Lunch & Learn, September 2026, Fire with a Purpose

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9/30/2026 Lunch & Learn - "Fire With a Purpose"

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our July CDLT Lunch & Learn! We truly appreciate you taking the time to be part of the conversation.

A special thank you to Nolan Brewer, Prescribed Fire Planner with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, for sharing his knowledge and experience with prescribed fire, its role in reducing wildfire risk, and how it supports the health and resilience of Eastern Washington's forests. For those who were unable to attend, the presentation details and resources are shared below.

About the Presentation: 
Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing wildfire risk and improving the health and resilience of Eastern Washington’s dry forest ecosystems. Join Nolan to learn why and how prescribed fire is used, the careful planning involved, and where beneficial fire can fit into broader land management strategies and goals.

Presenter Bio: Nolan has spent nearly 25 years working in fire and forestry. He began his career with the U.S. Forest Service, serving on crews throughout the West as a hotshot, helicopter rappeller, and smokejumper. He later earned a master’s degree in Forest Resources with an emphasis in Fire Ecology from the University of Idaho.

For nearly 15 years, Nolan has worked for the Washington Department of Natural Resources and currently serves as a Prescribed Fire Planner in the Forest Resilience Division. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys getting out in the field as a burn boss and assisting with fire suppression operations.

Nolan lives in Wenatchee with his family and enjoys rafting, mountain biking, and skiing with his wife and two boys.

Here are the resources from the event: