Into the flames of hell
INTO THE FLAMES OF HELL
IVY JACOBS
"Just Ask Me"
A tragic trailer fire took the lives of two young children Wednesday evening.
It was 8:30 p.m. I was home listening to the scanner and heard a trailer fire with possible entrapment as the fire departments were dispatched.
Fire chiefs and fire marshals have told me numerous times over the years that trailer fires are the worst, followed by entrapment situations. I knew from experience at my job for over 20 years that they had seven minutes to get there. A trailer can be completely engulfed and on the ground in seven minutes. My heart sank.
Almost three hours later, I heard the request for a coroner at the scene. I had taken medication and could not drive to the scene. Honestly, I am glad I didn't.
I knew what that meant; that realization made it hard to sleep.
I knew all the first responders would be devasted.
I told my co-workers over messenger what happened and that I would be out early to write the story.
I woke up early and began to look through Facebook for any information.
My phone rang: it always seems to know when I wake up and starts ringing. After three phone calls, I immediately left home and went to work.
I first spoke to a devasted fireman who struggled with words about the incident. They couldn't share details, but they talked about how they felt and how the fire affected them.
The firefighters I talked to were heartbroken, while others couldn't say much without tears in their eyes.
I admire these men for running to the emergency when most people run away. They were heartbroken for the family's loss, the two children they couldn't save. These men often have families themselves and loved ones that they leave to protect the lives of others. They put on fire gear and go into the flames of hell for a limited time.
First responders experience traumatic events responding to emergencies as witnesses or participants in tragedies like death, serious injuries, and life-threatening situations. Some firefighters don't talk about what they do, bottling up the stress and anxiety of the job. Experiencing the effects of this type of trauma can last between two days and four weeks.
I can't imagine how these men and women and their families endure this stress daily while trying to live a normal life. Today I stood among many people who were struggling, but they were ready to go if the sirens rang out again - to help people in their darkest moments.
Honestly, this reporter is proud to know each one of them.
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