The Get FireSmart Podcast FireSmart

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 this episode, we talk about getting ready for wildfire season: what to do, how to prepare, and how we can increase collaboration and training across the province to improve our resilience together. 


Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Learn about FNESS: https://www.fness.bc.ca/ 
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

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 move, the impact that has on fuel behaviour, and how to be more resilient. Pete has built his entire career on fire, and this episode is a valuable exploration of his lessons and insights. 


Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Learn more about the BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status 
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

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 wildfire resilience and education, and dive into the story of how the FireSmart Education Program was created to empower teachers and parents as they raise and educate the next generation of FireSmart British Columbians. 


Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc
Explore the FireSmart Education Program’s free lesson plans: https://firesmartbc.ca/educationprogram/ 
Learn about the Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2): https://tc2.ca/ 

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 importance of understanding and restoring active fire regimes in BC. 


Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Learn more about Canada Wildfire: https://www.canadawildfire.org/ 
Learn more about the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions: https://pics.uvic.ca/projects/wildfire-and-carbon 
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

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, awareness, and education on wildfire resiliency, and how BC can learn from their example. Christina is passionate about raising awareness and giving back to communities impacted by wildfires. 
This episode was recorded live at the 2023 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.


Links:
Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca
Learn more about the Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit: https://firesmartbc.ca/wildfire-resiliency-and-training-summit/
Explore the Country Fire Authority website: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ 
Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

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 provincial and federal exemplary service awards for 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of fire service. He has also received Citizen of the Year in 2009 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This episode explores Wayne’s role in FNESS and how the organization is working to build resilient First Nations communities through emergency management. 
This episode was recorded live at the 2023 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.


Links:
To learn more about FireSmart BC visit firesmartbc.ca
Learn more about the Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit: https://firesmartbc.ca/wildfire-resiliency-and-training-summit/
To explore the FNESS website, visit https://www.fness.bc.ca/ 
Watch FireSmart BC Videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc