On this episode of The Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards speaks with Ryan Fogelman, JD/MBA, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Fire Rover, about one of the industry’s most pressing issues: facility fires.

Ryan has been tracking fire incidents across the U.S. and Canada since 2016, publishing monthly and annual reports that have become a benchmark for understanding fire risks in the waste and recycling sector. In July’s update, he highlighted that while reported incidents dipped slightly in June, the overall trend in 2025 shows more fires than ever before, and Fire Rover has already suppressed more fires this year than in any previous year.

The discussion explores the root causes of these incidents, including the growing presence of lithium-ion batteries and problematic waste streams like vapes. Ryan emphasizes that traditional firefighting approaches often aren’t designed for industrial-scale blazes in recycling and waste facilities, leaving operators vulnerable. He notes that many fire departments move into containment mode rather than direct suppression, which can take facilities offline for months or even years.

Proactive strategies are key, and Ryan outlines several layers of protection: fire detection technology like Fire Rover, adequate water supply and foam systems, site-specific training, and stronger collaboration with local fire departments. The conversation underscores that prevention isn’t optional; it’s essential to protect employees, facilities, and firefighters themselves.

Ryan also speaks to cultural and operational shifts needed across the industry, reminding operators that depending solely on municipal fire response is no longer enough. Facilities must invest in their own mitigation systems and training to stay ahead of the risk.

To learn more about Fire Rover and access Ryan’s monthly fire incident reports, visit firerover.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Waste World Podcast for more conversations with leaders addressing the most urgent challenges in waste, recycling, and sustainability.

Waste World - Episode 31: Ryan Fogelman, Fire Rover

Waste World