The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has launched its first-ever podcast, Mics & Sirens, peeling back the curtains on Western Australia’s fire and emergency services.

In this first season, discover eight episodes which go behind-the-scenes, giving listeners fresh insight and perspective.

From the first call for help to the moment the sirens fade, Mics & Sirens explores the stories, science and strategies behind real incidents – all told by DFES staff and volunteers.

Across the season, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of complex operations like the Kimberley floods, hazardous structure fires and cyclone response. You’ll also hear about the quieter, critical moments – including the coordination, relief and reflection that follow an emergency.

Whether you are part of the emergency management sector or simply curious about the work we do, Mics & Sirens offers rare insights into the challenges, decisions and dedication involved in protecting our communities.

For Season 2 of Mics & Sirens, we’ve gone global.

Expert guests from around the world provide perspectives on disasters that shook the world and share their insights into the latest developments in emergency management. From preparing for emergencies and reflecting on once-in-a-generation catastrophic disasters, through to the latest innovations in emergency management – these global voices remind us that progress is built on shared knowledge and collaboration.

Recorded live at the 2025 Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC) Conference and Exhibition in Perth, tune in for to cutting edge conversations and world-leading thinking which explores the theme of Global Voices. Local Impact. These conversations bring home practical lessons for us all – whatever role we play in emergency services, wherever we are in the world.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and subscribe to hear all episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 now!

Episode line-up

Season 1

The epicentre of emergencies - Communications Systems Officer Mark Spatocco
Leading a 1-in-100-year flood - District Officer Natural Hazards Glenn Hall ESM
Science and emergencies - Principal Scientific Officer Jeff Davis
A day in the life of an emergency services volunteer - SES Volunteer Maxine Burrell
Beyond the fire; uncovering the cause - District Officer Fire Investigation and Analysis Mark Hayes
Recovering and rebuilding communities - Deputy Commissioner Strategy and Emergency Management Melissa Pexton
The future of emergency services - Assistant Commissioner Future Capabilities Jon Broomhall AFSM
Sit down with the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner - Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM

Season 2

After the firestorm; Palisades and beyond - Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, former US Fire Administrator
Learning from the Grenfell Tower tragedy - Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM, former Chair of UK National Fire Chiefs Council
Doing a better job to stay safe - Mami Mizutori, former Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Fire spotters from space - Dr Karen O’Connor, Founding Principal, Earth Fire Alliance
Flying into the frontline - Russell Turner, Chief Remote Pilot and Team Leader of Aviation, Fire and Rescue NSW
Outrunning electrical vehicle fires - Emma Conway, Deputy Director, Operations AFAC & EVEREST Program
The power of a volunteer - Michael Tovine, Senior Advisor Volunteer Resilience, Fire and Emergency NZ
Women leading the (fire) fight - Allison Donovan, Midwest Regional Manager DBCA and Level 3 Incident Controller