About Grind Fire Defense

John Gleason

Fire Defense Specialist

My love of the wilderness wasn’t something that I stumbled upon. I was born into it, and it's been a part of me from the beginning.

I grew up in the Northern California mountains, spending time on my grandparents' 80 acres. My grandfather taught me the importance and meaning of being something bigger than myself.

He would tell me to always care about the land and show me how we are shepherds of the wood. If we live in the forest, we must respect nature, and it is our duty to maintain the space we wish to share.

Creating and maintaining defensible space was a part of his routine. Living 9 miles deep into the middle of the forest means fire is a constant possibility. 

All those years working beside my grandfather and keeping the homestead safe are at the core of my knowledge, which I have obtained through working with my hands and listening to those wiser than I am. 

Starting as a brush dragger, my ability grew with my age. I moved on to using the chainsaw, falling trees, and running equipment. Creating the best defensible space possible, and dreaming of being a wildland firefighter one day. 

Eventually, I made that dream come true. It took a few extra years, and along the way, I spent time as a commercial logger in the Black Hills of South Dakota and three years as a certified welder here in Shasta County.

It took me experiencing my first wildfire to realize the true magnitude of how important proper planning is in the face of a fire. Watching a home burn to the ground for the first time, due to a lack of defensible space hit me more personally than I ever thought it would, especially when I could see how a few simple preventive decisions could have made a difference. 

I have lived through multiple evacuations and even some close calls. I’ve been separated from my mom on the other side of a fire, not knowing where she is. That is a feeling no one should ever have to experience. 

Grind Fire Defense is more than a job for me. It’s an opportunity to help others and educate people on a process that takes years to learn. Whether it's providing a service or providing education and advice, I will always come from a place of service.

Lori Templeton

CEO & Founder

A Life of Service. My whole life, I have served
others.

First, as a single mother working full time, going to college to create better opportunities for my children as an educator in Shasta and Tehama Counties.

I spent the next ten years building, developing, and guiding young minds while raising my children in the North State. Then, as I watched those children grow into amazing young men and women, I decided to take a leap and follow a long-waiting dream to become a Military Officer.

At 39 years old, I joined the California Army National Guard as an AG Officer and spent the next ten years serving in a State Active Duty status. I loved serving my Soldiers and Country, but in 2019, I had the opportunity to transition to taking care of those who Served before me: our aged Veterans for the State of California.

My priority has always been helping others.

Grind Fire Defense is an extension of that tradition with a foundation established in the mountains of Trinity County, watching my parents carving out their dream on the top of Barker Mountain.

As a young parent, I spent hours every year helping my parents clear their property for the upcoming fire season. I watched my children learn the value of the forest while stacking piles of brush to burn. Back then, it was a way to spend time with family, get a little exercise, and enjoy seeing the kids put some work in.

I realize now how those years prepared and impressed upon us the importance of being prepared.