The Fire: The Forest Fire

Heavy, acrid smoke lingered in the air, as Grant, a soft-spoken man, his wife, Marcy and their children ate breakfast. Suddenly, the phone rang.

"God help us all,” prayed Grant, almost dropping the phone on the kitchen counter. “We have to leave, right now,” he said. “Children, grab your jackets and runners, quickly!”

He beckoned his wife towards the door. Her face became pale, as she realized they had just received an immediate evacuation notice from the local fire department.

“The chief says we’re in imminent danger, so there’s no time to waste. The highway will be closed, shortly.”  

“Don’t panic, Grant," said Marcy. "We've got everything we need in order to spend a few days at the evacuation center. We knew it could happen today. This forest fire has been running rampant.” 

“I hoped it would never happen to us.”

Gazing at the raging inferno growing on the distant horizon, they knew it was only a matter of hours before their home, as well as everything they owned, would probably go up in smoke. The wind was picking up too, carrying black smoke that made breathing difficult.

“Grab your wallet and my purse,” ordered Marcy. “Yesterday, I packed enough food, clothing and bedding for all of us in the car.”

“My fire fighting gear and fire extinguisher are in the trunk, too.”

He took one last look at their four-bedroom home located in the massive stand of fir trees, as his wife, children and their pup, jumped into the car.

“We built this home with our own hands, God. Please let it be standing, when we come back. Keep the highway open, too.”

“Seat belts, everyone!”

Loud sirens resounded as they drove down the steep, mountain slope into town. Dozens of people were already at the evacuation center.

“I love you,” he said to his wife and frightened children. “Stay safe.”

“It’s going to be a long day,” thought Grant, joining the growing group of firefighters, gathered at the fire hall. 

“I have fought many forest fires, but never one to save my own home.”