PSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)

Sign in Autonomous Wildfire Response: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Adoption

Could autonomous aircraft change the way we fight wildfires? 🚁🔥 In this episode of Catching Wildfire, we sit down with Maxwell Brodie, founder of RAIN, to explore the future of autonomous wildfire response. We discuss the transition from traditional firefighting to integrating advanced autonomous technology, the reality of "assistive" vs. "uncrewed" flight, and how to overcome the biggest hurdle in the fire service: adoption. Join hosts Chief Jeff Johnson and Chief Kim Zagaris as they break down the roadmap for bringing this life-saving technology from the lab to the frontlines of our forests. Key Topics Covered: * Why "Autonomy" does not mean "Uncrewed" * The history of aviation innovation in the fire service * Overcoming the "Chicken and Egg" procurement problem * How we can safely integrate new tech into existing air traffic procedures Guest: Maxwell Brodie, Founder of RAIN Hosts: Jeff Johnson (Retired Fire Chief) & Chief Kim Zagaris (Senior Policy Adviser, WFCA)

PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 7: Satellites Revolutionize Wildfire Management

Discover how cutting‑edge satellite technology is reshaping the future of wildland fire management. This episode dives into the shift from basic fire detection to advanced intensity assessment—unlocking proactive strategies, smarter decision‑making, and unprecedented situational awareness for fire professionals.   You’ll hear how purpose‑built satellite systems, strategic funding, and a reimagined digital infrastructure are coming together to support beneficial fire practices, strengthen community safety, and transform wildfire response from reactive to data‑driven.   What You’ll Learn:   🔥 Purpose‑Built Satellite Systems Brian Collins explains how next‑generation constellations like Firesat are being designed specifically for the real‑time, granular data needs of firefighters—far beyond what repurposed defense or weather satellites can provide.   🔥 Managing Fire Intensity Kate Dargen Marquis highlights how satellites now measure fire intensity, helping distinguish beneficial “good wildfire” from destructive “bad wildfire,” giving incident commanders more informed options.   🔥 The Digital Infrastructure Challenge Chief Kim Zagaris discusses the need to overhaul fragmented public safety systems so they can integrate massive streams of real‑time satellite data across thousands of PSAPs and CAD systems.   🔥 Philanthropy as a Catalyst Learn how philanthropic partners are accelerating innovation, de‑risking early development, and paving the way for future investment in critical fire‑tech solutions.   🔥 A Predictable Wildfire Future Experts envision a world where wildfire behavior is modeled and forecasted like hurricanes—supported by universal connectivity and comprehensive data.   Memorable Quote: "We need wildfire. We need good wildfire. And sometimes good wildfire and bad wildfire… the thing that’s the differentiator is the intensity of it." — Kate Dargen Marquis   #WildfireTechnology #FireManagement #SatelliteTechnology #WildlandFire #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #FireScience #CatchingWildfirePodcast #InnovationInFireTech #SituationalAwareness #GoodFire #BadFire #Firesat #FireServiceLeadership

PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 6: Revolutionizing Evacuation Management with Genasys

Genasys is transforming public safety by providing a zone-based, end-to-end communication platform that delivers precise, actionable evacuation instructions to residents in under five minutes.   From Acoustic Hardware to Integrated Software: Genasys originally gained prominence with Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) for military use. Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive protective communications company. By integrating the "Zonehaven" platform, they provide a seamless flow of information from the first responder on the scene to the resident’s smartphone and outdoor warning speakers.   This technology is a vital tool for modern incident commanders, significantly reducing their cognitive load during the chaotic early stages of a disaster. By shifting from reactive, broad-based warnings to a proactive, zone-based management system, public safety leaders can fulfill their core mission: the protection of life. Whether facing wildfires, floods, or active shooter situations, the precision and speed of Genasys ensure that communities are better prepared to move out of harm's way efficiently.   #firefighter #wildfire #firefighting #evacuation #genasys #CatchingWildfire #firesafety #public

PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 5: Leadership, Technology, and the Future of the Fire Service

On this episode of Catching Wildfire, join Chief Jeff Johnson, Chief Kim Zagaris, and Chief Brian Fennessy as they discuss how effective leadership in the modern fire service requires a commitment to authenticity, a willingness to embrace technological innovation, and the persistence to overcome systemic resistance to change.   This conversation serves as a powerful mentorship session, capturing wisdom from seasoned fire service leaders. It underscores the idea that while the core mission of firefighting remains, the tools, tactics, and leadership philosophies must evolve. The key takeaway for current and future leaders is the need to balance respect for tradition with an urgent embrace of new technologies and a leadership style founded on humility, persistence, and a deep, service-oriented heart.   Chief Fennessy began his career in 1978 with the US Department of Agriculture's United States Forest Service and the US Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management working as a hotshot crewmember, hotshot/helishot/helitack captain and ultimately crew superintendent.   In 1990, Fennessy joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) and ultimately became Chief of the Department in 2015. One of his many accomplishments while with the SDFD was developing & establishing a multi-mission Fire/Rescue/EMS helicopter program designed to serve the citizens of the City of San Diego and the region.   Chief Fennessy has enjoyed a diversity of executive leadership and management experiences in both the wildland fire and metropolitan fire service communities. He believes that Mission-Driven Culture (MDC) is the future of the fire service and has presented on this topic at a variety of local, state, and national venues.   #catchingwildfire #publicsafety #fire #psbta #firstnet #leadership #wildfire

PSBTA: Catching Wildfire (Audio Version) - Episode 4

In this powerful episode of Catching Wildfire, Chief Jeff Johnson is joined by Michael Coad, Head of Product at Sonim Technologies, and Chief Zagaris, retired California State Fire & Rescue Chief. Together, they explore how Sonim’s ultra-rugged mobile devices are transforming wildfire response and public safety communications.   📱 Key Highlights:   The origin and impact of Sonim’s Band 14 FirstNet-enabled devices   Introduction of the XP Pro Thermal with FLIR imaging for hotspot detection and search & rescue   Launch of Mega Connect, a portable 5G high-power hotspot supporting up to 64 devices   Explanation of MegaRange and how it boosts connectivity up to 6x in remote areas   Sonim’s commitment to ruggedness, mission-critical audio, and FirstNet certification   Future innovations: high-power phones, off-cellular comms, satellite support, and AI-enhanced imaging   💡 Whether you're a firefighter, emergency responder, or tech enthusiast, this episode dives deep into the tools that keep first responders connected, safe, and effective—no matter the conditions.   #WildfireResponse #PublicSafety #FirstNet #SonimTechnologies #MegaConnect #ThermalImaging #CatchingWildfirePodcast #EmergencyTech #FirefighterTools #fire   https://www.sonimtech.com/ [https://www.sonimtech.com/]   https://thepsbta.org/catching-wildfire/ [https://thepsbta.org/catching-wildfire/]