Built by Fire

Built by Fire: The Life and Legacy of David Burnell is the gripping, true account of one man’s extraordinary journey through war, disaster, trauma, and spiritual awakening. From battlefields to refugee camps, from rescue dives beneath frozen lakes to earthquake zones filled with broken bodies and burning faith, David Burnell has lived a life forged by hardship-and transformed by purpose.A U.S. Air Force veteran trained in communications, intelligence, and joint-service special operations, Burnell’s military service laid the foundation for a life of high-stakes missions and soul-deep calling. After 9/11, he founded the Urban Warfare Center to better prepare warriors and first responders for the chaos of combat and crisis. But even as he trained others for violence, he was drawn into missions of mercy-in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake, in Japan following the Fukushima disaster, in the jungles of Burma with persecuted refugees, and many other global hotspots where hope seemed lost.Alongside tactical skill came emotional cost. In this deeply personal memoir, Burnell reflects on the toll of trauma, the isolation of leadership, and the long road to healing. As a bodyguard, rescue diver, combat medic instructor, and international security specialist, he witnessed the best and worst of humanity-and in the ashes, he found a deeper truth: that God walks before us, beside us, and even carries us when we fall.Part spiritual testimony, part leadership manual, and part tribute to those who serve, Built by Fire invites readers into a world of real sacrifice and radiant redemption. Through vivid storytelling and unflinching honesty, Burnell shares the moments that shaped him: near-death rescues, sacred impressions, fierce loyalty, and the peace that only comes when a warrior’s heart is finally surrendered.This is not just a book about one man-it is a book for every man or woman who has faced the fire, lost their way, or wondered if God still calls the broken. It is for veterans and first responders, for survivors and seekers, for leaders in crisis and believers in grace.Whether read as a memoir of military service, a guide to resilience, or a testimony of divine direction, Built by Fire burns with the message that you were made for this moment-and that the path through pain can lead to purpose, if you dare to walk it.