Fire; A cautionary tale

The California mountain was on fire. Each spark flew into the sky like it was desperate to escape. It looked like lave pouring from a volcano. Yet it moved like a tsunami. All the animals had sense fled. The people a little slower in leaving. She stood on the balcony, mesmerized. The only thing she knew for sure was her world was disappearing beneath the flames. Before it could reach the city edge a few blocks from her. A hand grabbed her arm and carried her to a car. Which drove off with the high wind tailing behind. The little girl scrambled towards the back window. She kept watching, unsure why she felt the need.

The next time she saw it was in Utah. This was slower. It showered sparks into the air that had a rare chance to light the trees in its path.. Probably because it was a very wet year. But this one was started but someone setting a camp fire and leaving it be. Within a day it grew so big it was on either side of the freeway. It was scary to drive thru, yet she knew they were safe. As long as they kept onto their destination.

Yet another time she met it was too close for comfort. Some nasty neighbor had left glass on her property in texas. She was completely unaware until first responders knocked on her door. The fire was in a ditch within 50 feet of the house. Thankfully, it was out before she got her animals gathered. It didn’t even have much of a change to grow. Thanks in part to the quick response of the first responders.

These are just a few of my memories of facing wild fires. I used to be so terrified about even looking at it. I have since learned about it. But when your first introduction to it is as I was. It kinda traumatic. Especially the fear and sense of helplessness that it brings. My family actually had to help me get over my fear of fires. It’s not fun to go through.

This time of year always makes my whole body on edge. Mainly because it’s so hot it burns literally everything. If there is one thing I have learned about fire, is simple. Fire is not a friend, and yet it can be sometimes. We use it to keep warm while camping. Its symbols can be seen and felt where ever you go. It’s also so destructive. I sometimes wonder if people realize just what it takes from you.

A prime example of this is when the Amazon Rainforest burned massively. true it wasn’t a man made fire. Despite that, nothing could douse that fire. It burned for months until it was eventually tapered out. Not to mention the Notre Dame fire. Both very sad to see and made international news.

It seems as humans; we don’t grasp its full power. And I honestly don’t think we should. Well, okay, maybe to an extent. But considering that every year that passes, the fire season gets worse. We should really handle it with extreme care. No, I’m not saying that every time you lit a campfire you should don protective wear. I am just saying to be smart and play it safe.

There have been so many times I wanted to shoot idiots for starting fires or at least make them see the pain they cause. Because it’s not just humans that are affected. But every animal and tree. And the growth afterwards may be pretty. I agree sometimes it is even needed. But I would rather leave such things to the professionals, wouldn’t you?

So do the world a favor and next time you decide to light a fire. Be sure you plan accordingly and think before you light.