Wildfire has always been part of Colorado’s landscape, but the way we experience it is changing.

In this episode, host Sarah Quiroga speaks with David Garcia, Water Resources Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, about the evolving relationship between people, land, and fire.

Together, they explore how wildfire behaves, why mitigation matters more than ever, and what individuals and communities can do to reduce risk. From historic ditch systems to modern neighborhoods, this conversation highlights the importance of preparation, awareness, and collective action.

In This Episode:

• Understanding wildfire as a natural process
• The shift from suppression to mitigation
• Climate change and year-round fire risk
• Lessons from the Marshall Fire
• Managing fuel along ditch corridors
• What defensible space really looks like
• Easy steps to protect your home
• Why neighbors matter in wildfire mitigation
• Local programs and financial support for homeowners

Featured Resources:

• Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program: Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program - Boulder County
• Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation Program: https://bouldercounty.gov/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/wildfire-mitigation-programs/
• Boulder County $500 Wildfire Mitigation Rebate: https://bouldercounty.gov/news/500-wildfire-mitigation-rebate-opens-two-months-early/
• Wildfire Partners Rebate: https://wildfirepartners.org/rebate/
• City of Boulder’s Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program: https://bouldercolorado.gov/WRAP
• City of Boulder’s Be Wildfire Ready: https://bouldercolorado.gov/wildfireready

Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.