- Fire Is Bad.
Today we had a fire across the street from my office. Nothing could prepare me for what I saw.
Being in an insurance industry that frequently pays “fire claims” I was still ill-prepared for the sight of this incredible monster. We heard there was some smoke outside, so I grabbed a camera.
I saw the smoke was pretty high, but when I rounded the corner of the building and saw flames two stories high, I nearly froze. The sheer size of the inferno was unbelievable. The speed at which she burned was like something out of a video game. There were firetrucks coming from everywhere, with brave men and women rushing out of them like ants from an ant hill. Running TOWARD the fire. How DO they do that?
For about three hours, this thing burned and burned. From my office window, I had a birdseye view of the whole roof. How do people actually “perch” atop a roof that high? Like birds, they hovered up there and chopped away at the roof. We’ve all seen the hatchets on the trucks, but we’ve never really seen them in action!
I was only out for a few minutes to snap some photos and my throat burns. I have a silly, little “baby cough” that is irritating. How can these folks do this for HOURS? Why do they do this? Don’t they understand it seems a tad risky?
The fire is out. The road is open again. But I’m stunned and impressed by the level of commitment these people showed in battling today’s demon. Fearless and focused. Completely impressive.
Many of them are volunteer firefighters. But it doesn’t matter if they volunteer or get paid, they are providing us a service that we need to recognize. Have you thanked a firefighter lately?
My hubby is one. I see him run off when the beeper beeps. Many of our friends are also on the team. But never until today have I been silenced by the awe of that terrible beast.
Be respectful and appreciative of these guys and gals who are sacrificing everything when they run towards the fire. Say thank you. Give a generous donation when you are asked. If you are able, consider volunteering in some capacity.
Fire is bad. Support those who step up and fight it when they’re asked to do so.