Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story is a heartrending documentary film released in 2020 that lays bare the real, lived experiences of people who had to face the destruction wrought by the largest wildfire in modern California history, the Thomas Fire. This gripping narrative, embodied in unique personal stories, is viewed against the backdrop of the idyllic rural community of Ojai, California.

Written and directed by Michael Milano, the film expertly intertwines personal accounts with facts and first-hand footage of the catastrophic fires. Milano himself is an Ojai native, which gives the film an intimate viewpoint into the ordeal of the community, making it a compelling statement on the human spirit's resilience in times of devastation. His storytelling approach offers a profoundly personal perspective, as he himself was there on ground zero, watching his family's hometown come under siege by the raging flames.

The documentary transcends the conventional style of storytelling with its masterful amalgamation of high-quality cinematography, lucid narrative, and poignant interviews. The film opens with serene images of Ojai, a small, close-knit community known for its orange groves, olive trees, winding roads, and breathtaking beauty nestled in a small valley. But these tranquil scenes soon give way to the relentless onslaught of the colossal firestorm, unfolding its tragic interface with this peaceful community.

In December 2017, the Thomas Fire ignited and rapidly spread across the Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, consuming over 281,893 acres of land, 1,000 structures, and claiming two lives before it was finally brought under control. The visuals of the engulfing wildfire presented in the film are not just the unnerving depictions of an uncontrollable natural disaster but also serve as alarming reminders of the consequences of increasing human-induced climatic changes.

Throughout the feature film, you are introduced to several Ojai residents who recount their fire experiences and struggles in the aftermath. Their engulfing narratives, full of fear, helplessness, resilience, and hope, are conveyed with stark honesty and a rawness that is deeply moving. Their stories are not only tales of survival but also of loss and regeneration, of having to rebuild everything from scratch after losing all their earthly possessions. The community's unity, camaraderie, and determination to rebuild and heal from the tragedy are a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

The engaging narration is complemented by the visuals of the burned and destroyed landscapes, homes, and properties, reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic world. However, by using a timeline approach that documents the progress of recovery, the movie inspires hope and displays the collective effort and spirit of resilience inherent in the Ojai community.

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story also includes expert opinions and scientific explanations to underline the dangers posed by climate change, drought, and other environmental issues that exacerbate the odds of wildfires.

A firefighter's wife, a school teacher, an environmental activist, and several other individuals share their personal encounters, simultaneously providing a broader commentary on the world in the throes of climate change, societal assumption of risk, and the repercussions on the wildlife and residents alike. This helps the audience to correlate the increasing incidence and intensity of wildfires to mistaken land management strategies and accelerating global warming, adding a dimension of education to the personal narratives.

Towards the end, the film drives home the message of acceptance, healing, and rebuilding. It highlights the notion of communities working together, drawing strength from each other to piece together their lives and return to a sense of normalcy, albeit embarking on a 'new normal'.

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story, in essence, is a haunting tale that oscillates between horror and hope, between devastating despair and the unwavering strength of human spirit. In its unflinching portrayal of the calamitous impact of wildfires and climate change on personal and communal lives, it portrays the human struggle to rebuild and the remarkable resilience to confront the unimaginable. It expertly blends personal narratives with bigger socio-environmental issues, making it not just an account of a tragic event but a reflection on the broader human experience. The documentary thereby emerges as an emotional, gripping, and thought-provoking tale that leaves viewers contemplating the reality and dangers of climate change and the importance of community unity in the face of adversity.