What if we could predict the next wildfire before it started?

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy.

Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia.

This episode features Peter Thompson and Barry Evans from the University of Canterbury. They discuss their groundbreaking “Minority Report” project, which uses future climate modeling to predict extreme weather events and help communities prepare before disaster strikes.

Peter and Barry explain how data-driven simulations of wildfires and floods are transforming how cities like Wellington approach risk, resilience, and emergency planning. From physics-based fire modeling to real-time decision tools for local governments, their work shows how foresight can save lives.

This conversation dives into the human side of climate preparedness: how collaboration, transparency, and smart modeling can guide better decisions for firefighters, councils, and communities living on the front lines of change.

So take a listen to hear what they have to share.

Episode 292: Turning Climate Data into Safer Cities with Peter Thompson & Barry Evans

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