The Fire Break | Innovations in Wildfire

How can small fire departments survive big wildfires? Chief Dave Robertson is a veteran fire officer with deep experience in both California and Canada. From Napa County to Toronto, Chief Robertson has seen the limits of our current fire response—and he's here to talk about what needs to change. Why are most departments unprepared for today’s wildfire scale? Is AI the answer, or do we still ne...

Can AI-powered launchers defend your home from wildfires like Israel's Iron Dome stops rockets? Steve Wolf meets Gadi Benjamini and Adi Pomerantz, the co-founders of FireDome —a revolutionary startup using smart capsules and military-inspired tech to build instant fire breaks and intercept embers before they ignite. Tune in to hear how FireDome blends AI, environmental data, and micro-targeted sup...

How do we build wildfire resilience before disaster strikes? Rebecca Samulski, Executive Director of Fire Adapted Colorado, about what it really means to live with fire instead of fighting against it. From coordinating a statewide network of wildfire mitigation professionals to empowering neighborhood ambassadors, Rebecca shares how her team is changing the game for fire-prone communities. They di...

What happens when a coastal paradise gets redrawn as wildfire territory? Santa Monica Fire Marshal Joe Cavin reveals how wildfire rezoning, emergency evacuations, and fire-hardened building codes are transforming one of California’s most iconic cities. Cavin discusses the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, the scramble to relocate five displaced schools, and the controversial rollout of the Fire Haz...

Discover how AI and satellites are transforming wildfire detection with OroraTech CEO Thomas Grübler. Grübler talks about OroraTech’s global satellite constellation, real-time fire mapping, and predictive modeling that’s helping fire agencies around the world act faster and smarter. From launching 10 satellites to mapping fires the size of a car, Grübler shares how this tech is already saving live...

How do wildfires ignite buildings? Fire engineer Dr. Eleni Asimakopoulou reveals how structure design, facade materials, and wind patterns turn a wildfire into an urban disaster. In this global edition of The Fire Break , she joins Steve Wolf to discuss how her research uses fire dynamics simulations, AI modeling, and lab experiments to understand flame spread—and how the next generation of engine...

Wildfire disasters are accelerating as ecosystems collapse — Dr. Tracy Fanara explains why. Dive into how climate change, poor building practices, and ecological imbalance are fueling wildfire devastation. Explore how smarter science, better communication, and real prevention strategies could save lives and protect communities.

Discover how AI wildfire mitigation software is changing the game, with Australia’s Fi-Sci founders Matt Robards and Kevin Bonner— two innovators using machine learning and risk modeling to tackle wildfires before they even start. Learn how they’re optimizing fuel load reduction, prescribed burns, smoke control, and prevention strategies to protect lives and infrastructure. Plus, hear personal sto...

Firefighter training, leadership development, and emergency service education come together in this episode with Marc Hill — fire chief, paramedic, educator, and author of Two Dark Thirty. Marc discusses how to effectively train firefighters for high-stress calls and real-world scenarios. From teaching adult learners to leading with purpose, Marc shares practical tools and hilarious (and heartbrea...

Firefighter PTSD, adrenaline addiction, and burnout are more common than ever—psychologist Dr. Erica Birkley explains why, and what first responders can do about it. In this candid, eye-opening episode, Dr. Birkley breaks down the hidden emotional toll of life on shift, how trauma sticks in the body, why sleep disruption rewires your brain, and what “emotional decontamination” really looks like af...

Leadership coaching, team performance, and behavioral change — Greg Zimbulis brings 25+ years of experience helping businesses grow by fixing what matters most: leadership. In this episode, he shares how self-awareness, role modeling, and curiosity are the foundations of true influence. Whether you're running a fire agency or a family business, Greg’s insights will reshape how you lead, build trus...

Air Force firefighter leadership, base protection, and a 30-year global career, chief Shanton Russell shares his extraordinary journey. From a childhood of limited means, he rose to command Air Force base fire departments around the world, to leading with humanity and compassion. In our 100th episode, learn how his deployments shaped his leadership, why he never lost sight of his people, and what’...

“Look for the helpers,” Mr. Rogers once said—and in the wake of every flood, fire, or hurricane, it’s volunteers who show up first and stay longest. In this episode, April Wood, President & CEO of National VOAD, shares how 70+ volunteer organizations coordinate nationwide relief efforts, support overlooked communities, and prove that humanity shines brightest in disaster’s darkest moments.

