About

Neal on Fire is a podcast dedicated to in-depth conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of wildfire technology and management. From cutting-edge detection systems and satellite intelligence to field response and prevention strategies, each episode uncovers the insights driving meaningful progress. 

Through these discussions, we explore how technology, expertise, and collaboration come together to build smarter, faster, and safer wildfire solutions.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Stream Season 1 & 2 now on your favorite platform

Listen​ on
Youtube

Listen​ on
Spotify

Listen​ on
Apple Podcasts

Episodes & Featured Guests

Explore every conversation from Neal on Fire, where we sit down with the people building the future of wildfire detection, mitigation, and response. No fluff — just real talk about breakthrough technology, challenges on the ground, and what comes next.

Below are the featured guests from Season 2.

S2: Episode 10 — ​Dr. Alexandra Syphard, ​Director of Science for the Global Wildfire Collective

What is wildfire modeling, and how does it predict risk? In this episode of Neal on Fire, Alexandra Syphard explains how models work, key risk drivers, and why they matter in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). A must-listen for utilities, insurance, and wildfire professionals. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 9 — ​Aren Page, CEO of Grid IQ

Discover how GridIQ is building a “nervous system” for the power grid to detect faults before they spark wildfires. In this episode of Neal on Fire, Neal Spungen talks with founder Aren Page about pre-ignition grid monitoring, faster fault localization, reducing PSPS events, and how utilities can take a more proactive approach to wildfire resilience. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 8 — Felix Veith, Co-founder of Pyronear

Discover how Pyronear is making early wildfire detection more accessible using open-source AI and low-cost cameras. In this episode of Neal on Fire, host Neal Spungen speaks with co-founder FĂ©lix Veith about camera-based detection, reducing false positives, and real-world deployments across France, Spain, and Chile plus why affordable, community-driven solutions matter for high-risk regions worldwide. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 7 — Donald Hallet, Founder & President of Wildfire Innovations

Discover how Wildfire Innovations is changing wildfire mitigation with RainStream an elevated, mobile misting system that protects 7–18 acres by pre-wetting vegetation, increasing humidity, and slowing ember spread. In this episode of Neal on Fire, founder Don Hallett explains how elevation, real-world deployments, and coordination with fire agencies make RainStream a practical solution for WUI communities, utilities, and critical infrastructure. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 6 — Rhea Rawat, Student Researcher at John P. Stevens High School

Most wildfire detection looks above ground. Student researcher Rhea Rawat shares how underground soil sensors can detect wildfire risk 10–17 minutes before flames appear. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 5 — ​Martin Hofmann, CEO of HoZe Solutions

Discover how HoZe Solutions is revolutionizing wildfire suppression with an unmanned firefighting system that conserves up to 75% less water than traditional methods. CEO Martin Hofmann breaks down how this ground-based system mimics aerial water drops, allowing safer, more efficient wildfire response while keeping crews out of harm’s way.
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 4 — ​Holly Eagleston, CEO of Firescape.ai

An exploration of wildfire detection and response with Holly Eagleston, CEO of Firescape.ai. She explains how complex wildfire data is transformed into actionable intelligence, helping utilities prevent and mitigate fire risks, and shares insights on innovations in situational awareness. 
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 3 — ​​​Dr. Supratik Mukhopadhyay of DeepFire

An exploration of advanced wildfire detection with Dr. Supratik Mukhopadhyay. He discusses how AI, satellite data, and environmental datasets drive DeepFire technology, which predicts wildfires with 90% accuracy up to 45 days in advance and enhances human decision-making.
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 2 — ​​ ​Dr. Ryan Alimo, Co-founder and CEO of Opal AI

An exploration of wildfire detection and response with Dr. Ryan Alimo, Co-founder and CEO of Opal AI. He explains how spatial intelligence, 3D modeling, and digital twins are enabling smarter risk assessment and decision-making, shaping the future of fire management.
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10

S2: Episode 1 — ​Melvin Sieben, CEO of Mejor Technologies

An exploration of the future of wildfire detection, mitigation, and response with Melvin Sieben, CEO of Mejor Technologies. He shares how tools like Criss Cloud and Lucy are transforming real-time wildfire incident mapping and addressing critical gaps in current response systems.
Track nameArtist name
00:00/ 00:10
Season 1 episodes
MEDIA
Live from the Red Sky Summit

Sample Title

Sample Text

Sample Title

Sample Text

More Media highlights

Behind the Conversations

Meet Neal

Neal is a long-time observer of wildfi​re innovation and a connector of ideas between the field and the lab.

Through Neal on Fire, he brings experts together for meaningful discussions that inspire collaboration and action.

His mission: to amplify voices that are transforming wildfire management through data, technology, and shared experience.

Contact U​s

Submit
Thank you! Your message has been sent.
Unable to send your message. Please fix errors then try again.