Breaking Through the Darkness: A Path to Healing and Renewal Part 1

In this riveting episode of "The Fire Inside Her," host Diane Schroeder delves into the story of a firefighter with an indomitable spirit. With a call to service and a love of nature, our guest, Kimberly Lightley, found her purpose in wildland firefighting. Our conversation today uncovers the life-altering moment when her path intersected with the South Canyon fire of 1994. As we follow her journey, we gain insight into the awe-inspiring world of hotshot crews, their challenges, and their incredible resilience. From the breathtaking mountains they conquer to the weeks spent camping with limited resources, we discover the true mettle of these elite firefighters. But Kimberly's story is just the beginning. Join us as we explore the depths of authenticity, the struggle to recognize one's value, and the transformative power of resilience. Don't miss this raw and powerful episode of "The Fire Inside Her," where the fire burns deep within the hearts of its heroes.

The South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain claimed the lives of fourteen wildland firefighters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on July 6th, 1994. Kimberly Lightley is a surviving crewmember of the U.S. Forest Service, Prineville Interagency Hotshot Crew, from the 1994 tragedy. As an educator and advocate for first responder well-being, Kimberly has spoken in venues nationwide and internationally, delivering mechanisms of coping and well-being in preparation and mitigation of the stress associated with emergency response. She has a Master of Science in Risk Management from the Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Fox University. Kimberly has received training from the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF), the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), Duke University of Integrative Medicine, and the Mind Fitness Training Institute. As a fire peer, she has responded to numerous critical incidents, providing on-site peer support.

Kimberly is the former Risk Management Program Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, Washington Office, and the National Program Manager for Stress First Aid for Wildland Firefighters. She makes her home in Powell Butte, Oregon, with her family and two dogs. She currently has her own LLC and provides training in Crisis Leadership.