Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Front Row Seat at a Fire

Rarely am I the first person on the scene of anything.  

But it can happen ... like the time I was driving on a heavily traveled, multi-lane highway at the speed of 50 (which was the limit but to some that means 60 is ok)  - and the light ahead had turned green - a light that could be seen from a distance.  Traffic surged with our right of way established ... but a fire engine was attempting to cross in front of on coming traffic with his siren and lights just coming into view.    I stopped ... at the green intersection ... as did others on either side of me ... and then watched in my rear view mirror with anxiety in my stomach at oncoming cars barreling towards me at speed right behind me.   It was a terrifying moment - that ended ok, (for a change everyone was paying attention) but it was memorable.

A more recent event was memorable as well.  


It happened right on my street.  I was heading out to the store.


As I got closer I saw this.  I was the only one on the scene.
A vehicle in full flame.

Fire crews had arrived.
But I was alone for only seconds.


I pulled up to the curb and reached for my phone to call 911.


But before I could do so, the fire truck in full siren - could be heard.



I could see no one around the car but rescue workers.


I prayed no one was in the car.
Since no police arrived I assumed there were no deaths.
It was about 15 minutes before it was safe to pass.

6 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh, that would be terrifying; one couldn't help but wonder if there was anyone inside and there would be NOTHING you could do!

Linda said...

So glad you are safe!

Nawm D Gerr said...

How startling! Glad no injuries!

Marie Smith said...

One of my greatest fears has always been being the first on scene of a terrible accident. This would give me a nightmare.

HappyK said...

Oh my goodness, a couple of scary situations.

Retired Knitter said...

Michelle and Marie Smith - my first thought was to call 911, but before I could get the phone out of my purse I heard the sirens. I was grateful for that. While I was pulling up to the fire, I was thinking if there was anything I had in my car to put out flames if someone exited the Caron fire. I am wired to take action quickly in situations - definitely NOT a person who freezes, but being reactive doesn't mean that I always take the right action or the safe action. Thankfully that situation did not evolve. There was no one in the car. Now I wonder how it started. Cars do not just erupt in flame. I bet it was set. We have had some problems with fires in dumpsters.