The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Wildland fire activity remains the predominant national operational signal, as articulated in the most recent National Interagency Coordination Center Incident Management Situation Report. The report indicates that the national preparedness level is sustained at PL3, with multiple large incidents threatening residential structures in various southern regions, specifically in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Each state has been meticulously analyzed, with significant incidents such as the Twin Creek Fire and Hancock Mill Pond139 highlighted, alongside pertinent details regarding their containment status and the behaviors of the fires. The complexities of fire activity across these states necessitate diligent monitoring and resource allocation to mitigate their impacts effectively. This brief encapsulates the critical updates and serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by wildland fires in our communities.
Takeaways:
* The National Interagency Coordination Center Incident Management Situation Report identifies national wildland fire activity as a significant operational concern.
* The report indicates that the southern region maintains a preparedness level of PL3 amidst multiple large-scale incidents threatening residences.
* Detailed summaries of specific large fires across several states reveal a diverse range of fire behaviors and containment statuses.
* Significant incidents in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida are highlighted, illustrating the widespread nature of current fire threats.
* The IMSR provides comprehensive updates on fire incidents, including containment efforts and the number of structures at risk across affected regions.
* Overall, the latest updates emphasize ongoing fire risks and the immediate need for vigilance in response efforts.
Sources
National wildland fire (NIFC/NICC)
NICC Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) — Mar. 25, 2026 (PDF)


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The episode elucidates the current status of wildland fire activity, emphasizing that the Southern Area is operating at Preparedness Level 3, with numerous large fires threatening structures and residences across multiple states. We provide a comprehensive overview of significant incidents, including those in Alabama, Colorado, and Florida, where extreme fire behavior has been reported, leading to considerable risks to nearby communities. The discussion also includes pertinent advisories from CISA regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities that necessitate immediate action to mitigate risks. Furthermore, we touch upon recent seismic events, such as the magnitude 7.6 earthquake near Tonga, which, while not resulting in a tsunami threat, underscores the importance of situational awareness in the Pacific Ring of Fire. We conclude with an examination of public health concerns, specifically a meningococcal disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the need for vigilance in travel advisories.
Takeaways:
* The Southern Area Preparedness Level has reached a critical status of Level 3 due to numerous large wildfires threatening structures and residences.
* A recent advisory from CISA emphasizes the urgent need to mitigate critical risks associated with unauthenticated command execution on commercial control systems.
* The Pacific Ring of Fire remains a significant focus of attention following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Tonga, despite no tsunami threat being reported.
* The CDC has issued a travel notice regarding an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a health zone of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underscoring the importance of public health awareness.
* Numerous states are currently experiencing substantial fire activity, with reports indicating active fire behavior and threats to both structures and residences.
* The FAA has provided updates on potential thunderstorms affecting air traffic in central Florida, highlighting the need for vigilance in aviation safety.
Sources
DHS
* DHS News Release — Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary (Mar 24, 2026)
* DHS Newsroom — “There are no current advisories” (NTAS status shown on DHS newsroom pages)
CISA
* CISA ICS Advisory — Pharos Controls Mosaic Show Controller vulnerability (Published Mar 24, 2026)
* CISA ICS Advisory — Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS vulnerability (Published Mar 24, 2026)
* CISA ICS Advisory — Grassroots DICOM memory leak vulnerability (Published Mar 24, 2026)
Wildland fire activity (NIFC/NICC)
* NIFC/NICC Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) — PDF (Published Mar 24, 2026)
Aviation
* FAA — Statement on Air Canada Express incident at LaGuardia (Mar 23, 2026)
* NTSB — Investigation page: Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collides with fire truck at LGA (Event date Mar 22, 2026; includes media briefings)
* FAA — Daily Air Traffic Report (Mar 24, 2026)
Earthquake and tsunami messaging
* USGS — Event page: M7.6, 153 km W of Neiafu, Tonga (Reviewed)
* Reuters — No tsunami threat after deep M7.6 near Tonga (Mar 24, 2026)
Public health
* CDC — Travel Health Notices: Meningococcal Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Mar 24, 2026)


