In this episode of Inside the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Tim Spears and Kara Garrett sit down with (tag)Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Director Katherine Butler to talk about one of California’s fastest growing safety concerns: lithium-ion battery fires. Learn what causes them, how to spotwarning signs, which devices pose the biggest risks, and the simple charging and disposal habits that can help prevent emergencies.

Hear how CAL FIRE and DTSC are partnering to protect communities statewide andhow California is leading the way in safer battery design and recycling.

Full transcript available here

Keep the sparkle in your celebration, without the risk.

Join us for a special two‑part episode exploring the work behind fireworks safety in California.

Part One: Division Chief Brice Bennett from CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal breaks down how fireworks are regulated, investigated, and enforced statewide all year long .

Part Two: Dr. Kathleen Romanowski from Shriners Children’s Northern California shares medical insights on burn prevention, the injuries hospitals see this time of year, and simple choices that help keep families safe.

Whether you’re celebrating, educating, or enforcing, this episode gives you the knowledge you need to create a safer, more responsible holiday.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/0rpixfffqvmptaat37l61yzrvsr49iju

Featuring Frank Bigelow, CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation and Steve Hawks, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Senior Director for Wildfire.

California’s peak wildfire season is approaching, and preparation starts at home. In this episode of Inside the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Deputy Director Frank Bigelow joins Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Senior Director for Wildfire Steve Hawks for a grounded, practical conversation on what every Californian can do today to reduce wildfire risk.

Together, they break down the essentials of defensible space, home hardening, and the small steps that make a big difference in protecting your property and community. From clearing the first five feet around your home to understanding how embers ignite structures, the episode gives listeners clear, science‑backed actions they can take right now.

This is a must‑listen for anyone looking to strengthen their wildfire preparedness and help build more resilient communities across California.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/6o69vhr01m03mfz9cjhiyi9czsbw08zj