Wildfires Episodes

This Quickbits installment of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast zeroes in on a turbulent week of wildfire, tornado, and flood activity across Canada and beyond. Tim Conrad shares frontline insights on the explosive growth of the Fiftynine Creek, French Creek, and Anderson Creek fires - including how fast-moving fire behaviour, atmospheric energy, and drought conditions are creating dangerous, unpredictable situations for responders and residents alike. Dr...

When the 2008 Porters Lake–Lake Echo wildfire tore through the suburbs east of Halifax, more than 5,000 people were forced to flee with only minutes to decide what mattered most. In this episode, Paula Danyluk‑MacDonald - evacuee, mother, neighbour, and principal of Atlantic View Elementary - shares her firsthand account of sudden evacuation, community fear, and the remarkable resilience that followed. Paula describes the moment firefighters knocked on her door with five minu...

Conspiracy, AI-created imagery, misinformation and false information now dominate disasters, overpowering truthful and honest information. It is mainstream on social media, podcasts and traditional media, and often repeated by broadcasters, hosts and celebrities.  Pete Jensen is on the front lines of the southern California wildfires, where, in the past, he has served in many roles, including public information officer. Much of what he shares applies no matter where you are. What we know about wildfires, how they move and how we fight them is international.

It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used. These are the stories of the before times. When coordinating more news media was easier than responding, developing, coordinating, producing, and posting media on all channels.

Ever wonder what it takes to be the calm in the storm during an emergency?   Tim talks with Dorit Mason, an expert in emergency planning and operations. They look at the critical role of planners in emergency operations centres (EOCs), recalling their experiences managing wildfire evacuations in 2017. Mason shares insights on the characteristics of a great planner, the importance of personal preparedness, and how effective communication plays a vital role in crisis management.   They discuss the essential traits required for those working in EOCs and reflect on the camaraderie and humor that keep emergency teams going through the toughest times.

Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?   In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.   With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.   From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management.