Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Launches New Wildfire Podcast

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, "Catching Wildfire: Emerging Technologies and Operational Innovations in Wildfire." Hosted by public safety leaders Jeff Johnson, Chief Emeritus, WFCA and Chief Kim Zagaris, Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor for the WFCA, the series explores the cutting-edge technologies and operational strategies and efforts that are transforming how first responders detect, manage, and respond to wildfires.

With wildfires growing in frequency and intensity across the U.S., particularly in the West, “Catching Wildfire” is a timely and insightful look into how public safety professionals are adapting through innovation; from AI-driven cameras and satellite detection to deployable communications networks and aerial suppression strategies. 

“The world of wildfire response is evolving rapidly,” says Chief Jeff Johnson. “This podcast is about sharing the real tools, tactics, and people making a difference on the ground every day.”

“We’re giving listeners a front-row seat to the future of wildfire operations,” adds Chief Kim Zagaris. “From high-powered equipment to advanced analytics, we’re unpacking it all. Stay tuned and join us as we explore how emerging tech is catching wildfire.”

The launch of this podcast comes as public safety leaders call on Congress to reauthorize FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network dedicated to first responders. FirstNet has become a vital tool in wildfire operation and response, providing the connectivity and capabilities needed to respond efficiently to large-scale disasters. Without reauthorization, its progress and continued investment in life-saving technologies could be at risk.

Continued Chief Johnson, “FirstNet isn’t just a network. It is a critical platform that supports the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of our responders.”

The PSBTA urges the public and stakeholders to sign the petition to reauthorize FirstNet and secure the future of emergency communications. Sign the Petition to Reauthorize FirstNet - https://thepsbta.org/support-the-reauthorization-of-the-firstnet-authority-to-preserve-public-safetys-network-survey/

The podcast will be available on all major platforms. Episodes will feature interviews with thought leaders, innovators, and public safety professionals on wildfire topics including:

• Chinook helicopters fighting fires at night
• AI-powered fire watch cameras replacing manual towers
• Genasys alerting and community evacuation tech
• High-Power User Equipment (HPUE) and mobile hotspots
• Satellite-enabled wildfire detection and response

About Catching Wildfire Podcast

“Catching Wildfire: Emerging Technologies and Operational Innovations in Wildfire,” is a new Podcast developed in partnership with FirstNet and The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA). The Podcast was created to educate people on the continual innovations and technologies being provided to first responders to make their response to large-scale disasters more efficient and safer. The Podcast will tap into experts from all areas of first response to share real-life stories and events, and how the response has evolved thanks to evolving technologies.

About PSBTA

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is an organization focused exclusively on ensuring the success of the entire FirstNet ecosystem that includes the legal entity created by Congress, the network infrastructure, hardware and software, and the single most important component—the end users. 

Chief Jeff Johnson

Chief Jeff Johnson has an extensive public safety background, with broad experience at the local, national and international level. Chief Johnson rose through the ranks to become the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Fire Chief for 15 years, retiring in 2010 after a 32-year career. Chief Johnson has authored 2 books: Making the Pieces Fit – A book on merger and consolidation and Recruiting, Training and Maintaining Volunteer Firefighters, both with Jones and Bartlett publishing. Chief Johnson served as the Vice Chairman of FirstNet (Authority), who is deploying the world’s first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety and national security users. Chief Johnson has served as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), President of the Western and Oregon chiefs and is Chief Emeritus of the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA), which serves fire chiefs in the 11 western states from Guam/Saipan to Utah. Chief Johnson also has an extensive private sector background serving as an advisor or board member to numerous technology companies. Chief Johnson is also the principal at Sisters Meat and Smokehouse which launched in August of 2016. Chief Johnson is a graduate of Concordia University and the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.

Chief Kim Zagaris

Kim Zagaris or Chief Z as some call him is currently the Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor for the Western Fire Chiefs Association. His position is new, was created in response to the destructive wildfires that have unfolded across the west. Chief Zagaris retired as State Fire and Rescue Chief for the State of California, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) a position he held for 18 years. Chief Zagaris has extensive background in fire service, mutual aid, ICS & MACS, emergency management, and homeland security which includes working with local, state, federal and international agencies over his 48 years fire service career. During his time he served under six Governors and has been actively involved in every major and catastrophic emergency in California as well several in the nation.