But all three of them needed that laugh at that moment.
“Let’s see if we can’t get the rest of the family a few smiles.” Sheila was grateful for the laughter that relieved some of the heaviness in her heart for this family. She and Natalie got in the vehicle still laughing at Orene’s slip up.
Natalie turned the key and pressed the accelerator.
“To the fire station!” Orene shouted as Bananas bounced from seat to seat as they headed down the mountain.
Chapter Ten
It took all night to get the fire to the stage where the situation was considered stabilized. The team would monitor for hot spots with the thermal imaging equipment and watch for any sparks the wind might reignite.
Tired and filthy, Tucker was relieved that only a small area of the woods had been burned, and thankfully once the underbrush quit fueling it and the wind died down, the activities were enough to suppress it finally.
Weary from the all-nighter, Tucker showered at the firehouse, then met with fresh team members to brief them to take over through the day.
Work would continue to keep hot spots under control, and investigators controlled access while they collected evidence to identify the point of origination for their reports. The homeowner, Jack, had said the fire started on the back porch.
“Good morning. I’m sure you’ve heard that we were called out in response to a fire at the Jacobs’ home up on Old Mill overnight. In training, you hear that a fire can double in just fifteento thirty seconds. We all witnessed that firsthand on that call. Weather conditions can turn a small fire into something out of control in a flash, especially with how dry the air has been. Stay on your toes.”
He didn’t like any injuries at all, but thank goodness those sustained were minor. “We have one shoulder injury and Douglas twisted an ankle. I need you all to be sure you’re inspecting all of your equipment. We need to learn from every incident. Small things like worn-out boots, and I know they are expensive, but that is a risk of an injury that can be mitigated. Who here has taken the time to really look at the tread on their boots lately?”
Only a couple of hands went in the air. “Yeah, me either, and this is a good time for us all to do that today.”
He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “The Jacobs lost everything in that house. They are upstairs in the community room until we get them moved somewhere.”
“Was it the Christmas tree that caused the fire?” someone asked.
“No. It was not. Their tree was still so fresh it didn’t ignite for a long while, but remind folks to keep those trees watered. This time of year it’s a big factor. Ground crews from not only our house, but our neighboring counties, and our new volunteers from the national parks division brought expertise to the table, taking charge of the edges of the forest at risk, prepping fire circles on the outer bands, while we fought the main fire.”
A hand shot up. Tucker acknowledged the older man in charge of the junior firefighters’ club with the school.
He stood. “This is the kind of project that’s perfect for our junior firemen to replant that area. We’ve got that allotment of trees, and it’ll be a good learning opportunity for them to seewhere the fire jumped from the house to the woods, and how the preventative trenches were dug to contain it to a controlled area.”
“Excellent. Take lead on that.” Tucker jotted a note in his book. “Yeah, that opportunity doesn’t arise that often. Thanks for bringing that up.”
Tommy stood. “We may need some backup volunteers for the Christmas Tree Stroll. Some of the team were out last night and will need some rest. Others are shifting into active participation on the fire that we hadn’t planned on.” He ran his fingers down his dark horseshoe mustache. A nervous habit. “So anyone with some extra availability, let me know today if you can. Spread the word. I’ll update the staffing list for duty and the Christmas Tree Stroll on the app and bulletin board for everyone by lunchtime tomorrow.”
“Put me down for whatever you need,” said one of the volunteers.
“Much appreciated. Y’all can see me after the meeting. Thanks, Chief.”
“Thanks, Tommy. I know Doris will get the Jacobs added to the county list for help with the holidays, but this family is going to need the support of the whole community for more than two weeks. Let’s see what we can do to get the word out.” Tucker scanned the room. “That’s it. Go out and be safe.”
Tucker left the station house filled with thanks for these people he considered family. It wasn’t always easy to check the emotion at the door. A mixed blessing.
“Tucker?”
He turned to see who was calling his name.
“Hey!” A woman was yelling from the window of a vehicle as bright red as the fire truck.
He walked over, realizing the closer he got that it was Sheila.
“Hey there. Nice car.” He stepped back, taking a better look. “One of those electric jobs. Read about them. Never have seen a Tesla like this in person, though.”
“Long story. A deal too good to pass up. I’ll tell you about it someday, but I wanted to catch you to see if there’s a list of things I can get for the family.”
“There’s one started. I could email it to you, or you’re welcome to go on up. They are in the community room.”
