© 2025 | Jefferson Public Radio
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6301 | 800.782.6191
Listen | Discover | Engage a service of Southern Oregon University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'West Is Burning' Documentary Examines Roots Of Megafires

<p>All that black smoke you see from a wildfire is full of small particles that are bad for your lungs and heart. The small particles are "a lot worse" than researchers previously thought.</p>

Courtesy of Georgia Institute of Technology

*

The title can't help being dramatic: "The West is Burning." It certainly seems that way at times, especially to the victims of last September's fires.

The "megafires" of recent years have multiple sets of causes, and the documentary film looks into each of them, and some of the key players. The film is generally airing on PBS affiliates, but offers an opportunity to upload companion videos.

We bring in several guests to discuss the issues: Bill Kuhn is an ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service based in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; he and fellow guests Chris Chambers and Marko Bey are leaders with the Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project.

Stay Connected
The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily news program focused on issues, people and events across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Natalie Golay is the program's senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Mike Green hosts the show.