Fighting Fire with Fire: The lack of Stability among Wildland Firefighting

Jayson J. Tenorio

Santo Domingo Pueblo

"Me and The Monkey", Jayson Tenorio, 2020

"Dawn", Jayson Tenorio, 2021

"Native American Identity"

-Perry G. Horse

After reading the essay titled, ¨Native American Identity¨ by Perry G. Horse, I noticed the perspective of the Native American side was present as opposed to other races. It talks about how you are not defined by the color of your skin, and how most people rather define themselves based on what they feel is right or wrong. The government's implementation of Blood Quantum into Native American Tribes is what changed the way of living in the United States and will probably remain that way forever. In other words, most people are not federally recognized as indigenous American merely based on their skin color or ethnic background. The government and the people of the United States of America have their stereotypes on Indigenous people just as we have ours of their people.

We also know that it will take a lot to stop that cycle of stereotypical teachings. If the cycle does end up continuing, It will be very difficult for our children and their children to make it in such a harsh environment. ¨White privilege¨ or ¨White Power¨ is commonly known around the world. It is common knowledge to a majority of America and in other places around the world. The first teachings most young ones hear are from a white man's perspective, whether or not the student is of another culture or religious background.

When I think of Indigenous Americans, I think of my people and our way of life and culture. I think of how our people are known to have adapted to harsh environments, cold winters, and long summers. Then when I look to the present day, the word Indigenous American makes the ears prick up. Most people believe we were wiped off the face of the earth, while others are a bit more educated and know that our population has decreased nearly down to extinction. I believe the philosophies that differ and make us who we are should be left alone and respected. If we learn to respect one another's traditions and cultures, Only can we maintain our sovereign way of life and living.

Perry G. Horse. “Native American Identity” New Directions For Student Services. No 109. Wiley Periodicals Inc. 2005. Print. Pp 61-68

"Winston", Jayson Tenorio, 2020

"Sharing One Skin"

-Jeanette Armstrong

“Sharing One Skin” is about The Okanagan People and their perspective of Identity and how we are all connected. An example of how The Okanagan sees one another is by seeing through the exterior wall and looking inside one's spirit. The Okanagan also believe that each of us as individuals, have four different types of us. These four types of ourselves include our Spiritual Self, Emotional Self, Physical Self, and our Intellectual Self.

Our Spiritual Self, refers to the way we speak our Native tongue fluently and essentially. Our Emotional Self, connects to the way we show love, care, and compassion towards one another in our communities. The Physical Self, is to be able to connect and communicate with those around us. While the fourth, our intellectual side of things, allows us to think freely so that we have consciousness and insight on things.

Many praise the idea of thinking and learning differently, including the Okanagan. Thanks to these teachings, The Okanagan and many other civilizations have been able to flourish, develop, and Maintain their way of life. They believe that we are all the same people and are connected one way or in other words, Sharing One Skin.

Elders preach about how all human beings are the same deep down. How in the end, we go to the same creator, and how important it is to pass down what we have learned throughout the generations. We are taught this at a young age, to the time those who told us have passed on. It is simply our way of life.

Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community.” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.) The Case Against The Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

"That's a sandwich", Jayson Tenorio, 2020.

"Fighting Wildfires"

-CDC

After reading the article titled Fighting Wildfires, I obtained more knowledge on the issues regarding mental and physical health. The article talks a lot about how fires are both unpredictable and dangerous. Another issue this article talks more about is that according to data from three sources looked over by NIOSH, between the years 2000- 2019, over 400 on-duty fatalities occurred.

My personal connection to this article is a strong one. I’ve always believed that more should be done to protect firefighters. Within our communities, we take those who protect us for granted. Another thing my community praises so highly is the usage of the land and resources, but how can we use that land and those resources if noone is there to protect them. More resources should be given to fire departments of small communities.

“Fighting Wildfires - CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Nov. 2020.

"Hellfire", Jayson Tenorio, 2021.

"A Quiet Rise in Wildland Firefighter Suicides"

-Heather Hansman

The next article titled, a quiet rise in wildland-firefighter suicides; talks more in dept about the suicide rate of wildland firefighters drastically increasing as times passes. Research shows that the suicide rate increases more in those who fight fires in vegetation as opposed to structure firefighting. Jeff Dill, who is a captain of a fire department in Inverness, Illinois, and the founder of the Firefighter Behavioral-Health Alliance, analyzed data collected over time and also specializes in firefighter suicides. Jeff believes that firefighters are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty.

Suicide is present almost everywhere you go, which is unfortunate but also reality. Suicide is also present within our native communities which is why I feel connected to this topic. Personally, I have had experiences with family members nearly overdosing on drugs multiple times. Experiences as such, make me want to educate myself further or even spread awareness about this situation.

Hansman, Heather. “A Quiet Rise in Wildland-Firefighter Suicides.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 31 Oct. 2017.

"Lunar", Jayson Tenorio, 2021.

