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Wildfires can
have tragic result
On Oct. 27 the Esperanza wildfire in the mountains of California again reminded us of the
dangers firefighters face everyday.
Five firefighters died while trying to save a house from this raging
wildfire that was determined to be arson. To simply call them
“firefighters” somehow seems inadequate because they were more than
firefighters.
They were men with names, families and dreams. The depth of these
tragedies always runs much deeper than the quick news story or short newspaper
article. This senseless tragedy and the sacrifice of these men will affect
those who personally knew them. The men who died are Capt. Mark
Loutzenhiser, Engine Operator Jess Mc Lean, Assistant Engine Operator Jason
Mckay and Firefighters Daniel Hoover Najeia and Pablo Cerda.
They were firefighters with families whose lives have been forever
changed by an arsonist who somehow finds joy in burning thousands of acres
of land and ca! using the deaths of firefighters who have dedicated their
lives to helping others. We can only hope that these families somehow find
a way to turn the dedication and bravery of these men into something
positive.
Even though we don’t have wildfires in the Piedmont that match the
size and destruction caused by those out West, we still need to be cautious
because wildfires are not uncommon in this area when it has been extremely
dry.
In the city of High Point, outside burning is not allowed, but some
areas do allow outside burning. If you live in an area where outside burning
is allowed, you must use every precaution to prevent your fire from
spreading. The first thing you need to do is contact your local fire
department and see if a burn permit is required, and they can also advise
you of any statewide bans on burning that may be in effect. Make sure you
have rakes and a water hose available to help prevent the fire from
spreading. If it’s wi! ndy, wait until another day and avoid burning when
it is extremely dry . The best time to burn is after a rain, when brush and
ground vegetation are still wet. If you smoke, don’t toss your butts out
the car window.
This can easily ignite dry grass and start a wildfire that can
quickly spread.
Firefighting has always been dangerous job, but if we all work
together to prevent fires it will make your families safer as well as
making our job safer.
24/7/365: You call; we res p o n d .
KENNETH LEE KNIGHT is a battalion chief in the High Point Fire
Department.
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