Dan Smith is the Fire Director for the National Association of State Foresters. He is the Wildland Fire Representative for 50 states and 8 territories at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. In this role, Dan works collaboratively with the Federal Wildland Fire Directors and serves as a member of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which provides wildland fire response on a national level. Dan shares leadership advice, some of the challenges the fire community is facing, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:55] A quick intro about Dan’s background.
[3:25] How did Dan first get started in his fire career?
[7:35] Dan shares a little bit of history about NWCG.
[10:55] What are some of the best ways to get qualified in this field?
[14:35] What kind of work is Dan up to these days?
[17:40] Dan shares a little bit about his work history and some of the most memorable moments of his career.
[21:40] What are some of the rewards and challenges of being in wildland fire?
[29:00] Each fire has a lesson learned; how does Dan transfer those lessons into practical training for his team?
[31:45] Where is the direction that the fire community is going and what additional challenges has the community come across, over the years?
[35:00] Getting communities educated about forest health is an uphill climb.
[37:50] Dan offers some leadership advice, wisdom, and tips.
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