California Burning Podcast: The Science of Fire Behavior

The Camp Fire was the most destructive fire in California’s history. 19,000 homes were destroyed and at least 85 people were killed. But with so many fuel-laden forests, the question becomes not why this happened, but why we haven’t seen more disasters of this scale? Matt Fidler, the creator of the podcast and radio series “California Burning” has the story.

To listen to the full-length version of this story visit californiaburning.net

(Image: A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite a prescribed burn. Credit: Liz Younger, United States Forest Service.)

Environmental News

December 05, 2019
PG&E Announces $13.5 Billion Settlement With Victims Of Northern California Wildfires
Pacific Gas and Electric announced a $13.5 billion settlement with victims of the Camp Fire and 2017 Northern California wildfires Friday. The settlement is subject to approval by a bankruptcy court.
December 04, 2019
The Center for Environmental Reporting
Northern California Public Media’s Center for Environmental Reporting brings together television, radio, and digital reporting resources to cover the environmental issues important to the Bay Area. In addition, the Center mentors student reporters within a multi-media production unit to gain the…
November 26, 2019
On Thanksgiving, Remembering an Anniversary
On November 20, 1969, American Indian activists traveled to Alcatraz to begin an occupation of the prison island. It lasted 19 months. They were focused on the sovereignty and lost rights of native peoples. That anniversary has been celebrated this fall — first on Indigenous Peoples Day October 14…
November 13, 2019
Impacts Expected on Russian River After Kincade Fire
The Russian River provides water to as many as 700,000 local residents; close to a million visitors use the river for recreation in the summer. Reporter Pamela Lorence visited Healdsburg last week to meet with Don McEnhill, the head of the nonprofit group Russian Riverkeeper. He told her how…
November 05, 2019
'Halloween Do-Over' Brings Joy to Healdsburg After Fire
by Matt Villano When it became clear that Healdsburg was downgrading its evacuation status on Halloween, two local women figured most people would miss out on the typical trick-or-treat experience. The women, Elena Halvorsen and Mandy Carpenter, both have kids in the local public school, and both…
October 23, 2019
Survivors of Camp Fire and Tubbs Fire Look Back and Ahead
Over the past two weeks, art lovers have been visiting studios throughout Sonoma County. Art Trails, which organizes the visits, was about to start two years ago, when the Tubbs Fire raced through Santa Rosa. Artist Bill Gittins was ready to display several hundred of his paintings and prints but…
Oct 14, 2019
Fire Survivors React to Power Shut-off
Millions of Californians had their power shut off last week by Pacific Gas and Electric Company as a way to help prevent wildfires from starting…
Oct 03, 2019
Smokey the Bear Has Affected Forest Management for Decades
Fire season in California has been getting longer and more intense. One major reason for the severity is fire suppression. Putting out fires is a…
Sep 06, 2019
Study Shows Climate Change Could Threaten Oyster Habitat
Research from the University of California at Davis published last month shows that climate change could dramatically shrink oyster habitat. KRCB’s…
Aug 29, 2019
Controlled Burns Could Help Prevent California's Megafires
Over the past two years, California has been devastated by the worst wildfires in its history. As those fires continue to grow in frequency and…
Jul 29, 2019
Gray Whale Mystery
Are Gray Whales the Canary in the Climate Coal Mine? WATCH VIDEO. NorCal Public Media explores the mystery of Gray Whales washing up on California…
Jun 27, 2019
Experts Showcase Fire Resistant Building Materials
As we head into summer, homeowners are looking for ways to protect their properties from wildfire. KRCB's Adia White attended an event at the Santa…
Jun 12, 2019
Why Food Reformers Have Mixed Feelings About Eco-Labels
Dan Charles June 12, 2019 Hear this Morning Edition Story Take a walk through the grocery story; the packages are talking to you, proclaiming their…
Jun 08, 2019
Living Downstream: The Klamath Water Wars
This is the story of a 15-year conflict over what would be the biggest dam removal ever, a modern cowboys and Indians tale that shows how victories…
Jun 07, 2019
Against All Odds, Paradise Students Graduate on Home Campus
Around two hundred graduates walked across the Paradise High football field on Thursday night. They were all smiles and laughter, proving that the…
Jun 04, 2019
Grist Finds Link Between Pollution and Infant Death in San Bernardino
The online shopping economy appears to be having a deadly impact on children’s health in San Bernardino County. A new investigation by Grist Magazine…
May 30, 2019
Citizen Input Sought for Santa Rosa's Future
In 2009, Santa Rosa created a state-mandated plan that looked ahead to the year 2035. The plan made certain assumptions, and was created to optimize…
May 29, 2019
Sonoma County Inspects Rural Properties for Fire Safety
Sonoma County is inspecting homes and properties to make sure that owners have cleared weeds and cut overgrown grass on their lots. This is the first…

