The future of wildfire prevention is shifting—and fast. In this episode of The Fire Break, Steve Wolf sits down with Jason Brooks, co-founder of Fire Aside, to explore how private-sector innovation is transforming wildfire mitigation. From data-driven risk assessments to cutting-edge engagement strategies, Fire Aside is helping fire departments and communities take proactive steps before disaster strikes. Learn how smarter prevention can save homes, cut suppression costs, and even change the way we think about fire safety. Don’t miss this deep dive into the tech and tactics shaping a wildfire-resilient future!

Can bananas and your smartphone really help stop wildfires? Join Steve Wolf as he talks with Xiao Fu, an innovative researcher using cutting-edge computer science and artificial intelligence to predict, detect, and fight devastating wildfires in real-time. From bold ideas like "Banana Buffers" to crowdsourcing fire detection using everyday smartphones, Xiao Fu shares groundbreaking solutions that could change the way we respond to wildfires forever. Watch now to discover how technology might just save our homes, our communities, and our future!

Is the fire service stuck in the past? In this episode of The Fire Break, Steve Wolf sits down with wildfire veteran Matthew Austin, who has spent 27 years pushing the boundaries of wildfire prevention, suppression, and technology integration. Together, they discuss breaking free from outdated tactics, harnessing the latest in fire detection and mitigation, and enlisting unexpected allies—like deer—to fight fire before it even starts! From AI-driven suppression to the urgent need for building code reform, this episode is packed with hard-hitting insights and bold solutions for a safer, fire-adapted future.

In this episode of The Fire Break, Steve Wolf sits down with fire behavior analyst and decision science expert Ben Twomey to explore the evolving challenges of wildfire—or as they call them in Australia, bushfire—management. From his unexpected journey into firefighting to his groundbreaking work in predictive analytics and Indigenous fire management, Ben shares eye-opening insights on why our current suppression-focused approach isn’t working and how we can shift toward smarter, preventative fire strategies. They discuss the role of AI, technology, and cultural perspectives in fire mitigation, and how reintroducing controlled burning—guided by both science and traditional knowledge—may be the key to preventing catastrophic megafires. If you want to rethink everything you thought you knew about wildfires, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Firebreak, host Steve Wolf sits down with Elizabeth Pickett, Executive Director of Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, to discuss the rising wildfire threat across Hawaii and the Pacific. Elizabeth shares how her organization has worked tirelessly to promote wildfire prevention, mitigation, and collaboration in a region where wildfires were once rare but are now a growing crisis. They dive into the challenges of managing fire-prone invasive species, securing funding for proactive fire management, and the urgent need for policy changes to shift from reactive suppression to long-term prevention. If you care about wildfire resilience, community safety, and the future of Hawaii’s landscapes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this eye-opening episode of The Firebreak, host Steve Wolf sits down with James Geering, former firefighter, stunt performer, and advocate for firefighter wellness. They dive into the critical impact of sleep deprivation on first responders, exploring how grueling shift schedules, chronic exhaustion, and mental fatigue are putting firefighters—and the communities they serve—at risk. With powerful insights from research and real-life experiences, James reveals why changing outdated shift patterns is a matter of life and death. If you care about firefighter safety, performance, and health, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!

In this episode of The Fire Break, host Steve Wolf sits down with Dr. Peter Mansi, one of the world’s leading fire investigators, to explore the evolving world of fire prevention, investigation, and suppression. From examining the challenges of lithium-ion battery fires to uncovering the truths behind arson cases and historical fire events like the Great Fire of London, Dr. Mansi shares gripping stories and cutting-edge insights. Tune in for a deep dive into the science behind fire behavior, the need for innovation in firefighting, and practical tips to keep yourself and your community safe.

Join host Steve Wolf on The Firebreak as he interviews Bob Roper, a firefighting legend with 34 years of experience as Chief of Ventura County Fire Department and State Forester of Nevada. Bob shares eye-opening insights into the escalating challenges of wildfire management, the game-changing potential of cutting-edge technologies like AI, drones, and satellite detection, and the need for community-driven solutions. From debunking myths about fire suppression to envisioning a tech-enabled future for firefighting, this conversation tackles the critical issues shaping wildfire strategies today. Whether you're curious about the science of fire or the policies shaping its control, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wildfire resilience and innovation.

In this episode of The Fire Break, host Steve Wolf dives into the cutting-edge world of wildfire visualization and predictive modeling with Jonathan Bowers, the innovative mind behind Path and Focus. Jonathan shares how his team is revolutionizing wildfire management by leveraging cloud-based simulations that predict fire behavior with remarkable speed and precision. From identifying risks to empowering decision-makers with real-time data, this episode explores how technology can help communities and organizations stay one step ahead of devastating wildfires. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a fire service professional, or just curious about how innovation is reshaping wildfire response, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss!

In this urgent and timely special episode of The Firebreak, Steve Wolf welcomes Tom Guzman, a seasoned wildfire expert, to tackle the life-and-death realities of wildfire evacuation. Drawing from personal harrowing experiences, Tom shares his invaluable "10 Considerations for Survival" — a guide designed to help individuals plan, adapt, and act decisively when facing evacuation orders. From selecting survivable routes to mastering the psychological challenges of last-resort scenarios, this episode offers critical insights for anyone living in wildfire-prone areas. Whether you're currently under evacuation orders or preparing for future risks, this episode is a must-watch to safeguard your life and your loved ones.