Shows
PSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)Sign in Autonomous Wildfire Response: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and AdoptionCould autonomous aircraft change the way we fight wildfires? šš„ In this episode of Catching Wildfire, we sit down with Maxwell Brodie, founder of RAIN, to explore the future of autonomous wildfire response. We discuss the transition from traditional firefighting to integrating advanced autonomous technology, the reality of "assistive" vs. "uncrewed" flight, and how to overcome the biggest hurdle in the fire service: adoption. Join hosts Chief Jeff Johnson and Chief Kim Zagaris as they break down the roadmap for bringing this life-saving technology from the lab to the frontlines of our forests. Key Topics Covered:
Why "Autonomy" does not me...
2026-05-0132 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 7: Satellites Revolutionize Wildfire ManagementDiscover how cuttingāedge satellite technology is reshaping the future of wildland fire management. This episode dives into the shift from basic fire detection to advanced intensity assessmentāunlocking proactive strategies, smarter decisionāmaking, and unprecedented situational awareness for fire professionals.
Ā
Youāll hear how purposeābuilt satellite systems, strategic funding, and a reimagined digital infrastructure are coming together to support beneficial fire practices, strengthen community safety, and transform wildfire response from reactive to dataādriven.
Ā
What Youāll Learn:
Ā
š„ PurposeāBuilt Satellite Systems
Brian Collins explains how n...
2026-03-3048 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 6: Revolutionizing Evacuation Management with GenasysGenasys is transforming public safety by providing a zone-based, end-to-end communication platform that delivers precise, actionable evacuation instructions to residents in under five minutes.
Ā
From Acoustic Hardware to Integrated Software: Genasys originally gained prominence with Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) for military use. Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive protective communications company. By integrating the "Zonehaven" platform, they provide a seamless flow of information from the first responder on the scene to the residentās smartphone and outdoor warning speakers.
Ā
This technology is a vital tool for modern incident commanders, sign...
2026-02-1234 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA Catching Wildfire Episode 5: Leadership, Technology, and the Future of the Fire ServiceOn this episode of Catching Wildfire, join Chief Jeff Johnson, Chief Kim Zagaris, and Chief Brian Fennessy as they discuss how effective leadership in the modern fire service requires a commitment to authenticity, a willingness to embrace technological innovation, and the persistence to overcome systemic resistance to change.
Ā
This conversation serves as a powerful mentorship session, capturing wisdom from seasoned fire service leaders. It underscores the idea that while the core mission of firefighting remains, the tools, tactics, and leadership philosophies must evolve. The key takeaway for current and future leaders is the need to b...
2025-12-0843 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA: Catching Wildfire (Audio Version) - Episode 4In this powerful episode of Catching Wildfire, Chief Jeff Johnson is joined by Michael Coad, Head of Product at Sonim Technologies, and Chief Zagaris, retired California State Fire & Rescue Chief. Together, they explore how Sonimās ultra-rugged mobile devices are transforming wildfire response and public safety communications.
Ā
š± Key Highlights:
Ā
The origin and impact of Sonimās Band 14 FirstNet-enabled devices
Ā
Introduction of the XP Pro Thermal with FLIR imaging for hotspot detection and search & rescue
Ā
Launch of Mega Connect, a portable 5G high-power hotspot supporting...
2025-11-0732 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA: Catching Wildfire - Summit Special EditionDuring the 2025 Vision Summit, the Catching Wildfire podcast hosted the leaders representing the FirstNet public/private partnership. Chief Kim Zagaris had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet, Built with AT&T, and Jeff Bratcher, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Operations and Chief Technology Officer with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).
Ā
This special edition podcast focuses on the origins of the FirstNet technical vision, the interactions and expectations between FirstNet, Built with AT&T and the FirstNet Authority to manage responses to wildfires, how the sustainable FirstNet reinvestment model e...
2025-10-1631 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA: Catching Wildfire (Audio Version) - Episode 3Welcome back to our podcast!
Ā
On this episode, our hosts, Chief Jeff Johnson and Chief Kim Zagaris, are joined by Chief David Winnacker to discuss the art of strategically staging resources and tools to effectively combat wildfires. Chief Winnacker shares the challenges and successes of his efforts to create a common operating picture for fire response. Chief Winnacker also speaks to the importance of developing and mentoring the next generation of talent in the fire service.
Ā
Chief Dave Winnacker is a retired fire chief who served in the fire service for 21 ye...
2025-10-1441 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA: Catching Wildfire (Audio Version) - Episode 2Welcome back to Catching Wildfire! On this episode, Chief Jeff Johnson and Chief Kim Zagaris speak with David Blankinship, President of Emergent. David shares how his background has contributed to the technical evolutions and innovations at Emergent. During the episode, they delve into how Emergent's fire apparatus hotspots and architectural design are making a difference in the fire industry.
Ā
About David Blankinship:
David has over 25 years of experience in Public Safety. He started in the Colorado Springs Fire Department and served as the Senior GIS Analyst applying technology to all-hazard risk analysis, tactical f...
2025-10-1042 minPSBTA Presents: Catching Wildfire (Audio)PSBTA: Catching Wildfire (Audio Version) - Episode 1Catching Wildfire: Cutting-edge technologies and innovations in wildfire
Ā
In this inaugural episode of the Catching Wildfire podcast series, Chief Jeff Johnson (Ret.) and Chief Kim Zagaris are joined by Dr. Neal Driscoll as they discuss the Alert West Wildfire Camera & Sensor Networks used to detect wildfires on the West Coast.
Ā
Dr. Neal Driscoll is the principal investigator of the ALERTCalifornia program at the University of California San Diego, where he is a professor of geology and geophysics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Ā
Driscollās background in natural hazar...
2025-10-1036 min