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Burning Questions

Burning Questions

Written by: Headwaters Economics
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 A show about wildfire and its impact on the built environment.2025 Headwaters Economics, all rights reserved Biological Sciences Politics & Government Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Who pays for recovery after a disaster?

    Who pays for recovery after a disaster?
    Sep 18 2025
    This episode of the 'Burning Questions' podcast tackles the complex and costly nature of disasters, focusing on prevention, response, and recovery. Host Ryan Maye Handy discusses the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), its historical context, and President Trump's proposed changes to FEMA's responsibilities. Joined by colleagues Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell, the conversation explores the limitations of federal aid, the importance of state and local government roles, and the financial challenges disaster-affected communities face. The episode underscores the necessity of relationship building among federal, state, and local entities to effectively manage and mitigate disaster impacts. 00:00 Introduction: The High Cost of Disasters00:16 Historical Context: Who Pays for Disasters?00:42 Current Political Climate and FEMA's Role01:59 Introducing the Experts: Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell03:34 Understanding FEMA's Programs05:37 Challenges in Disaster Funding10:03 Local Government Financial Struggles15:18 Case Studies: Real-World Examples24:39 The Role of State Governments29:28 Conclusion: Moving Forward Together Host Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks. See more about Ryan Guests Kristen Smith, Ph.D. Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk. See more about Kris Bridget Mitchel, PE Bridget leads flood mitigation technical assistance at Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. She is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience working with communities to provide permitting, design, planning, and construction services. See more about Bridget
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    35 mins
  • Do we rebuild after a disaster?

    Do we rebuild after a disaster?
    Jul 24 2025
    Rebuilding after a disaster is in our DNA as Americans. Often, it is the measuring stick for our disaster recovery efforts. Rebuilding can also be an incredible boon for local economies. But rebuilding doesn’t necessarily mean that our homes and communities are safer. It doesn’t mean that the risk is gone. Join Doug, Ryan and their colleague Kristin Smith, a flooding expert, as they discuss how and whether to rebuild after a disaster. Links: Building wildfire-resistant homes after disasters will save billions Building for wildfire in Hawaii America's urban wildfire crisis: More than 1,100 communities at risk Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Commitment to Long-Term Rebuilding01:22 Historical Perspectives on Disaster Recovery02:20 The Complexities of Rebuilding After Disasters04:31 Wildfire Rebuilding Challenges06:14 Flood Rebuilding Challenges08:46 Recurrent Disasters and Community Resilience27:11 Economic and Social Impacts of Disasters34:56 Conclusion: Balancing Risks and Community Needs Episode hosts Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks. See more about Ryan Doug Green Doug brings two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner to the Community Assistance for Wildfire program. His practical insights and expertise in fire operations has supported dozens of communities working to reduce wildfire risks. See more about Doug Guest Kristen Smith, Ph.D. Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk. See more about Kris
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    45 mins
  • Urban conflagrations, are they wildfire?

    Urban conflagrations, are they wildfire?
    Jun 6 2025
    Hutchinson, Kansas, Norman, Oklahoma, Auburn, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sioux City, Iowa. All these places now face the rising threat of urban conflagrations. Traditionally seen as a Western state's problem, wildfires are now affecting regions nationwide. Join Ryan and Doug in this episode as they discuss how recent devastating wildfires defy traditional classifications, forcing a reevaluation of urban planning and firefighting strategies. Learn about new risk factors, the pivotal role of building codes, and how communities can adapt to these evolving threats. If you're a planner, homeowner, or simply concerned about fire safety, this conversation is essential. Links: America's urban wildfire crisis: More that 1,100 communities at risk ‘It Got Everything’: Oklahoma Residents Who Escaped Fires Brace for Losses Wildfire Risk to Communities Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Unexpected Wildfire Risks00:19 Historical Perspective on Wildfires00:50 The Rise of Urban Conflagrations01:46 Defining Urban Conflagrations02:26 Case Studies and Personal Insights03:04 Challenges in Fighting Urban Conflagrations05:08 Differences Between Wildfires and Urban Conflagrations08:06 Identifying At-Risk Communities09:09 The Paradigm Shift in Urban Planning12:05 Solutions and Mitigation Strategies16:39 The Broader Implications21:47 Conclusion and Call to Action Episode hosts Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks. See more about Ryan Doug Green Doug brings two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner to the Community Assistance for Wildfire program. His practical insights and expertise in fire operations has supported dozens of communities working to reduce wildfire risks. See more about Doug Transcript Transcript edited for clarity Ryan Handy: In the last six years, North American wildfires seem to have hit a new level of destruction. They've burned thousands of homes, leveled entire communities, and killed hundreds of people. We haven't seen this kind of devastation since the great urban fires of the late 19th and early 20th centuries ravaged cities like Chicago and San Francisco. And while we've called these recent events in Colorado, California, and Hawaii "wildfires," they have burned homes and defied the systems we've put in place to stop them. When they're burning, they seem unstoppable. At Headwaters Economics, we've worked to pinpoint the communities at risk of these urban conflagrations. Surprisingly, many are not in typically wildfire-prone areas. These fires are actively changing urban planning and firefighting, and that's what we want to explore today. I have several burning questions on this topic that I've been wanting to explore with Doug for a long time. For instance, are these conflagrations really wildfires? What makes them different? How do we stop them? And why does any of that matter for me as a planner or for you as a homeowner? Let's get into it. Doug, this is a topic I’ve been looking forward to picking your brain on for a while. I remember when the Marshall Fire happened in Colorado. It burned thousands of homes in a suburban neighborhood outside of Boulder, and it wasn't near any dense forest. I remember thinking, "That's not a wildfire." When the fires in LA happened, you were the first person to agree with me. So if these massive urban fires aren't wildfires, what are they? What causes them, and what stops them? I think you're the perfect person to answer this. You're a wildfire expert, but you were also a structural firefighter in Oregon for 25 years, so you’re deeply familiar with what it takes to save a home from a fire. Doug Green: Well, thanks, Ryan.
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    30 mins
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