Last week, as a usual bout of insomnia was in full swing, I heard sirens. Now, living as close to the fire house as we do, I am used to them by now...until they got close. As I opened my front door to see what was going on, all I could see were red flashing lights and tons of fire apparatus. Then I smelled the smoke.
I headed over to Pentwood Ct to see what was going on, and what (if anything) I could do to help. The word to describe the fire I saw in full swing was brutal. Everyone was outside watching this awful tragedy transpire. In the middle of it all, was our BAVFC, along with fire companies from many other areas, working diligently to put out the fire.
They gained control of the fire, but there was no denying the total loss of 2 homes. Families were not only devastated, but displaced.
3 days later, the same thing happened 2 streets over from the 1st fire. Another townhome on fire. Again, our First Responders from BAVFC were on scene, gaining control of this fire. Another home destroyed, another family displaced.
My point here is that for those of us who live in the sector for the BAVFC are very lucky. These First Responders worked tirelessly until their job was done. They were hot, sweaty, exhausted, dehydrated, but they kept working.
Now, let's talk about the "V" in BAVFC. Volunteer. Most of these folks don't get paid by Harford County to do these jobs (hence the V), yet they show up, ready for action, and run into these burning buildings as the rest of us are running out.
I also need to mention the Red Cross volunteers and disaster personnel who stayed for hours after the flames were gone, trying to coordinate help for those whose homes were now nothing but wet, drippy piles of rubble.
If you personally can volunteer for your community, do it. If you cannot, donate to our fire department and Red Cross. If you cannot do either, the next time you see a fire fighter or paramedic in your neighborhood, at least walk over and thank them for all they do. You never know when you may be the one who needs them.
