Wildfires at the wildland-urban interface are one of today’s most urgent challenges. The Cal State LA Sikand SITI Center for Sustainable and Intelligent Infrastructure invites professionals and academics in the field to join experts in fire emergency management, engineering, public health, and community resilience for a day of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and solutions.
Join the Conversation
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (PST)
Location: Cal State LA, Golden Eagle Ballrooms 3rd Floor
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 91202
Keynote Speakers
CHIEF SURGEY "GUY" TOMLINSON
Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department
Chief Tomlinson brings extensive expertise in advancing firefighter training, critical incident command, and specialized operations in urban search and rescue, hazardous materials, air operations, and disaster response. His leadership advances community resilience and highlights the critical work of Los Angeles’s firefighters.
DR. H. KIT MIYAMOTO
CEO and Structural Engineer of Miyamoto International
As CEO of the California-based global engineering and humanitarian organization with 30 locations across five continents, Dr. Miyamoto is an internationally recognized expert in disaster reconstruction, fire-resistive construction, and strategies for protecting communities worldwide.
Agenda
| TIME | ACTIVITY | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Registration and Continental Breakfast | Cal State LA, Golden Eagle Ballrooms 3rd Floor |
| 9:00 - 9:15 am | Opening Remarks | Chief Michael Thomas Faculty Department of Technology Cal State LA Dr. Rupa Purasinghe Faculty and Department Chair Department of Technology Cal State LA Dr. Heather Lattimer Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cal State LA |
| 9:20 - 9:30 am | Welcome Remarks | Dr. Nancy Warter-Perez Dean College of ECST Cal State LA |
| 9:30 - 10:10 am | Opening Keynote Speaker | Surgey "Guy" Tomlinson Special Operations Los Angeles Fire Department |
| 10:15 – 12:00 pm | Session Talks and Discussions | Theme: Fire Research, Infrastructure Resilience & Preparedness |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 12:30 – 1:10 pm | Lunch Keynote Speaker | Dr. H. Kit Miyamoto CEO and Structural Engineer Miyamoto International |
| 1:10 - 2:30 pm | Session Talks and Discussions | Theme: Fire Emergency Management and Response |
| 2:30 – 2:45 pm | Closing Remarks | Chief Michael Thomas and Dr. Rupa Purasinghe |
| 2:45 - 3:00 pm | Closing Discussions |
Technical Topics
This conference dives into the evolving science and strategy of fire emergency management and disaster control, including
Nature of Wind-Driven WUI Fire Threat
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Emergency Response
Fire Emergency Management & Disaster Control
Fire Emergency Recovery
Fire Prevention & Infrastructure Resilience
Fire Research
Symposium Organizers
Dr. Rupa Purasinghe
Symposium Organizer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (323) 343-4459
Chief Michael Thomas
Symposium Organizer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (323) 343-4566
Parking and Campus Map
PARKING PERMIT
A complimentary parking permit is available when you register for the event with a valid email at least one week before the Symposium. Parking Services will email you directly (not ECST) instructions for accessing your FREE virtual LPR (License Plate Recognition) permit.
Our campus parking system uses license plate recognition technology to minimize waste, aligning with Cal State LA's sustainability goals.
Visitors may purchase a daily parking permit online or from a permit machine located in designated campus parking lots and parking structures. Visit Parking and Transportation to purchase your one-day visitor parking permit online at https://calstatela.aimsparking.com/
PARKING LOT & CAMPUS MAP
Event parking is available at Structure E.
- Welcome Center (#47 on the map)
- Parking at Structure E
- Golden Eagle Ballrooms (3rd floor)
Visit the Cal State LA Parking and Transportation website for parking and permit details. Take a virtual campus tour before your visit, and download the PDF map showing the symposium parking and ballroom locations.
Download: Symposium parking and venue map (PDF).
Visit: Parking & Transportation and Online Campus Map
MEDIA DISCLAIMER
When you attend a California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) event, you enter an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such media recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, and inclusion on websites. You further waive all rights you may have to any claims in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication.
Sikand SITI Center at Cal State LA
5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032
Building E&T, Room C253A
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. PST.
[email protected] | (323) 343-5399