A Stokefire relative - Darcy Burner - had her house burn down yesterday in Redmond, Washington.  She and her family got out with their lives and their dog, but little else.  Darcy is running for Congress in Washington's 8th district.  (That's her with the soot on her face - standing in front of her home below.)


This is not a call for donations to her campaign, nor is it a request for personal support for her family.  Instead it is a suggestion that you take a moment and write a small check to your local volunteer fire department.  In Darcy's case the firefighters were able to save her family, her family pet and they prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbors homes just a few yards away. 

We at Stokefire relish the imagery and attitude our name represents, but understand that in the real world there are fires we don't want to stoke.  We support our local volunteer fire station and encourage you readers to do the same. 

Where would we be if there weren't people in this world willing to put their lives on the line every day for people (and pets) they've never met - without compensation? 

Don't be the person that relies on everyone else to fund the services that save your own life.  Don't wait for that call from a fundraising company asking for you to fund the local department (while they take a large percentage of the donation.) 

Here's what you need to do:

1. Google your local fire department address.
2. Find your checkbook.
3. Get in your car (or on your bike... or put on your shoes...)
4. Go visit your local fire department.
5. Tell the first person you see  on-site that you appreciate their work - and you'd like to make a small donation to support their efforts.  Hugs optional.
6. Write check.
7. Feel just a little better about yourself, and just a bit safer too...
   

That's it.

Stay safe, everyone.