Wildfire preparedness is often discussed as a “high-risk vs. low-risk” problem. While places like California and many mountainous regions in the West have higher average risk, averages can obscure what matters most operationally: when and where critical fire danger conditions align. Lower average risk does not mean “no risk”—it often means exposure occurs in shorter, less predictable windows that are easier to miss. For utilities across the country, from large investor-owned utilities to municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives, building preparedness around that dynamic reality separates reactive response from true operational readiness.

Wildfire risk is inherently dynamic. A few hot, dry, and windy days can quickly shift parts of the East Coast and other traditionally lower-risk regions from typical conditions into elevated fire potential. Technosylva’s continental U.S.–wide analysis examines how the frequency of high fire potential days is changing over time and what climate trends suggest about where these patterns may intensify. Understanding this variability is essential for utilities seeking readiness that reflects real exposure rather than static labels.

In this webinar, the session will include insights from Colorado Springs Utilities, sharing how their wildfire preparedness program has evolved and how operational teams identify and respond to changing fire conditions across their service territory. Technosylva’s Lead Wildfire Scientist Dr. Adrian Cardil and Vice President of Weather & Risk Solutions Steve Vanderburg will also discuss how utilities can translate dynamic wildfire risk into practical action, including baseline risk assessments, operational triggers such as Fire Potential Index (FPI), monitoring and situational awareness workflows, targeted investments, and operational mitigations during elevated conditions.