From the Fire is a powerful, beautiful, authentic collection of individual viewpoints that forms a collective experience. It’s looking at the lifecycle of a fire from many vantage points: through story, writing, art, and photography. It’s feeling the heat of flames from those on the frontlines, to helping a neighbor pack their car when you’ve also been told to evacuate, to putting out a bowl of water for a displaced deer that’s appeared in your backyard, to passing out free face masks and water, to walking amidst charred moonscape, to painting a work of art and offering its sale as a donation to the victims, to giving free massages and herbal treatments, to seeing the green emerge from the ashes, to hugging a stranger in line at the coffee shop. Strangers no more. For those of you who were in the Ojai Valley during the Thomas Fire, or were evacuated, or watched from afar, this is a story worth reading. It’s about our community but at the same time, it’s about every community. ~ Julia Thomsen, CEO and Founder at XplorMor

From the Fire is a labor of love for the Ojai community—an eloquently expressed work of art and historical record from and for those affected by the Thomas Fire of December 2017. Personal memories translated in image, story, and poetry create a hauntingly beautiful and reverent tribute that will serve as an archive of both the fire and the strength of a community of people joining together in strength and spirit to overcome as one. ~ Karal Gregory, creator of Ojai Spirit

"From the Fire is a beautiful compilation of stories from neighbors, friends and people I have not met yet and their journey through the Thomas Fire. Upon reading it I found it incredibly healing and touching. It’s an honor to own such a special piece of history and I am so thankful to the authors for creating this beautiful work of art." ~ Holly Thomsen Barnett

One of the greatest gifts of From the Fire book its dedication to showing the full range of Ojai’s residents’ contributions and experiences, many of which were less known or visible to others. From the businesses who started fundraising just days into the fire to the traumatic flights of evacuation, each story was set into relief by the powerful artistry of photographers and artists, capturing the visceral and still palpable moments evolving over a year’s time from destruction to regrowth. The book has emerged not only as a work of art, but as a visual and narrative blueprint for other communities now in the beginning stages of communal support and rebuilding. The duality of grief and joy found a perfect synthesis in this book. Stories and poetry, photography and art from those who survived and witnessed this fire last winter collectively weave a tapestry of memories into a hauntingly beautiful and historically important record of the strength, courage, resilience, love, and community that is Ojai, CA.  ~ Kiera Van Gelder, Author, The Buddha and the Borderline

I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Since I was traveling when it first came out, I finally got my copy on Saturday. The quality of the artwork and printing is first class. I spent a quiet couple of hours yesterday starting to read through the many personal stories. Seeing the Thomas Fire through others’ eyes is fascinating - a whole new perspective. I especially enjoyed reading the pieces by local first responders. If you live in Ojai, you definitely want a copy of this amazing book! It’s a remarkable tribute to a historic event that was life-changing for so many. You will be uplifted by the many stories of neighbor helping neighbor - true community at its best.
~ Gareth Williams, Executive Director, Fly-Hope-Dream