As historic wildfires raged across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, we invited researchers—and those interested in the research response—to join us for a CONVERGE Virtual Forum. This first session was dedicated to sharing resources to support ethical, rigorous research and lessons learned from past wildfire reconnaissance efforts.
Lessons Learned from Previous Wildfire Investigations
Attendees heard from researchers who have led recent investigations including in the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire, 2018 Woolsey Fire, 2021 Caldor Fire, 2021 Boulder County Fires, and 2023 Hawaii Wildfires. Researchers shared lessons learned regarding various topics including:
- writing quick response research proposals,
- carrying out ethical, community-focused disaster research,
- assembling interdisciplinary teams,
- conducting emotionally challenging research and supporting research team members, and
- translating and sharing findings with local partners and federal agencies
Resources
In addition to hearing from researchers with extensive wildfire research experience, participants also learned about publicly available resources and National Science Foundation-funded shared-use facilities and research coordination networks. Examples of resources and information shared include:
Trainings and Other Resources for Perishable Data Collection
- CONVERGE Training Modules
- CONVERGE Extreme Events Research Check Sheets
- Wildfire-Focused Publications
- Defining, Collecting, and Sharing Perishable Disaster Data
Research Equipment, Data Sharing, and Research Coordination Networks
- NHERI Natural Hazards Reconnaissance (RAPID) Facility
- NHERI DesignSafe Data Repository
- Extreme Events Reconnaissance / Research (EER) Networks
Rapid Research Award Funding
- National Science Foundation RAPID Response Research Proposals
- Natural Hazards Center Research Award Programs
Also, in advance of this forum, participants were encouraged to visit this shared document. It provides an outlet for researchers—and those interested in informing the research response—to communicate about studies that have already been launched or are being planned in response to the 2025 Southern California Wildfires. There is also space for sharing ideas regarding research that is needed, as well as information about available data, equipment, resources, and funding opportunities.
We also held a second virtual forum designed to encourage communication, coordination, and collaboration among those planning to launch investigations following the 2025 wildfires. You can learn more about the second session here.
Our thoughts are with the many people whose lives are being deeply affected by these deadly and destructive fires.
CONVERGE is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation, Program on Humans, Disasters, and the Built Environment (Award #1841338). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.