This episode was recorded on Saturday, April 23rd, the day after catastrophic conditions pushed the Cooks Peak Fire onto Philmont's southern region, resulting in the loss of the cabin at Zastrow, among other effects.  The introduction was recorded on Monday night April 25th: Cooks Peak Fire 54,021 acres and 18% containment.   

Cooks Peak Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Date of Origin: Sunday April 17th, 2022 approx. 04:15 PM
Location: North of Ocate in Mora County
Coordinates: 36.243 latitude, -105.038 longitude

This fire series is sponsored by Limmer Boot Company. For over 100 years, Limmer has been known for providing the highest quality boots, built to last for generations with the only true single piece leather upper design. If you are in search for your last pair of hiking boots, owner Chris Sawyer looks forward to sharing how Limmer is different, and how his 18-year-old Limmer Lightweights have been his most trusted companions, at Philmont, while working with Type 1 Incident Management Teams on large fires during graduate school, and on adventures around the globe. Check out the reviews online and visit limmerboots.com to learn more!

To begin this feature series, I talk with Philmont staff alumni, Daniel Godwin.  Daniel is currently the Director of Programs and Partnerships for The Ember Alliance out of Fort Collins, CO.  Daniel has a PhD in fire ecology and extensive experience as a wildland firefighter.  He is dedicated to continued implementation and management of safe and ecologically appropriate prescribed fire.

In this episode Daniel discusses wildland fire from a critical lens.  He shares the controversial history of fire management, how fire severity is measured and its effects on landscape, what it's like to be in the burn fighting a fire, climate change and considerations for the future. 

As an OATC participant in 2003, Daniel fell in love with the West.  He has since dedicated his life and career to working and protecting this landscape.  The change that fire brings is and can be destructive and scary.  But it can also be a source of life.  It can be a tool to help facilitate optimal health and natural beauty of the land.

To everyone dedicating countless hours to fight the Cooks Peak Fire and work to keep Philmont's resources thriving and impacting lives - thank you, and be safe out there.

Daniel's Philmont Experience:
2003 - OATC Participant
2004 & 2005 - Ranger

Notable Mentions:
Lee Hughes
Rick Smith
Fidgit - Bethany Hughes
Katie Nuessly
Ponil Complex Fire 2002
Whites Peak Fire 2013
Ute Park Fire 2018
Cooks Peak Fire 2022
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters
Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The Black Kite - aka the Australian Firehawk

Closing song: The Mountain by The Calico Stray

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