Best FireSmart Podcasts (2025)

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44: “Understanding Cascading Hazards” Guest: Armel Castellan 36:02

4M ago36:02

36:02

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,…

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43: “Coast-to-Coast Wildfire Resilience” Guest: Kara McCurdy 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

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 …

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42: “A FireSmart Future for Indigenous Communities” Guest: Aislinn Gentles 29:19

10M ago29:19

29:19

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 expe…

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41: “One Wildfire, 10,000 Heroes” Guest: Jason Brolund 40:00

11M ago40:00

40:00

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 proacti…

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40: “Forecasting Fire” Guest: Matt MacDonald 34:25

11M ago34:25

34:25

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 h…

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39: “United Against Wildfire” Guests: Vic Upshaw & Craig Moore 55:23

12M ago55:23

55:23

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, th…

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38: “Preparing for Wildfire Season” Guest: Dan Stevens 32:50

1y ago32:50

32:50

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 thi…

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37: “Understanding Fuel Management” Guest: Pete Laing 43:22

1y ago43:22

43:22

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 mo…

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36: “The FireSmart BC Education Program” Guest: Amanda Reynolds and Warren Woytuck 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

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 …

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35: “Understanding and Restoring Active Fire Regimes in BC” Guest: Jen Baron 26:20

1+ y ago26:20

26:20

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 impor…

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34: “The Digital Transformation of Fire Safety Education” Guest: Christina Hanger 37:21

1+ y ago37:21

37:21

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, aware…

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33: “Impactful Wildfire Preparation with FNESS” Guest: Wayne Schnitzler 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

In today’s exciting episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Wayne Schnitzler, the Executive Director of the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). Wayne started his 35-year career in fire service in 1979 with the City of Surrey as a volunteer firefighter, and has since been a Captain of Training, Fire Chief, and received provinci…

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32: “What We Can Do in the Face of Wildfires” Guest: Daniel Berlant 59:38

1+ y ago59:38

59:38

This impactful episode introduces Daniel Berlant, the Acting State Fire Marshal and Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). We learn what his organization is doing to address the increasing threat of wildfires and how residents can participate. From a…

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31: “Igniting Global Unity in Wildfire Response” Guest: Mike McCulley, BC Wildfire Service (Part 2) 31:52

1+ y ago31:52

31:52

In our second conversation with Mike McCulley, we dive into his experience at the 2023 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit. Mike is a Research and Innovation Senior Officer at BC Wildfire Service and has worked for the BC Ministry of Forests for 28 years. He’s currently leading the BC Wildfire Service Research and Innovation program. This episo…

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30: “Connecting Data and People in Wildfire Resiliency” Guest: Mike McCulley, BC Wildfire Service (Part 1) 42:51

1+ y ago42:51

42:51

Mike McCulley is a Research and Innovation Senior Officer at BC Wildfire Service. In today’s episode, we begin the first of two parts and dive into Mike’s career on the front lines of wildfires. Mike specializes in working with both data and people—which are two things your average person doesn’t often think about when considering a wildfire. He sh…

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29: “Partners in Progress” Guest: Fire Chief Brian Hutchinson, District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services 38:36

2y ago38:36

38:36

This episode features Brian Hutchinson, Fire Chief for the District of North Vancouver. In our conversation with Chief Hutchinson, we speak about his personal background, his passion for wildfire and his focus on training and developing his team and community to become more resilient to wildfire. This episode also highlights his involvement as the …

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28: “Women in Wildfire Resiliency” Guests: Brittany Seibert & Deanne Suddaby, 2023 Lynn Orstad Award Recipients 40:24

2y ago40:24

40:24

This special episode features Deanne Suddaby and Brittany Seibert, both proud recipients of the 2023 Lynn Orstad Award. In our conversation today, we speak with Deanne and Brittany about their professional background, their personal passion for wildfire, and their experience building their careers focused on wildfire resiliency. Brittany Seibert is…

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27: “Insights on Wildfire Behaviour and Activity” Guest: Dr. Mike Flannigan, Thompson Rivers University 46:59

2y ago46:59

46:59

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mike Flannigan from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. As an award-winning researcher and leading expert on wildfire behaviour and landscape fire modelling, his research goals include developing methods to help predict when and where extreme fire weather may arise and exploring the develo…

