California Burning: Wildfires, Climate, and Communities with Pete Deneen

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, I’m joined by Pete Deneen, a climate scientist, award-winning writer, and the Chief Executive of the Keep Sespe Wild Foundation. Together, we dive into the wildfires that have devastated California, including the recent LA firestorm, one of the most costly and destructive disasters in U.S. history. Find Keep Sespe Wild online Pete brings his deep knowledge of climate science and his personal experience living in the fire-prone Sespe wilderness to the conversation. We break down what makes these fires so intense, the factors fueling them, and the role of climate change in doubling extreme fire weather days. From the science behind Santa Ana winds to the surprising impacts of fire retardants like Foscheck, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find in headlines. Find Pete Deneen online We also explore the balance between living with fire and managing it, and the importance of community, conservation, and education in protecting our wildlands. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a trail runner, or just curious about the forces shaping our environment, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about fire, nature, and how we live in these landscapes. Support us at Janji.com and tell them we sent you takeaways -California wildfires are among the most destructive in U.S. history. -The interplay of wet and dry years significantly affects fire risks. -Santa Ana winds can exacerbate wildfire conditions. -Climate change has increased the frequency of fire weather days. -Defensible space around homes is crucial for fire survival. -Foscheck is a useful tool in firefighting but has environmental impacts. -Post-fire recovery can lead to ecological resilience in certain areas. -Community engagement is vital for effective fire management. -Misconceptions about wildfires often oversimplify complex issues. -Nonprofits play a key role in environmental education and stewardship. Sound Bites "These areas have evolved to burn." "Foscheck is an effective tool." "We have to coexist with fire." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wildfires in California 04:57 Current Situation of the Fires 07:32 Factors Contributing to Fire Risk 12:34 Understanding Santa Ana Winds 18:02 Fire Spread and Containment Challenges 21:32 Impact of Firefighting Techniques 25:52 Post-Fire Recovery and Environmental Impact 31:02 Future Mitigation and Prevention Strategies 32:46 Coexisting with Nature: A Journey with Native Plants 32:51 Hardening Communities Against Wildfires 33:27 Understanding Historical Fire Regimes 38:21 The Era of Fire Suppression and Its Consequences 39:53 Predictive Tools for Fire Awareness 43:52 Debunking Misconceptions About Wildfires 50:32 The Role of Nonprofits in Conservation and Education keywords: California wildfires, climate change, Santa Ana winds, fire management, environmental impact, community engagement, wildfire recovery, firefighting techniques, ecological resilience, wildfire misconceptions