Just Another Day On The Fire Line (original) (raw)
« previous entry | next entry »
May. 12th, 2014 | 12:09 pm
I have a Nephew who is a Fire Fighter. We don't realize the danger they face, on a regular routine. Yes, we realize that Military and Law Enforcement live within that, daily... but do we think about some of the other jobs?
Here is a bit from his recent email:
We had an arsonist in town who started at least 13 fires and I was on 9 of them. He has since been arrested, but we are still getting a bunch of fires that are not arson. I have had a house fire almost every shift for the last couple months. Every once in a while we will have enough guys on duty that I get to ride "backwards" instead of drive the engine, which means that I get to fight the fire and not operate the engine.
Back in March we responded to a house fire and it was a night that we had a 4 man engine and I was riding backwards. 1 driver, 1 Captain, and 2 Firefighters. On the way my buddy and I were talking about who would pull the hose and who would grab the "irons" (axe and haligan) depending on who's side the fire was on. As we pulled up the fire was on my side so I would get the hose, but my buddy saw a woman on the front steps by the door and said we have a rescue.
Heavy fire and smoke was coming from the front of the house so I jumped out quickly and went up to her to get her away. As I got to her she said that her husband was still in the house. I opened the door and could barely see him through the smoke laying in the living room. I didn't think I had time to put my mask on so I took a deep breath and rushed in, grabbed him and dragged him outside where my Captain came up to help me get him down the steps and into the yard.
Another crew took him from there and provided basic life support until the ambulance got there and my crew went into the house and put the fire out. It was an amazing night and I can't explain the feelings I felt. I wasn't sure he was going to make it. Good news, he is alive and doing well today.
Helping people is why I am a Fireman and I thank God for the strengths that he gives me.
He talks as if it is an everyday-occurrence; just no big deal, etc. We should all be very grateful that individuals like this young man, are willing to put themselves in danger, to keep us safe! :)