Fire Engine

It was a cold winter day, with the roads getting bad and the snow really coming down. I was sitting in the firehouse kitchen with a few other firefighters discussing previous calls. My brother Josh, who was new on the department, was listening to our conversation. He was anxiously awaiting his first fire, and our discussion was making him impatient.

As we were talking, I heard the front door to the station open and someone stomping snow off their shoes. I didn't pay much attention, assuming it was another of the guys coming in. When the person remained just inside the door, I got up to see who it was. I didn't recognize the man and asked if I could help him. He replied, "No, but did you guys know there is a car on fire in your parking lot? A green one." I looked out the window and saw nothing but smoke. My brother overheard the man, screamed, and ran outside.

He had left his car running to keep it warm. It was warm, alright, fully engulfed! I pulled the engine just outside the door. That is the first time I've ever called dispatch to tell them I was responding and on scene at the same time! Oh, and needless to say, I don't think Josh will ever forget his first working fire!

Brian McLaughlin
Captain
Knox Fire Dept.
Knox, IN