Missed the event? Click the link below to watch the full presentation and panel Q&A.
-->Fire Resilience Seminar and 2025 Wildfire Outlook<--
Video Time Markers:
0:00 — Start
Dr. Crystal A. Kolden
0:52 — Welcome & Introductions
Watch Duty: John Mills, CEO & Co-Founder of Watch Duty
9:40 — Presentation Begins
20:25 — How Watch Duty Works
33:35 — Organization Information
37:05 — What’s Next for Watch Duty
43:00 — Q&A with John Mills
Wildfire Outlook: 2025 California Fire Season: Dr. John Abatzoglou
1:01:00 — Forecast Presentation Begins
Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke: Dr. Sandie Ha
1:11:00 — Health Effects & Protection Strategies
1:24:00 — Wildfire Mitigation Resources (Click to find out more)
Panel Q&A with All Speakers
1:28:00 — Audience Q&A Begins
Agenda:
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Welcome and Event Overview
Dr. Crystal Kolden, Associate Professor, Management of Complex Systems; Director of Fire
Resilience Center
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Keynote Presentation and App Demo
John Mills, CEO & Co-Founder of Watch Duty
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Q&A
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | 2025 Fire Season Outlook for California and the West
Dr. John Abatzoglou, Professor, Management of Complex Systems
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Understanding and Mitigating Smoke Hazards During Wildfire Season
Dr. Sandie Ha, Associate Professor, Public Health
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Expert Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
Panelists: Dr. John Abatzoglou, Dr. Sandie Ha, Dr. Crystal Kolden, John Mills
Join Watch Duty and a panel of fire experts, including UC Merced faculty, for an in-depth discussion on California's upcoming wildfire season.
With uncertainty about what the summer holds, this seminar will cover expected fire risks, the latest forecasts, and proactive steps communities can take to stay prepared. Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and learn how to strengthen wildfire resilience in California.
Event Date and Location:
Date: April 17th, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: UC Merced Conference Center, Lakireddy Ballroom
Speakers:
John Clarke Mills is an entrepreneur, engineer, and wildlife safety advocate. As the founder and CEO of Watch Duty, he provides real-time wildfire alerts to help communities stay informed. With over 30 years in software development, he also cofounded Zenput and leads the Sherwood Forestry Service, focusing on wildfire prevention. His work has been featured in WIRED, SFGate, and Good Times Santa Cruz for his contributions to disaster response and resilience.
Parking and Directions:
See the UC Merced Conference Center website for map and directions
Parking is available in Bellevue lot, $8.35 all-day rate for "green zone" parking. Simply text "PARKBELL" to 727563 when you arrive to campus.
Wayfinding signage will direct you from the parking lot to the Conference Center.
