gabosaurus
10-25-2007, 05:36 PM
I've been reading a lot about the firefighters and police doing battle with the wildfires currently raging in Southern California. Some are working around the clock. Others work 16-hour shifts every day.
One story struck me most. In the upper San Diego County area, fire dispatch got word that a family had refused to heed evacuation warnings and were now surrounded by fire. Rather than leave them to roast, fire crews went into an area surrounded by 100-foot flames and swirling winds to find them. They rescued a kid, but one man had already died. While doing the rescue, the flames blew over and burned the entire crew. At least two are in critical conditions.
In another area, fire and police worked together for 30 hours straight to keep flames from reaching a large neighborhood. At least four were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
Much is written (and deservedly so) about those who go abroad and fight. Not enough is written about those who protect American at home. These men and women are true heroes and deserve every top honor and plaudit bestowed upon them.
One story struck me most. In the upper San Diego County area, fire dispatch got word that a family had refused to heed evacuation warnings and were now surrounded by fire. Rather than leave them to roast, fire crews went into an area surrounded by 100-foot flames and swirling winds to find them. They rescued a kid, but one man had already died. While doing the rescue, the flames blew over and burned the entire crew. At least two are in critical conditions.
In another area, fire and police worked together for 30 hours straight to keep flames from reaching a large neighborhood. At least four were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
Much is written (and deservedly so) about those who go abroad and fight. Not enough is written about those who protect American at home. These men and women are true heroes and deserve every top honor and plaudit bestowed upon them.