Wildfire Frontiers Summit
As wildfire exposure expands into new regions, utilities face rising ignition risk, evolving regulatory expectations, and compressed timelines to preparedness. This summit brings together leaders from mature and emerging wildfire markets to share proven strategies for building defensible, data-driven resilience.
Navigating a New Wildfire Reality
For many utilities, wildfire was historically a secondary concern. Today, fuel accumulation, WUI expansion, aging infrastructure, and regulatory scrutiny are converging, turning wildfire into a core operational risk.
Limited Institutional Experience
Emerging wildfire regions often lack mature mitigation frameworks, internal expertise, and established response playbooks.
Regulatory Expectations
Mandates are evolving rapidly, with increasing demands for defensible mitigation plans, documentation, and transparency.
Rising Cost & Insurance Pressure
As wildfire exposure spreads, insurers are reassessing coverage in newly affected regions. Liability concerns are rising.
Operational Execution Gaps
Bridging risk intelligence with field execution remains a challenge, particularly without structured systems in place.
A Focused Exchange of Strategy and Experience
This half-day virtual summit will connect leaders from mature wildfire programs with utilities navigating emerging exposure. Through strategic keynotes, expert sessions, and peer discussion, attendees gain clarity on building structured mitigation programs without repeating costly missteps.
Meet the Speakers (More Announcements Soon)
Our speakers represent leading utilities, regulatory bodies, and advisory institutions at the forefront of wildfire mitigation. Together, they will bring practical insight on translating risk into structured, defensible action.
A Focused Program for Emerging Wildfire Readiness
08:30 - 08:45 PT
Nick Ferguson & Stephen R. Cieslewicz
As wildfire risk expands into new geographies, utilities must rethink what preparedness looks like. Nick Ferguson and Stephen R. Cieslewicz will set the strategic tone for the day, introducing the “Veteran to Vanguard” theme and outlining how lessons from mature markets can inform smarter, region-specific action.
Larry Kahn
Wildfire exposure is evolving but preparedness cannot be one-size-fits-all. Larry Kahn will examine how ecological realities, regulatory environments, and market maturity shape mitigation strategy, offering candid lessons from regions further along the curve. This keynote will equip leaders with the strategic context needed to make informed, regionally grounded decisions.
08:45 - 09:30 PT
09:30 - 10:10 PT
Melissa Semcer
Effective wildfire readiness requires more than expanding documentation. Melissa Semcer will outline how utilities can use risk modeling and performance data to prioritize mitigation actions, sequence investments, and strengthen program credibility. Participants will leave with a practical framework for turning compliance requirements into actionable, defensible strategy.
What does wildfire resilience actually look like in practice? This panel will examine how utilities in both emerging and established regions are prioritizing ignition risk reduction, navigating regulatory expectations, and operationalizing data through field workflows. Expect candid discussion on immediate next steps, budget drivers, and the realities behind strategic planning.
10:10 - 10:45 PT
10:45 - 11:30 PT
Interview with a senior wildfire mitigation leader from a mature utility
Building a wildfire program is one challenge, scaling it is another. This session will unpack common pitfalls, from overcomplicated analytics to fragmented data systems and cultural roadblocks that slow execution. Participants will gain actionable guidance on turning early momentum into structured, sustainable resilience.
Nick Ferguson & Stephen R. Cieslewicz
To close the summit, we will revisit the strategic and operational priorities discussed across sessions and outline what scalable wildfire readiness requires moving forward.
11:30 - 11:50 PT
Practical Insights for Emerging Wildfire Programs
Whether your organization is formalizing its first wildfire framework or refining an existing one, this summit will provide the clarity, structure, and real-world perspective needed to make informed next steps.
From Awareness to Structured Readiness
Understand how wildfire exposure evolves across regions, and what that means for vegetation strategy, grid operations, and risk management.
From Static Compliance to Data-Driven Roadmaps
Learn how to transform wildfire mitigation plans into structured, transparent, and regulator-ready programs aligned with operational execution.
Targeted Risk Spend, Not Blanket Measures
Discover how utilities are identifying high-impact adjustments and balancing cost efficiency with measurable risk reduction.
Avoid Costly Detours and Data Debt
Gain insight from regions that have navigated wildfire exposure for years, including what not to do when building your first structured program.
Join the Wildfire Frontiers Summit
Connect with industry leaders navigating emerging wildfire risk and gain practical insight to strengthen your readiness strategy. Register now to participate live or receive the full recording.
FAQs
Still have questions about the Wildfire Frontiers Summit? Find key details below.
What is the Wildfire Frontiers Summit?
The Wildfire Frontiers Summit is a virtual event for utility leaders focused on addressing the evolving wildfire risk landscape. It brings together experienced utilities and emerging regions to share proven mitigation strategies and practical insights.
Who should attend?
The event is designed for:
- Wildfire Mitigation Managers and Leads
- Heads of Operations
- Vegetation Management Directors/VPs
- Utility Operations Managers
Primarily utilities in regions where wildfire risk is increasing and becoming a persistent operational challenge.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The Wildfire Frontiers Summit is free to attend. Registration is required to access to the live sessions and post-event recording.
Will the summit recording be available afterward?
Yes. The full recording will be shared with all registered attendees after the event, so you can revisit key insights or catch any sessions you may have missed.