Exploring the Future of Wildfire Research with NHERI: This Week on the Disaster Podcast

Disaster Podcast

Welcome back to the Disaster Podcast, your go-to resource for medical professionals, first responders, and disaster rescue experts. This week’s episode features a returning guest, Dan Zehner, from the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI), alongside our cohosts Sam Bradley (retired firefighter and paramedic) and Jamie Davis (nurse and retired paramedic).

Together, they dive into the critical role of NHERI in understanding and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters—and its exciting potential for wildfire research in the future.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

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Podcast Discussion Summary

Understanding NHERI’s Mission and Expansion into Wildfire Research

NHERI, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, has spent years advancing our understanding of natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and coastal phenomena. As Dan shares, NHERI is now preparing for its next chapter: applying its methodologies to wildfire research, particularly in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This shift is informed by a groundbreaking NSF study that identified the need for a dedicated facility to tackle wildfire challenges on a scale comparable to NHERI’s work with hurricanes and earthquakes.

The NHERI Approach: Building Resilient Infrastructure

Dan and Sam explore how NHERI’s proven methods—examining hazards, structural response, and the building envelope—can be adapted for wildfire scenarios. This approach aligns closely with the work of organizations like the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), which also studies structural resilience. The team emphasizes that stronger, science-backed building guidelines can help homes withstand wildfires while also addressing concerns like insurance coverage for homes in high-risk zones.

Key takeaway: Homeowners and builders must carefully weigh the risks of building in fire-prone areas and incorporate non-combustible zones around structures to increase survivability.

The Role of Data and Technology in Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire research hinges on robust data collection and analysis. Dan describes how advanced tools like fixed-wing aircraft, drones, and LiDAR technology are used to scan wildfire-affected areas for critical insights into vegetation, topography, and structural materials. These data sets not only inform landslide-prone areas post-fire but also enhance community preparedness.

The conversation underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. NHERI’s Technology Transfer Committee plays a vital role in ensuring research findings are shared with key stakeholders like practitioners and insurance companies. This open channel fosters practical, real-world applications of cutting-edge science.

The Human Element: Community Resilience and Education

Jamie highlights the concept of community resilience, discussing how NHERI’s research can empower communities to recover faster and better after disasters. Dan also shares a personal passion: engaging kids in science. By bringing his daughters to NHERI’s wave tank at Oregon State University, Dan emphasizes the importance of hands-on education in sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of disaster researchers.

The team reflects on how tools like wave tanks and wildfire models can not only inform research but also serve as educational and community outreach platforms.

How to Stay Connected with NHERI and Wildfire Research

Dan wraps up the episode by pointing listeners to several valuable resources for wildfire research and community preparedness:

•Public data sets: Explore open resources on everything from community readiness to housing recovery post-wildfire.

•NHERI Science Plan: A comprehensive roadmap outlining the next five years of research priorities.

•Decadal Visioning Study: A glimpse into the research community’s goals for the next decade.

•Design Safe Slack Channel: Join the conversation and connect with researchers in real-time.

This week’s episode provides a deep dive into the future of wildfire research and its critical role in creating resilient communities. Be sure to listen in to learn how NHERI’s cutting-edge science is bridging the gap between natural hazards research and practical solutions.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!