While many skillful locals have succeeded in finding ways to survive and flourish in this challenging mountain landscape, Theo has done it by being a true steward of the land. I am reminded of this every time I receive jars of his honey, olives, and olive oil, or fresh fruit from his orchard, or a delivery of madrone firewood for heating my home.

When I first heard about Theo's heroic efforts during the Soberanes fire of 2016, I felt simultaneously in awe at the struggles he had to endure, yet unsurprised to find out he was well-prepared. His fire-resistant infrastructure, massive rainwater storage system, years of firefighting experience, and nurturing connections to the land and his neighbors were all in anticipation of such an event.

It's not a question of 'if' the wildfire arrives, it's a question of 'when.' This book demonstrates that the foresight of knowing the inevitability of wildfire is essential for one's survival in the forests of Big Sur and beyond.

- From the Foreword by Lee Klinger