Much of the West has just lived through one of the worst June heatwaves in decades. Many states could be in drought all this summer. From California and Arizona to the mountain West, dangerous heatwaves are almost becoming the norm.

The threat of more devastating wildfires prompted calls for reforms of the nation's fire management policies, and are a clear sign that the impacts of climate change are now being felt.

We discuss the causes of raging wildfires, including forestry management, climate, and the movement of people, as well as practical steps can be taken now to reduce the destruction to property and people's lives.

Our guests are Guardian journalists Alastair Gee and Dani Anguiano, authors of the book, “Fire In Paradise: An American Tragedy", a harrowing account of the most destructive wildfire in a century. Both Dani and Alastair reported extensively on the Camp Fire in 2018, and this year's megafires in California, Oregon and Washington.

Recommendation: Jim continues to feed his passion for birdwatching, reading "A Season On The Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration" by Ken Kaufman.