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Ancient civilizations believed there were four major elements. Some spiritual entities added a fifth later on. Today, I will focus on fire.

This element has been feared for millennia as it symbolizes fury and destruction. It has had various symbolic meanings and interpretations since the night of times. We tend to forget that it keeps us warm, permits that we cook our food, provides us with light in the dark. When you go out on a sunny day, the rays of light give u energy and a sense of happiness. Fire simply transforms life that exists on Earth. It is necessary for the ecosystems just as much as for us, humans. This element is often considered masculine and is associated with motion, purification, and passion.

Since this section is about environmental matters, what is the impact of fire?

These past years, Lebanon witnessed several, probably man-made, wildfires that decimated the little green spaces we still have. There were also several huge fires in multiple countries around the world. At first sight, this is a catastrophe, for the flora and also the fauna in these habitats. And also for us humans. Because trees help process the air pollution we produce. However, the charred organic dry matter is, in most cases, a "fertilizer". The decomposed substances can assist new plants in their growth by creating open space for them. If you ever observe burned woodland, it would soon transform and become green again. With no human intervention. As a reminder, our ancestors used to burn the lands every once in a while to supply the soil with renewed nutrients. These fires were contained, not fed with gasoline or additives that are harmful in any case.

To prevent wildfires from devouring green areas, follow the next guidelines:

- refrain from littering in nature: glass bottles can inflame their surroundings and waste can be highly combustible

- keep sparks away from dry vegetation, especially when the weather is very hot

- use flammable liquids very cautiously, whether you are barbecuing or setting a campfire

- never leave a campfire unattended and make sure fire pits are properly extinguished before leaving the premises

- abstain from using fireworks in the woods or close by and keep buckets of water handy if you are located contiguous to dense vegetation

Like many other things we experience in Life, when we don't harness its energy well, Fire can be a serious troublemaker. To be noted: fire and water, who might seem like opposite elements, actually go hand in hand. One of the solutions to reduce heat, any possible skin burn, or even anger, is water.