Alaska Wildfires, A Fireline Pagan Experience

Last updated on: July 9, 2015 at 8:45 pm by Peter Dybing

Alaska Wildfires, A Fireline Pagan Experience 2015-07-09T20:45:00-06:00 Peter Dybing

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My mind is muddled with images as I drive through Willow Alaska on my way to a new assignment. Images of lost Pagan land and all the energy expressed there affect me deeply. While I never visited what local Pagans call “the land” I know well the deep and sacred connections our communities develop with these sites that are filled with the energy of rituals and drum circles manifested by our honored ancestors and current community members. The sight of the burned trees reduced from proud centurions of nature to burnt toothpicks brings tears to my eyes. I have seen many such places in my life, yet this stand of trees, being connected to sacred space stirs emotion.

The seven hour drive from the Yukon to Anchorage was a long one. After two weeks as part of the effort to suppress the Aggie Fire, now 20,000 acres, I am exhausted. As of today the fire still burns and another team has taken command of the effort. The tasks undertaken in support of our firefighters have been complex, the dynamic changing environment of wildfire makes logistical support of the effort like trying to fit together puzzle pieces from a vast array of pieces left on a preschool floor. Even determining where it is safe to feed the firefighters on a given day is a moving target dictated by fire behavior. The Aggie Fire ran another 5,000 acres two days ago, homes were evacuated and fire resources were stretched to their limit.

Fire behavior in stands of Black Spruce is extreme. Even after days of rain, with just a few hours of drying, the inferno explodes and consumes more of the dense and lush forest. It is always humbling to witness the power of fire and the heroism of those who respond. Yet, there is always sadness and a flood of inner tears for those who lose homes, places of employment and sometimes entire villages. This work both nourishes my spirit and erodes my ability to focus on other aspects of my life. Driven by compassion for the land, it’s people and the broader impacts of fire, I often find myself mentally and spiritually exhausted. There is something unique about being a Pagan firefighter. it is almost as if I can hear the land crying out, demanding that humanity collectively do something to address the damage we continue to do! Gaia weeps and my desire to act is watered by her tears.

Willow Fire

The smoke plums are intense, each night the smoke settles in fire camp and we all attempt to sleep in an environment of 24 hour light and choking smoke. My passion for this life is intense, yet the shared hardship bands us together in an effort to accomplish something beyond individual human ability, tame a miles long swath of fire manifested as if from a dragons mouth.

My drive ended with a new assignment working for the state wide logistical command center. For now, I am away from the flames, yet last night I fell asleep worrying about my sisters and brothers still on the fire line. Won’t you join me in sending energy and prayers their way. This fight is long from over and any and all spiritual and magical support can only help!

Uncategorized

Previous Post

June 20, 2015

The Racist In Me

Next Post

July 15, 2015 UUA’s Future Lies With CUUPS

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category 2016 election Activisim America American Pride Antifa Antifa Fire Chief Black Lives Matter Dallas Violence Democratic left Homeless Denver Homophobia July Fourth Orlando Violence Peter Dybing Social Justice TERF Transgender rights Trauma Uncategorized

Select a Month September 2017 February 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did God place on Jeremiah’s mouth as a sign of his calling?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Burning coal A staff A scroll His words