Each state in the U.S., including where you live, experiences wildfires to a varying number. The projection is $2 billion for what is spent in the U.S. each year to fight wildfires. According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Interior and others, 90% of wildfires are caused by the acts of humans. Our expert guests, Dr. Kate Wilkin and Dr. Jon Keeley, each point to the importance of prevention. So, what are you, and the leadership and agencies in your area, doing to tackle this important issue?

Dr. Kate Wilkin, a University of California Forestry/Fire Science and Natural Resource Advisor, talks about what causes wildfires, the impact, strategies for fighting wildfires and more.

Dr. Jon Keeley, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and an adjunct professor at UCLA, weighs in on the relationship between climate change and wildfire activity, how geography and population shifts influence wildfires and the debate, and he touches on national wildfire policy and management, and more.

All of that and more. A lot more!

Note: In our next episode, Jim Ward will be back from the World Cup and returns to ‘The Big Bid Theory’ studio with another edition of Crazy Bids.

Resources. Dr. Kate Wilkin:

NPR series, natural benefits of fire
http://www.californiaburning.org/capradio

Interview about the natural benefits of fire http://ijpr.org/post/hiking-through-illilouette-ideal-forest#stream/0

Resources. Dr. Jon Keeley:

Different historical fire–climate patterns in California
https://bit.ly/2tA1DKg

Evolution of ‘smoke’ induced seed germination in pyroendemic plants
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629916301624?via%3Dihub

Fire as an Ecosystem Process
https://woods.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/files/Ecosystems_of_CA_Supplement_1.pdf
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