Wildfires have been a way of life in Idaho for millennia. But in recent years they’ve become increasingly more severe. Fire seasons are starting sooner, fires are burning hotter and they’re lasting longer.
Idaho Public Television’s original series Outdoor Idaho explores the reasons behind the increase in wildfires and what’s being done to help Idahoans cope with the changes in Living With Wildfire. The program premieres Thursday, Oct. 24, at 8 PM. (IdahoPTV Passport members can stream the program beginning Oct. 17.)
Fire and climate experts from the University of Idaho warn that our warming climate is adding fuel to an already dangerous wildfire and smoke problem. Declining air quality in the Western U.S. has prompted NASA and NOAA to come together to study wildfire smoke and its effects on our cities and our health.
And, as people move out into the countryside and closer to wildfires, they’re having to become Firewise to protect themselves, their land and their homes. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are also doing what they can to keep us safe through fuels suppression efforts like prescribed burns and tree thinning.
We’ve all heard the term “a picture is worth a thousand words.” If that’s true, then wildland fire photographer Kari Greer would seem to have enough words to fill an online dictionary. Her images from the fire line are stunning, and her work is important to documenting wildfire history.
Producer/director Forrest Burger says, “When I began researching this topic my ultimate goal was to not only show fire’s fury, but to also introduce our viewers to the people who are living with the threat of wildfire every day.”
According to Shane Chariton, IdahoPTV major giving director, 867 individual volunteers worked a combined 5,655 hours this past year. Using a $25.43 value of a volunteer hour (calculated annually by Independent Sector), that’s the equivalent of $143,807 donated as volunteer work — funds that were able to be put toward programs and activities that support IdahoPTV’s mission: to encourage lifelong learning, connect Idaho communities, and enrich the lives of all Idahoans.
Virginia Bennett and friends were named Idaho Public Television’s volunteers of the year. “Virginia Bennett coordinates a group of her friends to come to the station each month (sometimes more), helping to get all of our personalized mailings out to donors in a timely manner and with great attention to detail. They are always willing to come in and help with preparation for big events and projects, like our Education Outreach events and the HUGE Thanksgiving card mailing each year. We couldn’t accomplish what we do in fundraising without their volunteer service each month throughout the year” said Chariton.
