The Get FireSmart Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Brittany Seibert, the FireSmart Coordinator for the City of Penticton. On the show, we chat with Brittany about her role as she explains the responsibilities of a FireSmart coordinator and how she works to mitigate wildfire damage in one of British Columbia’s highest risk areas. It’s a great episode to learn more about the FireSmart BC Program, Neighbourhood Champions as well as the importance of preparation and proactive work to increase wildfire resiliency.

Learn about the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP): https://firesmartbc.ca/firesmart-canada-neighbourhood-recognition-program-fcnrp/

Wondering how you can take steps to FireSmart your own home? Check out https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/

Link to Larry’s Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/06-the-speed-risk-of-wildfire-and-how-to-prepare/id1562371977?i=1000528983008

View the FireSmart BC Landscaping Guide: https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/landscaping-guide/

To learn more about Brittany’s work with the City of Penticton, read the following articles:

• https://www.penticton.ca/city-hall/news-alerts/city-welcomes-new-fire-smart-coordinator-lead-program
• https://globalnews.ca/news/7994879/penticton-firesmart-program-community-bc-wildfire-season/

To get in touch with Brittany, you can email her at [email protected]

To learn more about The Get FireSmart Podcast, visit https://firesmartbc.ca/the-get-firesmart-podcast/

Today on the show we speak with Gord Pratt, Operations Manager for the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). In our episode we discuss Gord’s background, we chat about what is FESBC as an organization, and we also dive into FireSmart and the FireSmart BC Committee. This is a great podcast to learn from a professional forester, a wildfire fighter, and someone that is deeply passionate about FireSmart. Our conversation with Gord really dives into all aspects of the FireSmart Program and is a great example of how the program is moving BC forward to be a more resilient province to wildfire.

To learn more about the Forest Enhancement Society of BC visit: https://www.fesbc.ca/about-the-fesbc/

To learn more about the BC FireSmart Committee visit: https://firesmartbc.ca/who-we-are/

On the Show today we provide an overview on the Home Partners Program. What it is, who it is for, the benefits and how the program works. We speak with Joel Hamilton on his background and get into detail about the key “need-to-knows” about HPP as well as covering some important Q&A topics. This is a great episode to learn more from an experienced Wildfire Mitigation Specialist about an important program that helps protect from the threat of wildfire.

On this episode we dive into the story of Logan Lake and their experience with fire this summer. We chat with Doug Wilson (Logan Lake Fire Chief) to share the behind-the-scenes of how FireSmart worked to help save a community.

Today on the GetFireSmart Podcast we speak with Jennifer Rice, the Parliamentary Secretary of Emergency Preparedness for BC. On the show we discuss the current state of British Columbia and the importance for everyone to be engaged, prepared and educated on the threat of wildfire. 2021 has started off as a record year in reference to dry conditions and active fires and we discuss what people can do to get prepared and take action. We discuss with Parliamentary Secretary Rice the threat of wildfire as a true reality in British Columbia. We discuss why it is important to be educated on the risks and what people can do to be prepared and take action to protect their home and community. We discuss the role that FireSmart can play in getting people and homes prepared and the importance of starting today, and not waiting until it is too late. This is a great episode to learn from an expert on preparedness.

There is no time to get complacent. Fire moves fast and there are key action items homeowners and communities can take to be proactive. We dig into Larry’s deep experience and some of the lessons he has learned and seen. We briefly discuss the Christie Mountain Fire and how even though 2019 and 2020 were considered slower seasons it can change quickly and preparation is everything.

On this episode, we speak with Dana Hicks from the BC Wildfire Service regarding how to understand, forecast, plan and prepare for the threat of wildfire. As a Wildfire Prevention Specialist in Prince George, it is Dana’s job to try and predict what fire is going to do and where it is going to go. We take the time to discuss with Dana about his history and experience with fire. We discuss how the BC Wildfire Service prepares for a fire season and how Incident Management Teams work. Dana shares details and background regarding what is the “Fire Danger Rating” and how fuel and weather greatly impact fire behavior. This is a great episode to learn more about how fire thinks and behaves, as well as the importance of FireSmart activities.

On this episode, we speak with Amanda from FireSmart BC regarding what FireSmart is and how it works. We chat with Amanda about her career journey and what drew her to FireSmart and the impact it has on communities across British Columbia. In our conversation Amanda shares details behind the FireSmart Neighborhood Recognition Program and the 7 steps to becoming a FCNRP. This is a great episode that dives into a variety of FireSmart topics and helps our listeners learn how to get involved in FireSmart and why it is important for everyone to take responsibility. In our conversation, we discuss some practical tips to start with FireSmart and how small steps can make a big difference over time. 

On this episode, we speak with Rob Dombowsky from the BC Wildfire Service regarding the fire in Squamish in 2020. Rob was the wildfire management lead and guided the response team in their effort to save some of the structures and homes threatened by the wildfire. Rob shares powerful stories and examples regarding the impact of FireSmart on saving several properties on the frontlines. Rob provides insights into what he looks for as a wildfire leader regarding what structures have the ability to be saved and ones that most likely cannot. This is a great episode to learn the powerful impact of FireSmart on protecting your home and neighborhood and hearing the real-life stories from the frontline of a fast-paced wildfire.

On this episode, we speak with Kelly Johnston from FireSmart Canada to learn what FireSmart really is. Kelly helps us unpack the terminology, process, and science behind FireSmart. We discuss the importance of FireSmart and some of the things that all homeowners should consider when evaluating their property for the risk of wildfire. We dig into the science and history of fire and learn about Kelly’s unique career. This is a great episode to learn the details behind the FireSmart Program for anyone looking to take action. Dig in and learn from an expert on FireSmart.