The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 696: Wildfire and the Future of Public Lands with Sen. Tim Sheehy
Apr 28, 2025
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From War Tech to Firefighting
- Tim Sheehy started Bridger Aerospace after realizing airborne surveillance used in war could save lives in wildfire operations.
- The Granite Mountain hotshots fire tragedy inspired him to bring military aerial firefighting tech to public safety.
Wildfire's Massive Economic Impact
- The LA wildfire is the costliest disaster in U.S. history and dramatically impacts insurance industries.
- Rising premiums and lack of coverage risk making many homes financially unsellable, impacting broader economy.
Why Wildfires Are More Destructive
- Modern wildfires are worse due to expanded wildland-urban interfaces and forest management changes.
- More homes in fire-prone areas lead to greater damage, not necessarily bigger or more frequent fires.