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26: “The Future of Fire” Guest: Robert Atwood, Hummingbird Drones & Fire AI 50:50

2y ago50:50

50:50

As an entrepreneur and former firefighter, Robert has spent his career building tools and solutions to increase access to information by firefighters, fire managers and decision-makers. He is passionate about the way new technologies can better inform decision-making, safety and public expenditure. Also, fire. He loves fire. In this episode, Robert…

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25: “A Career on Fire” Guest: Mike Morrow BC Wildfire Service 50:31

2y ago50:31

50:31

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 refle…

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24: “Reigniting Cultural Burning Through Painting” Guests: Peter Holub & Sarah Sigurdson 48:52

2y ago48:52

48:52

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…

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23: “Reigniting Indigenous Cultural Burning: A FNESS Feature” Guest: Dave Pascal 40:20

2+ y ago40:20

40:20

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 mean…

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22: “A Community Focused Approach to Forests and Wildfire” Guest: Jennifer Gunter, British Columbia Community Forest Association 37:39

2+ y ago37:39

37:39

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 g…

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21: “Managing Fire on the Landscape in Banff National Park” Guest: David Tavernini, Parks Canada 31:27

2+ y ago31:27

31:27

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 FireSmar…

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20: “The Importance of Communications in Wildfire Preparedness” Guest: Forrest Tower 46:02

3y ago46:02

46:02

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 …

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19: "The Impact of FireSmart on the Forest Ecosystem" Guest: Erik Leslie 32:27

3y ago32:27

32:27

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 …

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18: "Incident Investigations & the Importance of FireSmart" Guest: Jack Blair 1:04:48

3y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

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 t…

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17: "The Technical Details of Fire" Guest: Jack Cohen 1:05:19

3y ago1:05:19

1:05:19

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 importan…

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16: "Learn about the Importance of the Home Ignition Zone from a FireSmart Expert" Guest: Alan Westhaver 48:29

3y ago48:29

48:29

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 rep…

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15: “Preparation, Prevention, and Emergency” Guest: Darren Wilkinson 1:01:11

3y ago1:01:11

1:01:11

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 wi…

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14: “Learn about FireSmart Plants and Process” Guest: Karla Hoffman 52:41

3y ago52:41

52:41

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 Pla…

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13: "A FireSmart Garden: Learn From the Best" Guest: Brian Minter 51:23

3y ago51:23

51:23

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 l…

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12: "What is Cultural Burning & Prescribed Fire" Guest: Tony Pesklevits 51:52

3y ago51:52

51:52

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 ro…

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11: "FireSmart BC Celebrating Success: The FireSmart Coordinator" Guest: Brittany Seibert 39:42

3+ y ago39:42

39:42

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 abou…

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10: "Partner Spotlight: FESBC & BC FireSmart Committee" Guest: Gord Pratt 52:34

3+ y ago52:34

52:34

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 fighte…

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09: “Introducing the Home Partners Program” Guest: Joel Hamilton 52:58

3+ y ago52:58

52:58

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 W…

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08: "Logan Lake. A FireSmart Case Study" w/Doug Wilson (Logan Lake Fire Chief) 39:03

3+ y ago39:03

39:03

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.By FireSmart

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07: "The Importance Of Being Educated And Prepared For Wildfire" Guest: Jennifer Rice 23:01

4y ago23:01

23:01

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…

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06: "The Speed & Risk of Wildfire and How to Prepare" Guest: Larry Watkinson 45:47

4y ago45:47

45:47

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 quic…

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01: "A Fire That Changed A Community" Guest: Bryan Reid (Timber Kings) 33:17

4y ago33:17

33:17

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 fi…

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02: "What Is FireSmart?" Guest: Kelly Johnston (FireSmart Canada) 37:30

4y ago37:30

37:30

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 th…

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03: "Defending A FireSmart Home From Wildfire" Guest: Rob Dombowsky 1:02:49

4y ago1:02:49

1:02:49

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 …

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04: "How Does FireSmart Work And What You Can Do" Guest: Amanda Reynolds (FireSmart BC) 55:34

4y ago55:34

55:34

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 step…

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05: "How Does Fire Think And Act?" Guest: Dana Hicks (BCWS) 1:01:22

4y ago1:01:22

1:01:22

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 his…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

FireSmart Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen