5 minute read
challenge accepted
by Keith Crossler
Something I love and will always love about the fire department is the friendships I’ve made. These guys are just like me in the fact that we come together to talk, argue, train, and of course, fight fires together. Sure, we have our highs and our lows. But at the end of the day, these guys are some of the best people I’ve ever met. I would trust my life with any one of them. They know what they’re doing and I’m confident that they feel the same about me. It does seem that we are constantly pushing each other as well with a great, “if they can do it, so can I” attitude. It’s almost like we challenge each other. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes it just happens.
Advertisement
Like most times, the tones go out for a call and you feel this immediate rush of adrenaline. I can’t really describe it other than a mix of anxiety and excitement all at the same time. As this typical evening was, the call went out for a car on fire in the middle of a field. Normally one wouldn’t be that excited for a car fire, but with that extra twist of in the field, you’re wondering almost immediately, why in a field? I rolled up to the station and slipped into my gear. My buddy Devon was right there with me. We jumped in attack engine 39, a pumper, and headed out.
We were rolling from Station 3 on the north end of town. The call was east, out toward the landfill. We knew we had a longer trek, but we would be there quickly. Now an engine can usually handle a car fire without any other resources. The Rural engines are built with larger water tanks than what a typical engine would have. This one holds 1,000 gallons as compared to a city pumper that only holds around 500 gallons. Due to the nature of it being in a field, our Command Officer requested a water tender come as well. The crew started filling out for the tender about the time we went out of city limits on the east end of town. As we passed the golf course, we could see the faint glow over the hill. At that point, we both thought it might be something bigger than just a car. Just another half mile down the road, we could see if from the highway. I thought to myself, I wonder how the heck we’re going to get to where that is.
Maybe I said it out loud, because at that exact moment, one of our firefighter’s wives came on the radio. They lived out that way and she was happy to help out giving us directions. It was phenomenal. As she directed us to it, I took the left into Woodland Hills and ran straight up the road, around the corner at the top, then straight up to the access road that ran to the top of the ridge. I had no idea that the access road was even there. Without her guidance, I can only imagine the time that would’ve been added to our response. I’m sure we could’ve found a way in, but it was really great to just have directions instead of trying to find the best place to just go into a field with no set road to follow. Our Command Officer was right in front of us. As he pulled up towards the car, he pulled off the road, but was still blocking about a third of the road. With a quick flick of the wheel, I eased around him, dipping the truck off the road just enough to sneak around to pull up to the car. It was fully engulfed at this point. Devon put his air pack on while I flaked the line off for him. As he was now ready, I charged the line giving him the needed water to start cooling down the car. Just as the water started flowing, I heard the water tender on the radio. They too were on scene.
“Tender 37 to Command, we can’t get around your truck, it’s blocking the road.” His response was so simple. “39 did”. Boom! Challenge accepted. With no response on the radio, he mashed down the accelerator and wiggled around just the same as I did. Pulling up to us in the engine, he stopped and the crew all jumped out. The driver and I worked together and got the hose hooked up to supply me with the water. The rest of the guys went up and worked with Devon on extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, the field was still pretty green and the fire wasn’t spreading out further than about 5 feet from the car. It did take some time, but we were able to bring the fire under control.
Cars can be tricky with all their little compartments. This was an older SUV with the extra seats and cargo in the back. So, it took a little more digging than normal. When the driver was interviewed, it seemed to be a case of driving a little too fast through the field and a possible shorted wire from the stereo system that was bouncing around in the back of the car. They tried to put it out first, but it got away from them. Of course being a couple of miles out of town, it just gave the fire more time to grow to where it was a total loss. In true firefighter fashion, we sure had a good time poking fun at each other over the situation when Tender 37 got there. Recalling how it went down, the challenge unknowingly being issued, then immediately being accepted, and accomplished without hesitation. We seamlessly working together, knowing our capabilities and equipment so we can do the best job possible. All while being Volunteers. It really is a kick in the pants and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
The Real Estate Market is RED
© Can Stock Photo / tana
