What People Are Saying
“The structure assessment class taught by Jerry McAdams at MC Fire, LLC was a huge benefit to our department. Our fuel mitigation specialists were able to learn more about conducting structure assessments and how to provide consistent feedback to homeowners. We also had representatives from other fire departments across Utah attend. With this training, we can all collaboratively decrease wildfire risk across our state.”
— Jeanie Atherton, Provo Fire Department (UT)
“What set Jerry apart was his ability to tailor complex topics to the varied needs of the group. Whether addressing technical mitigation strategies or discussing broader fire science and policy topics, Jerry ensured each attendee left with actionable insights relevant to their work. He was well prepared, and the combination of visuals, field assessments, and thoughtfully organized materials created an effective learning experience.”
— Tucker Teutsch, Firebrand Resiliency Collective (OR)
“Jerry has a unique skill set from fire suppression, prevention, fire investigations, and preparedness. Jerry’s knowledge and understanding of the built environment, development, fire service and building codes and ordinances, leads to a comprehensive body of knowledge to help move wildfire mitigation best practices forward. As a nationally recognized SME he is highly regarded, well versed in the subject, and is dedicated to reducing losses from wildfire.”
— Jill Welle, Douglas County (CO)
Fire Adapted Communities Education Courses
No one, including us, enjoys sitting through a dry class with a monotone speaker so that’s definitely not our style. With a goal of providing up-to-date and relevant information on best practices in the field of wildfire mitigation, our courses are both informative and entertaining.
We believe learning should be interesting and engaging while providing top-quality content—including case studies and examples throughout.
Courses are continually updated with new science-based research and information, and each individual course offering is customized to your specific area and audience.
Customized In-Person & Live Virtual Courses
Structure Assessments for Wildfire-Prone Areas
This course is set up as a 2-day in-person or live virtual training on creating fire adapted communities by correctly and efficiently identifying ignition vulnerabilities from wildfire to structures and their immediate surroundings in the built environment.
This course covers the topics of…
fire science, fire ecology, and the history of wildfire
planning tools and code development
structure hardening and specific structural attributes
defensible space and survivable space
plant selection, placement, and maintenance
methodology for evaluating structures
how to motivate and inspire people to action
Students will walk away with the ability to…
quickly and effectively evaluate hazards and exposures to structures
prepare detailed recommendations to motivate owners to take mitigation actions on properties in wildfire-prone areas
Information applied from this course will help reduce the incidence of structure loss during wildfire events. This is a perfect course for new Defensible Space Inspectors (DSIs) and other professionals tasked with conducting thorough home assessments.
The International Code Council (ICC) has approved this course for 1.2 CEUs in the specialty area of Fire. We can also scale this course to a 1-day version, if necessary, with 0.6 CEUs.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping & Construction
This 1-Day in-person or virtual course covers topics of interest to architects, engineers, developers and builders, and other design professionals.
This course covers the following topics:
historical and ecological context of wildfire
causes and consequences of wildfire
general societal misperceptions of wildfire
effects of fire on the built environment
planning tools
fire-resistant plant selection, placement and maintenance
fire-resistant building materials and construction
decks and patios
paths and walkways
retaining walls
new construction
existing construction retrofits
Students will walk away from this class with a better understanding of wildfire-related issues as they relate to the built environment.
Wildfire Risk for the Insurance Industry
We provide custom in-person and live virtual classes and presentations for insurance industry executives and professionals.
The insurance industry, in regard to wildfire, is truly the wild west, as everyone is doing things differently.
Learn how to better connect with your customers and use site-specific evaluations of properties to your advantage.
Our Structure Assessment course can also be customized to fit the needs of agents, adjusters, and underwriters.
Places We’ve Taught
Vail, AZ
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Anaheim, CA
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Escondido, CA
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Los Gatos, CA
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Oxnard, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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San Anselmo, CA
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San Francisco, CA
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San Raphael, CA
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Boulder, CO
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Castle Rock, CO
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Lakewood, CO
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Walsenburg, CO
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Acadia Nat'l Park, ME
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Grayling, MI
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Kalispell, MT
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Las Vegas, NV
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Medford, OR
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White City, OR
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Gatlingburg, TN
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Austin, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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Manti, UT
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Provo, UT
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Salt Lake City, UT
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Mattawa, WA
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Olympia, WA
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Preston, WA
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Spokane, WA
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Wenatchee, WA
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Vail, AZ | Anaheim, CA | Escondido, CA | Los Gatos, CA | Oxnard, CA | Sacramento, CA | San Anselmo, CA | San Francisco, CA | San Raphael, CA | Boulder, CO | Castle Rock, CO | Lakewood, CO | Walsenburg, CO | Acadia Nat'l Park, ME | Grayling, MI | Kalispell, MT | Las Vegas, NV | Medford, OR | White City, OR | Gatlingburg, TN | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX | Manti, UT | Provo, UT | Salt Lake City, UT | Mattawa, WA | Olympia, WA | Preston, WA | Spokane, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
How It Works
STEP 1
Reach out and let’s talk to dial in a detailed and customized training experience.
STEP 2
We’ll put together a brief proposal/agreement for you to review.
STEP 3
If needed, we’ll draft a more formal contract for you to review.
STEP 4
Once the agreement/contract is fully-executed, we’ll send you an invoice for a deposit.
STEP 5
We’ll work with the host agency/organization to make sure all logistics are handled.
STEP 6
We’ll put together all training materials and electronic handouts.
STEP 7
Your course/training will be delivered, and a final invoice will be sent to you.