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By FireSmart
The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.
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 temperature, 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
In this special two-guest episode, we dive into the FireSmart BC Education Program and how it initially took shape, featuring two key players in the process. Amanda Reynolds is the FireSmart supervisor with FNESS, and Warren Woytuck works as the director of the Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2). Get to know Amanda and Warren and their passion for wildfire resilience and education, and dive into the story of how the FireSmart Education Program was created to empower teachers and parents as they raise and educate the next generation of FireSmart British Columbians.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc
Explore the FireSmart Education Program’s free lesson plans: https://firesmartbc.ca/educationprogram/
Learn about the Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2): https://tc2.ca/
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 Solutions: https://pics.uvic.ca/projects/wildfire-and-carbon
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc
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 Resiliency and Training Summit.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Learn more about the Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit: https://firesmartbc.ca/wildfire-resiliency-and-training-summit/
Explore the Country Fire Authority website: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc
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 Solutions: https://pics.uvic.ca/projects/wildfire-and-carbon
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc
The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.
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