Fire in the Sky: Lessons Learned

When wildfires rage, there is always some amount of confusion. There is always some level of fear. There is always a hint of fire inside that builds from another kind of rage at the stupidity and ignorance that ignited the blaze in the first place...

For me, there is as little grace as there is understanding when it comes to punishment for those who start these life-threatening disasters. People lose homes, livestock, feeding grounds, property, livelihoods, and in some cases the lives of brave young men and women who put their lives on the line to stop the flames from encroaching further.

But here's the thing - only parents taking a proactive approach can steer the next generation toward a greater level of respect for fire.

I learned in one night the value of life as a wildfire bore down upon the threshold of my home. But I learned long before that a fire out of control is a force to be reckoned with. I didn't cause this fire but I quickly realized that blame only goes so far. And yet the flame has unlimited potential to create a new victim. And while I cannot change the past, I understand that the best way to prevent these events from happening in the future is to foster a behavior and respect toward fire, wildlands and the destruction they can cause when in the presence carelessness.

By taking steps personally to protect my property and my home I'm only fighting this fire half way. The remainder is through education, environmental responsibility,  and perseverance. 

Special thanks to Lauren Maloney of the BLM for helping me to get this message across.

Episode 3 - Fire in the Sky: Lessons Learned