WASHINGTON, D.C.—In late December, employees had the opportunity to attend a screening of “Fireforest,” a film by Evan Barrientos, that showcases the impact of work the Forest Service does with partners to reduce wildfire risk.

The 2020 Cameron Peak wildfire, the largest in Colorado’s history, was slowed due to Forest Service and partner cooperative efforts. Early efforts, like prescribed burns on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, mitigated damage from the fire and aided in area recovery.

The expert panel discussion following the film underscores the importance of community collaboration, trust-building and clear communication in managing wildfire risks in fire-prone areas. As one panel member stated, action reduces fear.

Watch the recorded session and take action. The filmmaker invites Forest Service employees and partners to host screenings of “Fireforest” in their communities. This real-life example of how the Forest Service, local governments, nonprofits and private landowners came together to reduce wildfire risk can inspire others.  

Use the lessons from the film and discussion to consider how you can best communicate the benefits and importance of your work to the public in a way that will connect with them. And then consider the creative ways the film highlighted the science and strategy behind forest health while engaging the public in a shared vision for wildfire resilience and think about how you can apply those concepts to your own work.

Resources are available if you are interested in using this film as a tool in your community. Visit the filmmaker’s website for more information about hosting a screening.