The following thoughts and observations are derived from my own perspective that is based on 25 seasons filled with two shelter deployments, plenty of near misses, getting hit with branches because I was mesmerized by how awesome falling a burning snag is, falling asleep while driving, falling out on hikes (because I suck at hiking, smoke too much). Oh yeah, as well as one divorce and four or five failed relationships.
Mindfulness
Clean Yellow Shirt
By Madeline Scheintaub There is a raggedy circle of people standing around a giant map. Look around. Green and yellow; stained green and dull yellow; green and yellow-grey; green and yellow mottled with black; and vibrant green and brilliant yellow. That last person, what are you thinking about them? I am that last person and … Continue reading Clean Yellow Shirt
What is YOUR Job?
By Megan Martinez Can you work in fire and also take care of your non-work life and self? I started fighting fire for the federal government in 1998, when I was 19. I spent nine years as a temporary firefighter, and I’ve been permanent since 2010. For a long time there was nothing I wanted … Continue reading What is YOUR Job?
Old Boss Says…
The following letter is directly from the Redondo Escaped Prescribed Fire FLA TO: Current and Future Burn Bosses FROM: An Old Type 1 Burn Boss As an Old Type 1 Burn Boss, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a ton of great people and do what I believe is a lot of awesome work … Continue reading Old Boss Says…
Are Your “Slides” Blinding You?
By Persephone Whelan So there I was, snuggled on the couch in the early morning hours with my 3-year-old, sipping coffee, idly flipping through Facebook when a Hotchkiss Fire District video of the Horse Park Fire came under my thumb. I thought, “Wow. That’s some interesting fire behavior. Wonder what the story is there.” Then … Continue reading Are Your “Slides” Blinding You?