Episode Details

California’s record-setting heatwave in March caused snow to melt and vegetation to dry out earlier than normal this year. Those conditions could provide lots of fuel for wildfires and hasten the start of fire season. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has gutted the U.S. Forest Service, which manages close to 60 percent of our state’s forest areas, and plans to close six research centers in California. We’ll dig into how those factors could influence wildfires this year and how you can prepare.

Guests:

Craig Clements, professor of meteorology, director of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State University

Marianne Lavelle, Washington, D.C. bureau chief, Inside Climate News

Adrienne Freeman, assistant director for communications for fire and aviation management, US. Forest Service

Brent Pascua, battalion chief, Cal Fire

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices