Podcast
Neal on Fire
Hosted by Neal Spungen · EN
Neal on Fire is a podcast dedicated to in-depth conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of wildfire technology and management. From cutting-edge detection systems and satellite intelligence to field response and prevention strategies, each episode uncovers the insights driving meaningful progress. Through these discussions, we explore how technology, expertise, and collaboration come together to build smarter, faster, and safer wildfire solutions.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How RoGo's Satellite Tech Saves Firefighters Lives ft. RoGO Communications
Apr 2000:29:46Tap to summarizeMost wildland firefighters operate with outdated tech paper maps, compasses, and radios leading to dangerous guesswork during critical moments. What if there was a simple device that could transform wildfire response by providing real-time GPS tracking, weather updates, and instant tactical communication, even in extreme conditions where cell service doesn’t exist?Neal Spungen sits down with Rod Goossen, CEO of RoGO Communications, to reveal how their innovative Drop Block technology is revolutionizing wildfire safety. Born from the tragic Yarnell Hill fire that claimed 19 lives, this rugged, satellite-enabled device offers a game-changing solution to one of the most persistent issues in firefighting: lack of situational awareness. With the Drop Block, incident command can see real-time GPS locations of crews and equipment, monitor weather changes instantly, and communicate point-to-point, all without relying on traditional cell networks.
Transcribe →Predicting Fire: The Science Behind Wildfire Models ft. Alexandra Syphard
Mar 2300:31:38Tap to summarizeWhat is wildfire modeling and how does it help predict wildfire risk?In this episode of Neal on Fire, Dr. Alexandra Syphard (Conservation Biology Institute, Global Wildfire Collective) breaks down how wildfire models work and why they’re essential for understanding fire behavior, especially in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).Perfect for professionals in utilities, insurance, wildfire management, and anyone interested in wildfire science and risk.Subscribe for more episodes on wildfire technology, fire detection, wildfire risk modeling, and resilience strategies.
Transcribe →Revolutionizing Wildfire Response with RainStream ft. Wildfire Innovations
Feb 1900:24:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Neal on Fire, host Neal Spungen speaks with Don Hallett, Founder & President of Wildfire Innovations and inventor of RainStream a mobile, elevated misting system that can protect 7–18 acres by pre-wetting vegetation, increasing humidity, and slowing ember spread.They discuss how RainStream works, why elevation matters, real-world deployment, coordination with fire agencies, and use cases across WUI communities, utilities, and critical infrastructure.🎧 Neal on Fire spotlights real-world wildfire detection, mitigation, and response no paid promotions, just practical innovation.🔔 Subscribe for more wildfire solutions from the people building them.https://www.wildfireinov.com/https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →The Future of Power Grid Resilience ft. Grid IQ
Feb 1800:28:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Neal on Fire, Neal Spungen talks with Aren Page, founder of GridIQ, about building a “nervous system” for the power grid to detect faults before they cause wildfires.They discuss pre-ignition grid monitoring, reducing PSPS events, fast fault localization, and how utilities can act proactively to improve wildfire resilience.🎧 Real-world wildfire and grid innovation—no paid promotions.🔔 Subscribe for more.https://www.gridiq.io/https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →The Power of Open Source in early wildfire detection ft. Pyronear
Feb 1800:25:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Neal on Fire, host Neal Spungen talks with Félix Veith, co-founder of Pyronear a nonprofit using open-source AI and low-cost cameras to detect wildfires early.They discuss how Pyronear’s camera-based detection works, why the team chose an open-source model, how false positives are reduced, and real-world deployments across France, Spain, and Chile. The conversation also explores affordability, community-driven innovation, and why accessible detection matters for high-risk regions worldwide.🎧 Neal on Fire features real-world wildfire detection, mitigation, and response—no paid promotions, just practical solutions.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people building the future of wildfire resilience.https://pyronear.org/en/https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →Underground Innovations: Soil Sensors in Wildfire Detection ft. Rhea Rawat
Feb 200:24:29Tap to summarizeMost wildfire detection systems rely on above-ground sensors that can fail in extreme conditions or produce false alarms. In this episode, high school researcher Rhea Rawat explores a new approach to early wildfire detection using subterranean soil sensors.Rhea explains how low-cost, LoRaWAN-enabled underground sensors measure temperature and moisture changes to detect wildfires 10–17 minutes before flames are visible. By deploying sensors at multiple soil depths, this technology improves detection accuracy while reducing false positives.As wildfire risk continues to increase, underground wildfire detection could become a critical tool for protecting lives, homes, and ecosystems. This episode rethinks wildfire detection by looking below the surface.Rhea's Research: https://emerginginvestigators.org/articles/24-154https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →Water-Saving Solutions for Wildfire Suppression ft. HoZe Solutions
Feb 200:27:14Tap to summarizeDiscover how HoZe Solutions is revolutionizing wildfire suppression with an unmanned firefighting system that conserves up to 75% less water than traditional methods.In this episode, CEO Martin Hofmann breaks down how this ground-based system mimics aerial water drops, allowing safer, more efficient wildfire response while keeping crews out of harm’s way.Learn how real-time pressure control, long-distance water delivery, and scalable design make this technology ideal for wildfire resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and water-efficient firefighting.https://hozesolutions.com/https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →Predicting Flames: The Future of Wildfire Risk ft. Firescape.ai
Jan 1200:29:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Neal on Fire," host Neal Spungen delves into the future of wildfire detection and response with Holly Eagleston, CEO of Firescape.ai. Discover how Firescape is transforming complex wildfire data into actionable intelligence, helping utilities prevent and mitigate fire risks. Holly shares insights from her experience at Sandia National Labs and discusses the challenges and innovations in wildfire situational awareness. Tune in to learn about the cutting-edge technology driving the next generation of wildfire management.
Transcribe →AI and Wildfires: A New Era of Prevention ft. DeepFire
Jan 1200:24:48Tap to summarizeJoin Neal Spungen on "Neal on Fire" as he delves into the future of wildfire detection with Dr. Supratik Mukhopadhyay. Discover how AI, satellite data, and environmental datasets are revolutionizing the way we predict and respond to wildfires. Learn about the groundbreaking DeepFire technology, which offers a 90% accuracy rate in predicting wildfires up to 45 days in advance, and how it integrates with existing systems to enhance human decision-making. Tune in to explore the cutting-edge research that could change the landscape of wildfire management.
Transcribe →The Future of Fire Detection ft. Opal AI
Jan 1200:26:40Tap to summarizeJoin host Neal Spungen on "Neal on Fire" as he delves into the future of wildfire detection and response with Dr. Ryan Alimo, founder and CEO of Opal AI. Discover how Opal AI is revolutionizing the field with cutting-edge spatial intelligence and 3D modeling to assess risks and aid in smarter decision-making. From creating digital twins of urban areas to leveraging NASA's support, this episode explores the innovative technologies shaping the future of fire management. Tune in to learn how AI is transforming the landscape of wildfire prevention and safety.https://www.opal-ai.com/https://nealonfire.com/
Transcribe →