Hannah Dreier, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, joins Joe Perez, a dedicated firefighter from Northern California. They dive into the alarming reality of wildland firefighting, where many face toxic smoke with inadequate protection. Dreier highlights the systemic barriers to adopting safer gear, while Perez shares his firsthand experiences battling blazes without masks. Together, they discuss the cultural pressures against safety measures, the health risks of smoke inhalation, and the urgent need to shift policies for the well-being of these brave first responders.
