Former WA Fire Chief Hilary Franz unpacks the critical strategies for tackling escalating wildfires, detailing Washington State's innovative approaches to fire suppression, forest health, and community resilience. Discover how bold leadership and cutting-edge technology are reshaping our fight against an ever-growing threat, and learn what it truly takes to protect our communities and natural landscapes.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- The turning point: Lessons from Washington's 2020 Labor Day firestorm.
- Moving at the "pace and scale of wildfire": Why government needs to accelerate.
- Exclusive Use Contracts: Revolutionizing aerial firefighting resources.
- Forest Health: The urgent need for restoration before disaster strikes.
- Suppression vs. Natural Burns: Finding the right balance.
- The changing nature of fire: Why old containment strategies aren't enough.
- Tech on the Front Lines: How Pano AI, drones, and data are saving lives and land.
- Community Resilience: Bridging the gap in public awareness and preparedness.
- Evacuation Planning: The overlooked key to safety.
- A National Call to Action: Modernizing federal wildfire strategy.
- Why Hilary Franz is optimistic we can end the mega-wildfire crisis.
