Fire Circles provide an opportunity to advance important wildland fire science and management issues through discussions, working groups, or round tables. Some of these discussions follow special sessions. All interested attendees are invited to participate. Fire Circles will be scheduled during the concurrent sessions on Dec 3, 4, or 5.
This fire circle will facilitate discussion related to two Special Sessions on post-fire tree mortality. We aim to bring together researchers, modelers, and managers to workshop ways to make models more ecologically relevant while maintaining a high level of generalizability.
Organizers: Tucker Furniss, University of Wyoming; C. Alina Cansler, University of Montana; Sharon Hood, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station; Charlotte Reed, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station
Description: This fire circle will facilitate discussion related to two Special Sessions on post-fire tree mortality. Recent research has contributed greatly to our understanding of the climatic, ecological, and physiological factors that mediate post-fire tree mortality, yet it is not clear how to incorporate these complexities into the generalizable statistical models that underlie management-oriented software tools. This discussion will bring together researchers, modelers, and managers to workshop ways to make models more ecologically relevant while maintaining a high level of generalizability. We will discuss potential model improvements including developing delayed mortality models, incorporating climate parameters, and more direct measures of tree physiological responses and adaptations to fire.
Discussion will center around what it looks like to build sustainable fire cultures. How do we coordinate, collaborate, and connect all aspects of our fire work, from research to outreach to suppression to prescribed fire implementation, to build something greater than the sum of its parts?
Organizers: Laurel Kays, The Fire Learning Network/The Nature Conservancy; Lane Johnson, University of Minnesota
Description: Discussion will center around what it means to build a fire culture, and how that differs from other approaches to fire management. All are welcome to come and encouraged to think through how their position in the fire community can help build local, place-based cultures of fire. How does that look different for a researcher in an urban institution, a crew member on a National Forest, an Extension specialist, a Prescribed Burn Association leader, or any of the myriad other roles that we occupy? When talking about fire cultures, we are inherently talking about people-centric work and the energy needed to build and maintain reciprocal relationships necessary to accomplish community goals. We will also discuss what that means for how we approach our work. Metrics like acres burned and people reached are critical, and relationships between systems, people, and organizations create the foundation for those to be sustained. Are there other partners or disciplines we could connect with more as a fire community with expertise in that kind of work and thinking?
Join COMPASS for a roundtable on how the fire field can communicate to communities the future realities of living with fire and its impacts. All fire and associated scientists and experts are invited to this brainstorm discussion about communication challenges and potential solutions, all through a risk communication lens.
Organizers: Bob Crimian, COMPASS Science Communication; Alex Griffith, COMPASS Science Communication
Description: Fire is a fundamental part of the human experience. From its role in shaping human evolution, communities, and ecosystems, fire has played a significant role in shaping who we are. And to no one’s surprise, fire will continue to shape who we are and how we live; the tragic fires in Southern California earlier this year are a difficult example and reminder of this fact. Events like these make the case even more clear that human communities will be living with fire (controlled and uncontrolled), and strategic risk communication is a way to build buy-in from communities to facilitate them in making informed decisions about how to exist with fire. COMPASS will lead a roundtable discussion with the goal of having a brainstorming session on how the field can communicate to communities the realities of living with fire and its impacts. After a robust discussion and some lessons learned through COMPASS’ risk communication expertise, participants can expect to leave this roundtable with communication strategies, new connections to others who want to communicate with fire prone communities, and an invitation to continue the discussion with COMPASS and others.
Join this interactive fire circle to hear tips from experienced fire science communicators and explore real-world examples from across the country. A panel discussion and hands-on showcase will help participants strengthen their science communication and collaboration skills in fire management.
Organizers: Fire Exchange Network, Joint Fire Science Program
Description: The goal of this fire circle is to build capacity in science communication and collaboration by showcasing how Fire Science Exchange Networks bridge the gap between research and management. Participants will learn practical strategies, explore impactful projects, and connect directly with experienced fire science communicators. This fire circle is for fire and land managers, researchers, public information officers and communications professionals, students, and others interested in improving how fire science is communicated and applied in real-world contexts. We will begin with short presentations from the coordinators from several Fire Science Exchanges who will each highlight a recent, successful project focused on science delivery and engagement. The panel will also discuss key takeaways on what makes science communication effective, especially when working with managers, communities, and diverse partners. This will include a moderated Q&A with the audience. The final 30 minutes will include an interactive showcase tour of the Exchanges. Participants will visit tables hosted by Fire Science Exchanges from across the country. Explore handouts, videos, outreach tools, and speak directly with exchange coordinators to learn more about regional resources and strategies.
