Foundations of Wildfire Mitigation for Utilities

8-Hour Sessio​n
KEY TOPICS
  • Master best practices for developing wildfire mitigation plans
  • Customize mitigation strategies based on service area risks
  • Improve stakeholder communication for effective wildfire planning
  • Stay updated on emerging trends in vegetation management
  • Navigate evolving wildfire mitigation regulations
  • Explore innovative methodologies for reducing wildfire risk
  • Understand the role of data in shaping mitigation strategies
  • Examine key considerations in Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policies
  • Investigate cutting-edge engineering solutions for fire prevention
  • Strengthen situational awareness in wildfire response planning
ENroll now

Wildfire Mitigation Has Never Been More Critical

As wildfire seasons grow longer, fires become more intense, and destruction escalates, the urgency to act has never been greater. The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles underscore the critical need for comprehensive and proactive wildfire mitigation strategies.

In response to these growing threats, states are enforcing stricter requirements for utilities to develop and maintain Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs). These plans are designed to reduce ignition risks, enhance grid resilience, and improve coordination with emergency services—key steps in protecting communities and infrastructure.

Creating effective WMPs requires close collaboration between utilities, regulators, emergency response agencies, and local communities. As fire behavior becomes more unpredictable and climate conditions continue to shift, utilities must adapt quickly and strategically to stay ahead of the risks.

Best Practices for Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans course provides utility professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to develop, refine, and implement robust wildfire mitigation plans. This program delivers actionable insights into:
Register today to prepare for the evolving landscape of wildfire mitigation and ensure your utility remains proactive, prepared, and compliant.

Got Questions? Please feel free to reach us at (844) 884-5967

COURSE OUTLINE

May 20, 2025 | 9 AM- 5 PM CT

8:45 AM - Log In & Welcome 
9:00 AM


9:00 AM – Introduction
9:20 AM

• Course objectives & key takeaways
• Recent wildfire incidents and evolving risks
• Critical wildfire mitigation trends for 2025


9:20 AM – 2025 Regulatory & Policy Updates
9:40 AM

• New federal & state wildfire mitigation requirements
• Financial implications: grants, funding, and penalties
• Best practices from leading utilities


9:40 AM – ​Evaluating Wildfire Risk
10:15 AM

A deep dive into risk assessment and data-driven strategies:
• Methodologies for risk evaluation
• Modeling techniques
• Data sources, considerations & limitations
•Lessons from 2024’s major wildfires


10:15 AM – Morning Break
10:30 PM 


10:45 PM – ​Situational Awareness in Wildfire Response 
12:00 PM 

How Situational Awareness (SA) influences wildfire management:
• Preparedness, Detection & Response
• Suppression, Mop-up & Reclamation


12:00 PM – LUNCH BREAK
1:00 PM 


1:00 PM – ​Vegetation Management Innovations for 2025
1:30 PM

• Leveraging data analytics for optimized vegetation management
• Partnering with federal & state agencies for fuel reduction


1:30 PM – Performance Metrics & Monitoring
2:00 PM 

• Importance of performance tracking in mitigation efforts
• Strategies for continuous improvement


2:00 PM – ​Mitigation Strategies
2:30 PM

Comprehensive wildfire prevention techniques:
• Best field practices
• Responding to escalating fire weather conditions
• Optimal system operations & engineering solutions


2:30 PM – Afternoon Break
2:45 PM


2:45 PM –​ Public Safety Power Shutoffs & Alternatives
3:15 PM

• 2025 updates on PSPS best practices
• How microgrids, DERs & grid islanding reduce PSPS events
• Customer communication strategies for public trust


3:15 PM – ​Wildfire Response Strategies
3:45 PM

• Strengthening interagency coordination
• Utility-led fire prevention & funding opportunities
• Building community resilience
• Developing a fire classification system
• Enhancing internal fire intelligence communication


3:45 PM – Components of a Wildfire Plan
4:15 PM 


4:15 PM – Final Review & Closing Discussion
4:30 PM

•Key takeaways & Open Q&A


4:30 PM – ​Discussion & Open Q&A
5:00 PM
ENROLL NOW

About Joe Vaccaro

● 20+ years in wildfire mitigation for utilities
● Authored the first Fire Prevention Plan with the CPUC in 2012
● Developed the first Wildfire Risk Reduction model as well as
- Fire Potential index
- Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index
- WINGS
● Developed measurements and metrics of the WMP programs
- Capturing real-time mitigation data
● Created key performance metrics to analyze trends
● Focused on helping other utilities with their wildfire mitigation needs