BCAA Auto Marketplace and Auto Service Centres. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and province of BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of Ours to Protect.