This Fire Circle explores the colonial roots and limitations of the ‘Good’ vs ‘Bad’ fire narrative and its impact on ‘cultural burning’. It invites dialogue on pluralistic, community-led fire regimes that centre Indigenous and local fire-users. Participants will help form a working group and co-design potential collaborative outputs.
Organizer: Abigail R Croker, Princeton University
Abstract: The distinction between ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ fire has gained prominence amid escalating wildfire challenges—particularly in places where colonial fire suppression policies have led to hazardous fuel accumulation in fire-adapted ecosystems. ‘Bad fire’ is typically understood as high-intensity wildfires outside natural variability, while ‘Good fire’ is often associated with cultural burning practices—longstanding fire stewardship by Indigenous and local communities aimed at sustaining biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural traditions.
Efforts to revitalise cultural burning have led to a surge in prescribed fire programs across settler-colonial and extractive-administrative contexts (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Kenya). Yet dominant fire management frameworks often define ‘good fire’ in narrow, technical terms—favouring systematic early dry season (EDS) burns with measurable outcomes. These EDS approaches, while framed as a corrective to colonial fire exclusion, are themselves rooted in colonial-era experiments conducted in protected areas that historically excluded Indigenous fire knowledge. Applied rigidly, EDS regimes risk disrupting local ecologies and compromising climate, biodiversity, and livelihood goals.
Further, many wildfire management initiatives are shaped by the priorities of external funders, where continued support is tied to clear, standardised strategies and short-term, quantifiable outcomes. This creates tensions for more adaptive, community-led approaches, and limits space for Indigenous and local fire-user communities to define fire resilience on their own termsThis Fire Circle invites participants to critically unpack the ‘Good’ vs ‘Bad’ fire binary and explore pathways toward more pluralistic, flexible fire regimes. We aim to initiate a dialogue and build a working group that centres Indigenous and local fire-user communities as decision-makers, knowledge holders, and practitioners—on their own terms. The outcomes of this working group, such as an academic paper, report etc., will be decided on during the session.
As wildfire activity continues to accelerate, positive and negative fire impacts are becoming more prevalent. How can we adapt to this new fire reality and set the stage for positive wildfire outcomes? This fire circle builds on a special session, recent research, and real-world applications focused on understanding ecologically beneficial wildfire.
Organizers: Travis Woolley, The Nature Conservancy; Garrett Meigs, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Description: Develop a shared understanding and communication strategies to describe the array of impacts of ecologically beneficial wildfire. The desired audience is researchers, practitioners, and partners focused on contemporary fire regimes, landscape restoration, and monitoring and adaptive management. We anticipate 30 minutes of rapid presentations/updates and 60 minutes of facilitated discussion.
This Fire Circle will connect researchers, students, and land managers to discuss how to stay active in fire management while in non-primary roles. Attendees will share strategies for maintaining fireline qualifications and brainstorm structural solutions to support researchers bridging fire science and operational fire roles.
Organizers: Mikaela Balkind, University of Montana; Alina Cansler, University of Montana; Jacob Tepsa, National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis
Description: As fire practitioners transition into graduate school or research careers, they often struggle to maintain fireline qualifications and active red card status. Yet, the integration of research and operational experience is critical to addressing today’s complex fire challenges. This Fire Circle will bring together fire researchers, students, and land managers who have experience or interest in maintaining active roles in fire, even outside of full-time suppression or prescribed fire work.
Participants will share personal strategies, institutional pathways, and barriers they’ve encountered in staying operationally relevant. The discussion will also explore structural changes—such as institutional partnerships, training pathways, and interagency agreements—that could help more researchers and students retain qualifications and practical experience in a secondary fire role.
