A common “getting to know you” question asked on first dates and questionnaires is, “What would you save from your house in a fire?” The answer to that question really reveals the possessions and parts of life that a person values. It’s a seemingly innocent and telling question, but could you imagine if you came home from work one day and your house was in flames?
For hundreds of families up and down the West Coast this summer, that seemingly innocent theoretical question has become a reality. But the fires have brought about a broader perspective on that classic question: Where, as a nation, do we put our stake, our value? What would America save from a fire?
Extreme drought conditions have caused wildfires to rage throughout the country all summer. In some areas, fires are ripping through grass and vegetation that contain less than 3 percent moisture. Unfortunately, relief is still far out of reach as firefighters are predicting wildfire activity to be an issue until at least November. In 2015 thus far, there have been 46,347 reported wildfires in the country, and that number is rising every single day. Most recently, the Valley Fire has destroyed 70,000 acres near San Francisco in just four days. Firefighters are working around the clock, and the devastation, from the internet pictures and videos, makes this clear.
However, acreage and other statistics, while shocking, are just numbers. When put into perspective, there are no statistics that can represent families ripped apart, memories destroyed, and lives shaken off their steady bases as a result of the flames— not to mention the many brave souls who were lost while fighting these fires. More than likely, some of the Cougs in our community and their families have been hit by the devastation.
The true heroes of the summer of 2015 are the firefighters— the brave men and woman who choose to put themselves in danger to stop these wildfires deserve an unfathomable amount of thanks. Without them, pieces of our country would have been destroyed. Their bravery and sacrificed should be admired.
So what does The United States value? What is our country saving in this nationwide fire? The first answer is our people; our families. This summer alone, the Obama administration has set aside new areas of the budget for "wildfire suppression." The money in that part of the budget goes to protecting forests from future fire as well as aiding victims.
Ample funds are still being spent on Red Cross shelters and government aid to help those who have been hit hard by the wildfires. Firefighters are working around the clock. People up and down the coast are taking in neighbors, friends, and even strangers until they can find a new place to live.
In this great time of need, the values of America truly shine through. While lives are being destroyed, it is very comforting to know that the number-one priority of our government is the safety and welfare of its citizens. Even though the wildfires are such a difficult thing to manage, the nation is doing its best to bring everyone back to a stable condition.
America also values something else: our history. Great lengths are being made to protect America's monuments and national parks from destruction.One such relic is the Chicago Stump, a stump of a Giant Sequoia that was displayed at the Chicago World's Fair in 1897.
The Chicago Stump is currently being seriously threatened by the Rough Fire in California. The Sequoia that once rested on that stump was what showed the rest of the world the natural beauty of our country. It is still revered today as an important monument.
To protect the national symbol and monument, firefighters have taken special care to cover it with protective material and install a sprinkler system around it. In addition, housing and protection structures are being placed around crucial wildlife sanctuaries and historic monuments to protect them.
During this summer's wildfires, America's true values are put on display. Our country is about our people. It's there to help those who have suffered. We place enormous value in our history, our image, and those natural relics that reflect who we are to the rest of the world. By utilizing special protection measures, like the ones near these historic monuments and natural reserves, the citizens of America are showing the rest of the world that our image is sacred, our image is lasting, and our image is strong.
