Dr. Katharyn Duffy, a leading expert in wildfire carbon interactions from Vibrant Planet and Northern Arizona University, reveals the often-underestimated long-term carbon impacts of severe wildfires and discusses how climate change is reshaping our forests. Discover the science behind forest resilience, the critical role of sustainable forestry in carbon capture, and innovative approaches to help ecosystems adapt to a hotter, drier world.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Carbon Iceberg: Why initial fire emissions are just the tip of the problem.
• Aridity's Impact: How a "thirstier" atmosphere stresses trees and ecosystems.
• Ecosystem Tipping Points: The risk of forests converting to less carbon-rich landscapes.
• Nature's Best Tech: Why trees are unparalleled carbon capture machines.
• Lumber as Sequestered Carbon: The benefits of sustainable harvesting, especially post-disturbance.
• Vibrant Planet's Mission: Bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and actionable solutions.
• Beyond Pile & Burn: Smarter ways to manage forest biomass and improve soil health.
• The Power of Fungi: Exploring mycological solutions for forest regeneration.
• Working with Nature: Why proactive, science-based restoration is key.
• Humanity's Role: Understanding our impact and responsibility in the biosphere.

Mosmart's Fraser Donaldson and Andrew Nott detail their innovative mineral-based fire retardant, Marine 3, offering a potentially revolutionary, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical foams. Join us as these UK innovators discuss their journey from farming and artificial grass to tackling global wildfires with a product that's gaining traction across Europe as a PFAS-free solution.In this episode, you'll learn about:What is Marine 3? The 64-mineral composition and its "no synthetic chemicals" promise.The PFAS Ban: Why this product is a timely alternative for fire departments.Global Testing & Certification: Navigating the rigorous approval processes in Europe (CE certified) and beyond.Real-World Performance: Insights from tests in Portugal, Cyprus, and Turkey against water and foams.Application & Benefits: How it's used, its non-corrosive nature, and its ability to prevent reignition.Market Penetration: Mosmart's strategy for entering challenging markets like Spain, South America, and the US.The Farmer's Perspective: Why Andrew Knott, a farmer, trusts Marine 3 on his own crops.Cost & Efficiency: A look at the diluted cost per liter compared to other solutions.Future Outlook: Addressing waste fires, EV battery fires, and expanding global reach.

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.

Wildfire disasters are accelerating across the globe, and climate scientist Daniel Swain says we’re dangerously unprepared for what’s coming next. Climate scientist Daniel Swain discusses the growing complexity of wildfire events in a warming world. From fire weather science to the failures of over-suppression, Swain explains why our current strategies aren’t cutting it—and what has to change. They dive into California’s record-breaking urban wildfires, the hidden risks of battery fires and toxic smoke, the paradox of resilience vs. resistance, and how disaster movies might hold the key to better preparedness. Whether you’re a firefighter, policymaker, or just living near flammable landscapes, this is the conversation we all need right now.

🎙 Topics include:

• Why climate + wind is a catastrophic combo

• Urban firestorms in LA, Maui, Boulder, and beyond

• Compound disasters: when one emergency triggers another

• Prescribed fire, Indigenous burning, and fire-adapted communities

• Watch Duty, arson myths, and evacuation tech gaps

🌿 Learn more about Teal’s work at Lab to Land: labtolandinstitute.org

Can fire prevention become profitable? In this episode of The Fire Break, host Steve Wolf talks with Teal Brown Zimring, Executive Director of Lab to Land and Managing Partner at Galvanize Partners, about the emerging intersection of wildfire economics, biomass utilization, and biotechnology.

Teal’s background in political economics gives her a unique lens on how we fund and prioritize resilience. She explains why thinning overgrown forests isn’t just about science — it’s about economic incentives, regional demonstration projects, and redefining what it means to “live with fire.”

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The untapped value of waste biomass (pine needles, scrub wood, and “ladder fuels”)

• Why private markets can’t solve wildfire risk — and where public funding fits in

• Can paper towels really save the forest?

• The dangers of phosphorus loading from fire retardants

• Using biotech and soil genomics to understand post-fire recovery

• Reimagining wildland firefighter careers as year-round resilience work

• Cultural narratives that still glorify suppression over prevention

• Why funding community-scale projects may be our best path forward

Sponsored by Team Wildfire, developing jet engine–powered fire suppression for the modern age.

Welcome Michelle Friess, Flight Operations Coordinator at Bridger Aerospace, one of the leading companies in aerial wildfire suppression. Michelle schedules scooper pilots, coordinates operations across a growing national fleet, and helps ensure fire aircraft and crews are where they’re needed—fast.

🎯 Topics Covered:

-What it’s like managing aircraft and crews during fire season

-Why wildfires are now a year-round threat

-The growing role of super scoopers and aerial firefighting

-Bridger’s plans to expand its fleet (from 16+ aircraft and beyond)

-Challenges with pilot scheduling, maintenance, and federal contracts

-The emotional side of the job and the respect for ground crews

-Mentorship, women in fire aviation, and why wildfire feels like family

🌎 Michelle also shares how her path—from garbage site support in Oregon to wildfire aviation—proves that anyone with grit and purpose can have impact.

Wildfire Expert Keith Parker on ICS, Firefighting Evolution, and Leadership Lessons

Former Marin County Fire Marshal Keith Parker joins The Fire Break to reflect on 33 years in wildland fire. From the early days before ICS to today’s high-tech firefighting, Keith shares battle-tested wisdom on:

🚒 Crew safety & command
🛰️ Equipment evolution (dozers, aircraft, engines)
📻 ICS: flexibility vs. rigidity
🧭 What’s broken in fire investigation today
🌲 Fuel mitigation vs. community resistance
🧑‍🚒 Why we’re losing career firefighters—and how to fix it

What if we could model the chemistry of wildfire down to the molecule—and stop it before it spreads? Nigerian wildfire researcher Abraham Zhiri joins Steve Wolf from Cambridge University to explore how fluid dynamics, heat equations, and detonation models are reshaping how we understand and suppress fire. Abraham shares his journey from the forests of Nigeria to a lab in the UK, where he's modeling the fine line between ignition and containment. Together, they unpack the fire triangle, the role of moisture, the surprising power of animal firebrands, and why removing heat might be our best suppression strategy. This episode dives deep into the science of wildfire—and offers a hopeful look at the math behind better outcomes.