It was a far-off piercing sound, a high note. It was continuous, becoming louder, coming closer. It was a moving sound. Before I fully realized what it was, the sound was loud in front of my place and went on without stop, becoming farther and farther. I was fully awake. It was a fire truck.
I glanced at the bedside clock. It was a few minutes before three. Most people were asleep. And somewhere there was a fire! I hope the people in that place were able to escape. It must be close to my place for the fire station is not far from my residence to respond.
I was not able to sleep for several hours thinking. Where was that fire? Who was living in that place? What were they able to save? Fire takes away everything including lives. Where would those people go? They would be starting from scratch. Do they have insurance?
I searched for the news about that fire the next day. It was not on TV. It must have been a minor one. Or was it a false alarm?
The next afternoon, there was a report of a blaze at the Kensington Area. Eighteen people lived in a rooming house above a restaurant. Two residents were killed by smoke inhalation. The fire spokesperson said that several people were taken out of the third floor through a ladder.
Whenever I hear the fire siren or see news on TV about a fire, I always get reminded of other catastrophies. Not very long ago, there was that whole family that perished on a fire leaving one son who was in university. Then there was that fire storm which went out of control and spread rapidly burning reeds that swirled on the air in black circles starting other blazes as they landed elsewhere.
Fire! It is a word we associate with things evil like hell! “You will burn in hell,” we often hear some people mutter when a person did something unpleasant to them.
And yet can you imagine this world of ours without fire? Fire is man’s invention (or discovery) that brought this world to this stage of progress and civilization. It was fire that enabled the early people to melt metals and create implements. It was fire that make them fashion the wheel that led to mobilization.
Fire brought people together. In ancient times or even at present in rural areas, people gather together and socialize around a bonfire. We build fire in camps and enjoy the evenings roasting marshmallows, chestnuts and hotdogs. In times of emergencies, when we get lost, we build a fire to help searchers find us. Not so very long time ago, many homes depended on fire stoves for cooking and for heat. When we lose electric power especially in winter our fireplaces save us from the extreme cold.
Fire indeed is a prime necessity in life. It is a power that we harness to serve our needs. Its significance can be gleaned on how we regard it. It is a part of our figures of speech- a fiery temper, fire in my heart, do not play with fire, etc. We associate it with strength and energy: “Apoy ng kabataan!” “Wala na, wala nang apoy,” meaning the person is already old.
Man creates fire. Man can also control it. Fire has to be treated with respect and caution. It can not be neglected or it turns into a very dangerous enemy. Even the littlest fire as a burning cigarette can turn into a conflagration. A burning candle can demolish a whole block when left unattended. Many fires had started by children playing with matches. A minute of distraction or a phone call leaving the stove on can turn to a mishap that can deprive us of all our belongings and even of our lives.
Keeping ourselves safe from fire has led to many inventions and occupations. Firefighters are very important parts of our safety community. The smoke detector is an invention that is now a required device in every home. The latest cell phones are equipped with buttons to check one’s home even when you’re far away. Sprinklers are also becoming a common safety device in controlling fires. Not many fires had been caused by cigarettes lately since smoking has lessened. Many household appliances have mechanisms to prevent fires like the filters of clothes dryers that have to be cleaned regularly to remove the fuzz. Drapes and curtains are made of non-combustible materials. Buildings are constructed to insure there are easily accessible fire exits. Even plastic clothing especially for children are now made of non-inflammable fibers.
Let us be aware of all those means and devices that will keep fire in our control. Let us keep fire our friend.
Rosalina E Bustamante
