In this episode of the Get FireSmart Podcast, guest host Dan Stevens, FireSmart Education and Outreach Coordinator at FNESS, sits down with David McIlwraith, FireSmart Coordinator for the Sunshine Coast Regional District, to explore what it really takes to build a wildfire-resilient community. Drawing from real-world examples and firsthand field experience, David shares some valuable lessons on the power of grassroots movements, community engagement, and adaptive problem-solving. From local organization collaborations to regional partnerships, this conversation covers what’s worked well, what’s been challenging, and why buy-in from both residents and decision-makers is essential for long-term success. Listen to hear some actionable insights and get inspired to make your community FireSmart, one step at a time.

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://www.youtube.com/@firesmartbc

In this episode of the Get FireSmart Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kira Hoffman, Fire Ecologist and Researcher at the University of British Columbia, to explore what it means to live with fire in a changing climate. Hosted by FNESS FireSmart Researcher, Helena Marken, this conversation dives into the science of fire-adapted landscapes, the growing role of Indigenous-led fire stewardship, and the evolving impact of climate change on wildfire behaviour in Canada. Dr. Hoffman shares her passion for prescribed fire, her insights from community-based projects, and reflects on receiving the Lynn Orstad Award. Listen to hear how traditional knowledge and modern science are working together to build more resilient communities.

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

In this episode of the Get FireSmart Podcast, we’re joined by Armel Castellan, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. With a diverse career spanning aviation meteorology, Arctic weather, Indigenous collaboration, and emergency management, he brings a unique perspective to wildfire resilience. In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship between weather, wildfire, and health, diving into topics like cascading hazards, the rising frequency of extreme weather events, and their immense impacts on vulnerable populations. Join us as Armel shares insights from his keynote presentation at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit, highlighting the role of partnerships, community preparedness, and the evolving science of smoke and health impacts. 

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

This episode of the Get FireSmart Podcast features Kara McCurdy, Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager for Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services and one of the 2024 Lynn Orstad Award winners. With over 30 years of experience as a forest technician, structural firefighter, and fire behaviour analyst, Kara brings extensive expertise and passion to wildfire mitigation. In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of FireSmart principles, Kara’s keynote presentation at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit, lessons from her incredible career in Nova Scotia, and her vision for the future of wildfire resilience. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the leading voices in wildfire mitigation!

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

Many Indigenous communities—particularly those in remote locations—are immensely vulnerable to the threat of wildfire. FireSmart represents one pathway towards wildfire resilience that Indigenous communities may choose to adopt, often blending and working with established cultural fire practices and land stewardship initiatives. To discuss her experiences and the process of integrating FireSmart into an Indigenous community, we sat down with Local FireSmart Representative Aislinn Gentles, currently working as the OHS & Emergency Program Manager for Saulteau First Nations. Through our conversation, we learn how she has worked with Saulteau First Nation in the integration of FireSmart and how these programs can help support the ongoing stewardship of their lands. We also discuss her suggested Indigenous Community Project Guide and how it supports Indigenous communities in starting their FireSmart Journey and continuing it for years to come.

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

Learn more about Saulteau First Nations: https://www.saulteau.com/

In this episode, we speak with Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna. Through our conversation, we discuss his experiences with the devastating 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire and the important lessons learned from a difficult wildfire season. As a fire professional with decades of experience, Chief Brolund emphasizes the effectiveness of proactive preparedness through FireSmart principles, the power of clear communication with community members, and the importance of building relationships with other fire professionals and industry specialists. Through strong relationships, communication, and collaboration, Chief Brolund and his team were able to rally an army of 10,000 professionals to battle the blaze and minimize damage.

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

Read about a FireSmart success story in West Kelowna: https://firesmartbc.ca/beyond-the-blaze-how-one-home-stood-strong-in-the-face-of-wildfire/

In this episode, we sit down with Matt MacDonald, Lead Fire Weather Forecaster with the Predictive Services Unit for the BC Wildfire Service. Through our conversation, we dive into his background and learn what a day in the life of the Lead Fire Weather Forecaster looks like. As an experienced meteorologist and weather professional, Matt explains how t​​emperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction come together to influence the potential for ignition, rate of spread, and intensity of wildfires. He also touches on the importance of FireSmart actions and how they can help residents navigate the trend of increasingly severe fire weather. 

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

For important wildfire information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

In this special two-guest episode, we speak with Vic Upshaw, the response support supervisor for FNESS, and Craig Moore, the founder and president of Rider Ventures, to explore their extensive experience in the world of wildfire resilience and response. Through our conversation, we learn about the importance of collaboration between communities, the BC Wildfire Service, and other organizations in protecting our province from the growing threat of wildfire. With over 60 years of combined experience, Vic and Craig have learned that close collaboration at all levels allows us to pool our knowledge, skills, and resources to create a unified strategy that enhances immediate response efforts while strengthening long-term resilience. 

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

Learn about FNESS: https://www.fness.bc.ca/  

Learn about Rider Ventures: https://www.riderventures.ca/ 

We're excited to feature Dan Stevens, a FireSmart BC education and outreach coordinator from Chase, BC. Dan works with First Nations’ Emergency Services Society and has a passion for wildfire education, bringing his strong background of engaging with communities all across the province on the importance of FireSmart and wildfire preparation. In this episode, we talk about getting ready for wildfire season: what to do, how to prepare, and how we can increase collaboration and training across the province to improve our resilience together. 

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Learn about FNESS: https://www.fness.bc.ca/ 

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

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

Learn more about the BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status 

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc