Born and bred in NorCal, I worked for the USFS for a few seasons in the Plumas National Forest just out of school, but a bad bout with Valley Fever left me with lung issues so I transitioned into healthcare. In 2018, a close friend’s son was burned out of his Paradise home and his daughter-in-law had to drive the children out through the fire. Last year my friend’s epileptic daughter had to evacuate Napa, fleeing the Glass fire. This month my friend’s brother and sister-in-law had to evacuate their home near Colfax, fleeing the River fire. Sound data and practical preparation is my reaction to fear and that’s why I’m here. I want to quietly listen to and learn from the guys who get ash in their boogers, ear wax and teeth. They know.