This session is ideal for fire scientists, graduate students, and early-career professionals with a background in fire management, or those seeking to maintain operational relevance alongside research.
Learn how to effectively communicate with the media during high-stakes wildfire events and during the off season. This session, led by an experienced wildfire reporter, will equip fire scientists with practical tools to convey accurate, clear, compelling information to the public during interviews, press briefings and breaking news coverage.
Organizers: Danielle Venton, KQED Public Media
Description: The public is increasingly calling on wildfire professionals to explain and give meaning to wildfire trends, yet few receive formal training in how to navigate media interactions. This session will demystify the role of journalists and offer insight into how news stories are shaped under the intense pressure of breaking events. Attendees will learn what reporters need, how deadlines and formats influence coverage, and why certain messages break through while others get lost. Through discussion, examples, and real-world scenarios, participants will build skills that help them remain clear, confident, and accurate during interviews.
The session will also explore how fire experts can proactively engage with the press to improve public understanding of wildfire science, risk mitigation and ecological recovery. By better understanding the media’s role — and the opportunities it presents — attendees will come away with a new perspective on why it’s worth it to talk to journalists. Whether you’re giving a briefing on the fireline or explaining prescribed burn policy, this training will help ensure your voice is heard, your expertise is respected and your message is effectively delivered.
This Fire Circle will offer discussion opportunities among attendees and presenters at the associated special session focused on montane longleaf fire ecology and management in the uplands of Alabama and Georgia, U.S.A.
Organizers: Joseph Marschall, Center for Tree-Ring Science, University of Missouri; Jonathan Stober, USDA Forest Service Region 8; David Godwin, Southern Fire Exchange, University of Florida
Description: This Fire Circle will allow for in depth discussions among presenters and attendees at the associated special session focused on montane longleaf fire ecology and management in the uplands of Alabama and Georgia, U.S.A., and to chart the path forward.
In this workshop and discussion based fire circle, we present and solicit feedback on newly developed tools for wildfire risk assessments that change with weather and fuel conditions.
Organizers: Nicole Hemming-Schroeder, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder; Gabrielle Ayres, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University; Kit O’ Connor, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station
Description: To support fire planning efforts before, during, and after a fire, we present new tools to assess wildfire risk under different weather and fuel scenarios. We also discuss existing challenges of currently available planning resources and potential solutions. Key target audiences for this workshop are fire and land managers as well as people interested in how to get more beneficial fire on the landscape to shape the future direction of these tools. All are welcome to participate. Agenda items include small group discussions and other interactive activities. Bringing a laptop or smartphone is encouraged!
This fire circle complements the session, Planning for Fire Season: Innovations in PODs and QWRA.
Join COMPASS for a roundtable on how the fire field can communicate to communities the future realities of living with fire and its impacts. All fire and associated scientists and experts are invited to this brainstorm discussion about communication challenges and potential solutions, all through a risk communication lens.
Organizers: Bob Crimian and Alex Griffith, COMPASS Science Communication
Abstract: Fire is a fundamental part of the human experience. From its role in shaping human evolution, communities, and ecosystems, fire has played a significant role in shaping who we are. And to no one’s surprise, fire will continue to shape who we are and how we live; the tragic fires in Southern California earlier this year are a difficult example and reminder of this fact. Events like these make the case even more clear that human communities will be living with fire (controlled and uncontrolled), and strategic risk communication is a way to build buy-in from communities to facilitate them in making informed decisions about how to exist with fire. COMPASS will lead a roundtable discussion with the goal of having a brainstorming session on how the field can communicate to communities the realities of living with fire and its impacts. After a robust discussion and some lessons learned through COMPASS’ risk communication expertise, participants can expect to leave this roundtable with communication strategies, new connections to others who want to communicate with fire prone communities, and an invitation to continue the discussion with COMPASS and others.
This fire circle will be used to convene researchers and managers working in climate-adaptive reforestation to review the plethora of available decision-support tools and data used to source tree seed. We will discuss how best to utilize the available information to make planting more successful.
