Let me start by saying that Chris didn’t ask us for help. He is as humble as humans come. Knowing the cost of hotels and the uncertainty of his housing situation, Craig and I asked if we could start this GoFundMe on his behalf, and he said yes.

Chris is a true hero who needs our help. He is a fellow mushroom hunter, an animal lover, a yogi, and the kindest soul you will ever meet. He is also a wildland firefighter, who travels anywhere he is needed, often times with little or no notice. His outlook on life is simple- to give everything he can to help others.

Unfortunately a few days ago, while Chris was out fighting an unrelated fire in Oregon, the town he lives in was destroyed by a fire that emerged in his absence. While his home is still currently standing, the area has been evacuated and his ability to return home is uncertain. One thing is for sure, the town he lived in has been severely damaged. Chris is currently staying in a hotel with his cat Meadowlark, who thankfully was safely evacuated by Chris’s roommate.

Countless times Chris has sacrificed it all to save our beloved outdoors, our homes, and our lives. This time around, let’s give back to Chris. Let’s thank him for all the times he’s stood at the face of a fire for 16 hours straight and was separated from home for weeks. Let’s thank him for all the times he was drenched in sweat trying to protect the things that are important to us. Let’s thank him for all of his lost hours of sleep. Let’s thank him for all the times he never even contemplated complaining, and all the times he suffered in order to provide us with comfort. Let’s thank him for saving our pets, and for making sure they were fed and loved until they were out of harm’s way. Let’s thank him for risking his life for us. Let’s thank him for being the person who we can always rely on to protect us and everything that matters around us.

If you can, please give to support Chris during this difficult time.

Chris, if you’re reading this, we love you. And you deserve all the help you can get. Thank you for being you. We all appreciate you.