Every emergency is typically defined by preparation, prevention, response and recovery. But in the words of the former Head of United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction, it’s a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. Hear Mami Mizutori’s strategies for anticipating risks, reducing impacts and building communities that are truly resilient.*This series was recorded live at the AFAC25 Conference in Perth.-----Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dfeswaTwitter (X) https://x.com/dfes_waInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dfes_waTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dfes_waLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-fire-and-emergency-servicesYoutube https://www.youtube.com/dfeswesternaustraliaWebsite https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/-----Credits: Interviewer: Di Darmody Producers: Silvana Pulitano and Pippa WoolnoughGuest: Mami Mizutori, former Head of United Nations Office for National Disaster Risk Reduction-----Transcript:For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://bit.ly/3WATrXu-----This episode may contain reference to traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. Visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/copyright for copyright information.
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Episode 2 – Learning from the Grenfell Tower tragedy
Images from the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire tragedy are unwillingly etched in the minds of people all over the world. Flames took hold and got to the top of the 23-storey housing block in 30 minutes. This episode Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM takes us inside the lessons of the UK’s deadliest residential building fire that claimed the lives of 72 people. *This series was recorded live at the AFAC25 Conference in Perth.-----Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dfeswaTwitter (X) https://x.com/dfes_waInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dfes_waTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dfes_waLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-fire-and-emergency-servicesYoutube https://www.youtube.com/dfeswesternaustraliaWebsite https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/-----Credits: Interviewer: Di Darmody Producers: Silvana Pulitano and Pippa WoolnoughGuest: Mark Hardingham, former UK Chair of National Fire Chiefs Council-----Transcript:For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://bit.ly/479sU9N-----This episode may contain reference to traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. Visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/copyright for copyright information.
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Episode 1 – After the firestorm; Palisades and beyond
Wildfires are typically fuelled by wind, heat and overgrown vegetation. But what happens when people’s homes are what propel flames into an unstoppable firestorm. The former head of the US Fire Administration Dr Lori Moore-Merrell sits down with us to talk about a firestorm that flattened multiple neighbourhoods in Los Angeles and the insights that came from the tragedy. *This series was recorded live at the AFAC25 Conference in Perth.-----Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dfeswaTwitter (X) https://x.com/dfes_waInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dfes_waTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dfes_waLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-fire-and-emergency-servicesYoutube https://www.youtube.com/dfeswesternaustraliaWebsite https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/-----Credits: Interviewer: Di Darmody Producers: Silvana Pulitano and Pippa WoolnoughGuest: Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former US Fire Administrator-----Transcript:For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://bit.ly/4oyWlYP-----This episode may contain reference to traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. -----Visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/copyright for copyright information.
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Season 2, Global voices. Local impact.
Mics and Sirens is the official podcast of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in Western Australia. Season 2 of Mics and Sirens was recorded live at the 2025 Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council Conference in Perth, WA. We sat down with international and national experts to unpack disasters that shook the world and gain insights into emergency management innovations. They share their experience, bringing fresh thinking to the table that helps to shape the future of emergency management. From preparing for disasters, reflecting on catastrophic events, to the eyes in the sky helping protect those on the frontline, through to the power of people fighting the (fire) fight every day – these global voices remind us that progress is built on knowledge and collaboration and can be used to make an impact anywhere in the world. -----Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dfeswaTwitter (X) https://x.com/dfes_waInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dfes_waTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dfes_waLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-fire-and-emergency-servicesYoutube https://www.youtube.com/dfeswesternaustraliaWebsite https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/-----Credits: Interviewer: Di DarmodyProducers: Silvana Pulitano and Pippa Woolnough -----Transcript: For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://bit.ly/43qgGqV-----Visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/copyright for copyright information.
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Episode 8 - A sit down with the FES Commissioner
Overseeing fire and emergency services across Australia’s largest State is no small feat. It’s not a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job because emergencies don’t keep business hours. When critical decisions need to be made, the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner is always on call. It’s a role Darren Klemm AFSM has held since 2017 and in that time, he has led DFES through major change and growth. In his own words, team is the heart of DFES. And Darren has been a team player for decades. On the frontline as a firefighter and before that on the field as a premiership star in the WA Football League.Hear about the surprising role the Commissioner could see himself in if he weren’t in the top job and the biggest changes he’s witnessed in his career. Find us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dfeswaTwitter (X) https://x.com/dfes_waInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dfes_waTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dfes_waLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-fire-and-emergency-servicesYoutube https://www.youtube.com/dfeswesternaustraliaWebsite https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/-----Credits: Host and producer: Silvana PulitanoGuest: Darren Klemm -----Transcript:For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://bit.ly/42c6Kko-----This episode may contain reference to traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. Visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/copyright for copyright information.
Mics and Sirens is the official podcast for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) of Western Australia.
With staff and volunteers, both on and behind the frontline, dedicated to protecting our State of more than 2.5 million square kilometres, there are many stories of hope and resilience.
From that very first call for help, to those on the frontline putting themselves in harm’s way, and those who pick up the pieces once the sirens fade.
We take you behind the scenes to meet the people behind the positions and explore the passion, commitment and grit that keeps communities safe.
Australia