Organizers: Katie Nigro, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station; Taylor Akers, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station; Mike Battaglia, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station
Description: There are many decision support tools and planting trial data that can help managers choose appropriate seed sources for reforestation given rapidly changing climate conditions. However, it can be overwhelming for managers to decide which strategy to use and how best to use it. In this fire circle, we aim to gather researchers and managers involved in reforestation to discuss how best to utilize the available information to make planting more successful. The fire circle will be broken up roughly as follows: 1) we will provide a brief (15 minute) introduction to seed selection tools and planting trial syntheses, 2) we will split the group into smaller teams to work through some prepared questions, 3) we will come back together as a group and discuss, 4) we will outline a flow chart based on these discussions, and 5) we will discuss next steps for publishing a perspective piece on using tools and planting trial data for seed sourcing.
Silvicultural tools differ in nature and intent from standard fuel reduction treatments, and are widely used to restore fire-adapted conditions or post-fire restoration. Scientists and practitioners will share their research and experiences with using silviculture to accomplish pre- and post-fire objectives.
Organizers: Bryant Nagelson, University of Nevada, Reno; Sarah Bisbing, University of Nevada, Reno; Conor Phelan, University of Nevada, Reno; Derek Churchill, Washington State Department of Natural Resources; Robert York, University of California, Berkeley
Description: Silviculture encompasses a wide range of tools, strategies, and objectives that differ in nature and intent from standard fuel reduction treatments. Fuel treatments often focus on maximizing tree spacing, eliminating ladder fuels, and maintaining low surface fuels, and rarely involve the harvesting of merchantable timber. Silvicultural approaches often incorporate more heterogeneity in their target conditions, consider establishment of future cohorts, and generally attempt to harvest commercial timber. Silvicultural tools are used to restore fire-excluded forests, maintain fire-adapted conditions (often in conjunction with prescribed fire, i.e. pyrosilviculture), or are leveraged after wildfire as salvage. This session offers scientists the opportunity to share their research and experiences with conventional or novel silvicultural approaches to fire-adapted restoration and post-fire recovery. Presentations that consider the role of silviculture in mature and old-growth (MOG) forests to restore fire-adapted structures and processes are encouraged. A paired Fire Circle after the Special Session will provide time for targeted discussion around managing fire-dependent MOG forests.
The National Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils invites state fire council leadership from across the U.S. to exchange strategies, share innovations, and strengthen the prescribed fire network through peer learning and collaboration.
Organizers: Carissa Wonkka, Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils; Darryl Jones, National Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils
Description: Representatives from the National Coalition will give an update on who we are, what we do, and solicit feedback on how we can be of help to the state Fire Councils. We will then open the floor for state fire councils to share their experiences, structures, successes, and pitfalls. With most states now having fire councils in various states of establishment—each shaped by unique landscapes, policies, and partnerships—this session offers an opportunity to learn from diverse approaches and build stronger national networks.
Goal: Present the National Coalition as a resource for state fire councils and facilitate meaningful dialogue among state fire councils to share best practices, address common challenges, and explore collaborative solutions. Identify additional ways the National Coalition can support state fire councils and gauge interest in contributing to a documentation of the various ways state councils are structured and have operated
Desired Audience: State fire council members, prescribed fire policy leaders, those interested in learning about state fire councils and their roles in prescribed burning.
Tentative Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Brief update from the National Coalition
- Brief updates from a representative of each state council in attendance
- Roundtable discussion on key issues and successes from the group
Participants from across North America will be invited to share information (e.g., historical ecology, current conditions, future management needs) related to the fire ecology and management of oak ecosystems in which they work, to highlight similarities/differences among regions and enhance information sharing across the continent.
Organizers: Michael Stambaugh, University of Missouri; Joseph Marschall, University of Missouri
Description: The goal of this Fire Circle is to improve understanding of the similarities and differences among oak regions and enhance information sharing across the continent. Organizers will provide a vision for oak-fire information sharing to identify common themes, science crosswalks, and potential collaborations. Attendees will be solicited from across North America to share and discuss fire science and management information needs of oak-associated ecosystems. The Fire Circle will intentionally probe past and ongoing work in oak fire ecology and management including historical ecology, current conditions, and future information management needs. Specific topics will include oak regeneration, oak woodland succession, and integrating fire into silvicultural systems.