The Get FireSmart Podcast

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...

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...

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 Forest...

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...

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...

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...

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 commu...

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...

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 E...

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 experie...

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 i...

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 on...

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...

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 Champion...

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 Fir...

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 importa...

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 d...

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 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 t...

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 Kell...

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...

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 tha...

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...