The January 2025 Fires in Southern California

In Episode 107 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we analyze the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Southern California and discuss how communities can better prepare for future wildfire threats. Our special guest, Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire at IBHS and former CAL FIRE Battalion Chief, brings decades of expertise in wildland firefighting and fire prevention. Having been deployed to the LA fires, he shares firsthand insights into wildfire behavior, risk mitigation, and the importance of building resilience.

Join us as they explore:

🔥 How wildfires differ from house fires and why they threaten homes from the outside

🌍 The highest-risk wildfire zones across the U.S. and what makes them vulnerable

🏡 Key strategies for protecting homes, from landscaping to building design

🛠️ Fire-resistant construction materials and their role in reducing property loss

📜 The future of fire-resistant building codes and what needs to change

Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or want to learn more about fire science and mitigation, this episode delivers critical insights for homeowners, builders, and policymakers alike.