The Get FireSmart Podcast
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The Get FireSmart Podcast is a place to hear powerful stories and lessons of impact from FireSmart leaders across the world. Every two weeks we share best practices that provide practical tips and tools to get FireSmart! Each episode is 30 to 60 minutes and focuses on tips, initiatives and insights from FireSmart professionals. FireSmart is simple and powerful. The steps you take today can help to protect your home from the threat of wildfire.
Available episodes
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Apr 5, 2023
25: “A Career on Fire” Guest: Mike Morrow BC Wildfire Service
Mike Morrow is a Wildfire Prevention Officer who has worked with the BC Wildfire Service for over four decades. Since his first role as an auxiliary silviculture tech, his career has taken him across the province, including Nakusp, Port McNeill, Vanderhoof and Cranbrook.
In this episode, Mike shares stories from working on the front lines and reflects on his vast experience in the wildfire landscape, including some unique projects he has participated in. He also shares his outlook on how the industry has changed over the years and the importance of adopting FireSmart principles to live in a world with wildfire.
Links:
*Note: the Guardians of the Grasslands project was misquoted during this episode. Mike meant to refer to the Too Close to Home video, which explains the cattle grazing project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-An1z8XMxs
For more information about Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire, visit prescribedfire.ca
To learn more about the FireSmart BC program and other partnerships across the province, visit firesmartbc.ca
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Feb 28, 2023
24: “Reigniting Cultural Burning Through Painting” Guests: Peter Holub & Sarah Sigurdson
In this episode, we interview two guests; Peter Holub, Wildfire Prevention Officer with BC Wildfire Service, and Sarah Sigurdson, co-owner of Cariboo Art Beat, a Williams Lake art collective and studio.
This discussion highlights how BC’s history of fire suppression has led to a loss of Indigenous culture and an increased risk of wildfires. Because of this, younger Indigenous generations did not grow up with fire and were disconnected from this generational practice, relying on elders to learn about good fire and its ability to clean and manage the land.
Peter and Sarah discuss how they developed art-based workshops in the Cariboo focused on cultural burning to support Indigenous fire stewardship and reinvigorate the teaching of fire knowledge, beliefs, and values.
They share about the two First Nation communities who participated in the workshops (Williams Lake First Nation and the Yunesit’in First Nation), including what the feedback was from participants, and if they plan to facilitate more workshops in the future.
This is a great episode to learn more about cultural burning, Indigenous fire stewardship and traditional knowledge, and the importance of recognizing the history of Indigenous peoples.
Links:
Learn more about their initiative: https://prescribedfire.ca/reigniting-cultural-burning-through-painting/
Cariboo Art Beat: https://caribooartbeat.square.site/
Related Article: https://www.hopestandard.com/community/cariboo-art-beat-workshops-combine-fire-and-art/
For more information about Prescribed Fire and Cultural Burning visit https://prescribedfire.ca/
Visit https://firesmartbc.ca/ to learn more about the program and other partnerships across the province
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Jan 11, 2023
23: “Reigniting Indigenous Cultural Burning: A FNESS Feature” Guest: Dave Pascal
In this episode, we interview Dave Pascal, a Cultural & Prescribed Fire Specialist with the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). Dave discusses the importance of cultural and prescribed fire in British Columbia and the work he's doing to revitalize these practices with First Nations.
This is a great episode to learn more about the meaning and difference between cultural and prescribed fire, as well as the many ways FNESS is working to assist Nations with funding, burn site identification, and resource management.
Links:
Connect with Dave and the FNESS team at https://www.fness.bc.ca/
For more information about Prescribed Fire and Cultural Burning visit https://prescribedfire.ca/
Visit https://firesmartbc.ca/ to learn more about the program and other partnerships across the province
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Nov 23, 2022
22: “A Community Focused Approach to Forests and Wildfire” Guest: Jennifer Gunter, British Columbia Community Forest Association
In today’s episode, we are speaking with Jennifer Gunter, the Executive Director of the British Columbia Community Forest Association (BCCFA). In our conversation with Jennifer, we dive into what a Community Forest is, how the association came to be and the role they play in forest land management in communities all across the province.
This is a great episode to learn more about Community Forests, the role of collaboration, and the role that FireSmart plays in our communities and in our ecosystems.
This episode was recorded live at the FireSmart BC conference in Kamloops, BC.
Links:
Learn more about the BC Community Forest Association at https://bccfa.ca/
18 Indicators of Benefits Report: https://bccfa.ca/indicators-report/
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Listen to the Podcast Episode about the Harrop Proctor Community Forest with Erik Leslie
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Oct 6, 2022
21: “Managing Fire on the Landscape in Banff National Park” Guest: David Tavernini, Parks Canada
In this episode we are joined by David Tavernini, Fire Management Officer for Parks Canada in the Banff Field Unit.
This episode allows listeners to learn from an expert who works in one of the most beautiful areas in all of Canada. We discuss how fires broaden the landscape, and also the different practices and tools that are used through FireSmart principles, including the use of Prescribed Fire.
