“Nothing like they’d lose if this fire size goes from Class A to Class B,” Sydney explained. “So far we’re lucky as all get-out.”
“True,” Trey agreed. “Let’s focus on what we’ve got. As far as an escape route in case the fire outflanks us, let’s use this road. Doubt we’ll have a problem with containment, but let’s make this road the safety zone, too.” Trey glanced around at the firefighters, who all nodded in agreement. “Don’t think we’ll need support from Montague, Grayson, or Fannin Counties, but I’m sure Hedy’s got their fire-rescue on alert.”
“And we’ll radio Hedy if it turns out we need more of our own rigs and volunteers,” Kent added.
“Right,” Trey agreed. “For now, let’s keep it simple.” He glanced out across the burning section of the tree farm. “Birds have flown to safety by now. Most animals are probably long gone, but remember to keep an eye out in case some of the smaller ones have hunkered down on the outer perimeter.”
“Nobody wants a skunk or rabid rabbit running up their pant leg for safety,” Kent said with a chuckle. “Or a snake.”
“Has that ever happened?” Misty asked in concern.
Kent shrugged. “Pays to be on the lookout for whatever may have gone to ground.”
Trey could hear Hedy’s voice in the background coming over the apparatus radios as she kept updates flowing to all parties involved in the fire. Out in the field, communications were doubly vital.
“Okay, firefighters,” Trey said. “Let’s get this show on the road. Sydney, why don’t you pick a partner and take the booster and get out ahead of the fire. We’ll make a running attack from here.”
“Okay, Cuz.” Sydney gestured toward a tall, hulking firefighter. “Jim Bob, let’s pump and roll.”
“Misty, we need your help, but not in the field,” Trey said. “Will you take my truck down to Wildcat Road and head off any looky-loos who want to drive up here and get a closer view? Volunteers get through, but nobody else.”
“How will I know the difference?”
“Ask to see their firefighter gear. That’ll cull the wheat from the chaff,” Sydney said. “I’ll get you a flag from the booster.”
“I’m happy to do it.” Misty smiled at Trey.
“Highway patrol or sheriff deputy ought to be here to take over, but if they’re on the far side of the county no telling when they can make it.”
“I’ll watch for them,” Misty said.
“Appreciate it.” Trey smiled at her. This way she’d be helping but not directly confronting the fire.
“Morning Glory, will you go with Misty to the truck?” Trey nodded toward his pickup. “There’s a baggie in my tackle box that might contain evidence.”
“That’s big news,” Morning Glory said.
He shrugged. “Don’t count on it. But on the off chance it might be worth something, I’d like you to secure it in the engine and take it back to Hedy.”
“Will do.”
“Thanks.” Trey glanced at his cousin. “Kent, we need some large hose lays out there from the engine.”
“I’m on it,” Kent said.
Trey turned back to Morning Glory. “Picks and shovels ready to dig ditches for containment?”
“Let’s hope water works. It’s too easy for fire to jump a ditch and waste our hard work.”
Trey nodded in agreement. “Visual, radio, or vocal communications. Everybody got their portable radio?” He made a visual check to make sure all radios were on shoulders at head height for optimal use.
The volunteers nodded approval, squared shoulders, and focused intently on him.
“Okay, firefighters. Initial attack. Let’s engage.”
They leaped into action—all play and banter left behind as they went willingly into danger.
Trey stood at the center of activity on the road with smoke rising high into the sky. Sydney and Jim Bob boarded the booster with four-wheel drive and tore out across the edge of the conflagration. Morning Glory walked with Misty to Trey’s pickup and quickly returned with the baggie. Kent motioned toward where he wanted the hoses. The other volunteers started forward laying hoses—two firefighters per line. Morning Glory stood ready to charge the hoses—to make water pressure available—as soon as lines were deployed at the fire.
Trey glanced down the road and saw Misty maneuver his pickup across the entry point. Soon she walked out where she could easily be seen on the side of the road, holding a bright yellow flag.
All appeared to be in order, so he stepped up and sat down in the big engine. He keyed the mic. “Hedy, it’s Trey.”
“Say again,” Hedy replied in a clear, calm voice.
“Initial attack is underway.”
“Do you need additional rigs and firefighters?”
“Not yet.”
“Stay safe.”
“Always.”