Aviation is one of the safest forms of transportation in the world, but that safety depends on careful preparation for events everyone hopes will never happen.

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.

In this episode, Greg Pobar of Regional Airport Management Services shares lessons from a career in emergency services and aviation planning.

He explains the concept of the crash community, the wide network of agencies that must coordinate during an aviation emergency, including airports, airlines, police, fire, medical teams, and government partners.

Greg also describes a real incident in remote Western Australia that revealed how quickly passenger care, injuries, and limited resources can create complex challenges.

The conversation also explores emerging concerns for responders, including new aircraft materials, evolving firefighting approaches, and the growing partnership between engineers and firefighters working to improve safety before emergencies occur.

So take a listen to hear what he has to share.

Episode 309: What Aviation Emergencies Teach Us About Coordination and Preparedness with Greg Pobar