Tom Welle is principal of Wildfire Preparedness Services and a certified wildfire mitigation specialist with West Metro Fire Rescue in the Denver area. As a consultant, he advises, trains and supports communities, the insurance industry and utilities on wildfire emergency preparedness. He is also a contract instructor for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Welle was the community risk reduction manager for the Oregon state fire marshal and managed the NFPA Wildfire Division’s Denver field office. A retired fire captain with over 30 years experience, he has managed tactical aircraft for the U.S. Forest Service, worked as a ranger for the National Park Service and land management specialist for Douglas County (Colorado), and taught fire science and high-angle rescue in a community college.