Dan Smith is the Fire Director for the National Association of State Foresters. He is the Wildland Fire Representative for 50 states and 8 territories at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. In this role, Dan works collaboratively with the Federal Wildland Fire Directors and serves as a member of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which provides wildland fire response on a national level. Dan shares leadership advice, some of the challenges the fire community is facing, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:55] A quick intro about Dan’s background.

[3:25] How did Dan first get started in his fire career?

[7:35] Dan shares a little bit of history about NWCG.

[10:55] What are some of the best ways to get qualified in this field?

[14:35] What kind of work is Dan up to these days?

[17:40] Dan shares a little bit about his work history and some of the most memorable moments of his career.

[21:40] What are some of the rewards and challenges of being in wildland fire?

[29:00] Each fire has a lesson learned; how does Dan transfer those lessons into practical training for his team?

[31:45] Where is the direction that the fire community is going and what additional challenges has the community come across, over the years?

[35:00] Getting communities educated about forest health is an uphill climb.

[37:50] Dan offers some leadership advice, wisdom, and tips.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Nifc.gov

Nwcg.gov

Stateforesters.org