Episode 311: Moving Communities Out of Harm’s Way with Gavin Smith

What happens when a community faces the reality that staying in place is no longer safe?

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy.

Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia.

In this episode, Gavin Smith shares what it takes to guide communities through one of the most difficult decisions they will ever face, leaving their homes behind. Drawing from decades of experience in emergency management and disaster recovery, he walks through the emotional weight, technical complexity, and long timelines required to relocate entire communities with care and dignity.

Gavin reflects on leading efforts to relocate more than 5,000 families after major hurricanes, and explains why planning before disaster strikes is critical. He shares lessons from Princeville, North Carolina, a historic community that has faced repeated flooding, and highlights how trust, engagement, and local choice shape successful outcomes.

The conversation also explores international collaboration with Australia and New Zealand, where different approaches to funding and planning offer valuable insights. At the center of it all is a simple truth, this work is about people, place, and the long road toward resilience.

So take a listen to hear what he has to share.

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