Photo courtesy of AZ Central and Channel 12 News
Mathematician and Meteorologist Edward Lorenze coined the phrase “butterfly effect” theorizing that the flap of a butterfly’s wings could, weeks later, influence the progress of a hurricane. The theory is of course much more in-depth than that, but the upshot is that a very small occurrence can have enormous and unforeseen consequences.
Exactly one year ago, nineteen brave and selfless men gave everything, committed their very existence, to saving the lives and the homes of the residents of tiny Yarnell, Arizona. It has been confirmed that this was the deadliest wildfire in Arizona’s history.
The immediate fallout from this devastating event is obvious. Tragic loss of life, homes burned to the ground, a close-knit community and in fact an entire state, in mourning. Within the past year there have been significant ramifications.
The Yarnell Hill Fire is believed to have been started by lightning… beyond anyone’s control. But I find it disturbing that the events following were well within the control of some very powerful, and it would appear unempathetic people. It was deemed by Federal Emergency Management, that the fire did not qualify for disaster aid to homeowners, therefore under federal law, no relief was available to burned-out residents, including some families of deceased firefighters. Originally the state Forestry Division found no proof of negligence. This was later upended by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, stating that fire officials were derelict in not pulling the firefighters out of harm’s way. In addition, and perhaps most unbelievably, the families of these nineteen honorable men were denied any reparation, the city of Prescott citing the part-time nature of their employment with the Granite Mountain Hotshots. After a long legal battle, one wife has been awarded compensation. I’ve not heard of any others. These are the initial consequences, the butterfly effect of this heartbreaking tragedy is yet to be known.
Photo courtesy of AZ Central and Channel 12 News
There are some upsides here, so many inspiring stories of people who cared, and they clearly demonstrate the compassion and strength of the human spirit. In the past year, organizations and individuals have come forward to help, from celebrities and major companies to small community groups. CBS5 in Arizona recently posted this video and article about donations, benefit concerts and fund raisers that have assisted firefighter’s families and those who lost their homes in Yarnell. An exhibit (this video is well worth watching) has been established containing all of the remembrances and mementos left at the fence outside Station 7 in Prescott, including over 1000 t-shirts removed from the backs of firefighters throughout the country and placed at the fence in memoriam. For the 1-year anniversary, X-treme Apparel, a local print business has designed a commemorative t-shirt, at a minimal cost of $10, $7 of which will be earmarked for the Hotshots families through the 100 Club, a non-profit that aids the survivors of fallen firefighters and police officers. You can find the full story here.
It would appear that the butterfly effect can and does spread its energy in every direction. It can cause heartache and further destruction, or it can comfort and heal. Perhaps it’s true that the future might be changed by the simple, uncontrollable breath of a butterfly’s wings. But I like to think that we can intercede, steer the draft in the direction of good, and make it work in our favor. What would be the butterfly effect if we all cared?
