Fire Humanities
Recent Years Funded
2026 - 2027
Primary Contact(s)
Project Subject/Topic
Fire Humanities is a project born out of the University of Idaho's Confluence Lab that aims to foster interdisciplinary inquiry into what it means to live well in a world with more fire and more smoke. As a complement to fire science, Fire Humanities is also an emerging field of study which explores personal stories, public perceptions, and broader narratives around humans' experiences of fire.
The Simpson Center's partnership with the Confluence Lab began with a Fire Humanities event in April 2026 that was tied to the Spring Katz Distinguished Lecture. In the 2026-2027 academic year, the project will include more events and activities in Washington, including a public-facing event, workshops, and a faculty writing retreat.
Related Articles
In late April, the Simpson Center sponsored a Fire Humanities panel at the University of Washington's Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. The panel featured five scholars discussing their work researching fire and smoke, creating art, and engaging the...