NorCal News

December 07, 2019
Sonoma County EDB Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center for Kincade Fire Victims
Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to California businesses and residents affected by the Kincade Fire that occurred October 23 – November 7, 2019. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 20, representatives from the Small Business Administration will be on hand at the Sonoma County Disaster…
December 05, 2019
PG&E Announces $13.5 Billion Settlement With Victims Of Northern California Wildfires
Pacific Gas and Electric announced a $13.5 billion settlement with victims of the Camp Fire and 2017 Northern California wildfires Friday. The settlement is subject to approval by a bankruptcy court.
December 05, 2019
Can California Reduce Homelessness Through Better Prevention?
By David Wagner, KPCC A Chicago call center worker asks callers how they ended up on the verge of homelessness. Credit: DAVID WAGNER/KPCCDespite billions in new spending, the number of people experiencing homelessness keeps rising in cities across California. In Los Angeles, taxpayers have put $1.2…
December 03, 2019
Organization Works to Improve First Responder Mental Health
Firefighters and first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. North Bay Paramedic, Susan Farren, wants this to change. That’s why she founded a training program, called First Responder Resilience Incorporated. KRCB’s Adia White talked with Farren about why she…
December 02, 2019
Local Non-Profits Running Out of Funding for Fire Aid
Many nonprofits are running out of aid for families who lost their homes or income during the Kincade Fire. KRCB’s Adia White visited one local non-profit, seated in the heart of the disaster area, to find out how much need is unmet. For an updated list of recovery resources, click here.
November 26, 2019
On Thanksgiving, Remembering an Anniversary
On November 20, 1969, American Indian activists traveled to Alcatraz to begin an occupation of the prison island. It lasted 19 months. They were focused on the sovereignty and lost rights of native peoples. That anniversary has been celebrated this fall — first on Indigenous Peoples Day October 14…
Nov 14, 2019
New Documentary Celebrates First LGBTQ+ Native Powwow
In the film,Two-Spirit Powwow, Rick Bacigalupi follows the development of the first LGBTQI Native American powwow in the United States. Thousands…
Nov 13, 2019
Impacts Expected on Russian River After Kincade Fire
The Russian River provides water to as many as 700,000 local residents; close to a million visitors use the river for recreation in the summer.…
Nov 11, 2019
Healdsburg Residents Undeterred by Kincade Fire
After the Kincade fire, there’s some talk of folks pulling up stakes — tired of the alerts, the blackouts, the evacuations. But for two residents of…
Nov 07, 2019
A Year After the Camp Fire, Survivors Share Stories of Loss and Healing
A year ago today, 85 lives and over 13,000 homes were lost in the Camp Fire. With so much lost, resilience means something different to everyone.…
Nov 06, 2019
Building Resilience After Tragedy
Friday marks one year since the devastating Camp Fire. The anniversary, in addition to the Kincade Fire, will trigger traumatic memories for many in…
Nov 06, 2019
KBBF Radio Santa Rosa Updates Community During Kincade Fire
Our neighbor and partner KBBF FM Radio 89.1 has been recognized with two feature stories about their heroic efforts to make sure our community stayed…
Nov 06, 2019
2017 Lessons Saved Lives and Property During Kincade Fire
In an article last week, Laura Hagar, editor of the Sonoma West Times and News asked the question we're all asking: How was the loss of property and…
Nov 05, 2019
'Halloween Do-Over' Brings Joy to Healdsburg After Fire
by Matt Villano When it became clear that Healdsburg was downgrading its evacuation status on Halloween, two local women figured most people would…
Nov 04, 2019
Documentary "Men Caring" Honors Those Who Support Adults With Disabilities
In his film, "Men Caring", Bill Chayes breaks down stereotypes about adults living with disabilities and their caregivers. One of the stereotypes he…
Nov 04, 2019
School Closure Announcements for the Week of Monday, November 4
Most Sonoma County schools have reopened, but the following school districts have reported their school schedules for next week. Geyserville Unified…

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