I've been operating in that area, and am nearby now...there's no ash cloud.
Don't sensationalize the issue if there's no issue to sensationalize.
Driver320, you began your post as though you were talking about another person. You're really talking about yourself? You're the captain in question?
You refer to the captain (you?) having obtained information on the ash through "private research" or study, is this correct? Not satisfied with the weather information you received, you've gone elsewhere, come to your own conclusions beyond that which was given you, and you're upset at being fired for refusing flights?
Many of us have been safely operating throughout the region precisely because we're not in the "ash cloud." Not you?