Correction: Due to an editing error, the following commentary was first published describing the Card Street Fire as being "near Nikiski" when in fact it is closer to Sterling.
There are a lot of things in the political world to write about this week, however, as I sit down in front of my computer all I can think about is the devastation in the Susitna Valley.
Temperatures rose well above 80 degrees with nary a cloud in the sky this week as I made my way through Anchorage enjoying the sun and running errands. However, as I walked through downtown, the haze and smell of smoke from the north dampened my mood with a reminder of the suffering of others.
Various people and groups on social media sites have been posting photos and videos of the Sockeye fire around Willow, and of the brave men and women rushing toward it in order to lessen the tragedy that it already is. This week my heroes are my aunt Tammy Shumaker and my cousin Sarah Martinez who drove into unknown danger to evacuate my uncle from his home in Willow.
At the same time a fire south of Anchorage, the Card Street fire, near Sterling on the Kenai Peninsula, has grown to over 1,200 acres and destroyed half a dozen structures. With both of these fires happening in different areas of the state, resources are being stretched a bit thin. At the time of writing, the Card Street fire continues to grow, however, the Sockeye fire seems to remain stagnant, but not contained.
Also this week Gov. Bill Walker announced he will restore Alaska-hire requirements to, as he says, "require that Alaskans get at least 90 percent of jobs on state public projects." Some immediately used the tragedy of those in the Valley for their political gain and asked why, if Alaskans can do all jobs needed in the state, do we need to bring in Outside smoke jumpers to battle the Sockeye fire.
That question disgusted me so much I became physically ill.
First of all, I can't understand why people have such personal ire for their political adversaries in the first place. But to want to win so badly that you'll use the personal tragedy of over 1,000 displaced Alaskans as political fodder? That, I will never understand.
This fire is reminiscent of the Miller's Reach fire in 1996. Not simply because of the similarity in area, but how quickly it went from being a small, 100-acre fire to a major wildfire. Miller's Reach taught many of us how devastating a seemingly small wildfire can become very quickly. That fire reached 200,000 acres in just over a week.
My friend Scott and I drove out to see that fire, and I am forever grateful I did. The images of the trees burning, people's homes, lives and valuables being destroyed forever, flames surrounding propane tanks, the sense of immeasurable sadness and danger and helplessness are something I still carry with me today.
In the aftermath, we walked through what used to be people's homes. Charred children's toys, family photos, heirlooms, furniture, all the places families once spent time bonding had just become rubble. It was eerie, like nothing I had ever experienced. I learned that day to experience empathy on a level that I could not previously have comprehended.
Here in Anchorage, it can be fairly easy to see the photos, watch the videos and feel detached from the fires burning today. It can even be entertaining to watch because we don't get to see them up close; it is pretty amazing to see flames rip through the wilderness in high-definition clarity.
But make no mistake, these two wildfires are about one thing: People's lives. Alaskans are leaving their homes with no clue in what condition they will be in when they return. These people are not there for our entertainment; they are not starring in a made-for-TV movie, and they should absolutely not be fodder for pathetic political arguments.
The folks in the Valley and on the Kenai Peninsula could use our support in a number of ways. There are many different places taking donations, including dog food and supplies, personal supplies and clothing and, of course, cash. They also could use your prayers if you pray and your positive thoughts if you don't.
These scenes of ongoing tragedy should be stark and sudden reminders to all on why we need to be careful while using fire, whether in fire pits, campfires, barbecue grills, fireworks, or anything else that uses a flame or involves a spark. Right now the only thing anyone should be using is an electric or gas grill or contained barbeque grill.
It's summertime in Alaska, the firefighters and smoke jumpers are showing their amazing courage and skill and keeping us safe. Enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer, but please do so safely.
Mike Dingman is a fifth-generation Alaskan born and raised in Anchorage. He is a former UAA student body president and has worked, studied and volunteered in Alaska politics since the late '90s. Email him at michaeldingman(at)gmail.com.
The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com.