In an era when megafires are becoming the norm rather than the exception, our communities need wildland firefighters now more than ever. However, recruitment and retention is a serious and growing challenge in the wildland fire community. As firefighters cope with physical and mental health challenges, low pay and unprecedented pressure from longer fire seasons, we not only have to figure out how we fight these fires – but how to support the people who fight them.

Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.

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The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society’s greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Episode Credits:

eporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Reporting: Carson Frame

Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell

Production support: Jordan Marks

Fact-checking: Kate Long

Sound design: Seth Samuel

Original music: Ryan Flores

Additional music: Epidemic Sound

Studio recording: Denver Community Media