- This is an unofficial Fire Information source.
- ALWAYS heed evacuation warnings and orders. No, seriously, if a fire crew or sheriff's office tells you to evacuate, DO IT! Too many people have died, ignoring evacuations or "going back in the house for one last item." I will never post information that downplays any evacuation order. Don't listen to anyone who does minimize an evacuation order, especially don't listen to what your second cousin, twice removed, once added, heard from a friend on Facebook – that dude is an idiot.
- I'm not affiliated with the NIFC, USFS, BLM, NPS, Cal-Fire, IDL, BIA, FBI, CIA, or any other federal, state, or local agency. I used to work for, or with, a few of those agencies, but that was many years ago. I have no current or recent affiliations with any organization in Wildland Fire.
- Anyone commenting on my content with conspiracy theories or saying crap about fire crews, managers, or government employees in general will be banned. I can tell you from first-hand experience these people are working their asses off to save your community, and I won't tolerate any baseless accusations.
- Most fire information sources stick to the facts because facts are rarely wrong. I often post analysis, commentary, and opinion. I always try to make it clear what is fact and what is commentary or opinion. However, it's important to note that my opinion is just that - nothing more.
- Yes, I was a Red-Carded Wildland Firefighter (FFT2), and yes, I did go to fire school. But those were the requirements for being on a fireline as a photojournalist and later on as a Communications Tech (COMT) working active fires. Although I picked up a Pulaski a few times, I was always working in "Overhead" meaning I was never on a fire to directly fight fire – I don't pretend otherwise. But if you want an expert opinion on fire information, emergency communications, setting up life-or-death critical communications networks in remote wildernesses with the roughest terrain imaginable, or want to know what it's like working 18 hours a day for 21 days straight while sleeping in a tent on a football field, I can help!
- While I am (at times) a bit of a writer, I do not consider myself a journalist, and this newsletter is certainly not a professional publication. If you're looking for perfect AP style and grammar, I suggest you unsubscribe now.
- This is a labor of love, don't make me not love this.