I know what it feels like to lose a home.
On November 19, 2022, I was 12 years old. Our house burned down. I didn't just lose a building. I lost the place that held our ordinary days, our belongings, and so much of what felt familiar.
After the fire, life did not quickly return to normal. My family had to start over. We lived in small temporary rooms while waiting and working toward a home again. Years passed as we tried to put our lives back together. After nearly four years, we were finally able to return home. Coming home did not erase what we had lost, but it gave us a chance to begin a new chapter.
When you lose your home, you understand something that is hard to explain: the things you thought would always be there can disappear. You also understand how much it means when other people show up to help.
"I cannot change what happened when I was 12. But at 16, I can choose what I do because of it."
I wish my younger self had known more about fire safety. I wish every child knew what a smoke alarm means, how to get outside, why you never go back in, and how to practice a plan with your family before you need it.
That's why I'm starting Fire Safety Community. I want children to learn these lessons without being frightened. I want families to talk about safety at home. And I want to help the fire departments whose members respond when everything is on the line.
My experience was painful. But if something good can grow from it, I hope it's this: one more family makes an escape plan; one more child knows what to do; one more community takes prevention seriously.
I started this project at 16 because I don't want to wait to help. Every small lesson matters.
With hope,
Esther Sur
Founder, Fire Safety Community