Behind the Scenes Interview: Melisa, Part 1

Many of you have seen the pictures from the day I rescued Li'l Smokey, have you ever wondered who some of the other people are? What role did they play in the story? What stories can they tell? Well today I want to introduce you to one of those people. Meet Melisa, a contract water truck driver who helped me and Li'l Smokey during our time of need. She graciously agreed to a Q&A session to share her story about the day the world was introduced to Li'l Smokey.

 "Melisa with Lolypop" (Sketch) - Ryan M. Lamb

Adam: Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

• Melisa: I am proud mom of three children. My oldest daughter works as a firefighter for CAL FIRE and my youngest daughter is thinking about getting into the fire service too. In 2004, I purchased my first water truck. At first, it was very tough making my business meet all the safety and standard requirements. After my first incident, I realized it was such a rewarding experience. As I was called out on more and more incidents I became at ease with the protocol. Being a part of the wildland fires offers such a sense of pride. I have experienced so many things, and met such wonderful people. I learned quickly that the fire community is a "small world". I go out on fires all year round throughout California. If I was younger, I would pursue a career as a firefighter But I LOVE what I do!

Adam: Not everyone realizes that the state uses contractors to help put the fires out. And they probably don't know just how much people like you do to help our citizens. Describe some of your personal experiences.

• Melisa: I really love being a part of something that makes a difference. While in Northern California I was able to help save a couples cabin, and calm the woman down in her panic. There was a street lined with thank-you signs for me! "Thank-you Super Soaker". When I first saw them I stopped my truck and cried...being on an incident is so much more than just an opportunity to provide for my family. I feel like I am living a dream.

Adam: Since you are available to be called out at any time, year round. How does that affect your life?

• Melisa: When I respond to an incident I must be loaded, packed and on the road within an hour. My children have learned quickly to manage themselves for whatever duration of time I am gone. I was on the Shasta Lightning complex for 62 days. (Proud mom...wink!)

Adam: OK, so lets talk about the Shasta Lightning Complex. When the lightning was over, there were about 158 fires burning in Shasta County. When did you become involved?

• Melisa: I received my call for the Shasta-Lightning Complex on June 21st at about 11:00 PM, the same day the fires started. It was an 18 hour drive to Anderson fire camp. Other contractors from my area where called directly after me and we were in communication along the drive out. Entering fire camp was like a reunion. I knew many of the firefighters and contractors.

Part II: The Rescue, coming soon

Comments

[Linda - Sierra Foothills]

Hi Adam, This interview with Melisa is full of heart that only comes with experience. It is wonderful and opened my eyes to a part of fire fighting that I did not know about. I am really looking forward to the continuation. Thank you so much for sharing this!