When we first arrived in Kahal, I was surprised to see many little black and yellow salamanders everywhere. They would scurry up trees and lounge on rocks. They are actually quite fascinating to watch, as they crawl upside down on branches.

We learned the hard way that it is best not to startle them. Young Zara leaped towards one to try to catch it in his hands and the salamander blew fire. The fire burned the poor girl’s hands and caught a leaf on fire. The leaf sparked a larger fire, destroying a whole grove of trees. It took a half a day to extinguish. This grove is where we built the House of Prayer. Truth be told, that fire did save us several days worth of work.

Through this incident, we learned of their own inflammability. The salamanders were running in and out of the fire as we tried desperately to quell it.

Commentary #

I learned from a Lumdai builder, whom I treated, that it is common practice among the Lumdai to rub the blood of Fire Salamanders on the frames of homes to prevent fires. He said it saved many lives. 

I was appalled. Using their blood in such a way is forbidden, as the Word says, “Do not desecrate the life of any creature.” -Rosh Rafa Malki 

Could we use salamander blood under the precept that one may break any law to save a life? Isn’t the potential human life worth more than the life of a mere fire salamander? I believe this subject is worth more study. –Rafa Shai

Both humans and salamanders have souls. How could a potential life ever be worth more than a real life regardless of species? -Rosh Rafa Malki