Madeleine Mitchell kicks off the second season of Elements by looking at the dramatically different ways fire can influence our lives.

In Western Australia, the annual Blazing Swan festival culminates with the burning of a giant wooden effigy. The bonfire brings people together to provide them with a sense of awe and joy.

But what happens when a fire is unplanned and uncontrollable? What do we feel then?

Please be aware, the second half of this episode mentions PTSD and suicide. Take care while listening.

If you are located in Australia, you can access 24/7 help through:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au/forums

Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.

Credits

Host: Beth Maskall

Producer: Madeleine Mitchell

Guest experts: Hana Priest, Dr Wavne Rikkers

Executive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel

Sound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, Alyshia Gatani

Voice acting: Mita Hill, Caitlin McLeod, Evan Thyer

Cover artwork: Gabriel Ibias

And a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.