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| Avoid the smoke screens; find the facts |
Why “Watch the Smoke, Not the Noise” Is Still One of Life’s Best Lessons
During my years as a wildland firefighter and fire chief, I
learned a lesson that has served me well far beyond the fire line. It’s simple
advice, but it applies to almost everything in life:
Watch the smoke, not the noise.
Here’s what I mean about wildfire, smoke, and life
lessons.
When a wildfire starts, there is always noise. The radio lights up. People call in reports. Rumors spread. People are scared and demanding updates. Somebody says the fire is moving east. Somebody else swears it’s headed west. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone wants to be the first to tell you what’s happening.