Wildfire tech, LiDAR mapping, and prescribed fire tools collide in this eye-opening episode of The Fire Break. Fire scientist Scott Pokswinski reveals how next-generation tools—like terrestrial LiDAR and advanced smoke modeling—are reshaping wildfire management. Learn how technology, culture, and fire science intersect to make communities safer, reduce risk, and train the next generation of wildla...

Wildfire suppression technology, aerial firefighting, and startup innovation collide as Larry Sukay, founder of Western States Fire discusses Skhi-Ex, a high-volume foam deployment system that could revolutionize how we fight wildfires from the air. Hear Larry's journey from rescue diver and firefighter to hardware entrepreneur, and get a front-row seat to the challenges of raising capital, pr...

Trauma recovery expert Millie Mabelle shares her journey of healing after losing her home in the Marshall fire. Learn how Millie transformed her own wildfire trauma into powerful techniques for emotional recovery, stress management, and building resilience. She explains practical methods for calming trauma responses, using mindfulness and somatic healing to regain a sense of safety and control. Wh...

Legendary aerial firefighter Keith Gill reveals the secrets behind effective wildfire suppression from the sky, comparing tactics across North America, Europe, and Australia. Keith shares 40 years of experience flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to combat wildfires. Learn about initial attack strategies, the use of converted Blackhawk helicopters, and the bureaucratic hurdles holding back...

Canadian Climate Foresight Strategist and Sotheby’s Real Estate Agent Chris Chopik reveals wildfire prevention strategies, home-hardening tips, and the economic impact of wildfires on real estate. Chris discusses how to safeguard your home from wildfires, the importance of community collaboration, and how evolving environmental conditions are impacting fire risks. Learn practical steps for fire pr...

California Fire Marshal Nicole Pesqueira shares cutting-edge wildfire prevention strategies, essential home-hardening tips, and critical updates on California's evolving fire safety codes. From recent wildfire battles to groundbreaking technologies for early fire detection, Nicole delivers practical advice for homeowners and communities facing increasing wildfire threats. Discover why proactiv...

Rachelle Wilson discusses innovative workforce development, wildfire risk reduction strategies, and empowering our next generation of wildland firefighters. Rachelle dives into her groundbreaking high school curriculum designed to equip students with real-world skills, explores sustainable funding solutions, and highlights critical lessons learned from recent wildfires. Discover why early engageme...

Rohan Fisher joins The Fire Break to share how Indigenous wildfire knowledge, satellite technology, and an innovative wildfire simulation game are revolutionizing fire management in Australia's tropical savannas. Discover how Rohan blends 70,000 years of traditional practices with modern science, transforming landscapes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and empowering communities. Rohan debu...

What happens when wildfires burn too big, too fast, and too frequently? Steve Wolf sits down with Jonathan Reimer, Emergency Manager from British Columbia, Canada, to uncover exactly how wildfire experts make critical decisions under extreme pressure. Jonathan shares gripping stories from the front lines—including near-disasters like the Fort McMurray evacuation and the heroic effort that saved Wa...

How do we protect our communities when wildfires are outpacing traditional strategies? On this episode, Steve Wolf is joined by Brittany Black from BurnBot, an innovative startup using robotic technology and advanced forestry techniques to drastically reduce wildfire risk. Imagine a remote-controlled robot clearing and safely burning fuel to create fire-resistant perimeters year-round, even in ter...

The future of wildfire prevention is shifting—and fast. In this episode of The Fire Break, Steve Wolf sits down with Jason Brooks, co-founder of Fire Aside, to explore how private-sector innovation is transforming wildfire mitigation. From data-driven risk assessments to cutting-edge engagement strategies, Fire Aside is helping fire departments and communities take proactive steps before disaster...

Can bananas and your smartphone really help stop wildfires? Join Steve Wolf as he talks with Xiao Fu, an innovative researcher using cutting-edge computer science and artificial intelligence to predict, detect, and fight devastating wildfires in real-time. From bold ideas like "Banana Buffers" to crowdsourcing fire detection using everyday smartphones, Xiao Fu shares groundbreaking solut...