PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory invites you to a two-day workshop for states with emerging wildfire risk. The event focuses on Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with connections to the southern Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic states. It is designed for state agencies who are energy planners, regulators, and emergency responders, as well as key partners such as researchers, utilities, and land managers. 

The workshop will explore wildfire risks to electricity systems, share best available science, data, and technology to mitigate risk, and promote ongoing collaboration among stakeholders and industry members. We will leverage lessons learned from the Western United States as the wildfire challenge moves to the Eastern United States.

Expect lively sessions, peer sharing, and informative presentations from state officials, wildfire researchers, forestry leaders, and subject matter experts.

PNNL is hosting this event in collaboration with the University of Virginia Environmental Institute and the Department of Energy's Office of Electricity and Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.

During the workshop, you will:

• Share and gather insights on changing and emerging wildfire risks to electricity systems.
• Interact in peer-led discussion on wildfire risk reduction, response, and resilience strategies for the grid.
• Cultivate pathways for continuous regional collaboration with states and other stakeholders, experts, and industry.

The following topics will be covered:

• Wildfire Data: What do we know about wildfire in the Piedmont states
• Wildfire interactions with energy systems
• Hurricane Helene impact on wildfire risk
• Utility wildfire mitigation planning–lessons from the Western United States
• Current best practices for wildfire mitigation planning
• Implementing wildfire technology solutions
• Utility costs from wildfire and potential cost reduction strategies

Hotel and Venue Information:

Main Hotel

OMNI Charlottesville* 
212 Ridge McIntire Rd.  
Charlottesville, VA 22903

*The hotel room block at the OMNI is now closed.

Main Venue

The CODE Building 
When using GPS or mapping services, please use the Irving Theatre address below rather than searching for The CODE Building directly: 
225 W Water Street 
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Day 2 Venue Information

Day 2 activities will take place at both The Code Building and the Omni Hotel. Additional details will be provided as the event approaches.

For more information and speaking opportunities, contact Rebecca O'Neil rebecca.oneil@pnnl.gov or Arielle Catalano arielle.catalano@pnnl.gov. 

The Piedmont State workshop is a part of a PNNL and DOE program proactively supporting states facing emerging wildfire risk. Learn more about the state program and past activities. 

Watch a timelapse of graphical notetaking during last year's event by Wade Forbes of RedTale Communications.

Learn more about Wildfire Risk & Resilience at PNNL

From early warning to long-term planning, PNNL transforms wildfire science into solutions that protect people, infrastructure, and the environment. Learn more about the program and the seminal Best Practices report.