Online Learning Series Information
Utah’s communities are grappling with unprecedented wildfire risk. This fall USU Extension, through the Gateway & Natural Amenity Region Initiative, is hosting an online learning series: “Wildfire Ready Utah."
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Elizabeth Sodja at liz.sodja@usu.edu prior to the event.
Upcoming Webinars
Oct. 6, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MDTSESSION 2 - Behind the Fire Line: How Wildfire Response Works
The general public's understanding of how fires are responded to often doesn't align with how emergencies unfold on the ground. This session features first responders and emergency managers discussing the "behind the curtain" parts of an emergency, and how communities can support efforts during a crisis.
Speakers:
- Brad Washa, Assistant Professor of Wildland Fire Science, Wildland Resources,
- Jennifer Hansen, Fire Prevention, Mitigation and Education Specialist, U.S. Wildland Fire Service
- Chief Robert Hardy, Pine Valley Fire Chief, Pine Valley, UT
Oct. 27, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MDTSESSION 3 - After the Smoke Clears: Lessons Learned from Communities
This session features lightning presentations from several small, rural Western communities recently impacted by wildfires. It highlights key lessons they learned in the aftermath – and what they wish they'd done differently.
Speakers:
- Jessica Kirby, County Lands & Natural Resources Director, Summit County, UT
- Travis Machalek, City Manager, Estes Park, CO
- Chief Clark Maughan, Wildland Division chief, Moab Valley Fire Protection District, Moab, UT
- Mayor Steve Crowder, Mayor, Paradise, CA
Nov. 3, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MSTSESSION 4 - Insurance Under Fire: What Drives Wildfire Risk and Rates
Presentations and conversations with insurance experts on how it all works; how the industry calculates risk, what they're seeing on the ground, and how personal and community actions may improve rates and availability.
Speakers:
- Commissioner Jon Pike, Utah Insurance Commissioner, Utah Insurance Department,
- Ethan Aumun, American Property Casualty Insurance Association
- Laura Blaul, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Nov. 17, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MSTSESSION 5 - The Future of Wildfire & Communities
A panel of USU wildland fire experts discussing how wildfires have changed over time, what the future looks like, and how we can all be better prepared.
Speakers:
- Dr. Larissa Yocom, Ph.D, Director of Utah Forest Restoration Institute, Associate Professor, Wildland Resources
- Dr. Cat Edgely, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Environment and Society, expert on how human communities interact with wildfire risk and impacts
- Dr. Scott Hotaling, Ph.D, USU Extension Climate Resiliency Specialist Assistant Professor, Wildland Resources
Past Webinars
Sept. 23, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MDTSESSION 1 - When Every Minute Counts: A Personal Wildfire Evacuation Playbook
A presentation on how to personally prepare for a fast-moving wildfire situation. This session focuses on understanding evacuation routes, and how to personally prepare if you are given a 1-day, 1-hour, or 15-minute evacuation order.
Speakers:
- Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director, National Fire Protection Association
- Chief Todd Lando, Battalion Chief & Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Central Marin Fire Department; President, Fire Safe Marin
- Dr. Michael Pate, Ph.D, agricultural systems & safety expert