BY Josephine Cacciato
For years, my only experience with modern-day fires was reading brief articles and watching fleeting news clips. When I moved to the West and began working in the fire world, each day brought something new. Common tips and habits for residents in the Wildland Urban Interface were foreign to me. Little by little, I learned about issues ranging from the challenges of modern insurance to what actions to take on a red flag day. Some lessons were from word of mouth, others such as why never to be low on gas on a high-fire day, were more of a firsthand experience ( running out of gas while at a gas station was truly humbling). This learning curve was at first one that concerned me. I didn’t feel equipped to make recommendations or assist the communities with issues I am unfamiliar with. However, after a few months and much progress, I now see this perspective as a positive.
Environmental psychology is often a tricky concept to navigate. While a behavior change or a fact might seem simple to implement, it is often not so for most people. Whether due to time constraints, financial barriers, or simply a lack of interest, environmental improvements can often be overlooked. Another significant challenge is the inconsistency of educational tips. There is a vast amount of information available, and it can be difficult to know what is accurate. For example, one common tip that was widely circulated in the past was to take down curtains when fire danger was high. This advice, still a misconception today, was given with the best intentions but is not based on correct information. Situations like these are common, and the role of environmental education is to provide the right tips while also debunking myths. This is where I believe my fresh perspective on the fire world will benefit me. As I learn the correct practices, I am also being taught about misconceptions, allowing me to better inform others.
This balance has given me a similar feeling to how residents can feel. It can all be very overwhelming to understand what is best, especially when a home is at stake. Entering a position centered around public outreach and education while actively learning the relevant information is a unique situation. I am able to approach the fire world with fresh eyes, free from the assumptions and habits that can often cloud judgment. This perspective allowed me to better understand the challenges that the communities I was serving faced, and it helped me appreciate the importance of providing clear, accurate information.
Furthermore, this experience has allowed me to feel more connected to the community and develop a genuine care for it. I’ve come to realize that my perspective as a newcomer is not a disadvantage, but rather an asset. The Santa Monica Mountains are a beautiful place, and I am deeply grateful to be able to work to protect them. The community has been incredibly welcoming, and I look forward to learning more about it during my fellowship and, hopefully, in the years to come.
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