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The predominant focus of this podcast episode is the ongoing national wildland fire activity, which remains a critical operational concern as of March 24, 2026. Numerous large fire incidents are currently under suppression across the United States, with specific areas reporting evacuations and the imminent threat to residential properties. The National Interagency Fire Center has provided detailed situational reports, indicating moderate to extreme fire behavior in various states, including Alabama and Florida. Additionally, updates on volcanic activity in Hawaii and Alaska are discussed, with Kilauea and Great Sitkin exhibiting elevated seismic activity. As we navigate these pressing concerns, it is imperative to remain informed and heed official guidance regarding safety and evacuation protocols.
Takeaways:
* National Wildland Fire Activity is currently the foremost operational concern across the nation.
* The National Interagency Fire Center reports numerous large fire incidents under suppression nationwide.
* Evacuations and area road closures are being reported, particularly in the Plains and Pacific regions.
* Ongoing volcanic activity is being closely monitored in Hawaii, particularly at Kilauea.
* Travel advisories have been issued by the US Department of State regarding Middle East travel.
* Various states report incidents of extreme fire behavior, threatening residences and prompting evacuations.
Sources
NIFC / Wildland fire (National)
* NIFC Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) — daily national wildland fire activity, closures/evacuations, threatened structures
USGS Volcano updates
* USGS HVO Daily Update — Kīlauea status (WATCH/ORANGE) and activity summary
* USGS AVO Notice — Great Sitkin activity update
U.S. Department of State / Global events
* Consular Information for Americans in the Middle East — current operational guidance and contacts


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Host: Todd DeVoeCo-Host: Andrew BoyarskyGuest: Shannon McNamee, Author of Strategic Disaster Coordination
Episode Overview
Despite decades of investment, disaster response continues to struggle under pressure. The issue is not a lack of effort or experience. It is structural.
In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky sit down with Shannon McNamee, author of Strategic Disaster Coordination, to examine a critical gap in the United States' disaster response. This is not a critique of performance. It is a conversation about system design.
Emergency management in the U.S. is built for incidents that are bounded, short-term, and controllable. Disasters are none of those things. Rather than redesigning the system, we have expanded it—adding layers, complexity, and cost without addressing the underlying mismatch.
This discussion focuses on the operational and strategic implications for emergency managers across all levels of government. The all-hazards framework remains essential, but the scale, duration, and interconnected nature of disasters demand a system built specifically for them.
About the Guest
For more than 15 years, Shannon McNamee has worked at the center of disaster response and coordination—leading operations, building cross-sector partnerships, and designing training that strengthens real-world readiness. Through her roles with FEMA and the American Red Cross, she helped guide large-scale response and recovery efforts while supporting planning, training, and policy development across all levels of government and community partners. As a consultant, she has focused on turning lessons learned into lasting, practical improvements.
She is the author of Strategic Disaster Coordination, a book that challenges conventional thinking in emergency management by arguing that the core issue is not performance, but system design. Drawing on field experience, policy analysis, and research, the book outlines why the current model falls short in disasters—and offers a framework for building a system intentionally designed for them.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Disasters ≠ EmergenciesEmergency systems are built for short, contained incidents. Disasters are prolonged, complex, and disruptive. Treating them the same creates failure points.
It’s a Design ProblemThe issue isn’t training or resources. The system is built for control and stabilization, not long-duration, networked crises.
More Layers, Same ProblemsWe respond to each disaster by adding plans and structures, increasing complexity without improving outcomes.
Old Thinking, New RisksCold War-era assumptions still shape policy, but modern disasters are nonlinear, interconnected, and unpredictable.
Why Lessons RepeatRecurring failures aren’t accidental. They are produced by the system itself.
Misaligned FrameworksA security-driven model has influenced disaster management, often at the expense of resilience and recovery.
Building What’s MissingEffective disaster management requires intentional design—integrated, adaptive, and built for how disasters actually unfold.



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The salient point of this podcast episode centers on the critical advisories issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, particularly concerning the lack of current terrorism threats. As of March 23, 2026, there are no active advisories, which provides a sense of security for operations involving traveler support and evacuation assistance. However, we must remain vigilant given the recent developments in Hawaii, where a boil water notice has been issued for specific regions due to potential storm-related damage to the water system. This situation necessitates careful public messaging and coordination to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. In summary, while there are no immediate threats, the ongoing response to the storm in Hawaii highlights the importance of preparedness and effective communication in emergency management.
Takeaways:
* The current National Terrorism Advisory System indicates no advisories as of this morning.
* The U.S. Department of State has updated its worldwide caution page on March 22, 2026.
* Hawaii is currently the only state reporting significant life safety impacts due to storm damage.
* A boil water notice has been issued for North Shore Oahu due to potential storm damage.
* Public messaging should include instructions to boil water before use for safety.
* Coordination with shelters is essential to support vulnerable populations affected by the storm.
Sources
DHS
* DHS Newsroom (shows NTAS status: “There are no current advisories.”)
Travel advisories
* State Department — Worldwide Caution (Last Updated: March 22, 2026)
* State Department — Consular Information for Americans in the Middle East (Last Updated: March 22, 2026)
Hawaiʻi
* Honolulu Board of Water Supply — Boil Water Notice Issued for Oʻahu (North Shore: Mokulēʻia to Turtle Bay)
* Hawaiʻi News Now — Storm damage/response impacts report (includes water advisory context)


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