NBC News correspondent Steve Patterson discusses the importance of wildfire coverage, how to properly assess the devastation and how to cover people impacted by fires. Patterson also says reporters should not hype up situations that are not threatening, as it could make them seem less credible during real emergencies.
Reporting on wildfires
The information you’re able to relay about the threat the fire has, the homes that are being ordered to evacuate, the shelters available, the roads that are unsafe or closed off could be life and death for people who live in the area. It’s so vital that you’re timely and accurate. Every detail and every second counts.
Steve Patterson
