The Ponderosa Pine tree has thick layers of these bark chips. They snap off easily and accumulate in piles on the ground. They protect the tree. When fire comes, the pieces catch fire and break off, helping the tree to not be consumed by flames. Breaking apart, space created, jettison to save the ship. When fire comes into your life to burn something away, this tree is an ally to protect you. Pieces of you may be lost, piles of parts of you no longer, but your core will remain intact. Distance is not death, it is the space between things, it is protection.