MISSOULA, MT — The University of Montana will be hosting a special screening of The Fire Problem, an hour-long documentary that tackles the growing global wildfire crisis, on Wednesday, February 12, at 6 p.m. in the University Center Theater.
The documentary, directed by Sean O’Brien and Antonio Torres, explores the science behind the current wildfire problem, tracing its roots while highlighting actionable solutions to mitigate the devastating effects of fires. Featuring insights from fire scientists, managers, and firefighters, the film provides a comprehensive look at the challenges of wildfires, while offering hope for the future through science-based strategies to address the crisis.
Following the screening, a panel of experts will lead a discussion and answer questions from the audience. The panelists include Dr. Mark Finney, a U.S. Forest Service research forester; Dr. Dave Calkin, a Forest Service research forester; Brad Pietruszka, a Forest Service fire management specialist; Jane Darnell, a retired Forest Service deputy regional forester; Dr. Diane Smith, a retired Forest Service research historian; and Dr. Carl Seielstad, a professor of fire science at UM and chair of the Forest Management Department. Dr. Seielstad is also the assistant director of the University’s National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis.
The panel will offer insights into the challenges wildfires pose to both ecosystems and communities, as well as discuss the strategies being employed to manage these catastrophic events. The event also provides an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with leading fire experts and learn about ongoing research and innovations in fire management.
The screening and panel discussion are made possible by contributions from the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Missoula Fire Sciences Lab, the UM Graduate School, and the Northern Rockies Fire Science Network. This event serves as an important platform for dialogue on how communities can better prepare for and respond to the increasingly intense wildfire seasons around the world.
The screening is free and open to the public, offering an invaluable opportunity for those interested in understanding the wildfire crisis from both a scientific and practical perspective.
