2 Degrees Out West

Are you prepared for wildfire season? Today, we're joined by Brendan Witt, former host of Two Degrees Out West and current Western Lands Policy Fellow at WRA, to help us better understand the increasing risk of wildfires in the western US. Brendan shares his unique journey from the world of craft beer to working on land use planning, prescribed fire, and wildfire mitigation. Discover how his personal experience with the East Troublesome Fire in Colorado shaped his perspective on wildfire resilience.

We dive deep into the factors contributing to the growing risk of wildfires, such as climate change, beetle-kill pines, and the interconnectedness of our environment. Brendan also sheds light on the complex role of historical forest management and the ecological role of fires in shaping our western landscapes. Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by prescribed burning as a tool for managing wildfire risk and how Indigenous fire practices can be incorporated into state and federal forest management.

In this fascinating conversation, we also explore the importance of intentional growth and land use planning in creating wildfire-resilient communities. From evacuation plans to preserving open spaces, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone living in or loving the Western US. Tune in and learn how we can all be better prepared for wildfire season.

Further Reading

• Use the US Government Wildfire Map to learn about prescribed burns and wildfires across the USA.
• Watch the East Troublesome fire map on the Colorado Public Radio website.
• Read Climate Change and Aridification in North America by Jonathan T. Overpeck and Bradley Udall.
• Use the FAC Self-Assessment Tool to find out how prepared your community is for wildfire.
• Learn more about the Camp Fire and how that fire can teach us how to build more resilient communities.

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...