Wildfires are escalating in scope, frequency, and cost—impacting every region across the U.S., not just the West. Leaders from IAFC emphasized the critical need for both prevention and response, urging communities to invest in mitigation efforts like defensible space, resilient codes, and prescribed fire. Incident management teams shared firsthand accounts of wind-driven fire behavior, invasive fuel types, and growing gaps in national suppression capacity. The takeaway? It’s going to get worse before it gets better—but with honest communication, local leadership, and collective effort, we can start bending the curve.
Members on first show include:
Justin Green Deputy Chief - Communications and (Technology) Support Services, Loudon County
Rich Elliot -KITTCOM Director, Kittitas Valley Deputy Chief (retired)
Craig Daughtery - Retired San Juan County, Current Complex Incident Management Operations Chief
Erik Litzenberg- Senior Wildland Fire Advisor International Association of Fire Chiefs
Four Key Takeaways
- Fire is National, Not Just Western
From Colorado to New Jersey, destructive wildfires are now a coast-to-coast threat. Every firefighter, rural, urban, or wildland—must be part of the solution.
- Suppression Alone Isn't Enough
We need the right fire at the right time. That means combining smart mitigation, fire-adapted communities, and cultural acceptance of prescribed fire and smoke.
- Local Action is Essential
Federal capacity is strained. Fire departments must lead locally, assess risks, educate the public, harden structures, and tell compelling stories that shift policy.
- The Message is Clear...Do Both
It’s not “mitigation or suppression”, it’s mitigation and suppression. Be real with your community about what can (and can’t) be done when a fire hits fast and hard.
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