Now that we have been formally trained, we have learned that the area in which we live can best be described as "rural" (homes and other structures at odd intervals, each of which is surrounded by areas of natural cover).

We have also learned that no matter how well you plan and train, each fire is unique and will always present you with a situation that you have not previously considered.

Rural areas have the potential for very dangerous wildfire conditions, wherein the fires move cross-country very rapidly and thereby threaten multiple structures -- not to mention vehicles, farm machinery, hay meadows, pastures, wildlife, domestic animals, and livestock.

Oh, yes -- and people.

Even though rural areas can act as host to some of the WORST possible fire fighting conditions (like the ones you see from those helicopter shots on the evening news), most rural areas are typically protected by small, under-funded volunteer fire departments such as ours.

Homemade animated graphic featuring cartoonish representation of
Silver City Fire Department responding to a fire, probably in early 1997

In addition, we have learned to rely on neighboring fire departments for assistance when we need it, and we hope that they feel that they can rely on us. Here is a list of fire departments in our area with whom we have worked: