Podcast Episode 4: Napa County's Fire Plans with David Shew & Glass with a Grower, Andrew Opatz

In this episode, David Shew, the Napa County Fire Administrator, discusses his role and plant to create fire resilient landscapes. With the increasing severity of wildfires on the built environment there is a need now, more than ever, for proactive planning. They discuss the role of prescribed burns, the importance of collaboration between landowners and fire managers, and the need for more conversations about fire management strategies. David touches on the current fire season and the challenges faced by grape growers in managing vineyards during extreme weather conditions.

In "Glass with a Grower," Andrew Opatz, the Director of Vineyard Operations  at Chappellet, shares a bottle of 2021 Chappellet Prichard Hill and discuss the particular challenges with water during that growing season. Andrew goes on to share all the proactive work being done at Chappellet Vineyards to create a fire-resilient property and the importance of safety measures for vineyard workers.

Additional resources on wildfire preparedness can be found on the NVG Website. ​

Episode Highlights

"The truth is, we are dealing with the compounding impacts of climate change and over 100 years of land management decisions. We can't turn back time, but we have to act now." -David Shew

"Napa County has been one of the most progressive and effective practitioners of fire prevention, thanks to the real commitment from both public and private partnerships here." - ​David Shew

"To effectively conduct prescribed burns, we need more collaboration—between landowners, growers, fire agencies, and environmental groups—to plan when, where, and how we can safely and strategically reintroduce fire." - ​David Shew

"We use advanced tech, like sap flow and evapotranspiration sensors, but boots on the ground are still essential. Nothing beats walking through the vineyard and seeing things firsthand." -Andrew Opatz

"We’ve built an independent fire defense system at Chappellet with a water tender, gel trailer, and strategically placed standpipes across the property to help protect our people and structures in a fire." -Andrew Opatz