‘Walking Where the Devil Dances:’ A Local Firefighter Writes About Fighting the Fires Day After Weary Day

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This letter by, Jeremy Swartz, originated as a comment but, with his permission is shared here.

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Backfiring on the Humboldt Complex. [Photo from the Miranda Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page.]

I was called from Miranda [Volunteer Fire Department] to help respond to the lightning fires. We hit the Pine Fire running with all other volunteers in Humboldt. We all felt the pride, the fear, the pain [and] we looked to each other for strength to pull through this fire we called hell. Day 1…day 2…day 3 came and we needed a breath of fresh air. Day 4…our strength was falling..Day 5 came and we felt the tears of it all. …[W]hen we looked to each other for something or anything, we saw the pain …and through that we found strength from deep within.Day 6…our boots were so heavy, we couldn’t bear the weight…[T]hen we hit Alderpoint [Volunteer Fire Department] station and enter with awe. A room of stuff from everywhere all over Humboldt. Our fellow people gave us a breath of fresh air and a lump in our throat. As I walked away, I couldn’t thank the people enough for the…simple things that gave us a stronger step to kick some a–.We hit the line with strength from deep within. Day 7…we hit with all we had deep in the night. We pushed with all our strength and the fire was pushing harder…Just when we felt we couldn’t push anymore, a strike team from San Diego showed up and became our shield.I feel the fallen knew our pain and sent us some protection. To see and feel a group of men and woman show up like that when you need them the most makes you feel as if they are sent from the heaven above. When they were told thank you for showing up with tears in my eyes, they replied with the same tear no thank you for holding the front till we got here. How do you reply to that other than a look into each other’s eye’s and feel one thing Get Some.As day 8…9 and 10 come and go, we are in awe as we see the push from all the firefighters come as one and push the fire back. With pure exhaustion we step back, demob,…breathe and come home. We did it. We came home. Without the selfless acts from our locals and other firefighters, I could never be what I am today–humbled.To all whom took the call, I stand with pride knowing I stood beside you. From one firefighter to another, stand with pride as we stand for all. Get some and God bless. To the Miranda 5, I’m proud to be one and to all the firefighters’ families, thanks for supporting and putting up with us as we walk where the devil dances.

UPDATE August 11: To donate to the Miranda Fire Department, mail a check or money order to PO Box 160, Miranda, CA 95553. Or just deposit money in the bucket at the Miranda Market. In addition, consider contacting your local fire department and donating to them. Or contact the Southern Humboldt Fire Chief’s Association, this organization can use your support also.

In addition, Jeremy says, “To support the firefighters go outside, make signs, stand on the side of the road, wave in big groups. Flood them with that. At this time no donation could bring them what a simple smile can. Don’t just go Humboldt. Go countrywide. Stand tall my fellow people as the firefighters stand for all.

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39 Comments
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Ben
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Ben
8 years ago

This is such hard work and these folks are volunteers… He really tells it like it is…

kathy
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kathy
8 years ago

Thank you Jeremy.My friends and myself did donate to the cause but just to let you know what we did was so small compared to the hugh job you and all had to bare and still are.Again THANK YOU

Bob Harris
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Bob Harris
8 years ago

Hard, tasking, relentless is fighting fire and you guys and gals make me proud. Nice work but then another fire call at 6 am today. Wow!

amy Machado
Guest
amy Machado
8 years ago

What a moving reflection and pure goodness running through it all. Keep your voices strong out there hero’s and keep us informed on what you need..our community will do its very best to accommodate. ♡♡♡♡♡ Thank you all so much !

sohumbornsghost
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sohumbornsghost
8 years ago

What a heart wrenching account.
I’m in awe of these people and what they’re willing to face for us. Wildfire terrifies me. It seems to have a consciousness, with malevolent intent. When I see it and hear it it brings a primal fear and I know that these people who chose to stand against it and fight are real heros!
I can’t tell you how grateful I feel when I see them. Every one in uniform, every truck I see, I can’t help but smile & for the first time in my life I’m so happy to hear helicopters. They deserve to be paid like hedge fund CEOs!

Ron
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Ron
8 years ago

Why do you have to bring up anybody else’s pay. As with any job this is what the pay is do it or don’t. That being said I support and donate every year to the fire dept.

Dottie
Guest
Dottie
8 years ago

From the community members who were there when the storm first hit, the local VFD volunteers, many of which are over 50 (or 60!), to the firefighters from all over the state & all over the country, we are forever indebted to your effort, your skill, your dedication. Anything we can do to make your effort easier, we are here for you. Thank you.

HB Tony
Guest
HB Tony
8 years ago

I’ve been telling my daughter we are going to get some sticky letters to put on our van back window thanking the fire fighters, after reading this, we are heading to Ace in the morning to get it done! Thank you guys, the bravest men in the world.. Thank you Kym!

G-ma
Guest
G-ma
8 years ago

Outstanding!!!God bless all of you brave folks,here to help fight hell!!!

janet
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janet
8 years ago

Thank you. What more can we say? Thank you firefighters.

Linda
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Linda
8 years ago

Thank you to all!

Martin's
Guest
Martin's
8 years ago

Thank you Jeremy for sharing your story with us. Thank you & all our firefighters for being so brave out there fighting the fires day after day after day. We so appreciate you. Thanks

Eastside
Guest
Eastside
8 years ago

Thank you Jeremy for the good read. APVFD rocks ! They have been knocking themselves out to have food and supplies available. Thank you to all of the firefighters. You have my respect.

gazzoo
Guest
gazzoo
8 years ago

Salute. thank you all!! positive energy to all involved, stay strong Humco;

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D
Guest
D
8 years ago

A salute from lima division. Transferred from the rocky and only spiked one night before having to swapout(stomach bug, did a 24 w/o eating). Mopup and held down a slopover with assistance from the birds. Can only imagine the work you guys put in from the terrain and lines. Thank you, sir. To you guys and gals still there, please WATCH THOSE SNAGS! Keep on eye on complacency as she dolls on and thank you all for every bit of selfless service you do. Hope to be back out asap, as thats where my heart and thoughts are.

Jeremy Swartz
Guest
Jeremy Swartz
8 years ago
Reply to  D

To my fellow man. No thanks could be spoken for the gratitude I have for all who took the call. Your forever in Humboldts hearts we love you all

Serendepity
Guest
Serendepity
8 years ago

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this experience so incredibly soulfully. “I felt the fallen knew our pain and sent protection….” tears streaming for thanks and awe at the valor. Thank you Thank you Thank You
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Jeremy Swartz
Guest
Jeremy Swartz
8 years ago
Reply to  Serendepity

Without the men and woman that took the call I would of never have felt such a powerful feeling. The sacrifice they gave to stand beside us is greater than words. We know it’s your job but your hearts are what we felt. Stay strong and stomp hard firefighters as all of Humboldt feels your steps

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Leslie Albertson
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Leslie Albertson
8 years ago

Thank you all so much for your service every time I or one of my boy’s or nephews sees a fire fighter we stop what we are doing an go shake their hands an let them know how much they are appreciated by us for doing all that they do ,we know the struggle all to well as we have all family member that is a fire fighter an we see him an his wife and son deal with the same thing that all the firefighters an their families struggle with an we no its very hard an an very important job that you all do ,so much love anllnd respect to all of you for all of us . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE 💕👍👏💧🚒🚁💯🔥

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