Today’s discussion features Pete Laing, superintendent of fuel management with BC Wildfire Service. This episode unpacks his 33-year history in fire response and fuel management, discussing fuel types, the difference between good fire and bad fire, and the work that BC Wildfire Services does to protect BC communities. We'll learn about how fires move, the impact that has on fuel behaviour, and how to be more resilient. Pete has built his entire career on fire, and this episode is a valuable exploration of his lessons and insights.  Links: Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca Lea ..read more

Jen Baron is a transdisciplinary ecologist and researcher with the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions (PICS) Wildfire and Carbon Project and Canada Wildfire Strategic Network, with a focus on wildland fire, data science, and disturbance and landscape ecology. In this episode, we discuss Jen’s background, the history of fire in BC, and the importance of understanding and restoring active fire regimes in BC.  Links: Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca Learn more about Canada Wildfire: https://www.canadawildfire.org/  Learn more about the Pacific Institute of Climate Solu ..read more

Christina Hanger works in community engagement for the Country Fire Authority in Australia. She was one of the keynote speakers for the 2023 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit, and in this episode, we further unpack what she shared during her presentation. We specifically explore how Australia continues to invest in community engagement, awareness, and education on wildfire resiliency, and how BC can learn from their example. Christina is passionate about raising awareness and giving back to communities impacted by wildfires.  This episode was recorded live at the 2023 Wildfire Resil ..read more

Jen Baron is a transdisciplinary ecologist and researcher with the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions (PICS) Wildfire and Carbon Project and Canada Wildfire Strategic Network, with a focus on wildland fire, data science, and disturbance and landscape ecology. In this episode, we discuss Jen’s background, the history of fire in BC, and the importance of understanding and restoring active fire regimes in BC.  Links: Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca Learn more about Canada Wildfire: https://www.canadawildfire.org/  Learn more about the Pacific Institute of Climate Solu ..read more

This impactful episode introduces Daniel Berlant, the Acting State Fire Marshal and Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). We learn what his organization is doing to address the increasing threat of wildfires and how residents can participate. From actionable steps for residents to community involvement programs to global partnerships, this episode is an inspirational look into how far we’ve come globally in addressing wildfires and how we can all contribute to a safer, more resilient future for ..read more

In our second conversation with Mike McCulley, we dive into his experience at the 2023 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit. Mike is a Research and Innovation Senior Officer at BC Wildfire Service and has worked for the BC Ministry of Forests for 28 years. He’s currently leading the BC Wildfire Service Research and Innovation program. This episode explores Mike’s takeaways from the conference—the people he spoke to, the lessons he learned, and a deeper understanding of his background and why he loves this line of work. For Mike, it all comes down to people and establishing relationships so ..read more

Mike McCulley is a Research and Innovation Senior Officer at BC Wildfire Service. In today’s episode, we begin the first of two parts and dive into Mike’s career on the front lines of wildfires. Mike specializes in working with both data and people—which are two things your average person doesn’t often think about when considering a wildfire. He shares stories of impact that stood out to him during his career, significant lessons learned, and the importance of FireSmart and wildfire resiliency. Mike has worked for the BC Ministry of Forests for 28 years and is currently leading the BC Wildfire ..read more

This episode features Brian Hutchinson, Fire Chief for the District of North Vancouver. In our conversation with Chief Hutchinson, we speak about his personal background, his passion for wildfire and his focus on training and developing his team and community to become more resilient to wildfire. This episode also highlights his involvement as the host fire department of the 2023 Summit and he touches on how the conference came to be, the planning it took to bring it to life over the past two years as well as the focus on the main theme - Partners in Progress.  This episode was recorded l ..read more

This special episode features Deanne Suddaby and Brittany Seibert, both proud recipients of the 2023 Lynn Orstad Award. In our conversation today, we speak with Deanne and Brittany about their professional background, their personal passion for wildfire,  and their experience building their careers focused on wildfire resiliency.  Brittany Seibert is currently the Emergency Program Coordinator for the City of Penticton as well as working with the BC Wildfire Service as a Structure Protection Specialist. Brittany was grateful to be recognized for her impactful work through the Lynn Or ..read more

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mike Flannigan from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. As an award-winning researcher and leading expert on wildfire behaviour and landscape fire modelling, his research goals include developing methods to help predict when and where extreme fire weather may arise and exploring the development of early warning wildfire notification systems. His passion for fire and weather has led him to work directly with the BC Wildfire Service to help predict wildfire activity and behaviour and assist them in preparing for and responding to wildfi ..read more