There are a few fires burning in the White Mountains. I stayed in Show Low, Arizona, last night, and you could smell the smoke in the hotel hallways. The fires are still quite a distance away, but I grew up in Southern California and lived through major wildfires. Forest and brush fires move very fast. Before I hit the rack last night, my gear was ready to go:

• Truck fueled up and backed into the parking spot
• Gear packed and staged at the door
• Clothing and boots laid out and ready
• Respirator mask and firefighter goggles set up and within reach.

I was good to go. Too many people die because they wait until the last minute to punch out—or they try to evacuate with no fuel in their cars. I slept great last night knowing I could be in the truck and gone in under 10 minutes, should the need arise.