This episode was recorded at the FireSmart BC Conference, which took place in May of 2022 in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Links:
Learn more about Parks Canada Fire Management in Banff: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/nature/conservation/feu-fire/restoration
Follow Banff National Park on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanffNP
Follow Banff NP on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BanffNP
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
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Aug 26, 2022
20: “The Importance of Communications in Wildfire Preparedness” Guest: Forrest Tower
In this episode we speak with Forrest Tower, Communication and Engagement Specialist and Fire Information Officer with the BC Wildfire Service.
In our conversation with Forrest, we discuss the behind-the-scenes of the BC Wildfire Service, including the processes, systems and tools that the organization uses to communicate with the public regarding the threat of wildfire.
This is a great episode to learn about the different tips, tricks, and responsibilities that everyone has in preparing your home and community to become FireSmart.
Links:
Learn more about BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Wildfires of Note Webpage: http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp
Download the BC Wildfire Service mobile app on Apple or Android
Follow the latest wildfire news:
* on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
on Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
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Aug 11, 2022
19: "The Impact of FireSmart on the Forest Ecosystem" Guest: Erik Leslie
Today we are speaking with Erik Leslie, a forestry consultant based out of Nelson, British Columbia.
In our conversation, we unpack Erik’s presentation from the FireSmart BC Conference, where he speaks about the value of community forests and the forest ecosystem. This episode, with an expert who has built his career in forestry, looks at both the risks and realities of fire and covers the value of collaboration and innovation as well as discusses how forest types and FireSmart principles can really make a difference.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
To learn more about the Harrop Procter Community Co-Op visit: https://hpcommunityforest.org/
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Jul 5, 2022
18: "Incident Investigations & the Importance of FireSmart" Guest: Jack Blair
Today, we are speaking with Jack Blair from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. In our interesting conversation with Jack, we discuss his personal background, his history in fire and wildfire, and his lessons learned from evaluating and investigating multiple fire events throughout the Province and Western Canada.
Jack also shares about the role that FireSmart plays in protecting homes and communities. This is a great episode to learn more about fire investigation, how fire moves, as well as the impacts and influence of FireSmart principles.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Homeowners Manual: https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/
Office of the Fire Commissioner Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/fire-safety
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Jun 16, 2022
17: "The Technical Details of Fire" Guest: Jack Cohen
Today on the show we speak with Dr. Jack Cohen, a Research Physical Scientist and one of the most renowned and experienced voices on the FireSmart program. We chat with Jack regarding his experience with fire, what he’s learned, and what we can learn by looking at past fires. This episode also covers how homeowners can be prepared, and the importance of FireSmart education and engagement.
Dr. Jack Cohen has been involved in wildland fire research since 1972 and was a research scientist at US Forest Service fire laboratories in Missoula, MT, Riverside, CA and Macon, GA. Dr. Cohen has been interested in understanding the wildland-urban (WU) fire problem since the 1970s, but he formally started his research on how structures ignite during wildfires in 1989. Using computational modelling, laboratory and field experiments, and WU fire disaster investigations, he found that a home and its immediate surroundings within 100 feet, called the home ignition zone (HIZ), principally determine home ignitions during extreme wildfires.
Dr. Cohen retired from the US Forest Service in 2016 but continues his involvement in developing effective methods for preventing WU fire disasters, including research on the recent Lytton events.
Links:
Homeowners Manual: https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/
Learn more about the Home Ignition Zone by watching this video: https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/firesmart-home-ignition-zone-assessment/
Explore the report and other resources on Lytton: https://firesmartbc.ca/lytton
Thank you to the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction for sponsoring this recent research on WU Fires. Please see their website at https://www.iclr.org/ for recent reports including Lytton.
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
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May 30, 2022
16: "Learn about the Importance of the Home Ignition Zone from a FireSmart Expert" Guest: Alan Westhaver
In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Alan Westhaver. In this conversation, Alan discusses his history with FireSmart, his vast Wildland Urban Fire experience, as well as some of the interesting progress he’s seen over the years within the industry.
The podcast episode dives specifically into the home ignition zone, as well as the recent report he was instrumental in bringing to life: An Examination of the Lytton, BC wildland-urban fire destruction. Alan shares what he and his team learned, what recommendations they have and some of the insights they gathered throughout their research and investigation process.
This podcast was recorded live at the FireSmart BC Conference on May 12th in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Links:
Explore the report and other resources on Lytton: https://firesmartbc.ca/lytton
Thank you to the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction for sponsoring this recent research on WU Fires. Please see their website at https://www.iclr.org/ for recent reports including Lytton.
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Homeowners Manual: https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/
Learn more about the Home Ignition Zone by watching this video: https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/firesmart-home-ignition-zone-assessment/
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May 13, 2022
15: “Preparation, Prevention, and Emergency” Guest: Darren Wilkinson
In this episode of the podcast, we focus on the theme of preparedness. During the conversation, Darren Wilkinson, Senior Wildfire Officer of Operations, shares his personal experience with wildfire, the importance of preparation, as well as the value and effect that FireSmart principles can have on responding to wildfires.
