The news that one of the California wildfires had been started by a kid playing with matches put an icy hand on my heart.
Can you imagine? As the father of two sons, I could envision the scene all to easily.

“Look, I got the barbeque lighter out of the kitchen.”

“Cool. Let’s make our own little grill.”

“Yeah, we could get some dried grass like I saw on ‘Survivorman.’”

Whoosh.

Over 38,000 acres and 25 homes later, a fire investigator knocks on your door.

And what is an appropriate response from the legal system? According to CNN, the case is being handed over to the DA for possible charges. Again the chills, as I think of my own boys. Playing with matches leads to charges? Given the amount of damage, it’s hard to dismiss outright as not fitting. I’m know lives are lost every year this way. But really? Thoughts?

I’m putting together the multi-media presentation featuring YouTube videos of the fires for the kids tonight.

You think I’m joking.