Today’s megafires raise questions about how we manage our forests and where we choose to live. In 2020, Colorado experienced the two largest wildfires in the state’s history: Cameron Peak and East Troublesome. Together, these high-intensity blazes ripped through communities and challenged what we thought we knew about how wildfires behave.

Fire has devastating power, but it’s also a necessary part of our ecosystems. Can we learn to live with it?

In this episode, we begin to explore that question through the eyes of wildfire survivors, researchers, and policymakers navigating this uncertain future.

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:

Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame

Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell

Production support: Nicole Delaney

Fact-checking: Kate Long

Sound design: Seth Samuel

Original music: Ryan Flores

Additional music: Epidemic Sound

Audio recording: Denver Community Media

United by Fire: Rethinking Fire (S4 Ep1)