The behavior and prevention of wildfires with Adam Coates

Adam Coates joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the contributing factors of the recent wildfires in California, particularly related to their intensity and spread. He explained some of the science behind fire behavior, the role of landscape, and the challenges posed by urban areas to fire management. He also shared his insights related to preventative measures communities can take, including the use of prescribed burning.  About Coates Coates is an associate professor of wildland fire ecology and management in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation for Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment. Coates’ research focuses on the impacts of wildland fire on ecosystem processes and properties. That focus intersects with topics such as restoration ecology, fuels, fire behavior, silviculture, soils, wildlife habitat, and water quality.