The Fire Break | Innovations in Wildfire

How do military strategy, AI, and community resilience come together in wildfire response? Robert Baird breaks it down in this essential Fire Break episode.

In this extended conversation, host Steve Wolf sits down with Robert Baird—retired U.S. Marine and former Fire Director for Region 5 of the U.S. Forest Service—to explore the intersection of wildfire leadership, military strategy, risk communication, and tech. They dig into:

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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 need human intuition on the line?<...

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 suppression to protect high-risk proper...

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 dig into the difference between preve...

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 Hazard Severity Zones—which now include...

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 lives—and what’s next for their U.S. ex...

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 engineers might stop it. If you’ve ever wo...

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 stories from the fireground, why they ...

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 heartbreaking) stories from a lifetime in th...

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 after a hard call. She also dives int...

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’s next after the uniform comes off....

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 wildland firefighters. If you care about ...

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, proving new tech, and disrupting a ce...

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. Whether you've experienced a wildfire...

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 effective wildfire response. Keith ...

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 prevention, property protection, and ...