Meeting the Challenges of the Wildland Urban Interface

M41
Meeting the Challenges of the Wildland Urban Interface
Bruce Woods, Texas A&M Forest Service

Is your fire department ready for a wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire? WUI fires present multiple challenges to fire departments, but also impact the entire community. This session will explain how to implement successful tactical strategies in the WUI through preparedness and mitigation activities. In addition, attendees will learn how to determine wildfire risks using web-based risk assessment tools, implementing proactive programs aimed at empowering citizens, foundational elements of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and using lessons learned from recent wildfires to craft a sound tactical response plan.

Presented by:

Bruce Woods, Texas A&M Forest Service
Bruce Woods started with the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) in December 2003. In his role as a Chief/ Department Head, Bruce leads statewide mitigation planning and preparedness programs, prevention efforts, and fuels management programs. Prior to joining the TFS, Bruce had 26 years of municipal fire service experience serving as a Fire Chief for 14 years. Bruce holds degrees from Blinn College and Texas A&M University; he is an Executive Fire Officer graduate from the National Fire Academy and is a Texas Certified Public Manager through the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University. He holds various master level certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and is actively engaged in state and national fire service professional associations.