The Accidental Ignition: My Journey From Fire Starter to Fireplace Enthusiast

From a young age, I found myself drawn to fire. Accidents, experiments, and even intentional acts of reckless behavior have left their mark on my early years. This story delves into my journey from an erratic 9-year-old firestarter to a more responsible adult, exploring the mishaps and lessons learned along the way.

The Early Years

Imagine a young boy with a fascination for fire, a fascination that began somewhere in childhood. From the very first time I started cooking fires, or even burning trash, I was hooked. Accidentally starting a wildfire and burning a few houses in training was just the beginning. My fireplace became the stage for countless fires, and I battled over twice as many fire-fighting endeavors.

Fire at Nine

On March 20, 2019, at the tender age of nine, I was a part of a significant move. My mom, dad, brother, and sister were relocating into a brand new built house while I was in elementary school, Davis Elementary. I was part of a group of friends who were all bonded by our shared love for fire. Among them, Ernesto, Will, and Robyn.

Ernesto, Lighters, and Impulsiveness

Ernesto was known for his impulsive nature, often engaged in making fires. His uncle, a frequent user of both cannabis and other illicit activities, had faced legal troubles and offered Ernesto access to multiple lighters. The group often ventured to a nearby creek to make s'mores. However, on one occasion, a fire of unanticipated size and materials threatened the area.

The Creek Fire Adventures

That day, we gathered sticks, leaves, and even trash to create a substantial 7-foot fire in the shallow creek that bordered the apartments. Ernesto, Will, and I were having fun, but I was becoming increasingly concerned when he started joking about stealing supplies. Despite a lack of receipt, I found a stick and made a marshmallow that I didn’t enjoy, so I threw it in the water.

The Bigger Fire

We kept adding more materials, mostly trash left behind, until my mom caught us. Confronted with a larger-than-life fire, I asked Will to carry a heavy box, filled with unknown items, to the fire. We dumped its contents, which included Asian wax candles, into the roaring flames. When Mom found out, she was shocked. I tried to put it out with a bucket of water, but the fire persists, and the scene was filled with smoke. This incident left me deeply regretful, especially given current climate change discussions.

Lessons Learned and Growth

In the aftermath of these accidents, I was faced with no legal consequences but did receive a heavy workload as punishment. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons in responsibility, safety, and the consequences of my actions. The journey from being a firestarter to becoming a fireplace enthusiast is a reflection of growth and awareness.

From Mistakes to Mastery

Now, my relationship with fire has transformed. Understanding the dangers and threats of fire has made me a more careful and cautious individual. Practices such as ensuring proper supervision, maintaining adequate materials, and prioritizing safety have become second nature. Participating in organized fire-fighting activities and taking safety courses have solidified my commitment to responsible usage and safety in any situation involving fire.