"Firefighters have unmet Emotional, Mental Health needs: study"

-NBC New York

This video source found from youtube, titled firefighters have unmet emotional, mental health need: study talks about what can happen when first responders seek the counseling they need. More and more firefighters continue to turn to suicide rather than seek emotional help. Those who attend counseling are more likely to become comfortable with their experiences and eventually learn to live with it all.

My personal connection with this is also a very strong one. Looking at the data gathered from a survey sent out to around 7,000 firefighters, around 95% suffer from clinical stress, and a large 77% deal with unresolved emotional issues. A huge 90% have trouble sleeping, and deal with unwanted memories. Unfortunately, around 27% state that their experiences have led to substance abuse. Last but not least, around 19% say they’ve had thoughts of suicide. This is why my connection to this whole thing is a strong one. I believe it should be a top priority to protect those who protect us.

“Firefighters Have Unmet Emotional, Mental Health ... - Youtube.” Youtube, NBC New York, 31 July 2018.

"Cosmos", Jayson Tenorio, 2017"

“Fire Service Mental Health: Culture and Resources''

-Firehouse

The article titled “Fire Service Mental Health: Culture and Resources'' written and published by Firehouse, dives deeper into the ongoing Mental Health crisis. It draws focus towards firefighters that’re either retired or approaching retirement. Not only that, but it talks about the “cultural brainwashing” that occurs when a firefighter puts on their uniform. The way they think they are expected to act. The typical strong, brave, and courageous firefighter that handles all issues on their own whatever they may be. This type of mentality is why most first responders do not seek the help they desperately need.

A frequently asked question within the firefighting community is, “Are the current Mental Health Resources available to the fire service effective?” Retired fire captain and licensed mental health Counselor Jeff Dill stated that “Because we are so new to behavioral health within the fire service, we do not have a complete handle on the issue.” This article was very interesting to me because I constantly see the talk about support groups and peer counseling. However, Jeff Dill sheds some light on the matter and says that in reality, most do not know what to do.

“Fire Service Mental Health: Culture and Resources | Firehouse.” Firehouse, Firehouse , 26 May 2021.

"Sky on Fire", Jayson Tenorio, 2022"

“Wildland Firefighters are relying on GoFundMe to survive after getting injured on the job”

-Brianna Sacks

This next article focuses more on the financial side of the service. This article titled, “Wildland Firefighters are relying on GoFundMe to survive after getting injured on the job”. Author Brianna Sacks talks about the issues within firefighting. According to the article, Sacks’s husband had lost his life due to injuries he got while on his way to fight a wildfire. According to Pete Dutchick, a former US Service Hotshot Assistant says that many incidents and injuries go unreported because firefighters cannot afford to pay for it.

This was very interesting to me because aside from the mental health issues, there is also a bad side to the financial bit. I see the bit about incidents not being reported as a serious issue. Especially with the salary rates being dropped depending on the firefighter’s injuries, which means tens of thousands of overtime and hazard pay vanish as they’re sidelined.

Sacks, Brianna. “Wildland Firefighters Are Relying on GoFundMe to Survive After Getting Injured on the Job.” BuzzFeed News, BuzzFeed News, 15 Dec. 2021.

"Sandia", Jayson Tenorio, 2022.

“Forest Service Gets to the Heart of Wildland Firefighters.”

-U.S. Forest Service

This video titled “Forest service gets to the heart of Wildland Firefighters”, is a visual source that shows everything or most of the things firefighters experience. This can give viewers a sense of what it is they actually go through.

I also feel like the Native American theme connects to me personally because of my ethnicity and heritage. It shows the passion and heart of our firefighters and most importantly shows that it is not for everybody.

“Forest Service Gets to the Heart of Wildland Firefighters.” US Forest Service, 6 Oct. 2014.

Bibliography:

Armstrong Jeannette, ¨Community: Sharing One Skin¨, Paradigm Wars, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz.

G. Horse Perry ¨Native American Identity¨, New Directions For Student Services.no 109, Spring 2005, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community.” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.)

The Case Against The Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra

Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

“Fighting Wildfires - CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Nov. 2020.

““Forest Service Gets to the Heart of Wildland Firefighters.” US Forest Service, 6 Oct. 2014.

Firefighters Have Unmet Emotional, Mental Health ... - Youtube.” Youtube, NBC New York, 31 July 2018.

Fahy, Rita, and Angelo Verzoni. “NFPA Journal.” Firefighter Fatalities in 2020, 29 Sept. 2021.

“Fire Service Mental Health: Culture and Resources | Firehouse.” Firehouse, Firehouse , 26 May 2021.

Hansman, Heather. “A Quiet Rise in Wildland-Firefighter Suicides.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 31 Oct. 2017.

Sacks, Brianna. “Wildland Firefighters Are Relying on GoFundMe to Survive After Getting

Injured on the Job.” BuzzFeed News, BuzzFeed News, 15 Dec. 2021.