Darren has been in the wildfire industry for years, and he has vast experience in leading teams and managing high-risk situations. His role includes preparation for the wildfire season and during the season, Darren works closely with Incident Management Teams, as well as the four fire zones, and assists them in being prepared and responding to wildfires.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Homeowners Manual: https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/
Learn more about the BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
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Apr 21, 2022
14: “Learn about FireSmart Plants and Process” Guest: Karla Hoffman
With the launch of the FireSmart BC Landscaping program this week, we also have the exciting launch of another plant-focused episode on the podcast! In this episode, we speak with Karla Hoffman, Resident FireSmart Landscaping Expert.
In our conversation with Karla, we discuss all of the different landscaping resources including the FireSmart BC Plant Program and the Plant Tool. We cover what it is, how it came to be and how everyone all across British Columbia can utilize this program. This is a great episode for everyone to learn about the importance of preparing your home with the right landscaping decisions and vegetation tools!
Karla Hoffman originally worked on the FireSmart Canada Guide to Landscaping and has designed, installed, and maintained landscapes — from small residential sites to commercial, university, and municipal grounds. For more than a decade Hoffman led a public education campaign about plant health, integrated pest management, and how to conserve landscape wa…
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Mar 30, 2022
13: "A FireSmart Garden: Learn From the Best" Guest: Brian Minter
We have a special episode this week featuring Brian Minter from Minter Country Garden! On the show, we chat with Brian about his history in gardening and his passion for people all across BC. He also shares about the importance of gardening, as it relates to FireSmart and how homeowners can make smart decisions around their garden, and vegetation landscape. This is a great episode to learn from one of Canada’s most experienced gardeners about how to protect your home and protect your province.
A recipient of the ‘Order of Canada’, the ‘Order of British Columbia’ and an ‘Honorary Doctorate of Technology’, Brian Minter, B.A., is a horticulturist, entrepreneur and co-owner with his wife, Faye, of Minter Country Garden, an innovative destination garden center and greenhouse growing operation in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. You may know Brian from his magazine and syndicated newspaper columns and TV and radio programs.
Links:
Learn more about FireSmart Landscaping:…
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Mar 23, 2022
12: "What is Cultural Burning & Prescribed Fire" Guest: Tony Pesklevits
Today on The GetFireSmart Podcast we have a special and important episode, speaking with Tony Pesklevits from the BC Wildfire Service. In our conversation, we discuss the topics of Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire. Throughout the show, we cover how fire can be used as a tool, the different benefits it can bring to a landscape, as well as its role in community protection. We also chat with Tony about the history of Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire, how it is implemented, why it is used, and what makes it important to our province.
For more information, visit firesmartbc.ca/prescribedfire
To hear more from Tony Pesklevits, join us at this year's FireSmart Conference! Visit https://firesmartbc.ca/2022-firesmart-conference/ to register.
To learn more about the events in Logan Lake listen to our episode here
Documents and resources:
4 Pillars of Emergency Management
About BCWS
Cultural Burning & Prescribed Fire
History of Fire
Benefits of Fire
Process of Prescribed Fire
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Feb 25, 2022
11: "FireSmart BC Celebrating Success: The FireSmart Coordinator" Guest: Brittany Seibert
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…
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Jan 28, 2022
10: "Partner Spotlight: FESBC & BC FireSmart Committee" Guest: Gord Pratt
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/
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Oct 21, 2021
09: “Introducing the Home Partners Program” Guest: Joel Hamilton
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.
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Sep 10, 2021
08: "Logan Lake. A FireSmart Case Study" w/Doug Wilson (Logan Lake Fire Chief)
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.
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Jul 27, 2021
07: "The Importance Of Being Educated And Prepared For Wildfire" Guest: Jennifer Rice
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.
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Jul 15, 2021
06: "The Speed & Risk of Wildfire and How to Prepare" Guest: Larry Watkinson
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.
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Apr 9, 2021
05: "How Does Fire Think And Act?" Guest: Dana Hicks (BCWS)
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.
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Apr 9, 2021
03: "Defending A FireSmart Home From Wildfire" Guest: Rob Dombowsky
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.
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Apr 9, 2021
01: "A Fire That Changed A Community" Guest: Bryan Reid (Timber Kings)
On this episode, we speak with Bryan Reid from Timber Kings to learn about the devastating fires from 2017 in Williams Lake, British Columbia. We speak with Bryan about the impact the fire had on his business and his community. We learn how fast fire can move and the devastating effect that it can have on anything it touches. We learn from Bryan firsthand regarding how the fire moved quickly and the importance of having your home prepared in advance before you hear about the risk. An important episode from a powerful story.
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Apr 9, 2021
04: "How Does FireSmart Work And What You Can Do" Guest: Amanda Reynolds (FireSmart BC)
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.
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Apr 9, 2021
02: "What Is FireSmart?" Guest: Kelly Johnston (FireSmart Canada)
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.
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