ENLIGHTENMENT: What It's Like to Be a Firefighter in California Today

Hi there, it’s Vanessa, your ENLIGHTENMENT salon host.

Reading about all the big fires that have surrounded us and made global headlines over the past few years (i.e., Camp, Caldor, Creek, North Complex, and most recently the Los Angeles fires), I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be a firefighter on the front lines of these record-breaking wildfires, and have many questions.

How do you know which way to go through thick smoke? How do you stay cool, and keep a cool head, in those fiery flames? How do you handle all this while trying to save lives, including your own? And do you get the support you need to avoid suffering from PTSD?

Please join me in talking with seasoned firefighters — those who work on the front lines, and those who manage and make live-or-die decisions for their wildfire crews. Bring your questions to combine with mine so we can learn what it takes to fight fires — physically, mentally and emotionally — in California, where it’s now apparently always going to be Fire Season.

OUR GUESTS
* Kenneth Earle, battalion chief and fire marshal at Pioneer Fire Protection District in El Dorado County

* Gene Lopez, wildland firefighter at Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression Inc. in Chico
* David Whitt, chief of the Pioneer Fire Protection District , and at the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

All Pay-What-You-Can Ticket proceeds go to the .

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Ruhstaller BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha and N/A beverages. Please feel free to BYO food.

Transportation Options include:
* Hourly street parking meters along L Street
* Covered/outdoor parking garages on L Street/Kayak Alley between 7th and 8th Street ($12)
* City garages: Capitol Garage at 1129 10th St. and City Hall Garage at 917 10th St. ($7)
* Light rail transit: Ruhstaller is close to stops on the Blue, Green and Gold lines

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