The Thomas Fire was the largest wildfire in California history, when it broke out on December 4, 2017. Four Ventura City firefighters who battled the blaze that first night--Battalion Chief Douglas Miser, Captain Luke Mitchell, Captain Mark Neilsen, and Captain Chris Plessner (ret.)--join the Firehouse Roundtable to talk about their experiences, the difficulty of battling a wildfire that threatens your own community and loved ones, and the impact of the Thomas Fire on their mental health. Listen in...
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guests: Battalion Chief Douglas Miser, Captain Luke Mitchell, Captain Mark Nielsen, and Captain Chris Plessner (ret.) of Ventura City Fire Department
Link: Thomas Fire
Link: Montecito Mud Slide
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
