{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Forestry Uncut","title":"West Dalhousie Wildfire: Fighting Fire, Saving Forests, Rebuilding Futures","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":902,"description":"When an out-of-control wildfire tore through more than 8,400 hectares in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County, it wasn’t just a story on the news — it was in the backyards of forest workers, landowners, and entire communities. In this episode of Forestry Uncut, host Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, takes you inside the West Dalhousie (Long Lake) wildfire response and its aftermath.You’ll hear from:Kaitlyn Enders, Regional Forester and heavy equipment coordinator, who managed 37+ pieces of gear and multiple dozer groups on the fire line, coordinating contractors, divisions, and specialized machinery to build fire guards and support crews.Stephen Freeman, a sixth-generation sawmiller from the Freeman family on the Medway River, who shares how industry and community stepped up with equipment, crews, and expertise, and why he calls the contractors’ work “real heroism.”We explore:How Nova Scotians rallied, with contractors and community members offering equipment, skills, and time without waiting for a paycheckThe critical role of planning, training, and pre-arranged contracts for large-scale wildfire responseWhy removing ladder fuels and leftover forest debris is essential to reducing future fire riskWhat happens after the flames are out:Salvage harvesting and how mill AI can distinguish rot vs. burnThe short window to recover burnt wood before it loses valueReplanting and creating new, sustainably managed forestsHow salvaging and replanting can bring both closure to affected landowners and hope for the next generation of forestsThe West Dalhousie fire left a blackened landscape, but also a chance for recovery, renewal, and smarter preparedness. As Stephen notes, the true tragedy would be letting this forest resource go to waste instead of using it to build a healthier, more resilient forest for the future.If you’d like to learn more about Forest Nova Scotia and the work happening across the province, visit forestns.ca to explore resources, episodes,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/mK1vTA2zNKQxOD9Ve4hB0ACafonFnFKBsY_LSwG2gzU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iOWRi/YjMxM2IwY2YwZjI3/ZjYwM2IzNzgzMGUx/ZDQ0ZC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}