This has been one of the most disheartening seasons of my career. I have worked for decades as a professional firefighter for one of the largest fire departments in California. The amount of destruction I have witnessed this year and over my career is unwarranted, unethical, unnecessary, and staggering.
I have witnessed the willful destruction of public lands, private lands, private property, homes, livestock, wildlife, watersheds, and the like under the auspices of “management,” or due to malpractice, outdated policy, lack of leadership, for personal financial gain, and/or the absence of accountability.
I have participated in fires fought aggressively in one zone and gaining containment daily, while simultaneously being ignited through intentionally set flames or burn operations in another zone.
I have watched fires become contained, only to be lost hours or days later when oversight changes.
The public has been misinformed, misled, and deceived through actions, public information, and messaging.