Why we started Trees on Fire: Craig's story

For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting wildfire operations during peak seasons in non-suppression support roles. The experience has taught me volumes about community, teamwork, and grit. It’s the kind of work that leaves a lasting mark—and a community I’m deeply proud to be part of.

In 2023, I got pulled into a project Mat was working on. It was three weeks in a windowless boardroom,12 hours a day, 6 days a week. Either we were coming out friends or coming out swinging. Thankfully, it was the former.

After what had been a tough season for everyone involved, Mat approached me with an idea to support the mental health of the wildfire community. Given the weight I felt after just a few weeks in a support role, it was an easy yes. I couldn’t imagine the burden carried by those doing this work full-time.

Mental health has always been close to my heart. Living with multiple diagnoses, I struggled a lot as a young adult. But I was fortunate to have people in my life who helped me navigate the system and access the resources I needed to understand, manage, and move forward. Now, being in a position to help others do the same is something I take very seriously.

I’ve seen both sides of the mental health system—personally, as a parent, and as a friend. I’ve witnessed how transformative the right support can be. And I’ve seen how devastating it is when those supports aren’t there.

When Mat pitched the idea that would become Trees on Fire, it hit home. It wasn’t just another project—it was a chance to build something that could truly help people find the support they need, on a magnified scale.

This is just the beginning. And I’m proud to be part of it.