How to prepare for wildfire: free webinar series launches June 23 for mountain communities

Wildfire southeast of Heber City in 2022. Photo: Townlift

PARK CITY, Utah — As wildfire risk grows across mountain communities, a free online series launching later this month aims to give any resident the tools and information to understand what preparedness actually looks like.

Mountain Towns 2030, a nonprofit that works with mountain communities on climate resilience, is co-presenting the Mountain Wildfire Action Series alongside Tahoe Fund and Fire Aside. The sessions run from late June through late July and cover wildfire prevention basics, policy solutions from other western mountain towns, and the specific roles ski resorts and utility providers play in reducing risk.

The first session, on June 23, is focused on prevention and preparedness and will draw on expert insights and real-world examples from mountain community first responders and data and technology specialists. Guests include Jason Brooks, co-founder of Fire Aside, and Chris Anthony, founder and CEO of FireWERX.

The July 14 session shifts to innovation and policy, examining how communities across the West are reducing risk and securing resources through funding, partnerships and on-the-ground action. Guests Sydney Morrow of Glenbrook HOA and Eric Horndtvedt of the Truckee Fire Protection District will share examples that organizers say can be adapted and replicated in other mountain regions.

The final webinar on July 28 focuses on the role ski resorts and utility providers play in protecting mountain landscapes and infrastructure. Guests Todd Chapman of JMA Ventures/Homewood Ski Resort and Kevin Johnson of PG&E will discuss land stewardship, forest management, infrastructure investment and regional partnerships.

All three sessions run from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Registration links for each are available at mt2030.org/events.