A Disaster Averted By Heroes
In the grime and ruin of the untended side streets of this city, disaster is prone to happen at any moment. Amongst the violence, robberies, and abuse many suffer in this city; we often forget to appreciate the tattered, though still present, rooves over our heads. From standing in the Clam deciding if we want that Blue Raspberry Polar Freeze, Standing in our AC-cooled home, to just lounging in a cheap Motel when our luck is at an all-time low, the buildings of this city are rarely appreciated.
One group, though, stands out above all in Hathian. Even at its worst behaved, one group stands as a symbol of what the people of this area can do when they set their hearts to it. Today, the Fire Department of Hathian (FDH) risked their lives and health to reinforce their place as this city’s true saviors. As this reporter explored the unseen richness and history the venerable buildings of Hathian are just waiting to divulge to us, a fire erupted from the windows of a shop near the underpass just behind Slim Goodies! The flames singed the tips of this reporter’s eyelashes and even reddened my skin from the intensity.
Within 2 minutes of a call for help to the ever-present 911 operators, the HEROES of Hathian rolled up a firetruck and even an ambulance on the scene just in case of casualties or injuries. Within seconds water burst forth as a team of Firefighter Jones, Captain Messmer, and Chief Warrhol (as well as one additional Firefighter who wished not to be named) fought bravely against the seemingly never-ending tide of flames. What could have been a tragedy that burned down several buildings left only moderate damage to just one.
When pressed for questions on the nature of the fire, the brave individuals that laid the blaze to rest put Captain Messmer forth to answer most questions. On whether this fire was man-made and whether or not the structure was salvageable, Captain Messmer replied to this reporter, “It’s both too early to determine the cause of the (fire) or establish the severity of the structural damage.” in addition when asked their feelings when faced with such a terror most would flee from, Chief Warrhol replied with casual disregard for his own self “No ma’am, we’re firefighters, and it’s what we do.” Words as powerful as the image of their iconic suits silhouette against the flames, in this reporter’s bold opinion.
Due to smoke inhalation, this reporter was tended to and deemed well enough to avoid hospital time. What awaits the brave souls of the FDH next? What underappreciated act shall they selflessly perform for the wellness of Hathian? Only time will tell. This reporter knows one thing for sure; her next paycheck is seeing a budget for donations to the ever-watchful FDH.
God Bless and Safe Journeys,
Alia C. Nelson
